30/01/2004

New guidance set to improve countryside access

Public access to the countryside took a step forward today, following the launch of guidance for land managers on how to dedicate land voluntarily.

Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the public will enjoy a new right of access on foot to England's 'open country' including mountain, moor, heath, downland and registered common land by the end of 2005.

In making a dedication, landowners and long leaseholders can expand that list to include areas which are not already covered by the new right, such as woodland and coastal land. Higher rights than access on foot, such as cycling and horse riding, can also be introduced.

Dedicated land would confer a right of access permanently or, in the case of leasehold land, until the dedicator's lease expires.

Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael said: "This guidance provides landholders and leaseholders with an opportunity to create new access opportunities across land which would not otherwise be available to the public. Making a dedication also means that existing access opportunities can be protected for future generations to enjoy.

"The Forestry Commission has already shown its support by making a commitment to dedicate its entire freehold estate. I hope others will follow the example set by the Commission by considering the case for making a dedication".

The guidance is designed to provide potential dedicators with advice to help them decide whether making a dedication is right for them. It contains model forms which can be used by landowners and leaseholders wishing to make a dedication, and details of the bodies which can be approached for additional help and information.

(gmcg)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

31 October 2005
Rambling rights for walkers in England
An historic right of access to roam in certain countryside areas has been rolled out across England. The introduction of the new right, for which people have been campaigning for over 100 years, allows people to walk freely across mapped access land without the need to stick to designated paths.
14 August 2012
Jaguar Land Rover Beginning 24-Hour Production
Merseyside’s Jaguar Land Rover plant will operate 24-hours a day following the introduction of an extra shift. In order to meet demand for the company’s Evoque and Freelander models, 1,000 new jobs have been created and a new three shift pattern implemented. The first night shift at the plant will begin on Monday 20, at 21:30.
03 March 2004
Plans for regulating countryside access considered
Plans to look after important conservation sites and areas of high visitor pressure, when the new public right to walk on access land is introduced across England, were unveiled today by Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael.
25 August 2010
Cable Checks Out Landrover Experience
The UK Business Secretary Dr Vince Cable has this week visited Jaguar Land Rover's headquarters to experience first hand a selection of the latest Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles and hear about the company's plans for environmental innovation.
01 April 2010
Community Buy Attenborough's Forest
Islanders on Bute have been given the green light to buy the picturesque Rhubodach Forest from film director Lord Attenborough. Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham, visited the island to announce her approval of plans by the Bute Community Land Company (BCLC) to buy the 1,700 acre forest under Land Reform legislation. The £1.