Broken up runways

[brokenlink]

Have been dog sitting for friends the last week or so which has entailed daily "walkies" over what is left of RAF Mepal in Cambs. In common with a number of other former airfields I have visited over the years the runway/taxiway system is still largely mapped out as not all the concrete has been torn up with an approx 12" wide strip left around much of the former paved areas. I have seen this even on fields that have been returned to agriculture.
Anyone an idea when/why this policy was adopted?

Thank you.

BL

[Cows getting bigger]

Access track for diggers/vehicles involved in removing aggregate?

[topgas]

Pretty small digger if it fits on a 12 inch strip

[munster]

Tonka diggers!

[Fareastdriver]

Covering the land drains?

[UV]

Ease of access by farming tractors to returned agricultural land.

Can be seen on virtually all disused airfields.

I assume "brokenlink" means 12 feet wide tracks not 12 inches.

[airsmiles]

Same at Tarrant Rushton, Dorset which has a complete perimeter track. It's partly for farm use but there are also public rights of way that are maintained.

[brokenlink]

UV, you are quite correct, got me feet and inches mixed up! Apologies to all.

BL