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Open Access

The new right

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (Part 1) introduced a new statutory right of access on foot for open air recreation to large areas of mountain, moor, heath and down and registered common land dedicated for open access. This legislation was introduced to the South East in October 2004 and gives walkers an exciting new opportunity to explore more of the spectacular South Downs landscape.

Access Land

Entry points to Access land will normally be indicated on the ground at key entry points by an Open Access waymarking symbol (shown left). Paths leading up to open access land should display arrow waymarkers indicating footpaths, bridleways and byways, or the National Trust acorn symbol.

What you can do on Access Land

These are places where you are allowed to walk, sightsee, picnic, bird-watch and run. Walking on this land is different to walking on public rights of way, as you do not have to keep to a defined path. You are free to explore interesting features and can choose your own route.

What you can’t do on Access Land

There is no new right to cycle or horse-ride (except on bridleways, restricted byways or those crossing access land), drive vehicles (except on byways open to all traffic or other legal routes crossing access land), camp, hand-glide, paraglide, use a metal detector or light fires. Existing access rights are unaffected; if for example you have always enjoyed the right to cycle or ride in an area, this will continue.

Dogs on Access Land

Access Land is good for dog walkers too. The South Downs landscape is important for ground nesting birds and many important conservation grazing projects. Therefore dogs must be kept on a fixed lead of no more than 2 metres in length whenever livestock are present, and on all areas of access land between March 1st and July 31st. Dogs may be excluded for up to 6 weeks a year on land used for lambing and where other restrictions apply. Please follow local information signs and check the Countryside Agency's access website www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk

With rights come responsibilities

You have the legal right to explore access land in the South Downs but please remember that most of the area is privately owned, it is internationally important for some of its plants and animals. It is also a home and place of work for many people.

Please follow The Countryside Code

Restrictions on Access Land

Most of the access land in the South Downs is open at all times. However there may be occasional restrictions. Landowners and farmers are entitled to restrict the new right of access for twenty-eight days each year. They may also apply for long-term restrictions on the grounds of safety, fire prevention or for land management purposes. The dates and extent of these restrictions will be shown on the Countryside Access web site and should be reinforced by signs on the ground. Specific details on where you can walk are available from: www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk or contact 0845 100 3298 (Access helpline)

Excepted Land

Some areas of access land due to their location or use are not subject to the new rights, regardless of whether they appear on the new maps. Such areas include buildings, railway lines, golf courses or parks, active quarries and land within 20 metres of a house or building containing livestock. Some areas or types of land are exempt from the new access rights and, although these areas of land may be mapped as access land, the new right will not apply. Examples include:

Finding out more about Open Access in the South Downs