History in the making as timetable of new access to open country is announced [30 April 2004]
One of the longest running campaigns to gain greater access for the public to the
countryside is drawing to a close. The Department for Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced the likely timetable for the rollout of
regional commencement for access to open country (mountain, moor, heath, down
and common land) under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
In November 2003 the government announced that the legal freedom to walk in some
of England's wildest and most beautiful countryside would be implemented on a
region-by-region basis as they became available. Regional commencement will mean
people can start to enjoy their new access rights over a year earlier than was
anticipated under the original ?big bang? scheme, whereby access would have
started at the same time across the country.
The first two regions, the South East, including parts of the proposed South
Downs National Park, and Lower North West, including large parts of the Peak
District and the Forest of Bowland, will be open to the public from Sunday 19
September 2004.
This will be followed by Region 3 (Central Southern) in December 2004; Regions 4
(Upper North West) and Region 5 (North East) in May 2005; Region 6 (South West)
in August 2005; Region 7 (West) in October 2005; and finally Region 8 (East) in
November 2005.
Rural Affairs Minister, Alun Michael, MP, said, "The Countryside and Rights of
Way Act will enable people to walk on land in some of the most beautiful areas
of countryside that were previously off-limits, whilst ensuring that this is
balanced with nature conservation issues and land management needs.
?The process of mapping the countryside is complex and the timetable for the
later areas may be subject to change. However, by making this information
available now we can ensure that those people with an interest in open access,
particularly landowners and managers and those preparing to use their new
rights, can plan ahead."
For more information about the new access rights check our Access section or visit the Countryside Agency website or www.openaccess.gov.uk