Access to open countryside - Countryside and Rights Of Way 2000 Act (CROW)
People have been campaigning for more open access to the countryside for well over 100 years. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) has been introduced in direct response to this, to create new recreational opportunities for all.
The CROW Act creates a new right of access to some of the finest countryside in England.
Access Newsletter
'Access' is published by Defra and provides information on the implementation of the right of access to the countryside under the CROW Act. The newsletter is aimed at the secretaries of local access forums, officers in local access/highway authorities, AONBs and at individuals and organisations closely involved in the right of access. Recent issues of the newsletter have provided information on the proposals to improve access to the English coast.
'Access' is published on a regular basis. Any comments on the newsletter should be made to: access@defra.gsi.gov.uk.
Latest issue: 38 - March 2009 [PDF]
Inside this issue:
- Marine and Coastal Access Bill
Previous issue: 37 - December 2008 [PDF]
In this section:
- What does the CROW Act do?
Learn about the purpose of this Act and how it applies to those that want to enjoy England's countryside. - Guidance documents
Guidance documents on different aspects of the CROW Act. - Managing access
Discover how access to land is allowed and managed by access authorities. - Mapping process and excepted land
Find out how the right of access is applied to mapped land in England and what land is 'excepted' from this. - Appeals
Learn more about the three different grounds for appeal under the CROW Act. - Restrictions and exclusions
The right of access applies to recreation on foot only, as such there are restrictions and exclusions that may apply to access land such as for those camping or riding a horse. - Dedicating land for access
Under the CROW Act landowners are able to voluntarily dedicate land for public access. Learn more about this process.
- Public places
Learn more about the legislation affecting land that has become a public place as a result of the CROW Act.
- Local Access Forums
These forums were set up as a result of the CROW Act to independently provide advice on public access issues.
- Use of mechanically propelled vehicles on rights of way
Find out how the CROW Act has strengthened the offence of driving mechanically propelled vehicles elsewhere than on roads - Vehicular access over common land
Learn more about the repeal of section 68 of the CROW Act, and what it means for vehicular access over common land.
- Contacts and useful links
Useful links and contact information for issues relating to CROW.
Page last modified: 17 March 2009
Page published: 23 October 2008