The City of Albany’s reserves team has started a new initiative to help raise awareness of how users of trails at Sandpatch Reserve between the Windfarm and Mutton Bird Beach can share the area responsibly.

Supported by local horse riders in an aim to educate all trail users, a Reserve Information Station was set up for the first time last Sunday and staffed by local riders and reserves officers.

The Reserve Information Station informed drivers of the reserve rules including only permitting entry to fully licenced vehicles, all vehicles to remain on either formal roads or firebreaks, slowing down in the presence of other vehicles and safety when driving.

Horse riders are also encouraged to keep their horses under control at all times and to prevent them from grazing on native vegetation, whilst motorbike riders were asked to stay off trails assigned to horses and to reduce their speed when a horse is present.

City of Albany Manager of City Reserves Jacqui Freeman said it is important that users of the trail are respectful of each other.

“Sandpatch Reserve is so close to Albany it is very popular as a recreational area for many local residents and includes both the Bibbulmun Track and Stidwell Bridal Trail,” she said

The City of Albany has engaged a consultant to develop a Recreation Management Plan for the area, and is holding community workshops about the planning process next week.

Trail users and community members are encouraged to attend the workshops at Albany Equestrian Centre on Wednesday, February 20 and the City of Albany offices on Mercer Road on Thursday, February 21, with both meetings commencing at 5.30pm.

More information about the workshops is available from Reserves Officer Sandra Maciejewski on 6820 3960.