One of the two entry points to Rye Meadows is via the Public Footpath 596 from Fairholme Crescent. In the past is has had a wooden stile, farm gate and fencing, then a wide pedestrian gate and fencing. In recent years though nature has reclaimed the area and the fence has rotted away and gate posts rotted and fallen over. The area was looking unsightly and forgotten.

The Rye Meadows volunteers decided that as this entrance was effectively the "front door" to the Meadows and Centenary Field we would look to replace the rotten timbers, clear the area and erect new fencing a replace the gate. Thanks to a grant from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, and funds from a Thames Water Grant we were able to buy new gate posts, new fence posts and new railing. 

Over the space of three volunteering sessions, post holes were dug into VERY solid ground and new posts cemented in. New fencing was erected and screwed in place, and last once all had settled and cured, the gate was rehung with new gate furniture.

One visitor asked why we were closing off the footpath and we assured him this was not the case and we were just replacing what had been there before. The gate is not locked, but might hinder the unwelcome motor cycle riders who illegally use the footpath or congregate in Centenary Field using their illegal substances. The Police are aware of these occurences and patrol the area.