Countryside Access
by Patricia Montgomery - LincsMag Writer.
Date: 21 November 2009
Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, known as its abbreviated term as CROW, though whether this is to crow about is another question, (okay I know it was a lousy pun, but it was too tempting), the public can now theoretically, walk freely on mapped areas of mountain, moor, heath, downland and registered common land without having to stick just to paths.
Approximately 865,000 hectares of land is now open to the people from across England and came into effect across all of England on 31 October 2005.
There are still here in Lincolnshire around 2500 miles of public footpaths, bridleways and byways that are managed by the Lincolnshire County Council's rights of way teams. Their Countryside Officers work with landowners to make sure that vegetation on paths is kept clear, in other words, not overgrown and inaccessible, and that stiles, gates and bridges on the network are kept in good shape.
They carry out signing and waymarking of paths so that they are easy to find and follow, if not, send us at LincsMag.com an email.
Lincolnshire County Council’s Definitive Map Team at Lincoln, managing changes to the path network, maintains the legal record of rights of way.
The following is issued by the Government’s Countryside Access Website with helpful links.
Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
Even when going out locally, it's best to get the latest information about where and when you can go. For example, your rights to go onto some areas of open land may be restricted while work is carried out, for safety reasons, or during breeding seasons. Follow advice and local signs, and be prepared for the unexpected.
- Refer to up-to-date maps or guidebooks, visit the maps page on the Government's Countryside Access Website or contact local information centres.
- You’re responsible for your own safety and for others in your care, so be prepared for changes in weather and other events. Visit the Government countryside directory for links to organisations offering specific advice on equipment and safety, or contact visitor information centres and libraries for a list of outdoor recreation groups.
- Check weather conditions before you leave, and don't be afraid to turn back.
- Part of the appeal of the countryside is that you can get away from it all. You may not see anyone for hours, and there are many places without clear mobile phone signals, so let someone know where you're going and when you expect to return.
- Get to know the signs and symbols used in the countryside. Download and print the Finding Your Way Advice Sheet to take with you. It shows all the up to date signs and symbols.
