New road at Bisley

[Dougan]

Was very impressed to finally see a proper road at the back of Century Range today...much better for my suspension...and I don't think I've seen my old man as happy since he had grand-kids

[Ian]

But it has no curbs, they just smoothed the soil, laid a membrane, scattered some scalpings and put a thin layer of tarmac on top.

I give it two winters before it is potholed again.

And what about Hobson's way?

I hear through the grapevine Andrew Mercer is looking for another job.

[Dougan]

I'm not sure it's finished; looks like there's more work on parking going on yet...?

Hobson's Way can't be changed due the SSSI controls...but, maybe once the other roads are finished then controlling the potholes on Hobson's will become more regular.

Can't comment on Mercer.

Thank you for you positive contribution to this topic

[Ian]

I checked on the rumour about Hobson's Way being an SSSI. Strangely it is the area that they have Tarmaced at Century 600 that is in a SSSI, Colony bog and Bagshot Heath.

http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx ... 1001957%27

I can find no reference to Hobson's Way coming under such control.

I would be much more positive if the roads were repaired to the same standard as the new accommodation and caravan stances. But, for the first time in over 45 years yesterday I say someone cleaning a toilet block, progress. May it continue.

[Tony-c]

Result. Much of bisley is out of bounds to my car anyway .

Drags itself over the speed bumps :( and the noise as I leave over them metal finger plate things is sickening

[rox]

Result. Much of bisley is out of bounds to my car anyway .

Drags itself over the speed bumps :( and the noise as I leave over them metal finger plate things is sickening

I share your pain. I hate those things.

..

[lasbrisas]

OMG ! I nearly fell off my chair when I read this !

[Dougan]

I checked on the rumour about Hobson's Way being an SSSI. Strangely it is the area that they have Tarmaced at Century 600 that is in a SSSI, Colony bog and Bagshot Heath.

http://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx ... 1001957%27

I can find no reference to Hobson's Way coming under such control.

I would be much more positive if the roads were repaired to the same standard as the new accommodation and caravan stances. But, for the first time in over 45 years yesterday I say someone cleaning a toilet block, progress. May it continue.

I think the term 'SSSI' is being used because most people recognise it...folk aren't as familier with terms like 'BAP Priority Habitats' etc. - If you click on the 'Habitats' option on Magic it'll show you all the relevant designations - Hobson's Way itself is not designated as an SSSI; but it does join two areas, and is also sandwiched between various sensitive habitats - Also if you zoom in on the map, you'll see that the road to the rear of the 600 firing point isn't covered by any designations...

...at the end of the day, whatever you want to call the designation the local council has been convinced not to allow planning permission for a permanent road on Hobsons...personally I'm not too bothered as I have some empathy for the environmental controls, as long as the pot-holes are kept under control.

As for the toilet blocks and accommodation...there has been an obvious improvement for over a year now.

The new roads are a significant improvement; to be celebrated...so I'm quite disappointed to get such a 'glass half empty' response to the news.

[Tony-c]

Result. Much of bisley is out of bounds to my car anyway .

Drags itself over the speed bumps :( and the noise as I leave over them metal finger plate things is sickening

I share your pain. I hate those things.

..

i stay in one of the lodges when up there. I have to ignore any 1 way signs as theres 2 speed bumps that my car wont go over .

Think its just assumed that all shooters have 4x4

it is great that things are getting done. But also rather sad that we feel the need to get excited over toilets being cleaned

[Gaz]

I've done a bit of research into Hobson's Way and why the NRA can't tarmac over it. Mercer told me (https://ukshootingnews.wordpress.com/20 ... eed-bumps/) that local enviro mentalists have some kind of fixation with worms on Polledoak Slade (the wood at the RHS of Century which Hobson's Way runs through) and so Surrey Heath borough council won't let the NRA properly metal the road on the basis that it might slow the worms' movement across it and result in lots of them getting squished. Apparently.

Polledoak Slade itself (covering the wood and Short Siberia) is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). This is like a Site of Special Scientific Interest but is unofficial/designated by the local council - similar difference as between a Grade I listed building and a "locally listed" building. SNCI matters down that way are dealt with by Surrey Wildlife Trust. The SNCI documentation for Polledoak Slade held by Surrey Heath council does not record any species of interest, so this worm story may be a red herring. Either way the local council apparently won't hear of anything being done with Hobson's Way. The only reason the rest of the camp's roads were done is because it falls within Guildford Borough Council, who seem quite sensible about these matters.

I understand the NRA are considering whether to get a landscape architect (or some such function) in to muck about further with the back of Century. I don't know whether that's pandering to the enviro mentalist lobby and will result in restrictions on the use of the range or if it's part of the grand plan to tart the place up a bit.