The Ramblers' Association is welcoming the announcement from the Minister for Rural Affairs, Alun Michael, that extra money will be made available to allow local authorities to implement the new access legislation in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, better known as the 'right to roam'.
Earlier this year the Ramblers, along with other countryside organisations, lobbied the Government to make extra funds available for the implementation of the new access rights, which will eventually cover several million acres of open country in England and Wales.
In response the Government introduced the Access Management Grant Scheme (AGMS), which allowed authorities responsible for implementing the legislation to apply for additional funding for things like stiles, gates and information boards. The success of the scheme amongst Local Authorities in the first two regions of England to commence the right to roam means the AMGS will be extended for another two years.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act will introduce a right of access on foot to certain types of open, uncultivated countryside - mountain, moor, heath, down and common land - across England and Wales. Commencement of the new rights begins in the first two regions in England on September 19. Access in the remaining English regions and Wales will be rolled out over the following 12 months.
Ordnance Survey
Further good news for the September 19 commencement date comes from Ordnance Survey. OS have announced that all 32 maps covering the Lower North West and South East - the first two regions in England - will be ready for the launch of the right to roam.
There had been concerns that maps may not be available in time, leading some to speculate that people would not know where they could or couldn't go, but OS have been working flat out to ensure that all 32 Explorer maps will be ready with the new access land marked on them.
Find out more about new access rights
