Right To Roam - What Happens Next?

Ramblers and other outdoor users are celebrating the passing of the Countryside and Rights of Way Bill which will eventually open up 'millions of acres of uncultivated countryside' to walkers and climbers. But what happens next?

The key word is 'eventually' - over the next three or four years, the Countryside Agency has to establish which areas of land are eligible for open access - see this excellent summary of the Act's main provisions at the Ramblers web site - a task which it says will be 'contracted out'.

Once these areas have been determined, the boundaries can be shown on maps and open access becomes a reality. Although at present there seems to be no firm arrangements, it's hard to believe that the Ordnance Survey won't be heavily involved in the process, not least becasue if the boundaries aren't shown on OS maps, the whole exercise becomes virtually futile.

Having said all that, it seems likely that common land and areas of moor and mountain above 600 metres, which are already mapped and can be determined easily will be opened up more quickly. Sadly golf courses are not eligible for open access, a grave disappointment to those of us who view golf as a tragic waste of good countryside.

Mountain bikes will not be allowed on open access land and will be limited to the existing rights of way, viz bridleways and unclassified roads.

In a release the Countryside Agency says:

'Our priority will be to make the arrangements work well on the ground so that people can feel confident about using their new rights and the impact on farmers and landowners will be minimal. We will not be rushing in to full access rights straight away. These will only come into force once we have mapped the open countryside and after there has been widespread consultation on this mapping.'

In the case of AONBs (Areas of Outstanding National Beauty) which cover 15.6 per-cent of England's land area, management plans will also have to be drawn up and, in the case of larger AONBs, new conservation boards set up.