Cabot Ten Tors

As some of you may know the right to roam act came into force on the 19th September 2000 in certain areas of the country, during the next 12 months the right to roam will be rolled out across England.

What is it?

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 will give people a new right to walk, responsibly and subject to some common sense restrictions, over areas of open countryside and registered common land in England and Wales. The Government is introducing these new access rights on a regional basis in England, starting with the South East and Lower North West on the 19 September 2004.

When the new rights commence, you will start to see this symbol in the countryside. It shows land that may be open for public access on foot (rights for other types of activities may also apply, such as riding a horse on an existing bridleway).

What you need to know?

All the land in the countryside is owned by someone and may have an important use not immediately apparent to yourself. Everyone should have a right to enjoy the countryside in their own way. Some people enjoy walking whilst others enjoy cycling, 4x4, horse riding, etc, although you may not agree with all activities everyone should have a right to enjoy the countryside in their own way. No one person has more right than the next.

How can it work?

With all these different activities taking place in the countryside, land which people may rely on to make a living there has to be some rules. The countryside code below has been updated for the first time in over 20 years.

Countryside Code- This should be adhered to wherever you go

• Be safe - Plan ahead and follow any signs.
• Leave gates and property as you find them.
• Protect plants and animals and take your litter home.
• Keep dogs under close control.
• Consider other people.

Further info can be found at http://www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk/