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ARTICLE · 16 MARCH 1999

DETR News

United KingdomFinance and Banking
DETR News

Right of Access to Open Country

Environment Minister Michael Meacher has pledged that new laws would be introduced as soon as possible to give walkers a new right to explore the countryside. This new right of access will be coupled with clear responsibilities for walkers to respect the rights of landowners and managers.

A package of changes in England and Wales will include a new general statutory right of access to open countryside and improvements to the rights of way system. Right of access will apply to about four million acres, but not to any developed land nor to agricultural land other than that used for extensive grazing.

The new laws will be backed up by Lottery funds and local authority grants for farmers for non-statutory access measures. Before reaching conclusions on the detail of new legislation on rights of way, the Government will consider recommendations from the Countryside Commission, expected later this month, and then seek further views.

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