Letter: Walking by Loseley Fields Means More To Me Than I Can Express

Published on: 13 Feb, 2026
Updated on: 12 Feb, 2026

From Julia Parris

In response to: The Blocking of a Well-used, Valued Path Is Causing Ill-feeling

I am writing to express my support for the concerns raised regarding the blocking of access to the permissive path on the Loseley fields.

I have lived at Henley Fort for the past 17 years. One of the main reasons I bought my cottage was because of the outstanding natural beauty of the setting.

The surrounding countryside is incredibly special, and access to it has always been an important part of my daily life.

For the last four and a half years, I have been walking my dog up on The Mount and across the Loseley fields. It is such a beautiful place, with stunning views and sunsets that never fail to lift the spirit.

I spend a great deal of time on my own, and being able to walk straight from my cottage for a peaceful walk, while admiring those beautiful views, means more to me than I can properly express.

Over the years, I have met so many wonderful local dog walkers on that path and have made many valued friendships. It is not just a walk — it is a community space that supports wellbeing, connection and mental health for so many of us.

I have also supported Loseley over the years, both personally and through my local Guildford healthcare company, and I must admit I feel rather let down by the recent actions.

I fully respect that the land is private and that access has been by goodwill, but I sincerely hope that a solution can be found that preserves this much-loved walk while maintaining positive relations with the local community.

The path is deeply valued and means a great deal to many residents. I hope that goodwill can continue so that future generations can also enjoy this special place.

Responses to Letter: Walking by Loseley Fields Means More To Me Than I Can Express

Lorimer Burn Reply

February 13, 2026 at 9:14 am

Julia Parris’ comment is beautifully put. I’m completely with her on all the sentiments she expresses so well.

I’m sincerely hopeful that this prohibition will prove to be temporary and that goodwill will triumph, rather than an authoritarian exclusion of all local people.

Communication is all. There is much to be still discussed.

Does Loseley value its relationship with the local community? I believe it does. The Estate will gain much from showing a generous response to the community’s huge concern, and will lose greatly if they decide to be inflexible and refuse to listen.

I’m very hopeful for the former.

Lorimer Burn is the chair of the St Catherine’s Village Association