Celebrations as Right of Open Access Implemented Across England
28/10/05

People across England will have almost three quarters of a million hectares of land across which they can walk, ramble, run, explore, climb, and watch wildlife as they are given the freedom to access land, without having to stay on paths.

Monday, 31 October marks the day when the opening of 'access land', which was previously off limits, is completed across England.

Rural Affairs Minister, Jim Knight, will host a celebratory event at Milford Common near Stafford on Monday, 31 October, to mark the implementation of the new right of access across the whole of England.

Completion of access across the country will be finalised when the West and East of England opens on Monday. The two regions will be the seventh and eighth to have open country and registered common land opened under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Mr Knight said:

"This is a very special day for everyone who loves our countryside, as it provides the opportunity for people to walk freely on access land, without the need to stick to paths, and to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery that up until now has been off-limits.

"From today everybody can join in and celebrate the introduction of the right across the whole of England thanks to the hard work of many people and organisations.

"The Countryside and Rights of Way Act strikes a careful balance between the wishes of people to walk on access land and the needs of landowners and managers.

"However, along with this new right of access comes responsibility. I am encouraging walkers and visitors to follow the Countryside Code and signs, keep their dogs under control and find out about any restrictions on access which were in place.

"All who visit and enjoy our countryside must respect those who live, work or depend on it for their livelihoods. We must remember that the countryside is a workplace and a haven for wildlife as well as a wonderful place to walk."

The Government committed to open up access land across England by the end of 2005 and this introduction of the new right in the East and West achieves this goal two months early.

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