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The Right To Roam: Is it an
Four million acres of mountain, heath land, registered common land and moor land are set to open to the public. Campaigners have fought for years to widen the public's access to the countryside since the 16th century. The current proposal forms part of the Government's Right to Roam and the Countryside And Rights Of Way Bills. Labour declared its support for ramblers before the 1997 General Election. However, safeguards are to imprinted in the Bills, allowing landowners to close access for a total period of 28 days for tree felling and pigeon shooting. About 10% by law must now be opened up to the public. Two years ago the British Association for Shooting and Conservation produced a survey of landowners. Around 90% of those whom allowed access to their land complained that ramblers abused the countryside by allowing the dogs off their leads. They also accused ramblers of disturbing wildlife and interfering with game management. Landowners face fines of up to £5,000 or six month's imprisonment, if land is ploughed up in protected areas. English Nature is also worried that the increased use of the countryside by ramblers will disturb wildlife. Graham Bayes of English Nature, speaking from the South Downs, welcomes "the opportunity for the public to have a first hand experience of nature." He said that "1 to 2% of the land would have to be fenced off to protect wildlife." He is concerned that animals or birds might be scared away by the increased public access. "The stone curlew - one of the rarest birds in Europe - does not like people", he explained. In many respects nothing has changed over the years. Richard Benyon, a landowner, added that smaller landowners would not be able to pay the extra costs." He believes that an agreement needs to be reached to help them. The Country Landowners' Association (CLA) remains concerned by the proposed legislation. It has recommended over a 100 amendments, and says that the legislation "goes too far." It also believes that the dogs will disturb livestock. There also remains a problem about occupiers' liability. Would the landowner be liable if someone trips and breaks a foot? Michael Meatier MP - Environment Minister - speaking to the BBC on March 3rd, assured landowners that their concerns are being taken into consideration. Claire Madron, speaking for The Ramblers' Association, nevertheless believes it is difficult for the CLA "to justify that rambling causes environmental damage." To date the access to land has been part of a voluntary programme. Yet the Government also produced an ultimatum about two or three years ago. Landowners were given two years to open up their land to the public or face legislation. Organisations representing landowners have continued to oppose the Government's policies. Some regard the government's programme as a continual affront upon the country way of life; or town versus country.
Many countryside groups, united in their grievances, have come together to oppose the Government. This is highlighted by the Countryside Alliance's opposition to any anti-fox hunting legislation. The Countryside Alliance has organised at least two highly successful rallies; the first in 1998 saw the Government back-tracking on its initial support for Worcestershire MP, Michael Foster's Private Members Bill in 1998. Mr. Meacher MP, however, explained that the Government supports the population; both "urban and countryside," stating that there is "a close relationship" between the two. Organisations such as the Ramblers' Association, which campaigns for walkers' rights, have campaigned for years for the public's right to walk across these areas. Pat Crabb of The Ramblers' Association said that they are "absolutely delighted." A small proportion of 'common land' is still closed to the public. Furthermore, 3% of the 4 million acres is still closed to public access. Apart from opening up the countryside, the legislation will also provide better protection for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Many of these areas like the South Downs are to be given National Park status, in line with Snowdonia National Park. No doubt this will also cause further problems for those making planning applications. It remains to be seen whether the landowners fears are flawless. Source of Photos: |
HM Stationery Office Countryside and Rights of Way Bill |
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