Countryside Act Brings Freedom To Roam A Step Closer

A LEGAL freedom to roam is a step closer after key provisions of the new Countryside and Rights of Way Act came into effect.

However, open, uncultivated country may not be available for several years.

The Department for the Environment announced that several parts of the Act came into force on Tuesday, 30 January. These included authorisation to begin mapping out future access land - an essential step towards a new freedom to roam. Magistrates can use greater powers to clear blocked paths and there are now tougher penalties available for wildlife offences.

The process of mapping the areas of mountain, moor, heath, down and common land to which new freedom will apply is set to begin in March, under the direction of the Countryside Agency and the Countryside Council for Wales. 

It may take a further five years before all the estimated four million acres of open countryside are properly recorded. 

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