Background Since the 1950s the Ramblers has been involved in the Bayham Abbey campaign.
Bayham is a large estate on the borders of Kent and East Sussex in the parishes of Pembury, Frant and Lamberhurst. No definitive rights of way are recorded over it, which some people think is not a proper reflection of the historical situation given the number of rights of way elsewhere in the vicinity, and the references on old maps and in old books to paths across Bayham.
Until the 1980s the estate had been owned by the Marquesses of Camden for very many years, during which the public apparently had access to certain paths; but the Marquesses of Camden sold up in the 1970s and early 1980s, and the land was sold off in parcels. It was at that time that some of the new landowners began preventing access.
The Secretary of State directed Kent County Council and East Sussex County Council to make orders adding the paths to the definitive map, as the evidence showed that it was reasonable to allege that rights of way exist. Some of the landowners have objected, so a public inquiry was held.
Outcome
On 1 April the Inspector acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ruled against reinstating public rights of way across the Bayham Abbey estate. The Inspector found that, although there was evidence that the public had walked the paths for many years, there was also evidence that their use had been interrupted by the locking of gates and by other obstacles often enough to show that the landowner did not intend to dedicate the paths to the public. This means that the footpaths will remain closed.
Tom Franklin, Ramblers Chief Executive, said:
“We are obviously hugely disappointed at the result and it is deeply saddening that such a scenic setting remains closed off to the public.
“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of the dedicated volunteers and members of the community that have worked alongside us on this campaign.”
