Equestrian use is frequently claimed to be incompatible with a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), nature reserve or other nature conservation area but such claims are rarely evidence based and are false belief, misperception, misunderstanding or just prejudice. There are many sites in the country which are conservation areas and/or nature reserves and horse use of bridleways or permitted access has no detrimental effect on the conservation value. Some species have been demonstrated to depend upon the horse use for conditions or dung. Examples of designated conservation areas with horse access (by right or permission) are useful in the BHS's argument for inclusion of equestrians.

Please report near misses or incidents on www.horseincidents.org.uk or BHS app 'Horse i', not DobbinData. Obstructions or other problems should be reported to your county council. For more about other Equestrian Mapping Projects see www.bhsaccess.org.uk