Walkers to be given early christmas present

The new right of access to open country in central and southern England under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act will begin on December 14, it was announced today.

The area is the third to be opened in a staged programme to introduce the new right throughout England.

Designated countryside in the lower north west and south east regions become officially accessible to walkers on September 19 as part of the first tranche of a regional commencement programme.

In November 2002, the rural affairs minister Alun Michael decided to

bring in the new right on a region-by-region basis allowing visitors to enjoy some of the new opportunities as early as possible.

Work to open designated areas of mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land in England is to be completed by the end of 2005.

Alun Michael said: "This Act is important to everyone who loves the countryside as it will allow people to enjoy beautiful areas that were previously off-limits. It also recognises the importance of balancing the new right with the needs of those who manage the land and to take care in sensitive nature conservation sites.

"Our intention is to open regions as quickly as possible so I'm delighted to announce that the new right of access will come into effect in central southern England on 14 December, giving those who love the countryside in that area something of an early Christmas present ! "

The current timetable of commencement dates in each mapping area is as follows:

Area Commencement Date Status

South East 19 September 2004 open

Lower North West 19 September 2004 Open

Central Southern 14 December 2004 Confirmed

Upper North West May 2005 Planned

North East May 2005 Planned

South West August 2005 Planned

West October 2005 Planned

East November 2005 Planned