Abstract: An automatic gate opening device is claimed comprising: a gate drive axis (134), movable between a gate closed position and a gate open position; a treadle (102) and a rechargeable energy storage means (16, 118). The device also comprises an energy conversion means to convert stored energy into rotational movement of the drive axis (134) in a gate opening and energy conversion means to convert stored energy into rotational movement of the drive axis in a gate closing direction. The treadle (102) is configured such that, with the drive axis (134) in its gate open position, a single actuation of said treadle (102) recharges the energy storage means with sufficient energy to move the drive axis from its gate open position to its gate closed position and back to its gate open position.