RAMBLERS and landowners could be locking horns on plans to open up the countryside.

As the Government takes the first steps on the path to providing a new framework for access to open land, ramblers look forward to "a complete right to roam".

But farmers are worried the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act will be a signal their land is all open to walkers as more and more people visit the country.

Isobel Brotherton, of the National Farmers' Union for the south east, said: "Farmers do have concerns as this will impact on them greatly. More people are travelling to the countryside and have all kinds of expectations.

"Farmers are surrounded by legislation and the Government has made it clear what it wants to do with the countryside.

"Our members will be scrutinising these proposals very carefully."

As part of CRoW, commonly known as the Right to Roam Act, the Countryside Agency, a Government body, has drawn up maps of the south east now available for the public to view and comment on.

A series of road-shows will held, with one in Bromley Civic Hall on January 2, the maps are available on the internet and at local authority offices. Welcoming the move, for which the Ramblers' Association has been campaigning for years, area access officer John Charles said: "It is exciting for us.

"This is a major step forward for the freedom to roam in open country. It shouldn't inconvenience farmers or landowners at all.

"We will be looking at the definitions carefully and I encourage anyone interested in walking to get involved in the consultation."

The agency will be establishing strict definitions of downland, heaths, mountain areas and moors.

After the initial consultation, provisional maps will be drawn up giving landowners time to appeal.

For a list of road shows visit www.countryside.gov.uk or call 0845 1003298.

November 20, 2001 12:28

Richard Simcox