Letter: Path Closure Does Not Only Affect Dog Walkers and Joggers

Published on: 3 Mar, 2026
Updated on: 3 Mar, 2026

Dragon editor Martin Giles interviewing SCVA chair Lorimer Burn.

From Julia Parris

In response to: Village Association Chair Pleads His Case to Keep Path Open

Following on from my previous letter (Walking by Loseley Fields Means More To Me Than I Can Express), I am writing in response to the recent interview with Lorimer Burn regarding access to Loseley Fields.

I would like to express my agreement with the views he voiced and to thank him for speaking up on an issue that clearly matters to many of us in the local community.

I did, however, want to add that access to the Loseley Estate is about far more than simply providing space for dog walkers and joggers.

For many local residents, it offers the opportunity to admire the stunning views and appreciate the natural beauty on our doorstep. The wildlife alone makes it incredibly special — from the deer roaming the fields, to the red kites overhead, and the wild Canadian geese that gather toward the end of summer.

It is not just about the walk itself; it is about the experience of being in open countryside — watching thunderstorms roll across the landscape, enjoying the stillness of a sunrise, or taking in the colours of a sunset. These are moments that contribute significantly to wellbeing and a sense of connection to where we live.

As a woman, I also feel considerably safer walking on the open Loseley fields than I do on enclosed dirt track paths, whether alone or with my dog. The openness and visibility provide reassurance that enclosed routes simply cannot.

I live only a stone’s throw from what was once the original entrance to the field. Being able to step out and simply stand at the edge of the field to admire the beautiful surroundings was something I deeply valued, and I know I am not alone in feeling that way.

I hope these wider benefits to residents are fully considered in any decisions regarding access.