South Ribble Borough Council is working with local residents to undertake improvements to existing pathways in Nixon Wood to enhance the walking experience for visitors.
In summer 2025, a wide-ranging consultation took place around plans for the woods which included the installation of a multi-use footpath allowing horses to use the path on a concessionary basis.
This was put forward by the Ulnes Walton Bridleway Association with an offer of grant funding for the work. Currently there is an existing footpath that runs through the woodland for use by pedestrians only.
After listening to feedback from residents on a consultation on the matter, and from a public meeting the decision has been taken to retain access to pedestrians only and continue to work with the Bridleway Association on improving alternative routes in the borough that will allow concessionary access for horses.
Councillor Matthew Farnworth, Cabinet Member for Parks, Events and Culture said, “We’re a listening council and are dedicated to ensuring our residents can have a central voice in all of our decision making. On this occasion, the local community told us that they wished for the woodland to remain a pedestrian space only”.
“We are still committed to ensuring the borough has concessionary routes for use by horse riders to provide safe off-road links between our greenspaces which is why we are continuing to work with the Bridleway Association in other locations”.
“Improvements to Nixon Wood are planned and I look forward to working with our residents on what this will look like moving forward.”