Only two people had reservations about the project and voted ‘No’. One person, who was really ‘sitting on the fence’, was in favour of better access for wheelchairs and prams, but worried that it would also encourage motorbikes and cyclists. Although we understand these concerns, it does seem that there have been far fewer people actually riding motorbikes on the nature reserve during the last year. We have spoken to some who are now walking their bikes through the reserve to use them elsewhere, rather than riding them. We would like to thank them for showing consideration towards other people using our paths and for making it a quieter area for wildlife. The only other vote not in favour of the project referred to benefits for accessibility being ‘negated by the inclusion of steps’ at the end of the route. We are aware that this is a problem but, nevertheless, full wheelchair access will be possible as far as the heart of the wood where there will be a turning circle and benches around a destination feature. To install a hard-surfaced path on the slope would be a problem as the gravel washes down to the bottom every time it rains. A tarmac or concrete ramp would also be unsatisfactory as it would either have to be very steep or zig zag over a large area, in addition to being unsightly. The steps we are proposing as a compromise will be wide and shallow, made of railway sleepers backfilled with gravel and will improve the route for most people. It should certainly be safer than existing slippery slope.