The nation’s forests provide some of the best places to ride your horse. In what will be exciting news for all equestrians who love exploring off road, Forestry England have announced horse riding within forests across England will become more accessible as permits will no longer be required for many areas.
From May 2025, horse riders can ride in 49 more woodlands across England, without needing a permit. This change follows Forestry England’s thorough review of its horse-riding permit system during 2023/24.
The review included extensive consultation with the equestrian community and their representative bodies to better understand how the nation’s forests can serve horse riders while still protecting sensitive habitats and maintaining safe access for all.
Mike Seddon, Forestry England’s chief executive explained:
“We are delighted to announce this huge reduction in woodlands that need permits for equestrian access. This will make horse riding accessible to more riders across the nation’s forests. Our decision reflects our commitment for the nation’s forests in our care to be as welcoming and available to visitors as possible, including our equestrian community.
“The two woodlands where permits will stay need to keep the extra management because they are ecologically sensitive wildlife sites.
“Thank you to everyone that took part in our review and for your patience while we worked through each and every permit.”
Mark Weston, Director of Access at The British Horse Society:
“We are delighted to hear of the decision to significantly reduce the requirement for equestrians to buy permits to access Forestry England forests.
“The British Horse Society believes that all riders and carriage drivers should be able to enjoy safe off-road networks in the vicinity of where they keep their horses. This is a great step towards allowing equestrians the freedom to explore and enjoy our nation’s countryside in a safe and accessible manner”.
There are two sites in Bramshill and Hodgemoor that will remain as requiring a permit due to being ecologically sensitive sites. The cost of the permits will be based on recovering the administrative costs.
For more information about horse riding in the nation’s forests, visit the Forestry England horse riding web page.