31/10/2005
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.
From today, Monday October 31, people will have the chance to enjoy about 935,000 hectares, around 6,250 square miles of mapped areas of mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land: much of which was previously off-limits. This is about 7.0% of the total land in England.
Countryside Agency Deputy Chair and Chair of the National Countryside Access Forum, Pam Warhurst, said: “This is an historic day. People can have fun exploring more of England’s beautiful and varied landscapes. Of course with this new right comes new responsibilities, so it’s important to follow the Countryside Code.
“The Countryside Agency, and the Countryside Commission before it, has worked to increase opportunities for public enjoyment of the countryside for over 50 years and this new right of access is a major landmark in working towards this. By giving every member of the public more opportunities to get out and enjoy the countryside we can in time build a healthier, more environmentally aware society.”
The final mapping regions to open in England are completing the roll out of the new right and new editions of Ordnance Survey Explorer maps show all known access land.
The Ordnance Survey aims to publish new maps covering the whole of England and Wales by April next year.
For further information on the new access rights, maps of access land or to download the Countryside Code, visit the website www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk.
(SP/KMcA)
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.
From today, Monday October 31, people will have the chance to enjoy about 935,000 hectares, around 6,250 square miles of mapped areas of mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land: much of which was previously off-limits. This is about 7.0% of the total land in England.
Countryside Agency Deputy Chair and Chair of the National Countryside Access Forum, Pam Warhurst, said: “This is an historic day. People can have fun exploring more of England’s beautiful and varied landscapes. Of course with this new right comes new responsibilities, so it’s important to follow the Countryside Code.
“The Countryside Agency, and the Countryside Commission before it, has worked to increase opportunities for public enjoyment of the countryside for over 50 years and this new right of access is a major landmark in working towards this. By giving every member of the public more opportunities to get out and enjoy the countryside we can in time build a healthier, more environmentally aware society.”
The final mapping regions to open in England are completing the roll out of the new right and new editions of Ordnance Survey Explorer maps show all known access land.
The Ordnance Survey aims to publish new maps covering the whole of England and Wales by April next year.
For further information on the new access rights, maps of access land or to download the Countryside Code, visit the website www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk.
(SP/KMcA)
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13 July 2004
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The Oscar-winning company behind the 'Creature Comforts' animations is helping to raise awareness of a new countryside code. The original code was launched in the 1950s and has now been updated to prepare for new public rights of access that will come into force later this year.
Countryside awareness campaign boasts 'Creature Comforts'
The Oscar-winning company behind the 'Creature Comforts' animations is helping to raise awareness of a new countryside code. The original code was launched in the 1950s and has now been updated to prepare for new public rights of access that will come into force later this year.
30 January 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.
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.
24 October 2003
New regulations set to 'open up access' to countryside
Regulations are being put before Parliament today which are set to open up the countryside and improve public access, the government has said.
New regulations set to 'open up access' to countryside
Regulations are being put before Parliament today which are set to open up the countryside and improve public access, the government has said.
07 May 2003
Countryside Agency warns ‘digital divide’ widening
Rural businesses are being thwarted by a lack of access to high-speed telecommunications, warns the Countryside Agency. A report published today by the agency has raised concerns about the widening divide between town and country on the high-tech front.
Countryside Agency warns ‘digital divide’ widening
Rural businesses are being thwarted by a lack of access to high-speed telecommunications, warns the Countryside Agency. A report published today by the agency has raised concerns about the widening divide between town and country on the high-tech front.
09 June 2006
Right to roam costs criticised in report
The introduction of the government's right to roam laws cost £69 million, almost double the original estimate, a report by the National Audit Office has found. The report found that the information on how to use the new rights were "generally good". However, it also said that there were "lessons to be learned" on estimating and managing costs.
Right to roam costs criticised in report
The introduction of the government's right to roam laws cost £69 million, almost double the original estimate, a report by the National Audit Office has found. The report found that the information on how to use the new rights were "generally good". However, it also said that there were "lessons to be learned" on estimating and managing costs.
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