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Countryside Access a Parish Guide Countryside Access - A Parish Guide

Contents: Foreword page 1

Chapter 1. Introduction page 2

Chapter 2. What is Countryside Access? page 6 Contents: Chapter 3. Improving local access page 14

Chapter 4. Who can do what? page 31

Chapter 5. How is access recorded page 46

Chapter 6. Adding, moving or extinguishing paths page 50

Chapter 7. Managing access Land page 60

Appendices X: What do I do about...? page 63 Y: Where can I find out more? page 78 Z: Glossary page 82

© Land Access Ltd. 2010 Countryside Access - A Parish Guide page 1

Foreword: Parish and Town Councils have long been This guide is about helping you to get more central to rights of way management and it is no involved in your local paths; to identify local A foreword by accident that parishes are the base unit for path issues, needs and opportunities, and to be able to numbering. At a county level we recognise the act on them to best advantage in ways that mean Councillor Rodney Rose importance of local councils. We want to the most to your parish. Of course many local Cabinet Member for encourage you to make full use of your powers, councils and communities are already very active

Transport rights and opportunities to provide the in the management and improvement of access in Foreword: Oxfordshire County countryside access that is so important to locals their areas and this is much appreciated. To those Council and visitors alike. councils we say that we hope this guide will still be of value to your work. A good network of rights of way and accessible open space can improve physical and mental Rodney Rose health, support the local economy through tourism and keeping leisure spending local, and contribute towards a more sustainable transport system where paths are used for journeys to school, work or the shops. A lack of access to a car or large amounts of spare time or income shouldn't mean that you can't have access to great countryside or green spaces.

We want to work with you to make sure that Countryside Service people get the best from the paths in your area. Oxfordshire County Council With your knowledge and local contacts you are Signal Court, Old Station Way in a position to be a very effective local agent Eynsham and able to achieve results through means and Oxford OX29 4TL contacts that are simply unavailable at the [email protected] county council level – and that can be much Tel 01865 810226 more expedient, effective and economical. Fax 0845 6069614 Countryside Access - A Parish Guide page 2

Chapter 1: How is the guide arranged? Section 4 The guide is divided up into seven main sections; 'Who can do what?' is where you will find the Introduction nitty-gritty of access management; it's where you Section 1 should turn to find out just what powers are This Guide is meant to This Introduction which will set the scene and tell available to your council and what rights you can be useful; a handy you how you can get the best from the Guide. choose to exercise. This section also gives information on the split of responsibilities between reference document that There is also a brief summary of access history. the other interested parties; the county council, will answer most of your Introduction: Section 2 land owners, managers and users. countryside access 'What is Countryside Access?' - this section is queries straight away. where you would turn to for information about the Section 5 Where it can't, it will historical, geographical and legal framework for 'How is access recorded?' explains the point you in the right access in Oxfordshire. background to the often perplexing world of the direction to get further Definitive Map and Statement, Access Land maps, and shows how parish councils can be help. Section 3 'Improving Access in your Parish' – this is the involved in keeping track of local changes. heart of the guide. This is where you will find the information and tools you need to make a real Section 6 difference to your parish's access. To show ideas 'How do paths get added to the map, of what you can achieve we've included lots of reclassified, moved or extinguished?' is where examples of local council projects from all around you would turn to find out about ways of legally the county, perhaps even some of yours. If you changing the network. It explains the basic want to know: mechanisms and the roles of local councils in the ….what you can do various processes. This chapter will introduce you ….how you go about it to relevant policies and priorities in this important ….who can help and sometimes complicated area of work. ….and where to look for funding then this is the section you need. Section 7 'Managing Access Land' is where to look for information about access to open countryside Countryside Access - A Parish Guide page 3 issues such as closures, restrictions and Some of the terms we will (and won't) use and dedications. what we mean by them.

Finally, there are useful Appendices containing: 'Highways'; the law makes no difference between footpaths, bridleways and 'A' roads – they are all 'What can I do about…' - an A-Z reference highways – but we will generally use 'highways' section that at a glance will help you to sort out with its usual meaning as relating to the roads those day-to-day issues that crop up on public network. We will use 'public rights of way' to talk Introduction: rights of way; not all necessarily problems, but about the non-roads network. subjects that it's useful for the parish to have knowledge about; everything from abandoned 'Right to roam' is a term that we won't be using, cars to waymarkers. except to explain that it is an incorrect term. Despite what has previously been in the media or further reading and web resources, understood, the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 did not create a general right to roam on all useful contacts and land but did create a specific set of access opportunities to carefully identified land called a glossary of terms used. 'Access Land'. We will say more about Access Land in the next chapter. The guide is written so that it doesn't need to be read from cover to cover (although we hope that 'Public Rights of Way' is the term for footpaths, you might enjoy doing so). We've tried to keep it bridleways, byways, and restricted byways – as jargon free as possible, but the glossary is highways used mainly by walkers, horse riders, there at the end to explain the occasional cyclists, and some by motorised vehicles too. (We technical term that we couldn't avoid using. The will say more about the different types of public guide is laid out to lead you through countryside path in the next chapter.). Occasionally we may access in a logical, user-friendly way but if you drop the 'public' and just refer to rights of way or just need to know what powers your local council paths– we mean public routes unless we say has, go straight to chapter 4, 'Who can do what?'; otherwise. or if you want to get straight into improving local paths, go to chapter 3. By 'local councils' we mean both parish and town councils. We will often also use 'parish Countryside Access - A Parish Guide page 4 council' as shorthand for 'parish and town council' Did you know that your parish council has a – our apologies to the towns history at the heart of countryside access? Up until the mid-17th century the duty of maintaining 'Walkers' will be used as a general term for all all highways, including public paths, fell on the legal users of public footpaths, including: walkers parishes and every parishioner was required to do with or without dogs; mobility scooter or 6 days per year unpaid highways work (“statute wheelchair users; and parents with pushchairs or labour”). Turnpikes (privately maintained roads 'buggies'. used on payment of a toll) were introduced from 1663 in an attempt to improve the maintenance of Introduction: 'Us' or 'we' means Oxfordshire County Council or key routes, but most had failed by the 19th its Countryside Service unless the context says century, leaving a legacy of interesting toll booths otherwise, but please be assured that this is not a and milestones. 'them and us' type document. The Highways Act 1835 abolished statute labour and gave local councils powers to appointment a parish surveyor, funded through local rating. The Highways Act 1862 sought to set up district highways boards to maintain the roads but the maintenance of footpaths and bridleways (public paths) remained with the parishes. The Local Government Act 1888 created county councils and these were given state funding to maintain the This Guide has been written for Oxfordshire County Council by Land Access Ltd and is based upon work originally 'main' roads, while minor roads remained with the developed with Hampshire County Council. We are grateful highways boards until the boards' powers were to Hampshire County Council for permission to reproduce transferred to the Rural District Councils in 1894. relevant material. The big shake up came with the Local © Land Access ltd. February 2010. Written by Mike Furness, Land Access Ltd. Government Act 1929, which made the county Edited by Paul Harris, Oxfordshire County Council councils the Highway Authorities for all highways, Designed by Glyn Kuhn, Polar Design including footpaths and bridleways - although the Photographs and other illustrations were supplied by parishes retained their rights to maintain their local Oxfordshire County Council unless otherwise stated. Countryside Access - A Parish Guide page 5 paths should they so wish. The focus of the Together the Definitive Map and Statement form counties was on the rapidly increasing motor the bedrock of rights of way recording in England traffic, especially because of the tremendous dust and Wales. Responsibility for drawing up the problems that fast moving, rubber-tyred vehicles Definitive Map and Statement lay with the caused. Increasingly the roads network was Surveying Authority which in Oxfordshire is the sealed with tarmac while public paths became county council. However, the parishes were again less suitable for vehicular traffic. at the forefront of the process and records were drawn up on a parish by parish basis with the Introduction: The Commons, Open Spaces and Footpaths local councils taking the lead – and often carrying Preservation Society (now the Open Spaces out the surveys – and feeding results back to the Society or 'OSS' – see Useful Contacts) grew county. concerned about the loss of public paths to tarmac and to agriculture and pressed for the It will be quite obvious, even from this briefest Rights of Way Act 1932. This act started a of summaries that the parish councils have voluntary process of parishes recording their always played a highly significant, and often a public paths, but did not achieve as much central role in the management of their local coverage as had been hoped. Amid continuing paths network. It will be no surprise, therefore, pressure, the whole situation was that parishes still have many useful powers reviewed by the Hobhouse Committee, that they can call upon to help look which reported to Parliament in 1947 after their paths. and led to the pivotal National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. This Act set out the framework for recording all known public paths on a map that was to be the legal record of rights of way and to be known as the Definitive Map. The Map was to be accompanied by a 'Statement'. This would record the particulars of each path, such as status, gates, widths or other limitations. is inthecounty access isandhowmuch If youwanttoknowwhat chapter youneed. access–then thisisthe management of Council arrangesits how OxfordshireCounty and ifyouwanttoknow and whocanusethem, path andopenlandare the differenttypesof access? countryside What is Chapter 2: , whatall Countryside transport. Oxfordshire hasanetwork ofabout resource for recreation,healthand sustainable access toourcountryside, providingavaluable paths of is thatyouareusinga publicrightofway a woodlandoralongside ariverandthelikelihood to walk,cycle,orhorserideacrossafield,through Public RightsofW influence. because thisiswhereyourcouncilcanhave most by rightandmostlyonlinearpublicrightsofway In thisguidewewillbeconcentratingonaccess Improvement Grant'agreement. as a'HigherLevelStewardship'or'W permission oftheowner 'permissive access'–whereaccessisbythe footpaths andmostregisteredcommons; categories ofaccess:'byright'-suchasonpublic commons. and areaaccess–suchasparks,downlandor linear accessalongdefinedpublicrightsofway; Countryside accessfallsintotwobroadtypes: common oropennaturalspace. explore; viewstotakein;thelocalfootpath, Countryside accessisspacetorelax;trails What typesofaccessarethere? What isCountryside fer thesinglemostimportant meansof There arealsotwomainlegal Access - ay: Step intothecountryside , orduetoalicence,such A Access? ParishGuide

oodland . These carriage drivers andmotorvehicles. open toall users -walkers,horse riders,cyclists, All or BywaysOpento Byways: also includinghorse-drawncarriages. those abovebut Can beusedby Restricted byways: and cyclists. walkers, horseriders Can beusedby Bridleways: walkers only These pathsarefor Footpaths: users canuseallofthepaths. right topassandre-passatanytime;butnotall byways. Onallpublicrightsofwayusershavethe to alltraf categories: Public rightsofwayaredividedintofour Africa. Ouagadougou –capitalofBurkinaFasoinwest end thatistheequivalentofOxfordto 2,600 miles(4,300km)ofrightsway–endto T raf fic arelegally fic (oftenknownasBOA

footpaths,bridleways,bywaysopen .

1091.85km 170.68km 251.27km 2817.96km T s) andrestricted (106miles) (156miles) (678miles) (1751miles) page 6

What is Countryside Access? Countryside which follows theriverfor180miles fromits National or instages. walk orridetobefollowed overanumberofdays longer routesthatenable athemedsuggested Throughout Oxfordshirethereareanumber of Thames Path National National T to dateOSMaps. on DefinitiveMaps,buttheyarenowshown onup and cyclists.Becauseofthistheyaren'trecorded they areatypeofbywaylimitedtopedestrians because bicyclesarelegallyvehicles.Ef Cycle tracksaren'tclassedaspublicrightsofway Cycle tracks: recorded. roads buttheactualstatusofthemisnot These areoftenun-classifiedandun-surfaced show 'ORP may ornotcarrypublicrights.LaterOSmaps maps. roads' arefoundonolderOrdnanceSurvey(OS) right ofway lane mightbeofanythefourtypespublic route, usuallybetweenhedgesorwalls. descriptive termjustmeaninganun-surfaced 'white roads'and'ORP for publicrightsofwaysuchas'greenlanes', Occasionally youmaycomeacrossotherterms These aresimplyun-colouredroutesthat T rails runningthroughthe county: rails andlongerdistanceroutes: As' –OtherRouteswithPublic , ornotarightofwayatall.'White The twomostimportant arethe

Access - As': 'Greenlane'isapurely T rail, isawalking route A ParishGuide A fectively green Access. The areas of'open country'andregistered commons. (CRoW) granted rightstowalkon The Countryside&Rights ofW Access Land: www webpages promotes shorterwalksandrides,allon our and theSwansW Riders andwalkerscanenjoytheJudgesRide, special badges. routes mayalsobesignedorwaymarkedwith also providingadditionalcircularwalks. accompanied byaleafletorbookletwithsome Other longerthemedroutesareusually scarp. Streatley andheadingnorthalongtheChilterns Oxfordshire beforecrossingthe A routes inBritainandrunsfor87milesfromnear National nearly totheseaeastofLondon. source intheCotswoldsthroughOxfordshire vebury inWiltshirethroughthesouthof .oxfordshire.gov Oxford CanalW Macmillan W W Chiltern W d'Arcy DaltonW Oxfordshire W T ychwood W rail isoneoftheoldestwalkingorriding

Those forwalkersinclude: ay ay ay . Inadditionthecountycouncil ay ay .uk/walkandrides alk ay ay Thames at The Ridgeway Act 2000 Access Land - These page 7

What is Countryside Access? 1 Countryside Open countryisdefinedas:mountain,moor courses. 'excepted land'suchasgardens,quarriesandgolf access tocultivatedfieldsorotherareasof up lessthan1%ofthecounty only tospecificareasoflandthattogethermake – thisisverymisleadingasthenewrightsapply often referredtointhepressas'rightroam' are presentinOxfordshire. heath ordown.Onlydownlandandcommonland www England's websiteat 'Explorer' OrdnanceSurveymaps,onNatural out ofthetotallandarea260,595ha. land. Intotalthereare1,858haof 940ha ofcommonlandand463hadedicated In Oxfordshirethereare455haof'opencountry', the CountrysideService'swebpages. places/openaccess/ Land ownerscan dedicate facility total .naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/ . total landarea 260,595ha 1,858ha Access Land Access landisshownonuptodate Access - Access Landto thepublicundersection16 of CROW and aslocalinformationon Dedicated Land A ParishGuide These newrightsare 463ha . There isnorightof Common Land Access Land Access Land 940ha Open Country 455ha , 1 Unlike onpublicrightsofway suspend accessforupto28daysayear T T July 31st,oratanytimewhennearlivestock. must bekeptonaleadbetweenMarch1stand or quietrecreation.Somesitesrequirethatdogs The righttoenjoyaccesslandisonlyforwalking restrictions areinplace. will alsodisplaynoticesadvisingwhen found attheNaturalEnglandwebsiteandsites Restrictions andclosuresinformationcanbe Permissive access: by thecountycouncil. recreation. public havecustomarilyenjoyedforexerciseand Environmentally Sensitive Stewardship schemeand asanoptioninthe Stewardship' optionoftheEnvironmental Stewardship schemes,thenew'HigherLevel schemes, suchassomeoldCountryside sometimes includedinenvironmentalgrant and informal.Formalpermissiveaccessis Permissive accesscomesintwoforms–formal website at Details ofcurrentaccess canbefoundonDefra's own andV own andV . The ForestryCommission hasmadeextensive useofthis http://countrywalks.defra.gov They andCommonLandarerecorded illage Greensareplacesthatthe illage GreensandCommons:

Area (ESA)scheme. , landownerscan . .uk/ page 8

What is Countryside Access? Countryside the River are onlynavigation rights(subject tolicences)on boating isstillveryrestricted. InOxfordshirethere Access toinlandwater inEnglandandW What aboutaccessto water? chapter 5ofthisGuide. assist withthis. Section 31(6)oftheHighways of way ensuring thattheydon'tbecomefullpublicrights In ordertokeepthepathsavailable,butalso or tohavethepathsbecomepublicrightsof way and exercisebutwouldnotwishtoadvertise this use theirpathsandtracksforquietenjoyment Some landownersarehappyforlocalpeopleto quantify howmuchisavailableandwhereitis. people but,byitsverynature,itisimpossibleto for theenjoymentofcountrysidebylocal Informal permissiveaccesscanbeveryimportant countryside access. Parish Council,mightalsoprovidepermissive And, ofcourse,localauthorities,includingyour www Inheritance Formal accessmightalsobeprovidedunder a plananddescriptionoftheaccessavailable. agreements. Foreachlocationyoucandownload In 2010therewere69dif .hmrc.gov , landownerscanmakeadeclarationunder Thames and theOxfordCanal. T ax Exemptionschemes.See Access - This isdiscussedinmoredetail .uk/heritage/lbsearch.htm ferent access A ParishGuide Act 1980thatmay

ales for The

. be blockedordiverted. proposals todevelopthelandcausingpath to light whenthereisachangeoflandownership or questioned. Oftenthesituationwillonlycome to decades withoutthepublic'suseeverbeing This defactoaccesscanoftengoonforyears or recorded aspublicrightsofwayonanymaps. Some tracksmaybeindailyusewithoutbeing Are allpathsrecorded? permitted ontowpaths. W but needtodownloadafreepermitfromBritish for mostofitslength.Cyclistscanusesomeit Oxford Canaltowpathisalsoapublicrightofway V Thames PathNational widespread, withgoodaccessforwalkerstothe Access alongsidewaterwaysforwalkersismore run bylocalclubs. many sailinglakesinthecountyareallprivately rights ofway Modification Ordertorecord anyestablished need forinvestigationandaDefinitiveMap Witney toitsjunctionwiththe follows therouteofRiverWindrushsouth The Countryside &RightsofW Chapter 5. includes afuture provisionforany historicroutes alley includestheMosaic aterways beforehand.Horseridingisnot . This procedureisconsidered in T This canoftenresultinthe rail.

T rail, someofwhich The LowerWindrush Thames. ay Act 2000 The page 9

What is Countryside Access? Countryside developing theNationalCycleNetwork. routes, principallythroughtheworkofSustransin Oxfordshire iswellsuppliedwithnamedcycle What aboutcycleroutes? opportunity torecordthemislost. parish's pathsareproperlyrecordedbeforethe extinguished, soitisimportantthatallofyour that haven'tbeenrecordedby2026tobe defining, protecting andmaintaining therightsof undertakes themajorityofstatutory work Oxfordshire CountyCouncil's CountrysideService Council? land areasmanaged by OxfordshireCounty So howarepublicrights ofwayandaccess route thattakesinareasofOxfordshire. the ChilternsCycleW The ChilternsConservationBoardhasdeveloped for horseriders. also availableforusebywalkersandsometimes also usecarefullychosenquietroads. These routesareof you/south-east/oxfordshire website: Routes. supplemented byagrowingnumberofRegional National Routes(numbers5,51and57)are Ordnance Surveymaps. routes aresignedandalsoshownonuptodate Y www ou canfindfulldetailsonSustrans' .sustrans.org.uk/sustrans-near- Access - f-road whereverpossiblebut ay –a170mileonroad The of A ParishGuide

f-road routesare All ofthe Three record ofpublicrightswayinthecounty This teamdealswithallaspectsofthelegal Definitive Mapteam countryside. inform andpromoteresponsibleaccesstothe way network,aswellworkingtoimprove, rights. about therecordingandchangingofaccess crossings. Chapter5containsmuchmoredetail changes; andanyspecialorderssuchasrailway administering planningordevelopmentrelated extinguish ordivertrecordedroutes; unrecorded paths;dealingwithapplicationsto as researchinganddeterminingclaimsfor improvement thattheserviceundertakes. rest oftheprotection,maintenanceand The workofthisteamisfundamentaltothe This isabriefsummaryofourwork:

, such page 10

What is Countryside Access? Field Areas: W South W Oxford City North South East District Oxfordshire W est est District White Horse V ale of est City Oxford District Cherwell District Oxfordshire South Countryside This networkcontainsassetsofaround2000 rights ofwayonanetworkover2,600miles. This teamworkstoassertandprotectthepublic's Field team them withgates,wherever possible. and improvepathsby removing stilesorreplacing parishes tofindlocalsolutionschallenges; stiles andgates;workwithcommunitygroups and bridges, 6000fingerposts,7000gates,4500 stiles and1500waymarkposts. between theFieldOf management ofthenetworkisdividedup watercourse crossings. addition tothesurfacesandothersmall map oppositeanddetailmapsonpages 12 and13.)

managers, usergroupsandlocal Access - support forthemaintenanceof councils to:ensurepathsremain excessive naturalvegetation growing onthem;provideand where required;remove paths andwaymarkalongthem open andavailable;signpost provide, inapprovedcases, maintain bridgesovernatural watercourses andditches; The teamworkswithland A ParishGuide ficers. (Seethecounty The dayto This isin Access &Informationteam Rights ofW production, deliveryandreviewoftheOxfordshire the countrysideaccessnetworkthrough This teamworksonthestrategicdevelopmentof the OxfordshireCountryside activities. service's webpagesandundertakingmarketing being metthroughthemanagementof countryside accessandtheworkofserviceis and increasingdemandforinformationabout and arounditsboundaries.Inadditionthehigh policies, strategiesandprogrammesinthecounty providing steeringandinfluencetorelevant Local Countryside Service Fax 08456069614 T [email protected] Oxford OX294TL Eynsham Signal Court,OldStationW Oxfordshire CountyCouncil el 01865810226 Access Forum). The teamalsoadministerstheworkof ay ImprovementPlan,aswell ay Access Forum(Our

.uk page 1 1 What is Countryside Access? [email protected] Email: T T Contact details Areas and Field Of Email: T Field Assistant [email protected] el: 01865810228 eam Leader:HughPotter el: 01865 Area: Email: T Lead Field jenny [email protected] Email: T Field Field Email: T Field Field [email protected] Field el: el: el: 810257 North 01865 01865 01865 Area: [email protected] Officer: Area: Officer: Area: Officer: Officer: East 810226 810225 810222 Oxford W North ficer and est Jenny Dan Sarah Luke W East W City est Dawson eeks Aldous Beardmore .uk .uk .uk .uk .uk Countryside Broughton PoggsCP W Filkins and estwell CP Faringdon CP T aynton CP H o Little l w e l l C Broadwell CP Chastleton CP Idbury CP Bruern CP P Langford CP Kelmscott CP Burford CP Fifield CP -Wychwood CP Milton-under Kencot CP Fulbrook CP Shilton CP Access - K i Alvescot CP n g and RadcotCP h a and WidfordCP Cornwell CP -Wychwood CP Grafton m C Shipton-under Carterton CP Swinbrook Salford CP C L P h Clanfield CP yneham CP Bourton CP u r Sarsden CP c Black h i -Wychwood CP l l C Ascott-under Asthal CP Chipping Nort P Norton CP B Brize am Leafield CP Chadlingt pt Lovell CP Minster on C Chilson CP Rollright CP Over NortonCP A Curbridge CP on CP P Lew CP on CP ParishGuide and WychwoodCP Crawley CP Hook NortonCP Cornbury Ducklington CP Ramsden CP a Heythrop CP E Witney CP Gower CP n p Aston, Cote, Sibford d C Spelsbury CP w Ferris CP Sibford Shif e Charlbury CP l h l C with Hailey CP i Finstock CP m ford P Shenington n with-Y e Alkerton CP Swerford CP y C Little T Hardwick- Swalclif Shutford CP Fawler CP Enstone CP P elford CP North LeighCP Wigginton CP Standlake CP ew CP Hornton CP Leigh CP fe CP South T Stonesfield CP Great ew CP W with T Newington CP North NewingtonCP Milcombe CP adm roxton CP Kiddington Horley CP South Asterleigh CP C Freeland CP art Northmoor CP o H Broughton CP Harcourt CP m St. MartinCP on CP a b Stanton Eynsham CP n Sandford G e C b o l y r m o P Barton CP Drayton CP We Worton CP u B p Mollington CP g t l and St.MichaelCP o e h C s H Barford St.John n C n B t h a c l e P o n o Wootton CP P i x w Woodstock CP t m C Claydon withClattercotCP h e a Cassington CP l Barton CP Milton CP l C m C Steeple P Duns T Bladon CP P Banbury CP Bourton CP P Cropredy CP Deddington CP ew CP Bodicote CP a Begbroke CP n Shipton-on d T -Cherwell Rousham CP T Aston CP Y ackley CP Aston CP M h Prescote CP Steeple arnton CP r i u d Kidlington CP Aston CP p d A p C Nort l e d d P W e h r ardington CP b u Heyford CP r Ham y C and PoyleCP Lower Kirtlington CP Somerton CP Heyford CP P W Bletchingdon CP pt U Souldern CP ater EatonCP on G Old MarstonCP p Gosford p e a Oxford r n ay Fritwell CP d Islip CP Stoney CP Middleton Littlemore CP the-Green CP Weston-on- Ardley CP and SandhillsCP O Risinghurst d d Chesterton CP i City Noke CP n g t o n C B -Otmoor CP Charlton-on W u Blackbird L Stoke L c P endlebury CP e k Hardwick with y n T and MurcottCP s C e usmore CP l l C P Fencott yne CP P Caversfield CP Merton CP Cottisford CP Bicester CP Fringford CP A Hethe CP m b -Studley CP Horton-cum r o s A Mixbury CP d Arncott CP Stratton e u n C Launton CP d l e Blackthorn CP y C P P with ShelswellCP Newton Purcell Finmere CP Piddington CP Godington CP page 12

What is Countryside Access? [email protected] Email: T Field Assistant el: 01865 Area: Email: T Field Field Email: T Field Field [email protected] Email: T Lead Field [email protected] jenny el: Field el: el: 810217 South 01865 01865 01865 Area: Area: Officer: Officer: Area: [email protected] Officer: Officer: East 810218 810201 810226 South South Oxford Mark Jon Jenny and Kath W East Beale South City Sumner est T Beardmore urvey W .uk est .uk .uk .uk Countryside Buscot CP Bourton CP W Shrivenham CP atchfield CP Coleshill CP Eaton HastingsCP Coxwell CP A Great s Longcot CP h bur Beauchamp CP Faringdon CP Coxwell CP y C C Great o Little m P p Woolstone CP t F o e Access - n r nham C Littleworth CP Uf fington CP Shellingford CP P Kingston Lisle CP B a u l k i Hatford CP n B g C u c in theV Sparsholt CP k P l a Stanford n d C Childrey CP ale CP P A Goosey CP Pusey CP Bassett CP Letcombe ParishGuide W Challow CP Denchworth CP Challow CP aldrist CP H We i Bassett CP East n Charney t o s n t Letcombe Regis CP Longworth CP O P c M R o l e x a o p Hanney CP f L p j Southmoor CP t D Bagpuize with yford CP o W y e Grove CP We r antage CP Kingston r r o s d i s g t d a t y s h u t ' h Lockinge CP e s S t a c i : 2 r e e C Garford CP Fyfield and T n d f u Hanney CP t A b 1 S Frilford CP a d m n r East d e i t y C r n o i g o o t o u e P Appleton-with m t n C n a -Eaton CP H n p e e Besselsleigh CP y l P C n We Marcham CP t t Steventon CP d r u y C e h r m y O e s e m d C n t e O o a H r C P b Drayton CP o e d t Wytham CP n P f East e d u f r r i e r 2 without CP c n St. Helen d d C o p Wootton CP e C Chilton CP Milton CP c n P 0 i Hinksey CP a l L r Harwell CP 0 n Nort A S o r 9 b u c i o s i n H n c Hinksey CP h n Courtenay CP e S g a e w i e d n g South o g b We c U Sutton n C w n o n C p u e u Kennington CP Old MarstonCP t C c r s o l u l C n P Blewbury CP t u n C t e C e N l i h r P o Didcot CP a v Appleford-on -Thames CP o P m C P Radley CP n o e p Woodeaton CP y m u P Sandford-on-Thames CP y H Littlemore CP a m r r c g i and SandhillsCP Elsfield CP b g East o Courtenay CP b Risinghurst a u H h Moreton CP U N i r e a v n Wittenham CP u p p m t e C Clifton South n t Aston r 1 i . U h p e p l p o d h T Long P r e a p irrold CP Moreton CP i Blackbird Aston n C L m n e C 0 Marsh BaldonCP e r n Nort T Wittenham CP y g w o oot BaldonCP P 0 s C P a and StowoodCP c 0 with ShotoverCP h u Little P Horspath CP Garsington CP e Berinsfield CP 2 Beckley Dorchester CP t Forest Hill i e h t Moulsford CP 3 h t d o 3 i r Cholsey CP Brightwell-cum 4 n St. LeonardCP h i -Sotwell CP St. JohnCP s Wheatley CP W 3 g e p Stanton Stadhampton CP and DentonCP Drayton e arborough CP W s Cuddesdon d r allingford CP . Holton CP South StokeCP e Little MiltonCP e Goring CP r m p Whitchurch-on-Thames CP r Salome CP Crowmarsh CP Newington CP i s o Berrick Benson CP s d with ThomleyCP Milton CP i Chalgrove CP u o W Great W Goring HeathCP aterperry c n o aterstock CP t Woodcote CP i o Ipsden CP Haseley CP Ewelme CP f t n i Baldwin CP Brightwell -with-Albury CP Great Checkendon CP h with EasingtonCP T n iddington e C f Nuf C r u i Pyrton CP n x field CP h o a Stoke RowCP g Salome CP m M n e Britwell Wheatfield CP a T a p t s C Swyncombe CP l l r m e Stoke Kidmore EndCP T d o etsworth CP a Rotherfield PeppardCP u g r l e C h l a e r m C o P H A r o i d w Nettlebed CP g W P w h C atlington CP m e T n o S f H l h l C o m Lewknor CP o a o S m n m r C P h n o e C i Rotherfield GreysCP i r n S n C e b P g u y Rowant CP P d r r n C P e Aston n Bix and h P Eye andDunsdenCP Binfield HeathCP with StonorCP a T m C owersey CP Pishill P Harpsden CP Assendon CP Crowell CP Chinnor CP Henley-on-Thames CP page 13 Shiplake CP

What is Countryside Access? and howtofindfunds. can do;howtogethelp; your parish:Whatyou to improveaccessin parish councilcanhelp looking athowyour chapter wewillbe whole document;inthis Here isthecoretothis local access Improving Chapter 3: Countryside overgrowth tobeclearedfromapath, ortomark perhaps just aquickphonecall,to askfor an individualbasis. landowners willbeknown toparishcouncillorson remote and'bigbrother-ish'. Butmany authority isnecessarily formalandcanseem Any approachtoalandownerfromthehighway for localpeople: T your mostimportantrolesasbeing: with obstructions–ifyousowish.Butwesee powers todirectlytakeenforcementaction deal or makeimprovementstolocalpaths;italso has Y plan andachievemanyoftheseimprovements. paths andwewouldlikeyoutofeelthatcan focus onwhatimprovementsareneededtoyour In anutshelltheparishcouncilisbestplacedto for newcomers. available tothem-anditwillbeespeciallyuseful residents whomaynotknowwhatpathsare the parishcanopenupnewopportunitiesfor use paths.Producingamapoflocalaccesswithin can makebigdif stile foragate,orwaymarkingmeanderingpath improvements. including parishcouncils,canmakepath Users, landownersandalllocalauthorities, o bethelocalvoice,dealingwithissues our parishcouncilhaslotsofpowerstomaintain Access - Simplethingslikechanginga ferences totheabilityofpeople

An informalrequestfrom you, A ParishGuide ef out apathonploughedfield,canbemuchmore concerned; peoplefromtheircommunity landowner willknowthatitislocalpeoplewhoare Pro-active managersofthelocalnetwork: process. protected andimprovedthroughtheplanning ensure thatlocalpathsandopenspacesare proposals onlocalpaths. important isaroundtheef One particularareainwhichyourvigilanceisvery Protecting localpathsfromdevelopment: Rights ofW changes, orformorestrategicissuessuchasthe we consultwithyouaboutapplicationsforpath to tapintothatlocalknowledge,forexamplewhen are manyoccasionswhenwe(andothers)need parish andhowitreallyworksthanyoudo. No otherorganisationknowsmoreaboutyour The sourceoflocalinformation: dif carry outthoseminortasks thatmakesucha W local changesmightmeanontheground. levels itisdif stiles. picking, grasscutting, fixing gatesorreplacing organised, perhaps usinglocalcontractors, fective thanaletterfromthecountycouncil. e wanttoencourageyou touseyourpowers ference tolocalusers; waymarking,litter There's awealth oftasksthatcan belocally ay ImprovementPlan. ficult forustofullyappreciatewhat At thedistrictandcounty fects ofplanning . Y page 14 There ou can

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Improving local access Countryside improvements: councils canbringmore resourcesforpath However therearetwo particularwaysthatparish practical worksthrough externalfundingsources. have towait.Fundsareoftenavailablefor mean thatimprovementsinyourparishshould protection andmaintenancerole,butthisdoesn't pressing need,predominantlyonourstatutory try toallocateresourcesaccordingthemost Our fundingislimitedandlikelytoremainso. W Gathering resourcesforlocalimprovements: aspirations. collect andfocusthecommunity'sideas network. important tothemhelprealisethatperfect dif Local communitiescananddomakeareal or ride,andwithallaccessproperlyrecorded. show residentsandvisitorswheretheycanwalk surfaces, withinformationavailablelocallyto and waymarked,pathsallclearwithgood network; accessibletoeverybody Few parisheswillhavetheperfectaccess parish's accessnetwork: The championforideastoimprovethe working withthelandowner volunteers oryourparish'sownworkforce, ference andknowwhatimprovementsare The parishcouncilisthenaturalbodyto Access - A

ParishGuide . , fullysigned e successful youhave been 4 Implementtheprojects andseehow projects 3 Planhowtoprogressandfundthese 2 Developideasforimprovements. 1 Findoutwhatlocalpeoplewant. a simplesetofstages: Getting started T labour landowner mayhelpwithtransportandeven kits tositeacrossfieldscanbeheavywork-a access byreplacingstileswithgates.Gettinggate farmers. Forexample,youmaywishtoimprove your ownworkforce,orenlistingthehelpoflocal mobilising localresources,whethervolunteers, Secondly which includestopublicaccess. money ongeneralimprovementstoyourarea, of publicpathsandyouhavetherighttospend council's incometoexpenditureonmaintenance Firstly o helpimproveaccessinyourparishwesuggest , youhavetherighttoallocatesomeofyour . , muchcanoftenbeachievedby page 15

Improving local access Countryside plans intoreality and thepracticalstepstobringtheseideas and thengiveyousomepointersastofunding parishes andcommunitygroupshavebeendoing studies toshowthesortofthingsthatother in abitmoredetail,wewillgiveyousomecase Once we'velookedatthefirsttwoofthesesteps useful frameworktomake improvements: The visionandaimsoftheRoWIP www plans areavailableonlineat the countryside.Itandannualdeliveryactions background towhatpeoplethinkaboutaccess to a goodstartingpointforunderstandingthe Oxfordshire's RightsofW support onceprojectsgetdeveloped. local needswillalsohelptosecurefundingand people needandwant.Basingimprovementson normally dependsonidentifyingwhatthoselocal local involvementinimprovingcountrysideaccess It goeswithoutsayingthatsecuringsuccessful Stage 1. residents andvisitorswantorneed Finding outwhataccessimprovementsyour .oxfordshire.gov

Access - . .uk/rowip A ay ImprovementPlanis ParishGuide providea 4. life intheCounty rights ofwayfulfiltheirroleasavitalpart understanding ofthenetwork,sothatpublic and improvetheextent,use network forallusersandwould-beusers, T Improvement Planis: The visionforOxfordshire'sRightsofW 3. T 2. 1. following aimsachieved: o realisethisvisionweneedtoseethe o improvetheexistingpublicrightsofway enjoy theirrights,in a responsibleway and visitorsareable tounderstandand A enables accessforall A our culturalheritage managers, thenaturalenvironmentand accommodating theinterestsofland needs anddemandsofuserswhilst A well maintained Public rightsofwayareprotectedand thrivingcountrysidewhereresidents publicrightsofwaynetworkwhich betterjoined-upnetworkthatmeetsthe . ay page 16

Improving local access Countryside As partofworktoproducetheRightsW of likelydemand. this isjustasmallfractionofthecountywidelevel were submittedbyjust47localcouncils.However to existingandpotentialnewpublicrightsofway Over 500suggestionsforspecificimprovements rights ofwaynetwork. to improvepublicrightsofwayandthe organisations tosubmittheirsuggestionsforways communities, usergroups,individualsand Improvement Planin2003weaskedlocal collated and,sincetheRoWIP version canbefoundontheRoWIP potential routesthatarenotindicated. so theremaybeerrorsandother have beenmade. been addedtowithothersuggestionsasthey potentially beaddressedthroughdif information onthepathsandissuesthatcould This isintendedtoprovideonesourceof safer alternative toroaduse ormakeroadcrossings people, linkingroutes to avoidorprovidean furniture upgradestomake accesseasierformore Measures tohelpresolve themcouldinclude as wellthecountycouncilwhenpossible. councils, localplanningauthorities,usergroups, approaches byorganisationssuchaslocal or theirlocal facilities. , orroutesthat connectpeopleto eachother Access - These suggestionshavebeen The studyisaworkinprogress These could bestandalone A ParishGuide wasadopted,have webpages. ferent The current ay Parish PathPoll: you maybeworkingon. development ofothercommunityledplansthat that countrysideaccessisincludedinthe path pollbutitmightbejustaseasytoensure do thisthroughaspecialsurveysuchasparish transport strategy Local DevelopmentFramework,integrated projects orschemesthatarelinkedtoanarea's need nowandinthefuturetheirareas. be askedaboutthedetailofwhattheyactually date thereisnoreasonwhylocalpeopleshouldn't As someofthisinformationmaybealittleout specific developmentsthatarise. evidence –butevenmoreimportantly path pollmaybejustthetoolforprovidingthat people; ifyoudon'thaveaParishPlan,parish importance ofhavinggoodevidencefromlocal grant aidyouwillbeleftinnodoubtaboutthe When thetimecomestomakeapplicationsfor interviews withpathusers. in pairs,notingpeople seenandconducting Surveys canbecarried outbyvolunteers,working residents. out theviewsofalargeproportionyour have identified keyimprovements throughthis improvements thatmattertolocal people.Ifyou very simplebutcanreally pinpointthe , greeninfrastructurestrategyor

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Improving local access Surveying yourpaths: use thewalksasacommunityactivity?). council asawhole,thinksaboutthem(orperhaps your nominatedfootpathsperson,ortheparish also walkthepathsinyourparishandseewhat In additiontotalkinglocalpeople,youcould 'Furniture' improvements: parishes made? So, whatsortofimprovementshaveother refer to. digital camerawithyoutomakethingseasy to bridleway). W see upgraded(forinstancefromfootpathto possible newroutesoryouwouldwantto or surfaceimprovementmeasureseven are outinthefield. where improvementsmightbeneededwhenyou your parishsoyoucanmarkdownthelocations you useacopyofthedefinitivemapextractfor or thecommunityasawhole.W maybe youngpeopleorparentswithpushchairs, could bebasedonaparticulargroup'sviewpoint- worked withtheCotswold V volunteers obtainedlandowneragreementand way toimprove accessandalsomake theaccess Many people findstilesdif free walks replace stileswithgates inorderto Countryside intheirparish. e alsosuggestthatyoutakea Access - These couldincludefurniture

A ficult andthis isagreat ParishGuide oluntary W Epwellvillage e suggestthat create stile ardens to This furniture easiertomaintaininthefuture. dif stock-proof. However landowners preferkissinggatesastheyaremore bridle gatesareeasiestforusersbutmany fields shouldyouneedagate.Pedestrianor the hedgeorfence.Onlyifthereisstockin Access betweenfieldsiseasiestthroughagapin adopt the'leastrestrictiveaccessprinciple'. The basicpremiseforyourworkmustbeto many peoplewillappreciateastilefreewalk. babies inbackpacks–it'ssurprisingjusthow or pushchairusers,andevenyoungparentswith elderly free walkcanopenupthecountrysideto in onthelegallineof path. will alsoneedtoensure thatanynewgateisput mobility vehiclesforpeople withdisabilities. cyclists (notonfootpaths), pluspedestriansand in width. wide andbridlegatesshouldbeatleast1.5m (5ft) Pedestrian gatesshouldbeatleast1m(3'3”) not begrantaidedbyexternalfunders. which willkeepstocksecure.Ingeneral,stiles will supplied withareliableself-closingmechanism push chairs.Nowadays,mostgatekitsare disabilities orforpeoplewithsmallchildrenand Map andStatement heldbyyour parish clerk. by lookingat thelatestversionof theDefinitive ficult tonegotiateparticularlyforpeoplewith , theoverweight,shortpeople,wheelchair This willallowthepassageofhorsesand , kissinggatescanbe Y ou cancheckthis A stile page 19 Y ou

Improving local access Countryside shapes and formssothinkabout the local about putting upanoticeboard. village shoporpub-and speaktotheowner people congregateor pass by–suchasthe A countryside. you canencouragemorepeopletoenjoythe local villages. information aboutcountrysideaccessaround their put upaccessnoticeboardswithmapsand The parishesofCumnorand Better information: are ofasuitablestandardandselfclosing. source gatesforyou—butpleaseensurethatthey decide touseacontractortheyshouldbeable Oxfordshire listedinthe are otherlocalsuppliersofgatesandstilesin www from of accessibility British Standardandof for rightsofwaywhichconformtotherelevant leading specialistsuppliersofeasytousegates Centrewire andBlackburnFraseraretwoofthe to wrestlewithheavyfieldgates. run throughthereserveandusersnolongerhave number ofaccessiblegatesonthebridlewaysthat At itsOtmoorreservetheRSPBhasinstalleda goodwaytodothisis tothinkaboutwhere www .blackburnfraser This isoneofthesimplestwaysinwhich .gatesandstiles.com . Furtherdetailscanbeobtained Access - .co.uk fer optionsforthebesttype Y A ellow Pages,andifyou ParishGuide Aston Rowanthave

Alternatively there and They come inall your residents, aswellbeingimportant for A Improving surfaceson keypaths: This cansavetimeand moneyinthelongrun! status arecorrectagainst theDefinitiveMap. of wayandwalkingorridingroutes,theline and Please checkthat,ifyouareshowingpublic rights Service. information isavailablefromtheCountryside There arecertaincopyrightrulesandfurther usually becoveredbyouragreementwithOS. licence alreadybut,ifnot,anoticeboardwill we canhelp;yourcouncilmayhaveasuitable (OS) mapsthenthiswillneedtobelicensed.But just usingtracedmaps)onOrdnanceSurvey If youareplanningtobaseyourinformation(even businesses too! good forthewalkersandriders, as shops,pubs,andaccommodation. that visitorsandresidentsmayfinduseful,such other attractions. show alloftheroutesinparishaswell showing whatisavailableinyourarea. W will bemostusefultobothvisitorsandresidents. material touse. environment andsettingwhenplanningthe lotofpaths areusefulintheday to daylivesof alking andridingmapsareareallygoodwayof Think alsoaboutwhatinformation And doincludelocalbusinesses

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Improving local access A base ifconditionsareverysoft. with stoneorasphalt,perhapsovera'geotextile' improve thepathbywideningit,orsurfacingit aids. Inthesecasesitmaybeappropriateto to usepushchairs,wheelchairsandotherwalking people withmobilitydif there maybeaneedtomaketherouteseasierfor and shoes–theyaren'tequippedformud.Or people usingthesepathsareinordinaryclothes school orworkareusedallyearround.Often, recreation. Manyroutesusedforjourneysto the towncouncil hasenabledmore than1km Thame people. that itcanbeusedbyamuchwiderrangeof dif volunteers onitsCuttleBrookreserveto for V the towncounciltoavoid havingtoraisemoney People, andthenplace ordersforworksthrough into awiderangeoffunds, includingPlacesfor where thevolunteergroup hasbeenabletotap particularly fruitfulpartnershiphasbeenformed provides. the wildlifeandopenspacethatreserve paths fullyaccessible ef bridges, andalsowithre-surfacingthepaths. Countryside smooth,firmanddrysurfacecanmakeabig fort withvegetationclearing,boardwalksand ference totheusabilityofapath,andmeans A T . Byworking alongsidethevolunteer group T own Councilhasdonealotofworkwith The workhasincludedlotsofvolunteer Access - ficulties, includingneeding sothatanyonecanenjoy A ParishGuide make A frustration and youcanhelpusto keepontopof the agreement. owner andliaisingwith us–andfortomake – identifyinganeeded link,talkingtotheland 4, it'sgenerallyeasierforyoutodothe'local bits' in yourownrightbut,aswetalkaboutChapter make agreementswithlandownersfornew paths safer accesstothewidercountryside? communities toeachotherorenableeasier or Other ideas: users. maintenance issues,andpossibleimpactson look andsettingofthelocalenvironment,future This includesthinkingabouttheimpactson proper assessmentismadeoftheworkneeded. W need togivetheirconsentbeforeyougoahead. work withusandthelandownerasbothparties volunteers andlocalcouncilsbutyouwillneedto Thame andelsewhere,itcanbedoneby appropriate technicalexpertise. needs carefulthoughtcombinedwiththe Surface improvementofpathsissomethingthat contractors andvolunteerlabour to ahighstandardusingmixtureofprofessional (more thanhalfamile)ofpathstobebroughtup e willworkwithyoutohelpmakesurethata Overgrown pathsarearegularsummer What aboutcreatingnewroutesthatconnect As we'veseenin . Y ou can page 21

Improving local access local routes. can onpathsthatareclosetothevillageorkey yourselves, ormowingmorefrequentlythanwe them bycarryingoutsomeofthemowing your networkeasily to makesurethatpeoplecanfindtheirwayround Rogation Sunday bounds', whichtraditionallytookplaceon reinstate oldtraditionssuchas'beatingthe to surveyallofthepathsinyourparish? Oxfordshire. Sowhatisa'healthwalk'? they areplayingalargepartincreatinghealthier schemes arepoppingupalloverthecounty and from aHealthW regular toreallymakeanimpact. its morethanjustastroll,anditneedstobe on aregularbasis.'purposefulandbrisk'means definition is:apurposeful,briskwalkundertaken starting ahealth walksschemein yourParish,the contributes topoorhealth).Ifyou areinterestedin distraction fromlife'severyday stresses(stress networks enhancehealth &well-being)anda an opportunitytomeet otherpeople(goodsocial have ahealthimpacton individualsbyproviding promoting anactivelifestyle,organisedwalks can Countryside How aboutputtinginsomeextrawaymarking Why don'tyousetupanannualwalkingevent How manyofyourparishionerswouldbenefit Access - alks scheme?HealthW . , andfeelconfidentdoingso? A ParishGuide As wellas The short alks Y ou could RoWIP From talkingwithlocalpeople,lookingatthe [email protected] b) Developing thoseideasforimprovements Stage 2. a) clarify andnarrowthings downalittle: detail isadded.Here is oursuggestionforhowto will needtobeworkedonsothatalittlemore This islikelytoproducealong'wish-list',and this needed. map onthecommunitynotice-boardisallthat is publishing aparishguideorputtinganaccess know whatwalksareavailabletothemand maybe you'vefoundoutthatpeopleoftendon't with youngchildrenorperhapsfortheelderly?Or stiles changedforgates,betteraccessparents may haveshownthatpeoplewantbettersigning, improve localaccess.Forexample,yourresearch good ideaoftherangeideasthatwillhelp Barbara Jordan, 704007, community Development Development Of help you.PleasecontactoneoftheirCommunity (e.g gateimprovements, maintenance or dif categorise these sotheymakesome sense collate thesuggestions fromallofthe anddoingalocalsurvey ferent sources [email protected] ficers: BrianConroy T el: 01844217904, T eam maybeableto , youwillhavea .uk , T el: 01993 .uk page 22 or

Improving local access Countryside score canbe usedtoassignapriority toparticular limited resources thananother improvement ismorevaluable anddeservingof tool fordecidingwhether andwhyone attributes providesan objective decisionmaking process ofassigningscores againstdif each otherinastructuredandobjectiveway be ausefultoolforevaluatingactionsagainst prioritisation, thiskindofframeworkanalysis can improvements and,therefore,moreneedfor When consideringalargenumberofpossible h) g) and thenfollowthisupby f) e) d) c) to gettheirviews stage extract ofthedefinitivemap links etc) repair works,newof including theproposalsinyourParishPlans getting widercommunityapprovalof against eachother score theproposalstoseehowtheystackup speak toyourarearightsofwayfield speak tolandownersyouknowattheearliest draw theseonaphotocopyoftheparish's planned inthelocality housing orcommercialdevelopmentis plans, aswellspeakingtodevelopersif and inotherdocumentsstrategies proposals ifneeded Access - f-road links,roadverge A ParishGuide . The accumulated ferent . ficer The suggestions putforward: following factorsasawayof'scoring'eachthe Y using thissimplemethod. predetermined objectivesareclearlyshownup the abilityofproposalstodeliveragainst important factors;weaknessesorlimitationsin subject toscrutinywithrespectanumberof assigning scoresmeansthateachproposalis actions inatransparentmanner Amenity importance Strategic Catchment Connectivity ou mightliketoconsiderallorsomeofthe local network? recreational useofthepathor improvement likelytobe for How importantisthe parish route thatpassesthrough the joining linksinawalkingorriding in itselfbutmaybeessentialfor may seeminglybeofnointerest short stretchofroadsideverge reaching aims?Forexample,a improvement toachievingwider How importantisthis to benefitfromtheimprovement? How manyuserswillbeexpected proposed improvementbenefit? public rightsofway)willthe way (orminorroadsleadingto How manyotherpublicrightsof . The processof page 23

Improving local access Countryside Access - A Parish Guide page 24

Utility How important is the Stage 3. improvement likely to be for Planning how to make progress with your meeting the needs of commuting selected projects or other day to day journeys? So you've done your research, found out what Equality Is the suggestion going to make improvements people would like to see and the path more accessible for decided what seem to be the most important more people, including those with disabilities or other restrictions ones to focus on. Now it's time for us to briefly such as pushchairs or toddlers? say a bit about making those projects happen, and one of your first concerns is likely to be Potential Does this improvement open up finding the money and other resources that you other valuable opportunities? may need. Against How serious are any negative implications arising from the Always look to see what resources you've got to proposal (e.g. effects on land management or particular user hand; Are there land owners who could help with groups.)? NB. This category will improvements, or rectify local problems – or just attract scores of 0 to -3. be amenable to making things better for walkers, Improving local access cyclists and horse riders? Do you have volunteers Deliverability Are the landowners and tenants supportive of this proposal? It is in the parish that could help, or is there enough suggested that those projects interest to start a group or encourage existing that have such approval will community groups to think about access? score highly in this 'reality check' part of the scoring Where can I get the money for access Score With the exception of 'Against', projects? all categories are scored from 0 – You can seek funding from a variety of sources to 3, where '0' relates to zero help support your project. We've briefly benefit and '3' to high benefit. Scores can be summed to give a mentioned how funding for countryside access number based ranking of improvements can come from the parish's own proposals. right to spend money on improvements to its area or from the mobilisation of people in the Once these two stages are worked through it is community. But there are several other sources of time to look at how you can bring these ideas to fruition…… grants that parish councils and local volunteer Countryside point: need more,butthefollowinglistisagoodstart bodies maynotneedallofthisandsome unforeseen obstacles.Someprojectsandfunding that yourprojectdoesnotgetdelayedby be abletosay'yes'you–andmakesure everything necessarytoenableafundingbody to want tomakesurethateachprojectproposal has Before youstartgettingabidtogethermight Environment isalsodetailed. such asLearning,CommunitySafetyandthe general grantavailabilityinmajortopicareas grants aredividedintotherelevantdistrictsand opportunities acrossthecounty This guidegivesanoverviewoffunding ndgrants www Oxfordshire: grant istheGuidetoFundingOpportunitiesin One ofthebestplacestocheckforsources pays tocheckthedetailsregularly time restrictedandsoareliabletochange,it groups cantapinto.(Theseschemesareoften .oxfordshire.gov Access - .uk/links/public/fundinga A ParishGuide . Local .) Authority page 25

Improving local access economic benefits to projects that bringenvironmental, socialand “outstanding naturalbeauty”. landscapes, designated becauseoftheir nationally importantand legallyprotected Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beauty(AONBs)are grant scheme: Sustainable DevelopmentFund–an funding throughthefollowingorganisations: environmental projectsmightbeabletoaccess of anactivesite),andqualifyingcommunity available inpartsofOxfordshire(within10miles Landfill CommunitesFund: larger grants,theLEADERfund. area; theLottery's Sustainable Developmentfunds,ifyouareintheir Chilterns' andCotswolds'ConservationBoard Look attheLandfillCommunitiesFund; set upforaccessprojects? Are thereanyspecificgrantschemesthatare Countryside SIT Bif V (WREN): W iridor Credits: aste RecyclingEnvironmentalLimited faward: A

T rust: www Access - http://www http://www

A .wren.org.uk/ www wards for AONB, including countryside .viridor-credits.co.uk/ A .biffaward.org/ .sitatrust.org.uk/ ParishGuide Grantsupportis

T All fund;and,for o encourage AONB

[email protected] information. 01844355521 Email Interpretation Of AONB. ContactClaire Forrest,Information& awarded forlocalprojectswhichbenefitthe Parishes Fund.Grantsofupto£500canbe apply forsmallgrantstotheChilterns South OxfordshireparishesintheChilterns can Chilterns [email protected] 862000 Email: please contacttheprojectof request aninformationpackordiscussaproject If youareintheCotswoldsandwouldliketo [email protected]. Countryside Of to applyforagrant,contactKathDaly If yourparishisintheChilternsandyouwouldlike to £5000canbemadesuccessfulprojects. Cotswolds, runSDFschemeswhereawardsofup AONBs. In Oxfordshirewearefortunatetohavethree within theirareas. Sustainable DevelopmentFundsforgoodprojects access projects,theirConservationBoardsrun T wo ofthese,theChilternsand AONB ParishesFund:

ficer ficer attheboard,formore , T el 01844355524,orEmail ficer . T

el: 01451 , AONB page 26

Improving local access general each LAGwillincludebasic to checkout theirfundingpriorities. In each LEADERprogramme coversand identify whichareasof Oxfordshire talk totheprogramme managersto funded. Pleasevisitthe websitesor parishes fallingwithinthemcanbe all havetightlydefinedareasandonly suitable projectsinOxfordshire. Groups (LAGs)allocatingmoneyto There arethreeLEADERLocal between 2008and2013. (RDPE). Moniesaretobeallocated Development ProgrammeforEngland funding ispartoftheRural and communityorganisations. funding forfarmers,foresters,ruralbusinesses The LEADERProgrammeisamajorsourceof LEADER FundingforRuralCommunities: community includingparishandtowncouncils. £10,000 areavailabletograssrootsgroupsinthe quicker decisiontimes.Grantsbetween£300and of form, orcall08454102030. about theprogrammeandtogetanapplication web site for The BigLotteryFundlaunchedanew-look A Countryside wards for fers aneasilyaccessibleprogrammewith All programmein2009.V www All Programme: .awardsforall.org.uk Access - A ParishGuide isit the The The newscheme Action They A to getdetails wards for A wards

All South OxfordshireandV The threeLEADERareasare: suitable projects. the £5-20,000range,butcangoupto£50,000for LEADER istargetedatprojectsneedinggrantsin support accessworksundertheseheadings. in itsgrantschemesanditmaybepossibleto community services,tourismorheritageelements Horse: www Oxfordshire DistrictCouncilon01491823176 Contact theProgrammeManageratSouth .southernoxfordshireleader

ale oftheWhite .org.uk page 27

Improving local access 210447. Contact theProgrammeManageron01844 The Chilterns: Countryside nDocument aonb/NWDW www 01225 71342. Email North W .northwessexdowns.org.uk/wba/nwd- [email protected] www essex Downs: ebsiteV2.nsf/$LUcontent/9.4?Ope .chilternsleader Access - A ParishGuide .org.uk .uk

or tel www Y in yourareaareavailable ontheOCV the latestinformationabout fundingopportunities that coverOxfordshire.Newsletterscontaining compilers ofseveralnewslettersorfactsheets lot ofthisworkhasbeendoneforyoubythe can applytoatanyparticulartime.Fortunately a a bitofinvestigatingtofindallthemthatyou Grant schemescomeandgoitcantake quite Is thereanyotherfunding? ou canaccessitbygoing to .oxnet.org.uk/development

A website. page 28

Improving local access reading@btcv http: downloaded fromtheCotswold beyond justthe and coversmanygrantsthatareapplicable packed newsletterwhichisproducedannually 'Cotswold Grants'isaveryusefulandinformation at: (OALC) alsocarriesfundingadviceonitswebsite The Oxfordshire T on makinggrantapplicationsandcanbefoundat: The 'Fundfinders'websitecontainsusefuladvice www around thecounty(seebelow). that alreadycarryoutworkinvariouslocations work withoneoftheestablishedvolunteergroups Y Why notsetupavolunteergroup? at setting upyourvolunteer group;seeitswebsite is anationalorganisation thatcanhelpwith BTCV (British variety oftasks. experience ofworkingwithvolunteersonawide work onyourlocalRightsofW occasionally oronaregularbasistocomplete Countryside rust on01 ou cansetupyourownparishgrouptomeet www http://www //www .cotswoldsaonb.org.uk .btcv 18 9475049email .funderfinder .org/thamesandchilterns T .oalc.org.uk/FundingNews2.htm Access - .org.uk rust forConservationV AONB. Association ofLocalCouncils

The newslettercanbe .org.uk/index.php A ParishGuide ay AONB websiteat They havelotsof . Oryoucan

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This iswhere thechecklistinsection threeis the workthat hasgotthescheme tothisstage. and visitors–manyof whommaynotbeawareof This partofprojectsis veryimportanttoresidents successful youhave been Implementing yourprojects andseeinghow Stage 4. of travel expensesandasenseofachievement are footpaths open.Support,training,equipment, well asfarmersandlocalresidentstohelpkeep wardens regularlyworkwithparishcouncils as and treeplantingtoinstallingkissinggates. with projectsfromdry-stonewalling,hedgelaying, Board andvolunteertheirtimeskillstohelp wardens arepartoftheCotswoldsConservation and, today Service wasestablishedin1968. Society insurance coverissuppliedbytheChiltern healthy exerciseatthesametime. atmosphere andthechanceforsomegood of theChilternSocietyand Oxfordshire) ingoodcondition. rights ofwayintheSouthChilterns(South Paths MaintenanceV AONB V Path MaintenanceV volunteer organisations-the Our Field fered inreturnforvolunteers'valuabletime. . oluntary W The CotswoldV T , thereareover340members. eam alreadyworkswithtwolocal ardens. olunteers olunteers helptokeeppublic oluntary W

fers asocial South Chilterns The SouthChilterns The groupispart and the Anyone canjoin All toolsand ardens Cotswold The page 29 The

Improving local access Countryside level ofadviceor Countryside Servicecannotprovideaguaranteed on thepublicrightsofwaynetwork.However contractors whoweknowcandohighqualitywork and wecanpointyouintherightdirectionfor the teamwilltrytohelpyouasmuchwecan, Our arearightsofwayfield help youtomakesuretheprojectgoessmoothly important. Havingallofthemattersinplacewill works forprojectsonpublicrightsofway wider communitywould wanttoknowaboutthis. consider issuingapress releaseifyoufeelthe time tolookbackatwhat youhaveachievedand ef W applications fortheproject. consultants orcontractors,ifneeded,intheirgrant recommended toincludethefullcostsof of adviceandtechnicalsupport. landowner alongasguest ofhonour opening –andevenbetterifyouinvitethe can beanicefinishtohaveaninauguralwalk or newsletter orwebsite.Oncetheworksaredone it bodies andalsolookgreatinyourparish possible astheseareappreciatedbyfunding photographs'. Pleasetakeasmanyimages as checklist about'before,duringandafter fort willbemadetotryandprovidesomelevel e woulddrawyourattentiontothepartin Access - fer toundertakethepractical A ParishGuide ficers andtherestof Applicants are . T ake the . Every . homepage atwww website. mechanism onOxfordshireCountyCouncil's accessed mosteasilybythe'WhereIlive'search parishioners' information,andthiscanbe will bedisplayedonourwebsiteforyouandyour recent accessimprovementsthatarecarriedout Finally area. 'Countryside accessimprovements'inthatparish news' and'Countywideheadingstofindthe down list. of themaporchooseaparishnamefromdrop the mapofOxfordshireandeitherclickonanarea , informationaboutthemajorityofmost T o havealook,gototheOCC Then scrolldownthroughthe'Local .oxfordshire.gov .uk ,scrollto page 30

Improving local access section youneed. people are,thisisthe responsibilities ofother or whatthe available toyourcouncil, what powersare If youwanttofindout what? Who cando Chapter 4: Countryside involved withcountrysideaccess,theseare: rights andresponsibilitiesofallthekeyplayers Here wehaveincludedanoverviewofthe into thedetailofwhocanorshoulddowhat. Four termsneedtobethoughtaboutbeforeweget them here,are: Simple definitionsofeachthese,aswemean are: duties;powers;rightsandresponsibilities. obligation tocarryout;thereisnoelementof of goodpractice. whether laiddowninstatutes orasamatter or individualcanbecalled toaccount; 'Responsibilities' or organisation. can beexercisedatthewillofindividual 'Rights' do tomakethingshappen. 'Powers' discretion, thelawsaysthattheymustbedone. 'Duties' The Local developers Land owners,farmers,occupiersand Users Inspectorate Defra, NaturalEngland&thePlanning County Council District andCityCouncils Parish and –actionsthatabodyhaslegal –legallyenshrinedopportunitiesthat –actionsthatabodycanchooseto Access - Access Forum T own Councils –actionsforwhicha body A ParishGuide These a pathblocked byexcessiveovergrowth, they exercise of a right.If,say to removeanuisance that isaf Abatement isthecommon lawrighttotakeaction limited, butstillsignificant, powerofabatement. path conditionsarerestricted totheancient, The powersofindividualuserstodirectlyaf Powers: often easierforwalkerstomakewaycyclists. walkers andhorse-riders,althoughinpractice itis On bridleways,cyclistshaveadutytogiveway to roadworthy licensed andinsured,vehiclesmustbefully the rulesofroadapply;driversmustbe byway isjustasmuchahighwaythe the publiconbywaysopentoalltraf nutshell; motorvehiclescanlegallybeusedby further legaldutiesimposedonthem.Ina users, especiallymotorvehiclehave All usersoweeachotheradutyofcarebutsome to obeythelawsofland. the upkeepofnetworkthroughourtaxesand to managingrightsofway;onlycontribute As userswehavenospecificdutieswithrespect Duties: carriage driversandmotorists Users –walkers,horseriders,cyclists,

, registeredandtaxed. , awalkercomes across fecting the fic. But,a A40 and page 31 fect

Who can do what? Countryside obstructions removed. Users have rightstotakelegalaction toget dogs (underclosecontrol) andpushchairs. 'natural accompaniment' toyourjourney things withyouthatmight beconsideredtoa There isconsideredtobearighttakecertain race horsesintraining. walked upanddownapathtakingnotesabout 1900 whowasheldtobeatrespasserforhaving – themostfamouscasebeingofajournalist in and re-passtheycanbeclassedasatrespasser path.) Ifausergoesbeyondtheirrighttopass right tospecificallygooutpicniconapublic and, perhaps,eatabiteoflunch.(But,thereisno their righttopass,userscanrestalongtheway highway (seeChapter2,p.xx).Whenexercising using whatevermeansisallowedonthattypeof rights aretopassandre-passalongthehighway By definitionrightsofwayusersenjoyrights. Rights: damage. and furtheractioncouldevenconstitutecriminal they nolongerhavethepowertoremovematerial person canconvenientlycarryontheirjourney the bulkofobstructionmayremain,oncea right todetouraroundanobstruction. past. Iftheycan'tgetthrough,alsohavethe have thepowertoremovejustenoughofitget Access - A usercanapply tothe A ParishGuide Although , including The A-D Highways prevent theobstructionofahighway(sections130 magistrates' courttocompelanauthority highway authoritytorepairthepath. obstructed) ausercantakeactiontocompelthe Where apathisoutofrepair(ratherthan court (sections134and137Highways an obstruction,againthroughthemagistrates' action directlyagainstthelandownertoremove Responsibilities: Definitive MapandStatement. to applyhavethatpathrecordedonthe that anunrecordedpublicrightofwayexists and Anybody hastherighttopresentevidence us of repairitshouldbereportedtothe be seenasalastresort.Wheneverpathis out action shouldnormallynotbeneededand a 'section56notice'(s.56HA force repairstobecarriedout. nothing, actioncanbetakenthroughthecourtsto the pathispubliclymaintainablebutstilldoes maintainable. Ifthehighwayauthorityadmitsthat requiring ittostatethatthepathispublicly by servingnoticeonthehighwayauthority Keeping withinthelaw istheresponsibility Of duty considerately onpublicrightsofway andon ficer , ofallusers. Usersmustexercise theirrights . Act 1980).Userscanalsotake

80). The noticeiscalled This sortof Area Field This isdone Act 1980). , and page 32

Who can do what? Countryside Code. access land. messages forthepublic: Duties: countrysidecode www be seenat of theseheadings. The Codegivesmoredetailedadviceundereach by misleading signs. near tothe path); orbydiscouragement, suchas by intimidation(including aggressiveanimalskept physically: forexample byfencesorlockedgates; closed). or onaccessland(that hasn'tbeenformally rights ofaccess,whetheronapublicright way doing anythingthatwillinterferewiththepublic's farmers, occupiersordevelopers)isoneofnot The primarydutyoflandmanagers(owners, Landowners, farmersanddevelopers Countryside Consider otherpeople Keep dogsunderclosecontrol litter home Protect plantsandanimals,takeyour Leave gatesandpropertyasyoufindthem Be safe–planaheadandfollowanysigns .naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/

They mustn'tobstruct access either This meansfollowingthe Access - The fullCountrysideCodecan The Codehasfivekey A ParishGuide Statement. aren't recordedontheDefinitiveMapand Adequate widthsmustbeleft,evenwherethese they aren'tabletoavoidploughingthem. Land managersmustre-instatepathspromptlyif restrict thewidthofpathavailable. not getinthewayofpeopleusingapathorunduly branches shouldbekeptcutbacksothattheydo from obstructingpaths.Hedgerowsorlow Land managershaveadutytokeepovergrowth stiles orgatesinasafe,usablecondition. given. away fromthepublicandadequatewarnings using theirland.Knownhazardsmustbekept All landmanagersoweadutyofcaretopeople metres wide(but wepreferto seeatleast 5m). And field-edge bywaysmustbeat least3 metres wide; Field edgebridleways must beatleast3 1.8m); metres wide(butweprefer toseeatleast Field edgefootpathsmust beatleast1.5 must neverbeploughed; byways' mustbeatleast3metreswideand Cross-field byways('BOA metres wide; Cross-field bridlewaysmustbeatleast2 wide; Cross-field footpathsmustbeatleast1metre They alsohaveadutytomaintaintheir T s' and'restricted page 33

Who can do what? 1 Countryside Powers: reasons fordoingthis. for longerperiods,buttheymusthavegood 'Directions' thatenablethemtocloseaccessland managers canalsoapplytoNaturalEnglandfor can beusedtoexcludepeoplewithdogs.Land certain areasortousers;forexample,it The powertoexcludepeoplecanbelimited must normallybegiventoNaturalEngland. summer SaturdaysorSundays.Fivedaysnotice year limitations: Closureisrestrictedto28daysper close accessland–butonlysubjecttostrict Land managershavethepowertotemporarily Rights: times. cross theland–theymustbekeptopenatall land doesnotaf the public,wouldbeatrespassagainstowner and, ofcourse,theycandothingsthat,ifdone by managers allsortsofrightstoenjoytheirproperty Land ownershiportenancycangiveland So, forexample,alandmanager plough. of thepublic. right todoanythingthat interfereswiththerights that land.But,theland managergenerallyhasno guests, candrivevehicles onafootpathcrossing Legally occupier oftheland. , excludesbankholidaysandcannotinclude , anybodycan request adiversionbutinpractice wewillonlyconsiderapplications thathavethesupport oftheownerand/or

An exceptionmaybethe rightto Access - fect anypublicrightsofwaythat The powertocloseaccess A ParishGuide , ortheirinvited . anyway farmer toavoidploughingapath,buthedoesit avoid doingso.Ifitwouldn'tbeaproblemforthe plough apathifitisn'treasonablyconvenientto really onlyalegalexcusethatfarmermay Statement. or wheretherightisrecordedonDefinitive there islong-standingpracticetoploughthatpath, the lawallowsfarmerstoploughpathswhere path makesitlessconvenienttousers.However Ploughing orotherwisedisturbingthesurfaceofa management webpagesat More informationcanbefoundontheDefra land 'headland' path. There isnorighttoploughafield-edgeor by rollingandstakingitoutinsomeway 24 hoursofanyfurtherwork. the pathwithin14daysoffirstploughingor duty toreinstatethesurfaceandmarklineof Whenever apathisploughed,thefarmerhas www divert thepath orextinguishit.However modifying arightofway county counciltomake apublicpathorder Land managerscanask thedistrict,cityor caccess.htm .defra.gov , hecouldbecommittinganof This 'right'isn'tautomatic;thereis 1 .uk/foodfarm/landmanage/publi . Usuallythiswillbeto

This isusuallydone fence. , currently . page 34 , , Who can do what? 2 will treatsuchrequestsontheirmerits.W with therequestand,atCountyCouncil,we the localauthorityhasnoobligationtoproceed they areneededforkeepingstock.W public path.W There isnorighttoputagateorstileacross closures, suchas; to askforotherspecialtypesofdiversionor Certain ownersandmanagersmayhavetheright www orders andthisisavailableonourwebpagesat published ourguidancenoteaboutpublicpath landowner obligation forthesetobeprovidedbya pushchair arereadilyavailablebutthereisno Gates suitableforwheelchair our preferenceisforagaporgatebefore a stile. follow the'leastrestrictiveaccess'principles and wish. stiles, buttheycanmake provisionfordogsifthey landowner tomakeallowance fordogstogetpast Countryside Under section 31(6)Highways School securityorders gating' orders Crime preventionorders–oftencalled'Alley- orders Rail crossingdiversionorextinguishment .oxfordshire.gov . Similarly e canauthorisethesebutonlyif Access - , thereisnoobligationonthe .uk/definitivemap. Act 1980. A ParishGuide , powerscooterand e tryto e have

at least3metresmustbemaintained. path. Inthecaseofabridleway that thereisadequateheadroomforusersof the responsibility cutting backofvegetationwillbetheirongoing run nexttoahedgeorwoodland,theregular path. Ifapathistobeenclosedbyhedges, or isto does notoverhangorencroachontothepublic land oneithersideofarightway(overgrowth) A Responsibilities: prior consent. serves asadriveway surface ofapath,forexample,iffootpathalso Land managershavetherighttoimprove their lackofintentiontodedicateanyothers. which pathstheyacceptarepublicandrecording known asa'Section31(6)declaration')tousabout make astatutorydeclaration(sometimesalso recorded acrosstheirland,theyhavetherightto against futureclaimsforpublicrightsofwaytobe If alandownerwishestoprotectthemselves landownermustensurethatvegetationfrom width. be keptclearofgrowing cropsacrossitsfull Any pathrunningthrough afieldofcropsmust be clearedbytheowner ofthetree. Any treefallingacrossarightofwayshould . Careshouldalsobetakentoensure , butthismustbewithour 2 , clearheadroomof page 35

Who can do what? Countryside 3 Planning' below permission hasbeengranted. (See'Accessand development togoahead onceplanning or extinguishmentsthat maybeneededtoenable Developers the SPSPayment. W those whichbreachGAEC8–PublicRights of to theRuralPayments Agricultural &EnvironmentalConditions(GAEC) encouraged toreportbreachesofGood Scheme (SPS). the cross-compliancerulesofSinglePayment rights ofwayisakeyfarmactivitythatfallswithin The maintenanceoffreepassagealongpublic right ofwayunless: of employment. Specificrulesrelatetobulls:itisan at riskthehealthandsafetyofpersonsnotintheir All landmanagershavearesponsibilitynottoput necessary sothattheyaresafeandeasytouse. by us. on rightsofwayunlesstheyhavebeenerected maintenance ofstiles,gatesandotherstructures Landowners andoccupiersareresponsibleforthe 4

‘Section 94(4)' refers tothelistofbodiesdrawn upunders.94(4)Countryside &RightsofW The classically trained readermayprefer theterm'fora' butwewill use'forums'as itisthemore usualpluralterm used. fence tokeepanybullinafieldcrossedby ay ii) i) . The RP large withcowsorheifers. it isnotofarecogniseddairybreedandat the animalisunder10monthsoldor They shouldberepairedorreplacedwhen havetherighttoapply fordiversions A willthenconsiderareductionin Access - .) The CountyCouncil,is Agency ('RP A ParishGuide A'), particularly mechanically propelled vehicle); canoe orbyanymeans otherthanby lawful purpose(whether onfoot,horse,cycle, b) publicaccesstoland intheareaforanyother the enjoymentofarea; area forthepurposesofopen-airrecreation and vehicle oranyotherlawfulmeans)tolandin the or byhorse,cycle,canoe,mechanicallypropelled a) improvementofpublicaccess(whetheron foot following categories: bodies shouldfallwithinone(ormore)ofthe The advicewhichforumsgivetosection94(4) councils. 94(4) bodies',theseincludeparishandtown The forumhasonlyoneduty;toadvise'Section Duty: Oxfordshire Countryside countryside accessremitwhichwecallthe Oxfordshire wehavesetupaForumwithwider Forum (LAF)andtoappointaLAFSecretary Rights ofW authority wasrequiredbytheCountryside& Each highwayauthorityandnationalpark Local

Access Forum ay 3 ay Act 2000tosetupaLocal Act 2000. Access Forum(OCAF). 4 Access page 36 . In

Who can do what? 5 considering accessissuesandof Local Powers: byways opentoalltraf purpose, butonlyinsofarastheaccessrelatesto mechanically propelledvehicleforanyotherlawful c) publicaccesstolandintheareabymeansofa due regardbythesection94(4)bodies. Rights: OCAFhastherighttohaveitsviewsgiven Responsibilities: before reachingadecision. but, whenitisof bodies donothavetofollowtheadviceofOCAF successively takenoverbytherural districtand the parishesrelatingto highwayswere During thetwentiethcentury mostoftheduties and recordingthepublic rightsofwaynetwork. and fundamentalhistory ofparishesinmaintaining In theintroductionwebrieflyreviewedlong Parish Councils responsibility tohaveregardto; In comingtoitsviews,OCAFhasthe Countryside For Environment, Food andRural Any guidancegivenbytheSecretaryofState. beauty ofthecounty The desirabilityofconservingthenatural The needsoflandmanagement, Access Forumsarerestrictedpurelyto Access - fered, itmustbeconsidered

fic (BOA , and A Af ParishGuide fairs. T). fering advice. These 5 Duties: available. section givesmoredetailonthepowers are thebestrolesforyourcouncil,butthis paths, InChapter3wesetoutwhatbelieve still playakeyroleinmaintainingtheirpublic be discretionarybut,iftheysowish,parishescan numerous powersandrights.Useofthesemay history oftheparisheshasleftthemwith then thecountycouncils,buthighways respect topublicrightsofway Parish councilsnolongerhaveanydutieswith Powers: improve theirlocalpaths. many powersthattheycanchoosetoexercise to management isthattheparishcouncilsstillhave In contrast,thelegacyofcenturieshighways Recording ofpublicrightsway below; a copyoftheDefinitiveMapandStatement map waslastpublished. orders thathavemade changessincethe application. to presentevidence supportthe Y for theparish,togetherwithcopiesofany Y ou cankeepavailableforpublicinspection ou canapplytoaddpaths tothemapand

These powersarelisted . page 37

Who can do what? 7 6 Maintaining publicrightsofway Protecting publicrightsofway Countryside Section 137LocalGovernment Section 1Parish Councils Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y parish. it leavesaroad–orask ustosignpostit. users ofanydangersonlocalpaths. work.) some orallofyourcostsformaintenance allows ustocomeanagreementdefray over-arching dutytodothesame. maintain publicpathsdoesnotaf restricted bywayintheparish.(Y reinstate apathafterploughing. crops onarightofway obstructs arightofwayintheparish. the magistrates'court. make todivertorstop-upahighwaythrough mistaken. this representationunlesswethinkthatitis obstructed orstopped-up.W ou canwaymarkpublic rightsofwayinthe ou cansignpostapublic rightofwaywhere ou canputupnoticesorsignstowarn ou canmaintainanyfootpath,bridlewayor ou canprosecuteafarmerwhodoesn't ou canprosecuteafarmerwhogrows ou canprosecuteanyonewhowilfully ou canvetoanyproposalsthatwemight ou cantellusthatapathhasbeenillegally Access - Act, 1957 Act, 1972 A ParishGuide . e mustacton our powerto fect our The law changes thatmayaf Y Rights: Improving publicrightsofway for youtouse. the pathsinyourparish,powersarethere If youwanttomaintain,protectorimprove ou havetherighttobeconsultedaboutmany the areaorinhabitants,including adjoining parishes)byagreementwiththe install aseatorshelteratthesideofpublic usually withthedistrictcouncil. bins. Whereyoudo,mustmake bridleway intheparish. Y Being consultedbefore wemakeadefinitive Being consultedbyuswhenwereceivean improvements topublicrightsofway Y landowner Y path. With thelandowner'sconsent,youcan arrangements fortheirregularemptying, With ourapproval,youcanprovidelitter Y map modificationorder intheparish. order application foradefinitivemapmodification order oradefinitive mapmodification order ou havetherighttoobject toapublicpath ou canincurexpenditureintheinterestsof ou cancreatenewpathsintheparish(and ou caninstalllightingonanyfootpathor

6 . . fect yourparish,including; . 7 page 38

Who can do what? Countryside Y V (we, oranotherordermakingauthority confirm anorderaf a dutytonotifyyouwheneverwemakeor drawing upofRightsW be extendedbeyond201 many localcouncilsresponded. 2006 afteraconsultationperiodinwhich Oxfordshire's waspublishedinFebruary shows ourprioritiesforcountrysideaccess). Plans (TheRightsofW Local the ef important thatfullconsiderationisgivento which mayaf consultee forplanningproposals,someof started tobeimplemented forward. ideas which youmaywanttotake Chapter threeofthisguide showssome take advantageofsuch opportunities. you willworkwiththeplanning authorityto access withdevelopments andwehopethat that thereareopportunitiesforimproved concerns thattheyareawareof.Itmaybe district orcitycouncil)toanyissues paths andtoalerttheplanningauthority(the the impactofanydevelopmentontheirlocal ask allparishcouncilstocarefullyconsider before planningpermissionisgranted.W ou havetherighttobeconsultedduring ery importantly fect ofdevelopmentonlocalpaths T ransport Planhasbeenadoptedand Access - fect publicrightsofway , yourparishcouncilisa fecting yourparish). A ParishGuide ay ImprovementPlan 1 untilthethird ay Improvement The planwill . Itis , have e choose totake onsomeofthehighway authority's District andCityCouncils rights ofway maintenanceduties. The districtshavenocountryside accessorpublic Duties: include OxfordCityCouncil. For simplicity management ofpublicrightswayinthecounty opportunities forinvolvementwiththe councils andOxfordCityCouncilhavethesame T parish. paths andthenetworktobestfitneedsof people; andseekingopportunitiestoimprove protecting thenetworkforbenefitoflocal orders (diversionsandextinguishments); represented onmatterssuchaspublicpath ensure thattheviewsoflocalpeopleare W Responsibilities: o allintentsandpurposesthefourdistrict e seeyourmainresponsibilitiesasbeingto Y 2000. 16 oftheCountryside&RightsW dedicate landforpublicaccessusingsection land asatownorvillagegreen. Where youownland,candedicatethat recognised asatownorvillagegreen. ou canapplyforanareaoflandtobe

, wewilluse'districtcouncil'to They can Y ou canalso ay page 39 Act

.

Who can do what? 8 paths and Oxford CityCouncilexercises itsright maintenance powerson publiclymaintainable The districtcouncilshave therighttoclaim Rights: Generally Powers: vehicles. refuse, includingfly-tippingandabandoned keeping rightsofwaycleanandclearlitter An importantdutyfordistrictcouncilsisthatof place inOxfordshire. there arecurrentlynoagencyagreementsin duties underan'agencyagreement'withusbut Countryside Section 42Highways council). emptying andcleaningwiththedistrict (arrangements mustbemadefortheir our consentifitmayrestrictavailablewidth, Install litterbinsonpublicrightsofwaywith danger tothepublic. Require thefencingof wire wherethisisanuisanceonpath Require theremovalorshieldingofbarbed vegetation Require thecuttingbackofoverhanging Make orderstodivertorextinguishpaths order Create newpathsbyagreeementor 8

, districtshavepowersto: . Access - Act 1980 A f oflandthatmaybea ParishGuide Infrastructure) intheRegional SpatialStrategy (Countryside of W expect thatthesewillbe informedbytheRights proposals forrightsofwaywithintheseplans. W Frameworks. and responsibleforLocalDevelopment The districtcouncilsaretheplanningauthorities seek countycouncilfundingforthis. privately maintainablepaths–buttheycannot costs fromus. The districtcouncilscanclaimre-imbursementof problems. investigating andfollowingupreportsof courses; accessimprovementprojects;and roadside andnewfootbridgesoverwater related &legalissues;installingnewsignpostsat Council managesallenforcement,planning requested) footbridges;OxfordshireCounty roadside signposts,barriersand(where drainage issues;maintainingtheexisting clearance andmanagement;pothole,surfacing& maintenance issuesincluding:vegetation means theCityCouncilcoversgeneral Service andtheCityW is asplitresponsibilitybetweenOCCCountryside to lookafterpathsinitsarea.SoOxfordthere ay ImprovementPlan and policiesC6 Access) andCC8(Green They havetherighttoinclude The districtscanalsomaintain orks. Essentiallythis page 40 . e

Who can do what? Countryside networks. W can havesignificantimpactsonlocalpathsand District councils,throughtheirplanningfunctions, Responsibilities: councils andguidancefromtheRightsofW improvements– takingtheadviceofparish applications andanyopportunitiesforaccess consider thepotentialimpactofallplanning powers. W these rolesallcarryanextensivelistofduties and administering worksinstreets).Needlessto say orders) and'streetauthority'(responsiblefor authority' (includingmakingtraf (managing accesslandinitsarea),'traf Statement uptodate),'accessauthority' authority' (keepingtheDefinitiveMapand functions of:'highwayauthority','surveying authority forthewholeofcountyandfulfils Oxfordshire CountyCouncilisthehighway Improvement Plan. county counciltothetitle of'highwayauthority'. For thesakeofconvenience wewillrestrictthe the section. give afullerlistinthesummaryboxatend of Oxfordshire CountyCouncil e willjustsummarisethemhereand e encouragethemtocarefully Access - A ParishGuide fic regulation fic ay ones are: Our powersareevenmore numerous. Powers: summarised as: The highwayauthority'smaindutiescanbe Main duties: T and villagegreens. T modification orders. T available forpublicinspection. under continuousreviewandtomakeit T Improvement Plan. T help peoplefollowaroute. road andtowaymarkthemwhereneeded T maintainable atpublicexpense. T disturbance byploughing. encroachment bycrops,misleadingsignsor T condition forthenormaltraf T highways. to theuseandenjoymentofalltheir T o createpaths byagreementororder o keeparegisterofcommons,andtown o keeparegisterofapplicationsfor o keeptheDefinitiveMapandStatement o prepareandreviewaRightsofW o signpostrightsofwaywheretheyleavea o keepanuptodatelistofhighways o preventorrectifyobstructions,including o maintainthehighwaysinasuitable o assertandprotecttherightsofpublic fic usingthem. The main ay page 41 .

Who can do what? Countryside the countryside. Itisresponsiblefor drawingup most involved withrightsofwayand accessto Inspectorate Defra, NaturalEngland&thePlanning Af The DepartmentofEnvironment FoodandRural agency agreementswemayenterinto. its publicrightsofwaynetworkirrespective any the publicforrecordingandmaintenance of Ultimately thehighwayauthorityisresponsible to Responsibilities: resources asitseesfit. the righttoorganisethisworkandallocate suf The highwayauthorityisrequiredtoemploy Rights: fairs (Defra)istheGovernment department ficient staf T T removal ofthosethataren'tauthorised. absolutely necessary)–andtoorderthe T T T T watercourses. T o maketraf o makedefinitivemapmodificationorders. o authorisenewgates(andstilesif o makeorderstodivertorextinguishpaths. o carryoutworkstoimprovepaths. o drainpublicrightsofway o constructbridgesovernatural f tocarryoutitslegaldutiesbuthas Access - fic regulationorders

A ParishGuide . hearings or publicinquiries. examine the orderbywrittenrepresentations, PINS willdecideineach casewhetherto which Defradirectsall opposedpathorders. The PlanningInspectorate (PINS)isthebodyto of asiteorthepreventionfire. purposes ofprotectingtheconservationinterest Act, includingthepowertorestrictaccessfor the Natural Englandalsohassomepowersunder the duties followfromthisincluding; Countryside &RightsofW countryside body'forthepurposesof sites. NaturalEnglandisalsothe'appropriate of specialscientificinterestandotherdesignated to protectedspeciesandhabitats,includingsites upon rightsofwaywork,particularlywithrespect England alsohasregulatoryfunctionsthatimpact the department'sgoalsacrossEngland.Natural Defra, developingpoliciesandprojectstodeliver Natural Englandactsasanexecutiveagentfor the PlanningInspectorate. bodies involved,particularlyNaturalEnglandand as sponsoringorganisationfortheothermain and issuingguidanceonthelegislationacts land subjecttotemporaryclosure. Maintaining awebsiteshowingareasof of opencountry Preparing, reviewingandmaintainingmaps . ay An inspector willbe Act 2000.Several page 42

Who can do what? Countryside obligations to of the planning authoritytoimposeplanning paths oraccesstoopen space,youshouldask If developmentwillhave anegativeef stopped-up ordiverted. started beforethepathhasbeenformally No developmentthataf given. district councilbeforeplanningpermissionis much betterthatrepresentationsaremadeto the extinguishment orderbeingmadeandsoitis granted itishardertopreventadiversionor However or 257 public pathorder extinguish apath;thiscanonlybedoneby an automaticrightforadevelopertomoveor The grantingofplanningpermissiondoesnotgive and hopefullyresultinimprovements. cause minimaldamagetolocalpathsnetworks- be veryimportanttomakesurethatdevelopments your parish,sovigilanceandvoicecan applications aremadeforplanningpermissionin As wenotedabove,youwillbeconsultedwhen Access andplanning decision. appointed toheartheevidenceandreacha T own &CountryPlanning , onceplanningpermissionhasbeen Access - fset thedamage. , usuallymadeundersection247 fects apathshouldbe A ParishGuide Act 1990. fect onlocal have alotofdif It willbeapparentthatalotofdif Summary Rights areshownbyabluetriangle Powers areshownbyablackcircle Duties areindicatedbyaredsquare those relatingtoparishcouncils. bodies inthetablebelow–andwe'vehighlighted reference dutiesandpowerswiththerelevant countryside access.W ferent levelsofinvolvementwith e havetriedtocross- ferent bodies page 43

Who can do what? 10 Removing litterorfly-tipping T Surfacing and/ordrainage Bridges Force thehighwayauthoritytotakeaction Undergrowth Overgrowth Stiles andgates Enter intoagencyagreements Maintain localpaths (Apply torecordatownorvillagegreen) Keep aregisterofapplicationsforchanges changes Hold publicinquiriesetc.todeterminecontested Object toanorder Development relatedchanges Divert orextinguishpaths evidence –addingorchangingstatus Make orderstochangethemapbasedon Apply forchangestothemap Hold copiesofthemapandorders Publish andkeepthemapuptodate Countryside 9 emporary diversions NB. streams andriversare thehighwayauthority's responsibility Culverts andbridges overdrainageditchesand artificialwatercoursesmay betheresponsibilityof landowner T owns andvillage greensarerecordedthrough asimilarbutunrelatedprocess totheDefinitiveMapand Statement. Access - A ParishGuide 9 .

Users

Land 10 managers Parish councils District councils

County . Bridgesover Defra

Natural

England page 44

Who can do what? T Keep alistofpubliclymaintainablepaths T abatement ofnuisances,e.g.barbedwire Require theremovalofobstructionsand T signs Make traf secure removalofcrops Rights ofW Dedicate accessland Exclude access Maintain awebsitewith restrictionsonaccess Draw upandmaintainamapofaccessland Other improvement Seats andshelters Safety barriers Litter bins Lighting Create newpaths Other signpostingandway-marking Signposting fromaroad 1 Countryside 1 o assertandprotecttherightsofpublic o takeactiontopreventorremovemisleading o enforcere-instatementafterploughingor Wheretheparish councilisalsothelandowner fic regulationorders ay ImprovementPlan Access - A ParishGuide

Users

Land managers Parish 1 1 councils District councils

County

Defra

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Who can do what? area. can beacomplicated possible, althoughthis straightforward awayas have inas questions thatyoumight these andother section willtrytoanswer added tothemap?This wanted togetapath could youdoif would yougo?Orwhat recorded ornot,where if apathwaslegally If youwantedtofindout recorded? How isaccess Chapter 5: Countryside statement form thelegalrecordof publicrightsof Recording rightsofway Statement. short-hand forthefull title ofDefinitiveMapand The term'DefinitiveMap' (DM)isoftenusedas all ofthem: places, buttherearesomecommonprinciplesto Dif recorded ondif ferent typesofaccess(seechapter2)are careful aboutprocedures. they describe–whichiswhywehavetobe so absolute proofoftherightsorlandstatusthat The of right exists. show that,onthebalanceofprobability for it. recorded youneedtogiveussomeevidence If youwanttohaveapathorotheraccess statutory regulations. can onlybealteredbycarefullyfollowingthe following strictprocedures.Similarly Access rightscanonlyberecordedby just recordsit. of accesslanddoesnotcreatetheright–it whether apublicpath,commonoranarea Including accessrightsonthesedocuments, of Copies ofthedocumentsareavailableatour fices duringnormalworkinghours. This evidencehastobesuf ficial mapsthatwemaintainareall T ogether Access - ferent documentsandindif , themapand thewritten A ParishGuide ficient to , paths ferent , the definitive statement. field notes that stillformthebasis ofmostthe Statement intheearly 1950sand'60s.It'stheir drawing uptheoriginal DefinitiveMapand Y together way inOxfordshireandbothmustberead our predecessorparish councillorshelpedin Byways opentoalltraf Restricted Byways Bridleways Footpaths . The mapshowspublic fic page 46

How is access recorded? Countryside Access - A Parish Guide page 47

The DM is the source map that the Ordnance Where can I see the map? There should be Survey (OS) uses for recording paths on its maps. paper copies for your parish in the parish council The DM only shows routes that are mainly used offices or with the Clerk. Maps for the whole by non-motorised traffic. It does not show cycle county are also held at the following library: tracks, as there is no legal provision for it to do so (on OS maps there is now a separate symbol for Oxfordshire Studies routes for cyclists). Upgrading footpaths to Central Library, Oxford bridleways will accommodate cyclists and keep Tel: 01865 815454 the route on the DM. The Rights of Way Office Central Library Most importantly, the DM is conclusive evidence Westgate, Oxford of the existence of the public rights of way shown Tel: 01865 810808 on it. As such, it is a vitally important tool for the protection and enforcement of public rights of Or you can view it for individual districts: way. It is for this reason that, as we shall see in chapter 6, any changes to the map and statement Cherwell can only be made by carefully following involved How is access recorded? and, sometimes lengthy, statutory procedures. Cherwell District Council Bodicote House, Banbury Tel: 01295 252535 If the map is conclusive, how can we add paths to it? Although the DM is conclusive as to Banbury Library what it shows, it is not exclusive and is 'without Marlborough Road, Banbury Tel: 01295 262282 prejudice to higher rights'. So there may be public rights of way that are simply not shown on the Bicester Library map. This does not mean that they don't exist – Old Place Yard, Bicester Tel: 01869 252181 just that they haven't been recorded yet. But also, just because the DM shows a footpath, it doesn't rule out bridleway or even byway rights on the same line. Countryside Abbey House, Stirling Road,W T Ravenscroft Road,Henleyon Broadway The Charter Crowmarsh, W Gloucester Street,Faringdon High Street,W Southern Road, V Henley Library Didcot Library Abingdon Library V South OxfordshireDistrictCouncil South OxfordshireDistrictCouncil W Faringdon Library Thame Library W el: 01491575278 ale ofWhiteHorseDistrictCouncil ale antage Library allingford Library , Didcot , Abingdon Access - allingford Abingdon allingford antage Thame T el: 01235813103 T A T el: 01235 762291 T el: 01235520374 T T T ParishGuide el: 01844212288 el: 01491837395 el: 01491835351 el: 01235520202 Thames T el: 0136724031 1 these inchapter6. Definitive MapandStatement andwewillturnto where mostcouncillors comeintocontactwiththe processes ofmakingchangestothemapwill be map wasconsideredtobefullyupdate). 'relevant date'(thedateatwhichthepublished plus anychangesmadebyorderssincethe the actuallegalrecordislastpublishedmap The mapisamendedfromtimetoand so version oftheDM&Swaspublishedin2006. these weresenttoallclerkswhenthelatest the DefinitiveMapandStatementforyourparish; definitive map? What istheparishcouncil'srolewith W T Goddards Lane,ChippingNorton W W Chipping NortonLibrary W W el: 01608643559 elch W oodgreen, Witney est est OxfordshireDistrictCouncil itney Library ay , Witney Y our councilcankeepacopyof T T el: 01993703659 el: 01993702941 page 48 The

How is access recorded? commons). records accessland(includingregistered there is,butit'scalledthe'conclusivemap'andit Where canweseethemapsforaccessland? held byNaturalEnglandnotus. Is therea'definitivemap'foraccessland? there needstobea'live'documentavailable. as accesslandcanbeclosedfromtimetotime, Access landisnowshownonOSmaps;however the accesslandmaps. will needtobeinvolvedwiththemaintenance of about interimchangesanditisunlikelythat you reviews, thereisnomechanismforconsulting that parisheswillbeconsultedatthetimeof these more thantenyearintervals.Whileitisprobable legislation forreviewoftheconclusivemapsatnot access landmap? Does theparishcouncilhavearolewith places/openaccess www is managedonlineat Countryside .naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/ The conclusivemapismaintainedand Access - There isprovisioninthe A ParishGuide This Y es

, page 49

How is access recorded? extinguished? moved or reclassified, the map, get addedto How dopaths Chapter 6: 1 Countryside the applicant wouldliketoexist. exist, althoughun-recorded, nottorightswhich application mayonlyrelate torightswhichalready good evidencetosupport theapplication. DM&S isinsomeway incorrect,providingthereis DMMO wheretheystronglybelievethatthe organisation) mayapplytothecountycouncil fora (either inanindividualcapacityoronbehalf of an 1. DefinitiveMapModificationOrders way forthecounty together formthelegalrecordofpublicrights The DefinitiveMapandStatement(DM&S) 2. a definitivemapmodificationorder? Who, whenandhowshouldsomeoneapply for 1. come intwomaintypes: means ofproperly-made,legalorders.Orders right ofway in lawoftheexistence(locationandstatus)a Rural Communities Claimstoadd a BOA Modification Orders' Path Orders' paths forpracticalpurposes–called Those madetore-route,extinguishoradd incomplete –called that showsthemapisinaccurateor Those baseduponthediscoveryofevidence . The mapcanonlybechangedby Access - Act 2006. T (PPO). totheDM&Sor toupgradeapathBOA , providingconclusiveevidence This 'Definitive Map A (DMMO); Act severely limitsthe circumstances inwhichpublic vehicularrights canbeacquired. ParishGuide

Anyone 'Public 1 An T aregoverned by Sections66and67ofthe Natural Environmentand DMMO arethat: The mostcommonreasonsforapplyinga years), where thatuseis“asofright” andwhere (usually overacontinuous periodofatleast20 many peopleforaconsiderable periodoftime where thereisevidence ofusethepathby unrecorded path.User evidencecanbeused Survey maps,andtitledeedsthatshowan T evidence maybefoundinolddocuments,such as evidence anduserevidence.Documentary broadly comesintwotypes:documentary What evidenceshouldbeprovided? ithe Maps,Inclosure The DM&Sdoesnotshowapaththatthe The DM&Sshowsapaththattheapplicant The DM&Srecordsarouteofparticular The DM&Srecordsthelocation,widthor applicant believestobeapublicrightofway area atlarge); simply basedonthepublicwanderingoveran claimed followsaspecificrouteandisnot (Please notethatitisimportantaway believes waswronglyaddedtotheMap; be ofadif status thattheapplicantstronglybelievesto applicant thinksshouldbeabridleway); applicant stronglybelievestobeincorrect. description ofarouteinwaythatthe ferent status(e.g.afootpaththatthe A wards, oldOrdnance Evidence page 50 .

How do paths get added to the map...... ? Countryside suf If theapplicationiscompleteandsupported by important thatyoufollowtherelevantguidelines. are involvedintheprocedureanditisvery send youanapplicationpack. If wethinktheremaybeenoughevidencewill question). public righttousetheroutehasbeencalledinto years theyhaveusedtherouteandwhether witnesses claiminguse,theaveragenumberof of yourapplication(includingnumbers details oftheevidenceyouhavefoundinsupport brief summaryofthebackgroundtoclaimand apply foraDMMOyoushouldwritetousgiving How isanapplicationmade? claim. evidence inawaythathelpsustoassessthe W did notintendtodedicatetheroutepublic. there isnoevidencetoshowthatthelandowner about therouteinquestion. widely totryfindout asmuchpossible research alloftheavailable evidenceandconsult After wehaveregisteredyourclaimwill DMMO register(seebelow). Only ifanorder ismadeandconfirmed doesit an ordershould bemadetomodify theDM&S. whether thereissuf e cansupplyyouwithformstocollectuser ficient evidenceitwillbeenteredonthe Access - ficient evidencetoshow that A ParishGuide This istodecide A Ifyouwantto numberofforms become ef www available at full publicinquiry decided bywrittenevidence,ahearingor Inspector toconsiderthecase. Secretary ofState,whowillaskaPlanning and thismaythenresultinreferraltothe Register'. Details ofallapplicationsarekeptonthe'DMMO rsions. processes involvedandoutlinesourpolicy notes fortheDMMOprocedure”fullyexplains Is moreinformationavailable? monthly 'Pending DMMOCaseList',whichisupdated be trackedonaseparatereport,calledthe 1: priorities are(indecreasing orderofpriority): bringing andkeepingthe DM&Suptodate.Our publish astatementsettingoutourpriorities for waiting list.Governmentadvisesustoperiodically with manyotherauthorities,havealengthy of thecomplexitiesprocesses,we,along How longdoesanapplicationtake? on ourwebsite. 2: 3: Updating andMaintaining theDM&S Processing DefinitiveMapModification Orders DM&S Investigating OtherEvidencetoModify the .oxfordshire.gov . Boththesedocumentscanbeaccessed The progressofanapplicationcanalso fective. . Anyone canchallengeanorder .uk/modificationsanddive The mattermaybe Our“Guidance Because . page 51 This is

How do paths get added to the map...... ? 2 Countryside a decisionas towhetherornot supportthe allow youtimetomake localenquiriesandreach your parishbeforean order ismade. will stillbeconsultedabout anyclaimaf parish councilisnotthe applicantforaDMMOit Modification Orderapplications? So, whatistheparish'sroleinDefinitive Map details. and costsforeveryone.Seesection2further comparatively straightforwardandcansave time Dedication (knownasaCreation a formaldedicationofpublicrightway DMMO application,maybepreparedtoenterinto their landandinsteadofwaitingfortheresulta opposed toapplicationsrecordpathsacross practice. Howeversometimeslandownersarenot ef are confidentthatwedealwithapplications work isalsolimitedbyavailableresources.W rigorous andthoroughratherthanspeedy legal requirementswhicharedesignedtobe DMMO processisgovernedbystrictprocedural Is thereaquickerwayofdoingthings? several moreyearsfortheclaimtoberesolved. investigating theirclaim.Itmaythentake be awaitofseveralyearsbeforewecanstart have toadviseapplicantsthattherewillusually Even afterprioritisingourworkinthisway Undersection 25oftheHighways ficiently andfairlyapplynationalgood Access - A Act 1980. ParishGuide Agreement) is Even ifyour This will fecting . Our , we .

2 The e way path, butdoesnotwant ittobecomearightof example, alandowner allowspermissiveuseofa Section 31(6)ofHighways against futureclaimsbased onusageofapath,is gives ameasureofprotectionforlandowners Another simplebutef users. there isnopublicrightofwayorbychallenging erection ofclearlywordednoticesindicating that public rightsofwayacrosstheirland,suchas the number ofmeasurestopreventtheacquisition of prevent claims? Is thereanythingalandownercandoto can oftenhelpinidentifyinglandowners. out whotheownersare. landowners. Sometimesitcanbedif applications thatnoticeisservedonaf status.It isaprerequisiteforallDMMO whether ornotitexistsintermsoflocationand a claimedroute,butonlyevidencerelatingto to considerthedesirability based onrelevantevidence;wearenotallowed The representationyourcouncilmakesmustbe modifying theDM&Sshouldbemade. that canhelptoshowwhetherornotanorder order , theymay deposit withusastatement and . W e welcomeanyevidencethatyoufind

A landownercantakea fective mechanismthat Y , safetyorsuitabilityof our localknowledge Act 1980.Where,for ficult tofind fected page 52

How do paths get added to the map...... ? 3 Countryside 2. PublicPathOrders the are usuallymadeunder theHighways in certaincases,byways opentoalltraf footpaths, bridleways and restrictedbyways used fordiverting,extinguishing orcreating based onevidence-see1above).PPOscan be opposed toDMMOswhichcorrecttheDMS of waytobechangedforpracticalpurposes (as Orders (PPOs)enabletheroutesofexisting rights What arePublicPathOrders? our website. the “Protecting Declarations registerwhichcanbeinspectedon be inspectedonthePublicRightsofW be af to useasofrightbeforeadepositismadewillnot retrospective, sorouteswhichhavebeensubject The ef ensure continuedprotection. deposit shouldbemadeatleastevery10yearsto rights furthertothoseshownontheplan. that alandownerdoesnotintendtodedicate deposit underS.31(6)isregardedasanindication land andstatingthattherearenoothers. rights ofwaytheyacknowledgetoexistontheir plan andstatutorydeclarationdetailinganypublic opportunity forpublicinvolvement. Pathchanges can alsobemadethroughthe Magistrates'Court,butthis is notconsideredbestpractice asitisseentoreducethe T own andCountry Planning forded anyprotection.Currentdepositscan fect ofaS.31(6)depositisnot Access - Against FutureClaims”pageson A ParishGuide Act 1990. PublicPath Act 1980or ay fic. A 3 A

They How arepathsdiverted? or under powerssetoutineitherHighways under Highways must bemetineachcase.Broadly are importantdif the change,andthoseunder the publicwillnotbeundulyinconveniencedby landowner's (orsometimespublic)interestwhere Planning section 1 What isadiversionunderHighways further details. planning permissiongranted.Seebelowfor appropriate OrderMaking (section 1 Highways so. Mostaremadebyus. council althoughthereisnodutyforeitherto do Oxfordshire CountyCouncilorbythedistrict 1 meet thelegalprovisionscontainedwithinsection 19, namelythattheOMA T The diversionisintheinterestsofowner The diversionwillnotbe substantiallyless path, orintheinterests ofthepublic; occupier orlesseeofthe landcrossedbythe convenient tothepublic; own andCountryPlanning Act Ordersaredirectlyconnectedwith 19). Orderscanbemadebythe 19? Act 1980andrelatetodiversions MostPPOsaremadeunder ferences tothelegalteststhat Act 1980aremadeinthe mustbesatisfiedthat:

Authority (OMA)i.e.by Applications must A pathcanbediverted T own andCountry Act 1990. , diversions Act 1980 Act 1980 There page 53 ,

How do paths get added to the map...... ? Countryside following criteria: 1980 weexpectallapplicationstomeetthe conditions? Does anapplicationhavetomeetparticular crossed byboththeoldandnewroutes. consent oftheownersandoccupiers land unlikely toagreeadiversionwithoutthe apply foradiversion,butwewouldbemost Who canapplyforadiversion? crime (see'Furthertypesoforders'below). interests, improveschoolsecurityandtoreduce safety atrailcrossings,protectconservation W substantially asconvenienttothepublic. to ahighwayconnectedwithitandwhichis termination ofthepathorifitdoesmustconnect The diversionmustalsonotalterthepointof e canalsomakediversionorderstoimprove the currentpath(on correctline)mustbe the legalrequirements listedabove; It willalsotakeintoaccounttheef open andsafetouse(except whereaf buildings or otherdevelopment); by substantial obstructiondueto permanent would haveonotherland. the wholepathandanyef route wouldhaveonthepublic'senjoymentof For applicationsunderHighways Access - A ParishGuide fect thediversion

Anyone can fect thenew fected Act (approximately £300-£500,depending onthe recharge the costofadvertisingin thelocalpress annually (2010/1 scale ofchargesisset anddetailsarepublished W administration charges. as aresultofthediversion,wellour compensation toanyonewhoselandisdevalued An applicantmayberequiredtopay expense. carry outtheworktooursatisfactionandat their diversion proceedstheapplicantmustnormally be donebeforewemakeadiversionorder condition. W completed untilthenewpathisputintoasuitable ground? What aboutmakingthechangeson made andsubsequentlyconfirmed.. An e chargetheapplicant formakinganorder Application onlycomesintoef the applicantmustbewillingtomeetcosts the landownerisknowntokeeprightsofway the statusofpathisnotindispute; in exceptionalcircumstances). our discretiontowaivecharges,fullyorinpart, of administrationandadvertising(W use; on landinhis/herownershipclearandsafeto

A diversionisnotusuallylegally e willspecifyanyworkthatneedsto 1 rates£1089-£2084). W fect ifanorderis e mayuse . Ifthe page 54 e also . A

How do paths get added to the map...... ? input onsuchfactorsas: have. your localrightsofway andtheef hear yourcouncil'sviews onproposedchangesto go aheadwithmakinganorder then afurtherformalconsultationifwedecide to council iftheyhavereceivedtheapplication), and informal consultationsfromus(orthedistrict owners. made totheCountyCouncilfromotherland Mostly youwillbeconsultedaboutapplications and proceduresasanyother application wouldbecoveredbythesamerules beneficial tothecouncil(orpublic). divert thesepathsifyoufeelthatitwouldbe and, likeanyotherlandowner may ownlandcrossedbypublicrightsofway What istheparishcouncil'srole? rsions. www 'Pending PPOcaselist'at: website givingthestatusofapplications.See taking place? How canyoufindoutwhatdiversionsare concerned). length oftheadvertisementandnewspaper Countryside what impact theproposedchange wouldhave on public useof the path–whether itwill be .oxfordshire.gov Y ou areinagoodposition toprovidelocal This willusuallybethrougharoundof Access - W e publishamonthlylistonour .uk/modificationsanddive A ParishGuide . , youcanapplyto . W fects itwould e arekeento

Y our council Y our yourself makethe application. the publicbenefit and,iftheowner agrees,can yourself to suggest thatthechange wouldbein Chapter 3),youcanapproach thelandowner the RightsofW improved bydiversion, perhapsfittingtheaimsof If yourcouncilknowsof apaththatcouldbe so. land ownerstodothis,theyaren'tobliged do people wouldlike.However choice ofroute,surfaceandstructuresthatlocal giving youtheopportunitytoinitiallydiscuss the before anydiversionapplicationismadetous, Ideally youwouldbeconsultedbythelandowner whether therewouldbeparticularissues whether theef any particularimportanceorlocalsignificance any otherinformationthatyouthinkwillbe made easierormoredif the usersthatwouldbeaf particularly cyclists andhorse-ridersonbridlewaysand, worse surfaceforusers,etc.,etc.; gates, proximitytobusyroads,betteror or gainofviews,theneedforbridges resulting fromthechange,forexampleloss substantial orinsignificant; of thepaththatwemaybeunawareof; expedient tomaketheorder important indecidingwhetherornotitis , theless-mobile); ay ImprovementPlan (see fects onuserswouldbe , whileweencourage ficult touse(forallof fected, including . page 55

How do paths get added to the map...... ? Countryside of apathcreation. access; againthewidthincreasetakesform perhaps tofacilitateeasiershareduseordisabled Sometimes greaterwidthmaybeneeded, up-graded bycreatingbridlewayrightsoverit. creations. Oritmaybethatafootpathshould Bridleway usersespeciallycanbenefitfromsuch making forasaferandmoreenjoyablenetwork. link upexistingpathsandavoidtheuseofroads, user route ormakeapathusablebymoretypesof areas thiscouldincludetheneedtocreateanew Plan guidesourworktowardsthisgoal.Inmany users' needsandtheRightsofW important thattherightsofwaynetworkmeets What aboutgettinganewpathcreated? rsions www See Creation also receiveof voluntary agreements. Occasionallywemay costs inconnectionwith anynegotiated and willpaythelandowner'sreasonablelegal Agreements (Highways try tosecurecreationsbyCreation sometimes called 'Dedication that areofbenefit tothepublic. dedications andwillaccept newrightsofway . Forexample,anewpathmaybeneededto .oxfordshire.gov for guidancenotesonthePPOprocedure. Agreements Access - fers fromlandownersof .uk/modificationsanddive A Whereverpossiblewe ParishGuide Act 1980section25) ay Improvement Agreements' or These are Itis owner and us. agreement thatisthen madebetweentheland you toactasouragent -helpingnegotiatean reasons whyitmaygenerally bepreferablefor with thelandowner section 30)toenterintoacreationagreement does haveitsownpower(Highways more remotecountycouncil. received thanasimilarapproachfromus-the from youmightwellbemoresympathetically owners whocangrantthoserights. rights areneededandforidentifyingtheland more, invaluable,bothforidentifyingwhere new creation isneeded,yourlocalknowledgeis,once What's theparishcouncil'srole? Creation Orders path. responsible forsigningandmaintainingthe the CountyCouncilwewillnormallybecome the dedicationofapathhasbeenacceptedby 'Dedication Deeds'.Howevertheyarise;once to makecreationorders. owner Compensation maybepayabletotheland (Highways create anewrightofwaybyCreationOrder voluntary agreement,wehavethepowerto a newpath,butitisnotpossibletoobtain . Districtcouncilsalsohavethepower This isbecause: Act 1980section26). . However;therearepractical Ifthere'saprovenneedfor Y our parishcouncil If apath An approach Act 1980 page 56

How do paths get added to the map...... ? Countryside 1980 section 1 path isnot needed forpublicuse (Highways and canonlybemade onthegroundsthat up? How canpathsbeextinguished orstopped order there issuf your evidencemaybevitaltoestablishingthat order isneededwewouldconsultwithyouas and OxfordshireCountyCouncil.Ifacreation an agreementmadebetweenthelandowner(s) would alsoaskthatyouworkwithustoachieve negotiating withlandownersinyourparish, we looking forlocalpathimprovementsand So, whileweurgeyoutotaketheinitiativewith we canpaycompensationormakean paths createdbyagreementwithusare paths createdbyagreementwiththeparish there aresafeguardsforthepublicbuiltinto parish councilstodoso; enabling paymentbutthereisnorightfor agreed withparishcouncils; expense butthisisnotthecaseforpaths normally automaticallymaintainableatpublic cannot besubjecttoconditionsorlimitations; also toensurethatthenewpathispublicised. physically createdtoasuitablestandardand we haveadutytoseethatthenewpathis agreements madebythehighwayauthority– Extinguishment orders areonlyrarelymade . ficient publicneedtojustifymakingthe 18). Indeciding whetherornotit is Access - A ParishGuide Act any extinguishmentorder expect tosecureyour agreement beforewemade about thepublicneed for thepath.W is inastrongposition to provideuswithevidence make, wewouldconsultyoufirstandyourcouncil the districtcouncil).Forordersthatwemight extinguishment intheMagistrates'Court(as does you've gotthepowerofvetooverapplications for What's theparishcouncil'srole? the about asaresultofapproveddevelopmentunder to beinvolved.Extinguishmentscanalsocome can sometimesgivelessopportunityforthepublic use theMagistrates'Courtbecausethisprocess request totheMagistrates'Court.W authority exercisingitspowerdirectlyorbya through usorthedistrictcouncil,eitherby Extinguishments canusuallyonlybemade removed asquicklypossible. work withyoutoensurethatblockagesare is made–and,ofcourse,wewilldoourutmostto legally existsuntilaformalextinguishmentorder No matterhowlongthepathisblockeditstill path byblockingitorotherwisepreventinguse: preventing use.Itisnotpossibletoextinguisha any temporaryobstructionsthatmaybe expedient toextinguishthepathwewillignore T own andCountryPlanning . Act 1990. Unusually e don'tliketo e would page 57 ,

How do paths get added to the map...... ? stopped upunderthesetypesoforders: byways opentoalltraf footpaths, bridlewaysandrestrictedbyways, prevention andschoolsecurity:Inadditionto may bemadeforthepurposesofcrime Special ExtinguishmentorDiversionOrders alternative routeorcrossingfacility usually berequiredtoprovideasuitable (Highways railways atlevelintheinterestsofpublicsafety for diversionorextinguishmentofpathscrossing Rail CrossingOrders: Further typesofPublicPathOrders: Countryside School proprietorsmayapplyfordiversionor Orders forcrimepreventioncanonlybemade from violence orthreatofviolence, up ordiverted toprotectthepupils orstaf authority thatthehighway shouldbestopped appear expedienttothe ordermaking 1 grounds (Highways extinguishment ofpathscrossingschool designated areasinOxfordshire. only asalastcaseresort. Secretary ofStateandshouldbeconsidered designated forsuchmeasuresbythe in anareathathaspreviouslybeen 19b/1 18b). Beforemakingan orderitmust Act 1980s1 Access - fic maybedivertedor 19a/s1 Railoperatorsmayapply Act 1980section A ParishGuide 18a). There areno . They will f mineral extractioncan sometimesbetemporary permanent basis,butthose associatedwith extinguishments aregenerally madeona associated withthese. Diversionsand council andthuswewilldealwithanypathorders waste sitesaretheresponsibilityofcounty planning mattersrelatingtoschools,mineral and In mostcasesthiswillbeyourdistrictcouncil, but permission istherelevantordermakingauthority The authoritythatgrantedtheplanning and CountryPlanning result ofdevelopmentapprovedthroughthe extinguishment orderscanalsobemadeasa process? How arepathschangedthroughtheplanning Act 1980section1 apply foran“SSSIDiversionOrder”(Highways Special ScientificInterest,NaturalEnglandmay considered tobecausingdamageaSiteof SSSI DiversionOrders: safety arisingfromsuchactivity activity oranyotherrisktotheirhealth harassment, alarmordistressfromunlawful examined first. address theissueswouldhavetobe other measuresthatcouldhavebeenusedto Diversions,creationand 19c). Act 1990(section257/261). Whereuseofapathis . However page 58 T own , . .

How do paths get added to the map...... ? State foradecision. authority mayreferthe mattertotheSecretaryof Act 1980,ifobjections areraisedtheordermaking Again aswithordersmade undertheHighways formal consultationstakeplace. extinguishment sincethesameinformaland object ormakecommentonthediversion and theparishcouncilwillhaveopportunity to made undertheHighways permission granted. just becauseadeveloperhashadplanning itself andasuccessfuldiversionisnotguaranteed process isseparatetotheplanningpermission development togoahead. diversion isthennecessarytoenablethe permission hasbeengrantedandthatthe making authoritymustbesatisfiedthatplanning For apublicpathordertobemadethe application. and couldaf material considerationintheplanningdecision af its committeeforadecision.Ifpublicfootpathis planning authoritybeforetheapplicationgoesto paths, andmakesanyrepresentationstothe about theef It isimportantthatyourcouncilinitiallythinks Countryside fected byaproposeddevelopment,thisis fect ofdevelopmentproposalsonits fect theoutcomeofanyplanning Access - As withdiversionapplications A The ordermaking Act 1980,thepublic ParishGuide section inChapter3. or areasofopenspace–seetheimprovement development throughtheprovisionofbetterpaths a developercouldaddpublicvalueto may sometimesbeabletosuggestwaysinwhich opportunity toimprovepublicaccessandyou Of coursedevelopmentcanalsorepresentan page 59

How do paths get added to the map...... ? managing accessland. arrangements for relatively new background tothe will giveyouthe dedicated? Thischapter how newaccesslandis placed onthelandand restrictions canbe managed? Orwhat and opencountryis how accesstocommons Do youwanttoknow access land Managing Chapter 7: should leavegatesas theywerefound. plants, hedgesorwalls, orsettingfires,andthey as forrightsofway:by notleavinglitter are expectedtorespect thelandinsameway organised gamesorusingametaldetector riding ahorseorbicycle,camping,hang-gliding, rights donotextendtootheractivitiessuchas walking, birdwatchingandpicnicking. of openairrecreation-activitiessuchasrunning, have arighttouseaccesslandforthepurposes What canaccesslandbeusedfor? land outofthetotalarea260,595ha. access land.Intotalthereis1,858haof In Oxfordshirelessthan1%ofthecountyis pages. information ontheCountrysideService'sweb places/openaccess. www and restrictionsareshownheretoo: and onNaturalEngland'swebsite. on uptodate'Explorer'OrdnanceSurveymaps are presentinOxfordshire. heath ordown.Onlydownlandandcommonland Open countryisdefinedas:mountain,moor areas of'opencountry'andregisteredcommons. (CRoW) grantedrightstowalkon'accessland'- The CountrysideandRightsofW Countryside .naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/ www .oxfordshire.gov Access - There islocalaccessland A Access landisshown ParishGuide .uk/accessland ay All closures

Act 2000

The public The new , damaging . Users , access land websiteandthereshould benotices management –thiswill beshownonthenational at certaintimesofyear toallowforland Can landbeclosed? on thenationalaccesswebsite. local dogbans–thesewillbelistedforeach area There mayalsobelocalrestrictionsondogs or unlikely thatthiswillchange. historically allowedaccessfordogsof season. However birds duringthemainbreedingandlambing reduce disturbancetolivestockorground-nesting lead ofnomorethan2metreslength. other timenearlivestock,dogsmustbeonafixed land- butbetween1Marchand31July land? What dogrestrictionsarethereonaccess the landbecomingaccessland. and inmanycasesthispermissionwillpre-date land bythepublic–forexample,hang-gliding- The landownermaypermitotherusesofaccess land. cyclists canstillusebridlewaysacrossaccess are unchanged–forexample,horseridersand and wherethishappenstherightsalongthatroute Public rightsofwayoftencrossopenaccessland Dogsmayusuallybewalkedonaccess , ifthelandownerhas

Access landmaybeclosed f leads,itis , oratany This isto page 60

Managing access land Juniper V The access land sign–inplaceat alley , nr Aston T irrold Countryside alongside theDefinitive MapandStatement. copy ofthisiskeptinthe centralOxfordLibrary years. Natural Englandandit mustbereviewedevery10 W is acarefullymaintainedlegalmapofaccess land. As withtheDefinitiveMapforrightsofway Is therea'ConclusiveMap'foraccessland? times. cross theland–theymustbekeptopenatall land doesnotaf people withdogs. users; forexample,itcanbeusedtoexclude people canbelimitedtocertainareasor reasons ofnationalsecurity avoiding danger;forconservationreasons;or purposes of:managingtheland;preventingfireor for alongerperiodoftimeifitisnecessarythe a 'Direction'toexcludeorrestrictaccesssite Land managersmayapplytoNaturalEnglandfor give noticetoNaturalEngland. access landcanbeclosedthemangermust include summerSaturdayorSundays.Beforeany per year strict limitations:Closureisrestrictedto28days temporarily closeaccessland–butonlysubjectto on site.Landmanagershavethepowerto e don'tholdthisrecord;itismaintainedby There isapaperconclusive map,anda , excludesbankholidaysandcannot Access - fect anypublicrightsofwaythat The powertocloseaccess A ParishGuide . The powertoexclude , there Countryside andRightsofW Can newaccessareasbecreated? or inlandwater common. Itdoesn'tincludeaccesstowoodland mountain, moor this onlyautomaticallyincludeslandclassifiedas hectares) ofadditionalaccessnationwide,but has resultedinabout2.5millionacres(1 as suchinperpetuityor Once landisdedicatedasaccessitremains to theaccesslandmaps. exists foraddingwoods,viewpointsorriverside their landasaccessland,sothemechanism provides forlandownerstovoluntarilydedicate dedicating isalease-holder from publicbodiesand,inparticular But sofardedicationshavegenerallyonlycome than wouldbeowedtoothervisitorsthesite. benefits fromalowerlevelofliabilitytothepublic advantages ofdedicationisthatthelandowner for adedicationtobepossible).Oneofthe lease (whichmusthaveatleast90yearstorun have inaccessland management? What roledoesOxfordshire CountyCouncil its freeholdwoodlandsasaccessland. Commission, whichhasnowdedicatedmost of with Natural England,landmanagers andusers is the'Access Authority' whichmeans wework , forexample.Section16ofCRoW , heath,downandregistered , wheretheperson , totheendofthat ay Act 2000(CRoW) , theForestry

The council The page 61

Managing access land rights ofway connected toeachotherandroadsorpublic access linkssothatmanyparcelsoflandare managers andfarmers.W of opencountrywiththecooperationland access (gatesetc)tonearlyallthecounty's areas Management GrantSchemetoinstallmeans of In Oxfordshirewehaveusedthe Environmental Stewardship agreements.W permissive accesslinksaspartofHigherLevel a numberofpowers: Authority wehavenostatutoryduties,butdo of misleading signsinstalledthatmightputpeople as possible–andmakesurethereareno to tryandmakeaccesslandareasasaccessible connecting rightsofway andanylocalfeatures.. points onareasofaccess landwhichalsoshow site mapsonourwebsite andatcertainaccess Countryside f exercisingtheirnewrights. to appointwardens. the enjoymentoflandbyothers; damage, ortoavoidundueinterferencewith to makebyelawspreserveorder obstructions; has beenopenedupandtodealwith to improvethemeansofaccesslandwhich to putupnoticesprovidinginformation; . Mostoftheseroutesarenowformal Access - A e havealsonegotiated ParishGuide As Access Access , toprevent e have page 62

Managing access land about..…” “What doI Appendix X: - by publicaccesstothecountryside Brief answerstoissuesaffectingandaffected ------Countryside intended todeteruseofarightway Abandoned vehicles Access forpeoplewithdisabilities Barbed wire Bridges andculverts Bulls anddangerousanimals Cattle Competitions andspeedtrails Crops growingonrightsofway Dogs onrightsofway Encroachment Fences acrossarightofway Fences alongsidearightofway Firearms Hedges andtreesadjacenttorightsofway Intimidating dogs Intimidation orthreateningbehaviour Liability oflandownerstopathusers Liability ofthecountycounciltopathusers Litter andfly-tipping Misleading signsandnotices Obstructions andencroachments Pesticides andherbicides Ploughing ofrights way Signing ofrightsway Stiles andgates Surfaces of rightsofway T rees andbranches fallenacrossthe path Access - A ParishGuide - - - abandoned vehiclesat the districtcouncil. footpaths andbridleways,istheresponsibilityof burnt outvehiclesfrompublicland,including Abandoned vehicles: V of thevehicle. together withdetailsoflocationandadescription reported tothedistrictasquicklypossible District Councilof suggested thatlandownersshouldtalktotheir landowner's responsibilitytoremove.Itis trespass againstthelandownerand Discrimination of peoplewithmobilityproblems. highway authoritiestohaveregardfortheneeds Access forpeoplewithdisabilities: problem. people intheservices weprovide.Unfortunately ensure thatwedonotdisadvantagedisabled Countryside &RightsofW stiles and withfew (ifany)gates. wider tracks withamoreevensurface, without likely tobe the mostaccessible,as theyareoften Bridleways, Restricted Bywaysandare are notaccessibletowheelchair users. the natureofcountryside pathsissuchthatmany ehicles abandonedonprivatelandarea Undergrowth Width ofrightsway W aymarking Y Acts alsoplaceadutyonusto ou canalsoreportany ficers abouthowtodealwiththe All incidentsshouldbe www Removal ofabandonedor ay .direct.gov Act 2000requires The Disability .uk The . page 63 ,

“What do I do about..…” purpose, pleasecontacttheFieldOf particular stileorgateisnolongerneededforthis used tokeepthemfromstraying.Ifyouthinka where livestockarepresent,stilesandgates and thosewithchildren'spushchairs.However obstacle formanypeople,includingtheelderly On footpaths,asimplestilecanbemajor gates, andthenstilesifnothingelsewillsuf longer present),followedbygatesandkissing the leastrestrictiveoption(ifanimalsareno landowner's decisiononwhichisused.Gapsare restrictive structure,althoughultimatelyitisthe The CountyCouncilpromotestheuseofleast website ( selection ofshortroutesinOxfordshire.Goto our downloadable accessinformationleafletsfora The CountrysideServicehasproducedarangeof and clickon'Short,easywalks'. Thames PathNational well asonesthatlinktotheRidgewayand Chilterns andCotswoldsConservationBoards as links toaccessibleroutespromotedbythe Barbed wire: risk asawire fencecanbeateye level.Whether Children andwheelchair usersareatparticular path isnarroworhasa cambertowardsthewire. be arealhazardtopath users,especiallyifthe Countryside www .oxfordshire.gov Barbed wirealongside apathcan Access - T rails. A ParishGuide .uk/walksandrides There arealso ficer . fice. , ) wire amonthafterserving noticeontheof Authority andDistrictCouncils canremovethe removal oftheobstruction. the highway area. Whereapersonisconvictedofobstructing prosecution forobstructionofahighwayinits including theparishcouncil,canseek and recover expensesfordoingso. obstruction astatutoryof of theHighways the highwayandapublicnuisance.Section 137 barbs acrossastileorgate)isanobstruction of Barbedwireacrossapath(includingexposed barbs removed them; again,thewireshouldbeshieldedorits Many stileshavebarbedwirerunningthrough incurred. remove thewireourselvesandrecoverexpenses sought intheMagistrates'Court;wecanthen this noticeisignoredanabatementordercanbe example byremovingorcoveringthespikes.If wire ortheabatementofnuisance,for right toservenoticerequiringtheremovalof highway authorityandthedistrictcouncil The Highways on theparticularcircumstances. or notaparticularfenceishazardwilldepend , thecourthaspower toorderthe Act 1980(Section164)givesthe Act 1980makessuch fence. Also, theHighway Any council, fender page 64

“What do I do about..…” if accompanied bycows/heifers),to beatlargeon own, oranybullofarecognised dairybreed(even way toallowabullover 10monthsoldandonits for theoccupierofland crossedbyapublicrightof Bulls anddangerous animals: structure ofmostfootbridgesoverrailwaylines. bridleway vehicular bridgewhichcarriesapublicfootpath or costs ofmaintainingandrepairingaprivate council mayagreetocontributeashareofthe responsibility ofthelandowner bridge tovehicularstandardislikelybethe get tohisproperty),thenmaintenanceofthe access tohisfields,orallowahouse-owner rights (e.g.onebuilttoallowafarmer'stractor bridge overwhichthereareprivatevehicular Where apublicfootpathorbridlewaycrosses from theFieldOf pattern tothis,soitisadvisableseekguidance landowner/manager culverts fallseithertothecountycouncilor provision, repairandmaintenanceofbridges Bridges andculverts: notify yourFieldOf the personresponsibletorequestitsremovaland other obstructionsandhazards,pleasecontact If youareawareofproblemswithbarbedwireor Countryside . The railauthorityisresponsibleforthe Access - ficer ineachcase. ficer , butthereisnoconsistent . Responsibilityforthe A ParishGuide . The county Itisanof fence suf outside ofspecialistunitsanditwillusuallybe In practiceveryfewdairy-breedbullsarekept or heifersarepermittedinfieldscrossedbypaths. or ofarecognisedbeefbreedandkeptwithcows the land.Bullswhicharelessthan10monthsold, The might presentathreattopathusersincreases. As farmingdiversifies,therangeofanimalsthat field crossedbyapath. or heiferstodetermineifitislegallyoccupyinga cattle while walkinginthecountryside arefewand Cattle: Incidentsofpeople beingattackedby to followup. the mattershouldbereported totheFieldOf fenced of keeper andaskfortheanimaltobemovedor of suspected dangerousanimalwhichisnotfenced If theParishCouncilbecomesawareofa injured party committed andthekeepercouldbesuedby the member ofthepublic,an known tobedangerouscausesinjurya to belikelycauseinjury member ofthepublicandanimalwasknown animal liablefordamagesifitcausesinjurytoa f fromapublicrightofway ficient tocheckthatabullisrunningwithcows Animals f. Iftheparishcouncil'sapproachfails, . Act 1971makesthekeeperofany . Ifanyanimalwhichis fence maybe , itshouldcontactthe page 65 ficer

“What do I do about..…” Countryside remove themall.W there arecertainrisksanditisnotpossibleto countryside. This addstothepleasureofwalkingin where animalsgrazeincloseproximitytowalkers. working landinwhichfarmersearntheirlivingand far between.However Union (NFU)andRamblers' Here aresometipsfromtheNationalFarmers' the countryside. very lowriskofcattleattacksputthem - Do countryside throughwhichyouarewalking: what todoifyoucomeacrosscattleinthe - - - Don't - - - Be preparedforcattletoreactyour Move quicklyandquietly Keep yourdogcloseandunderef Get betweencowsandtheircalves Hang ontoyourdog.Ifyouarethreatened by Put yourselfatrisk.Find anotherwayaround Panic orrun. Mostcattlewillstop beforethey you presence, especiallyifyouhaveadogwith around theherd control onalead cattle, letitgo,asthe cattle willchasethedog possible the cattleandrejoin footpathassoon reach you. Iftheyfollowjustwalk onquietly As withanyworkingenvironment Access - alkers areurgednottoletthe , theBritishcountrysideis A ParishGuide Association about , andifpossiblewalk fective f enjoying and 2mfor bridleways). less thanthe minimumwidth(1m forfootpaths ensure thatthelineof the pathisindicatedtonot land crossedbyaright ofway (other thangrass)has beenplantedorsownon Crops growingonrights ofway: events. orders tocloseroadsforcyclingandother on Britishroads–canbeusedfortemporary passed toenablethe Regulation (SpecialEvents) 31, Road is authorisedbytheSecretaryofState(Section bridleways. participate inacycleraceonfootpathsor Road bridleways, aswellcarriageways.(Section31, authority motor vehicleraceonapublichighwaywithout Competitions andspeedtrials: harm orscarefarmanimals. and blacksignsremindingthemthatdogscan countryside safely providing newsignstohelpwalkersenjoythe The NFUand Bicycles: Motor vehicles: T raf . This appliestofootpathsand T fic raf A Act 1988). racecanonlybeheldonroadsifit fic The Ramblers' Itisanof Act 1988). . W Itisanof alkers willseenewyellow T our deFrancetotakepart Additionally fence topromoteor The Road Act 1994-originally Association are , thefarmermust fence toholda Where acrop , theoccupier T raf fic page 66

“What do I do about..…” wander from thepathortoworry livestock, the to askthem toleavetheland.Ifa dogislikelyto trespasser andowners andoccupiershavearight to wanderof control' atalltimes–a pathuserwhoallowsadog a lead.Howeverthedog shouldbeunder'close there isnorequirementinlawforthedogto be on to takeadog(s)withyouonallrightsofway and Dogs onpublicrightsofway: of way' Field Of should onlybetakeninconsultationwithyour a publicpathbutwesuggestthatanysuchaction farmers whosecropsmakeitinconvenienttouse The ParishCouncilhasthepowertoprosecute remains tonotifytheFieldOf can proveveryef landowner inthefirstinstance,asalocalrequest parish thecouncilisaskedtoapproach ploughing orcroppingproblemsoccurinyour so infringementsarerelativelyinfrequent.If responsibilities whenploughingandcropping, farmers twiceayeartoremindthemoftheir In Oxfordshire,theFieldOf (Rights ofW Failure tofulfilthisdutyisacriminalof within thatwidththroughoutthegrowingseason. has adutytopreventthecropfromencroaching Countryside ficer . -seealso'Ploughingofpublicrights ay f thepublicrightofway becomesa Access - Act 1990section137A). fective, butiftheproblem A ficers writetoallknown ParishGuide ficer

Y . ou areallowed fence - - - - The DogControlOrder cancover: covered bytheHighways except roads,includingpublicpaths,asthese are cover anylandtowhichthepublichasaccess Environment under theCleanNeighbourhoodsand County Councils,canmakeaDogControlOrder The ParishCouncil,alongwiththeDistrictand than twometreslong. A kept onashortleadwheneverstockarepresent. between 1stMarchand31stJuly regardless ofwhetherstockarepresentornot, access landdogsmustbekeptonashortlead, much stricterthanonRightsofW livestock) no interestinthesheep(Dogs(Protectionof in anyfieldwithsheep,evenifthedogistaking It isalsoanof Act 1971). compensate thedog'sowner(Section9, or chasinglivestock,withoutbeingliableto lead. owners areadvisedtokeepthedogonashort shortleadisdefinedasonethatnotmore land. The keeping ofdogs onleads. Fouling by dogs andtheremoval offaeces. The exclusion ofdogsfromland. The numberofdogsa personcantakeonto A farmermayshootadogwhichisattacking Act 1953).Onaccesslandtherulesare Act 2005. fence toallowadogbe'atlarge' The ordercanbemadeto Act, asnotedabove. . Dogsmustbe ay; onsome Animals page 67

“What do I do about..…” Countryside the ParishCounciltomakeitanof Dog fouling: behaviour toalleviatetheproblem. owners concernedtomakeprovisionorchange with dogs,wewouldurgeyoutoworkthe many localresidentsand,whenproblemsoccur that dogsplayinthehealthandwell-beingof the CountyCouncilrecognisesimportantrole Although alloftheabovepowersareavailable, other thanthehighway owners nottocleanupaftertheirdogonland enforcement ofsuchbylawsisusuallyverydif Rights ofW forbidding ownerstoallowtheirdogsfoulon District Councilshavethepowertomakebylaws outside urbanareas,sinceitrequiresanof be onsiteregularly obstruction ofthehighway Encroachment: lorries. -seealso'Intimidatingdogs' bins tobeatlocationsaccessiblethecollecting District Council,butthismaybecostlyandrequire alternative. encourage ownerstopickupaftertheirdogs isan legal width, andsotheFieldOf worn inthe groundisnotalways the sameasits part orallofthepathwidth. adjoining plotoflandor buildingisextendedover ay (orotherareas).However These canbesourcedthroughthe Dogcontrolorderscanbemadeby Access - An encroachmentisan unlawful . Installingdogwastebinsto . A , oftencausedwhenan ParishGuide The widthofthepath ficer willfirst fence for , ficer to ficult right ofway”). Whereabarbedwire orelectric restrict the width oftherightway (see“Widthof Fences alongsidearight ofway:Nofenceshould of livestock. only authorisestructures necessaryforthecontrol under section147Highways across rightsofwayiftheyareauthorisedby us line ofthepath.Structurescanonlybeerected provide anadequatemeansofcrossingiton the remove itor Council willrequiretheowneroffenceto refer themattertoFieldOf the landownertoremoveit,andifnotsuccessful willing, itissuggestedthattheparishinitiallyask to membersofthepublicwishinguseit.If obstruction tothepath,anuisanceanddanger adequate meansofcrossingisan erected acrossapublicrightofwaywithoutan Fences acrossarightofway: contact yourFieldOf application, willaf application, orchangeofusewithoutaplanning If theparishcouncilisconcernedthataplanning if appropriate. will beapproachedandlegalactiontaken encroachment hasoccurred,thenthelandowner legal widthandrouteoftherightway consult theDefinitiveStatementtodetermine , ifitisnecessaryforstockcontrol,to fect arightofway ficer . -seealso'Obstructions' Act 1980.W ficer

Any fence . , please The County fence. Itisan . If e can page 68

“What do I do about..…” Countryside outside oftheposts,nexttopath. plain wireisused(atthesameheights)on is setontheinsideoffenceposts,andthat the countycouncilwillrequirethatbarbedwire If abarbedwirefenceisnecessaryforagriculture, livestock. first beaskedifitwerenecessaryforkeeping that itpresentsahazard,thelandownerwould the public.Ifitissetcloseenoughtopath may beahazardandnuisancetomembersof fence issituatedalongsideapublicrightofwayit authority or areasonableexcuse, suchasa public right of way (loaded ornot)inapublic place,includingany weapon, oranyother firearm withammunition live electricfence. must beclearlysignedatfrequentintervalsas a If anelectricfenceisnecessaryforlivestock,it barbed wire. the fence,orslips,theyareprotectedfrom ensures thatifsomeonecomesintocontactwith Firearms: way forpassage. can beconvenientlyandsafelymovedoutof the handle shouldbeprovidedsothatthelivewire tubing. Whereitcrossesagate,aninsulated example bycoveringwithalengthofinsulated shielded whereitpassesthroughastile,for Itisanof Access - , unlessthe personhaslawful The electricfenceshouldbe fence tohavealoaded air- A ParishGuide This especially during thesummermonths and,if Overgrown pathsareacommon problem, the pathiscleartouse. of thepathandoverhanging vegetationsothat back hedges,vegetation growinginfromtheside – see“undergrowth”). vegetation growingupfromthepathsurface itself (the countycouncilisresponsibleonlyfor 'overgrowth' andisthelandowner'sresponsibility causing restrictionofwidththisiscalled grow outfromthesideoveroracrosspath, landowner's responsibility trees alongsidepublicrightsofwayisthe (overgrowth): Hedges andtreesadjacenttorightsofway see also'Intimidationandthreateningbehaviour' right ofway concerned forthesafetyofpublicusing 161). user oftheroute(Highways a bywayifitinjures,interruptsorendangersany discharge afirearmwithin50feetofthecentre circumstances. Itis,however law nuisanceorintimidation,dependingonthe way It isnotanof land (Firearms landowner ortenantshootingverminonhisown , althoughtodosomayamountacommon The countycouncilwill,whereitis , referthemattertopolice. fence toshootacrossapublicrightof

Act 1968section19). The maintenanceofhedgesand The landownermustcut . Wherehedgesortrees Act 1980section , anof fence to page 69 -

“What do I do about..…” way dangerous orintimidatingdogonapublicrightof Intimidating dogs: across rightsofway'and'Undergrowth notified. -seealso'T successful, thentheFieldOf back inwardly-growingvegetation;ifthisisnot initially makecontactwiththelandownertocut willing, itissuggestedthattheparishcouncil be reportedtotheFieldOf path. Ifthisisnotsuccessful,theproblemshould owner andaskthatthedogbekeptawayfrom The ParishCouncilshouldcontactthedog's close tothepath.W erecting aninternalfencetostopthedoggetting that theownertakesaction,forexampleby to deteruseofarightway: Intimidation orthreateningbehaviourintended directly and willadvisecomplainantstonotifythepolice of deterring theuseofarightwayispossibly an intimidating behaviourwiththeintentionof path. Inthefirstplace, theFieldOf the of situation arising.W address anyunderlying issueswhichledtothe .Firearms. and 'Intimidatingdogs' (section 4Public Order Countryside fence andmayamounttoobstructionofthe . Itmayalsobeconsidereda'publicnuisance'. fender andinvolvethe policeasappropriate . Access - e maythenissueawarning to e mayalsoinformthepolice It isanof rees andbranchesfallen Act 1986). -see also A ficer whowillenforce ParishGuide ficer shouldbe fence tokeepa The useof ficer willseekto material looks asifitcouldbegarden refuse,the but ifthepath backsontoproperties andthe for thearea.Usually culpritsarenotseen, of wayrestswiththedistrict (orthecity)council clearance oflitterand fly-tipping onapublicright Litter andfly-tipping: problems onyourpathsnetwork. passing onanyinformationyoureceiveabout promptly whenproblemsoccur after negligence. With2,600milesofpathstolook liable forinjuriessuf courses, signposts,barriersetc.,andwould be maintenance ofbridgesacrossnaturalwater- of publicuse.W condition suitablefortheexpectedlevelandtype maintaining thesurfaceofrightswayina The countycouncilisusuallyresponsiblefor Liability ofthecountycounciltopathusers: Safety atW (Occupiers Liability a claimagainsttheoccupierofland across apath,thentheinjuredpartymaypursue were tobeinjuredbyanelectricfenceplaced were tocollapseunderawalker users bytheirnegligence.Forexample,ifastile way canbeliableforinjuriescausedtopath and occupiersoflandcrossedbypublicrights Liability oflandownerstopathusers: , wehavetorelyonusersletusknow ork Act alsoappliestofarmpremises. e arealsoresponsibleforthe Act 1957). fered asaresultofour Responsibility forthe The Healthand . , orifapathuser Y ou canhelpby Owners page 70

“What do I do about..…” Countryside rights. their ownershipeventhoughtheystillcarrypublic maintainable bythelandownerundertermsof maintainable atpublicexpense.Somepathsare Maintenance: cleaning themmustbemade. install litter-bins–arrangementsforemptyingand are all'litterauthorities'andhavepowersto the occupiers.Parish,districtandcountyCouncils parish council(ifwilling)maychoosetospeak less thansimpleanswer maintains publicrightsofway?'ofteninvokesa public pathslieswiththecountycouncil. purposes, theprimaryresponsibilitytomaintain can allhavearoletoplay district councils,parishcouncilsandlandowners highway authority the rightto carry outmaintenance ofanyfootpath, Highways restricted bywaysifthey sowish(Section42, powers onpublicfootpaths, bridlewaysand moment) –andtheycan alsoclaimmaintenance within theirarea(although nonedoatthe with thecountycounciltoundertakemaintenance District councilscanhaveanagencyagreement the responsibilityoflandowner and thecuttingbackofoverhangingvegetation is condition ofstructures,suchasstilesorgates, condition ofthesurfacepathbut The apparentlysimplequestionof'who Act 1980). Parishcouncilsalsohave Access - Most publicrightsofwayare , weareresponsibleforthe . The countycouncil, A . However ParishGuide . , forpractical As impeding any significantpartofthe highway completely block thehighwaytobe unlawful; of such itisapublicnuisance andastatutory prevents theconvenient passagebythepublic. obstructions. ensure publicrightsofwayarefreefromunlawful Obstructions: Field Of all illegalormisleadingnoticesandsignsto your to enforceremoval. remove anymisleadingsignsbuthasnopowers 1980). costs recovered(section132,Highways way canberemovedbythecountycouncilandits Of challenge occurrencesreportedtotheField (see 'Obstructions')andthecountycouncilwill use paths. deter peoplefromlawfullyexercisingtheirrightto rather than“Pleasekeepyourdogonalead”)can “private, noentry”or“dogsmustbeonleads” unlawful signsonapublicrightofway(e.g. Misleading signsandnotices: sections also 'SurfacesofRightsW not af parish doesdecidetomaintainitspathsthis bridleway orrestrictedbywayintheirarea.Ifthe fence. ficer fect ourcontinuingmaintenanceduty . Unlawfulsignserectedonapublicrightof The parishcouncilcanaskalandownerto ficer An obstructiondoesnot haveto As suchtheyareaformofobstruction . An obstructionisanything that The countycouncilhasadutyto Y ou should,therefore,report ay' &'Liability' Misleading and Act . -see page 71 As

“What do I do about..…” should also contactyourFieldOf application, willobstructapublic right ofway application, orchange ofusewithoutaplanning If theparishcouncilis concerned thataplanning should bereportedto your FieldOf including allcasesofbuildingsorencampments, suggest thatincidentsofdeliberateobstruction, anyone whowilfullyobstructsapath,butwe The ParishCouncilhastherighttoprosecute (see 'T or branchesiftheyareunabletodoitthemselves clear accidentalobstructionssuchasfallentrees you mayliketoarrangewiththelandowner to If yourparishcouncilhasavolunteer/workteam, access alongapublicrightofway path orwhenencampmentsaresetupthatrestrict houses orotherbuildingsareputupoverapublic dif presence ofanaggressivedog.Somethemost misleading sign,intimidatingactionsorthe vehicle orafenceacrosspath.Itcanalsobe physical objectsuchasafallentree,burntout as towhatconstitutesanobstruction;itcanbea Under thelawthereisawidevarietyofmeaning boundary totheother since thepublic'srightusuallyextendsfromone obstruction onthevergeofamadeuphighway constitutes anobstruction. Countryside ficult obstructionstodealwithoccurwhen rees andbranchesfallenacrossapath'). Access - . A This canincludean ParishGuide ficer . ficer . . , you , route. on apublic rightofwaymayaf herbicides: Agrichemicals, especially pesticidesand adjacent toRightsofW Field Of overgrowth themattershouldbereportedto your out theclearance.Ifthereisarefusaltoclear to dothework,parishcouncilcanitselfcarry cleared. Or can oftenbeallthatisneededtogetapath request fromtheparishcounciltolandowner prevent itfromencroachingoverthepath. the landownertocutbackanyovergrowthand through thepathitself.Itisresponsibilityof not grasses,nettles,etc.thatmightbegrowingup and reducingtheavailableheightorwidth.Itis are growingoutwardsfromthesidesofpath any vegetation,butusuallytreesorhedgesthat is knownlegallyas'undergrowth'.Overgrowth when, confusingly summer Overgrowth: have toaskyoufindoutwhothelandowneris. the countycouncil–especiallyaswewilloften way ofdealingwiththeproblemthanactionfrom the landowner direct, localapproachfromtheparishcouncilto Many casesofobstructionarebestresolvedbya The Health &SafetyExecutivehas issued ficer , aredescribedasbeingovergrown , ifitwillbedif . -seealso'Hedgesandtrees The useofpesticides or herbicides Manypaths,particularlyinthe . This canbeamoretimeef , theproblemiscausedbywhat ay' and'Undergrowth' ficult forthelandowner fect usersof the ficient A page 72

“What do I do about..…” places. Itisanof pesticide usebytheparishcouncilinpublic out bycompetentpersonnel. herbicide, andsuchworkshouldonlybecarried taken withtheapplicationofanypesticideor users (Section161,Highways highway thatmaycauseinjurytoorendanger W be liabletoprosecution(HealthandSafetyat while usingapublicrightofway vicinity ofapath.Ifanyoneisaf hazard, wheresuchchemicalsareusedinthe be requiredtoadvisethepublicofpotential not beoversprayedandthatwarningnoticesmay a codeadvisingthatpublicrightsofwayshould after drilling/harrowing), otherwise acriminal 1 dayforsubsequent disturbance ofthesoil,e.g. ploughed, itmustbereinstated within14days(or Where across-fieldfootpath orbridlewayis whatever theirlocation -fieldedgeorcrossfield. open toalltraf be ploughedandrestrictedbyways "headland" footpathsandbridlewaysmustnever footpaths andbridleways.Fieldedgeor This lawfulauthorityonlyappliestocross-field reasonably convenienttoavoiddisturbingthem. entitled toploughpublicrightsofwayifitisnot Ploughing ofrightsway: pesticides. could includetheincorrectapplicationof Countryside ork Act 1974).Considerablecareneedstobe fic shouldalsoneverbe ploughed, Access - fence todepositanythingonthe A ParishGuide This includesany Farmers areonly Act 1980),this fected byspraying , thesprayermay Signing ofrightsway: metal fingerpost pointingalongthe pathshowing metalled road. InOxfordshire,this isusuallya public footpath,bridleway orbywayleavesa required toerectasign atthepointthateach Rights ofW Responsibilities'. -seealso'Cropsgrowingon follow 'RightsofW www guidance onourwebsite–goto Field Of If theproblempersistsyoushouldnotifyyour instance toaskthemrolloutandmarkthe path. asked toapproachthelandownerinfirst been reinstated.However path hasbeenunlawfullyploughedupornot The parishcouncilhasthepowertoprosecuteifa infrequent. cropping, andsoinfringementsarerelatively of theirresponsibilitieswhenploughingand all knownlandownerstwiceayeartoremindthem byways andbyways.InOxfordshire,wewriteto footpaths and3mforbridleways,restricted minimum widthsleftunploughedare1.5mfor recorded width).Forfieldedgepaths,the less thanthestatutoryminimumwidth(orlegally reasonably convenientforpublicuse,andtonot indicating itontheground,makingsurface of fence iscommitted.Reinstatementmeans .oxfordshire.gov ficer ay' . W e havepublisheddetailed ay' andthen'Farmers' .uk/countryside , ParishCouncilsare A countycouncilis

and page 73

“What do I do about..…” Countryside the FieldOf a fingerpostisdamagedormissing,pleasenotify the path'sstatus,andsometimesdestinations.If may af obligation tonotifythecouncilofanyissuesthat these casesthelandownerisstillunderan undertake maintenanceofgatesandstiles.In Oxfordshire CountyCouncilhasagreedto this isoncertainpromotedrouteswhere also “W circumstance forwhichthecounty councilcan county councilforauthority todoso. stiles orgates,theymust applyinwritingtothe If anoccupieroflandwishes toinstalladditional stiles (see'Accessforpeoplewithdisabilities'). in adjoiningareas,followedbygatesandthen preferred optioniflivestockarenolongerpresent Of needed itshouldbereferredontotheField instance. Ifunsuccessfulorfurtheradviceis willing) approachthelandownerinfirst gate inneedofrepairorreplacement,theymay(if If theparishcouncilismadeawareofastileor kept inagoodstateofrepair landowner toensurethatanystilesandgatesare Stiles andgates: obstruction andisacriminalof stiles orgateswithout this authorityisanunlawful ficer . Whenreplacingstructures,gapsarethe fect thesecurityofhis/herlivestock. aymarking” ficer foritsrepair/replacement.-see Access - It isgenerallythedutyof A ParishGuide . The exceptionto fence. T The only o erect alternative arrangements suchas betterdrainage and although theFieldOf flooded byawatercourse atcertaintimesofyear- this isdif In somecasestheunderlying geologyissuchthat or wellingtonsinthewinter). clothing andfootwear(forexamplewalkingboots, it isassumedthattheuserwillwearappropriate in aconditionsuitableforusebywalkers.In this, suitable fortheirusebythepublic,ie.afootpath seek tomaintainrightsofwayinacondition during thewintermonths. soil, somemudshouldbeexpected,particularly earth surface,andso,dependingonthetypeof essentially countrysidepaths,usuallywithan must berecognisedthatrightsofwayare council hasadutytomaintainthesurface.It of wayrunacrossprivateland,butthecounty Surfaces ofrightsway: prevent useofapathbyvehicles). T all traf erected on'restrictedbyways'or'bywaysopento Stiles, additionalgatesandbarrierscannotbe section 147). prevent livestockstraying(Highways stiles/ gatesisthatthestructuresarerequiredto provide authorisationfortheerectionofnew raf fic RegulationOrder(usuallyseekingto fic' unlesstheyarerequiredtoenforcea ficult –forexample,a path maybecome ficer willdiscuss The countycouncilwill The majorityofrights Act 1980 page 74

“What do I do about..…” Countryside way tree orlargebranchfallsacrossapublicrightof It isanof is notalwaysareadysolution. or atemporarydiversionwiththelandowner removed, whiletherestislefttorotnaturally section acrossthepathwillbecutoutand and ifatreeislargeitoftenthecasethat the the treeisremovedfromwidthofpath, Of its removal;ifthisisnotsuccessful,thenthe Field initially makecontactwiththelandownertoseek If willing,itissuggestedthattheparishcouncil which istheresponsibilityofownertree. T “ploughing” and“cropsonrightsofway” see also“Overgrowth”,“encroachment”, have beenunlawfullydisturbedarereinstated.- ensure thesurfaceofpublicrightswaythat county council.W surface tolaypipes)withoutpermissionfromthe public rightofway(forexample,diggingupthe Undergrowth: way' see also'Hedgesandtreesadjacenttorights of problem itshould bereportedtothe FieldOf county council's responsibilityand ifitbecomesa from thesurfaceof pathisgenerallythe rees andbranchesfallenacrossthepath: ficer shouldbenotified.Itisonlyrequiredthat , thenitcausesanobstructiontheremovalof fence tointerferewiththesurfaceofa Access - Naturalvegetationgrowing up e willtakeenforcementactionto A ParishGuide , there . - ficer Ifa . first.) practical, the policearerequired to warnadriver to cause,alarm,distress orannoyance.(Where driven (orridden)ina way thatcauses,orislikely police powertoseizevehicles thatarebeing Sections 59&60Police Reform police. available tothehighwayauthorityand/or do occur licensed, insuredandfittodrive.Whereproblems times befullyroadlegalandtheirdriversmust be driving onbyways,thevehiclesusedmustat all Although theterm'of surface ofapublicrightwayforvehicularuse. A highways isnotautomaticallyaproblem. considerate vehicleuseofthisminority be usedonbywaysopentoalltraf recognised thatmotorvehiclescanquitelegally loss ofamenity conflict itcauseswithotherusers,andthrough through wearandtearofthehighway use onpublicrightsofwaycancauseproblems: V footpaths andbridlewaysiftheywish. Parish Councilsalsohavethepowertomaintain W highwayauthorityhasnodutytomaintainthe ehicles onpublicrightsofway: e keepalistofpathsthatneedannualcutting. These include: , thereareanumberofmeasures . However f-roading' isoftenusedfor , itmustalsobe Act 2002givethe fic andthat Motor vehicle , through page 75

“What do I do about..…” Countryside Orders maybetemporary recorded ontheDefinitiveMapandStatement. TROs canbemadebeforearouteiseven even beusedtorestrictnon-vehiculartraf restrict particulartypesofvehicles,ortheymay particular lengthoftime. vehicles duringspecifictimesoftheyearorfora quite flexibletoolsandcanbeusedtorestrict prosecute thansomeotherof The of even wherethatpathcarriesnovehicularrights. restrict orbancertaintypesoftraf the land,orpermissionfromowner ('lawful authority'mayarisethroughownershipof restricted bywayoranylandthatisn'tahighway vehicle withoutlawfulauthorityonapublicpath, Drivers canbeprosecutedfordrivingamotor - - - - - reasons including: permanent andcanbeimposedforanumber of T the rightsofsomestatutoryundertakers.) raf conserving natural beauty area thatthewayruns through preserving (orimproving) theamenityof preserving thecharacter ofaway preventing usebyunsuitable vehicles preventing damagetothepublicrightofway fic RegulationOrders(TRO)canbemadeto fence ofbreakinga Access - They canbeusedto A , experimentalor TRO canbeeasierto ParishGuide fences. fic fromapath– TROs are , orthrough fic. . Oxfordshire. TROs canonlybemadebythecountycouncilin often dif TROs isthattheyneedtobeenforcedbutit restrict accessbyvehiclesandmuchtime,ef Sometimes physicalbarriersareneededto Barriers to4x4scanbequiteef legitimate users;successsofarhasbeenlimited. that stopvehicles,butdonotundulyinterferewith and moneyhasgoneintotryingtodesignbarriers have yetbeenmadethatarecompletelyef motorcyclists arethemainproblem.Nobarriers The mostdif drawn vehiclesmakingthejobmoredif still needstobemadeforthepassageofhorse- quite unsightly determined vandalism–andthereforetendtobe need tobemadesuf barriers canalsobequiteef successful inreducingmotorcycletraf over gatesandstep-overbarriersaregenerally passage tohorsesandcyclists.However at keepingoutmotorcycleswhileallowing of problems toyourlocal neighbourhoodpolice the ParishCouncilisrecommended toreportsuch coordinated approach byanumberofparties,and can requireaconsistent, persistentand access isn'tneeded.Solvingvehicleproblems ficer aswell asyourFieldOf ficult togetadequatepolicinginplace. ficult situation,however A commonproblemwith . Onrestrictedbyways,provision ficiently robusttowithstand fective wherehorse ficer fective, butthey . , isthatwhere fic. Squeeze ficult still. , step- page 76 fective fort

“What do I do about..…” Countryside way wheretherouteofpathmaybeunclear required toprovidesignsalongapublicrightof right ofwayleavestheroad,countycouncilis T W arrows forbywaysopentoalltraf bridleways, purpleforrestrictedbywaysandred arrows forpublicfootpaths,blue agreed nationalcolourschemeusesyellow path takes-theseareknownaswaymarks. with colouredarrowstoshowthedirection W rights ofway' for inadvertenttrespass.-seealso“signingof are correctlywaymarkedtoreducethepotential interest oflandownersthatallpublicrightsway each typeofrightway reasonable widths: the countycounciluses thefollowingasminimum For rightsofwaywhere neitheroftheseapplies, rights ofway'. 'Ploughing ofrightsway'and'Cropsgrowing on reinstatement followingploughing.-seealso widths areonlysetinrelationtoploughingand the legalwidth.Otherwise,statutoryminimum Map mayrefertothepath'swidthandifsothat is of eachpathwhichaccompaniestheDefinitive o dothis,whitecirculardiscsareused,printed aymarking: idth ofrightsway: Inadditiontofingerpostswherethe Access - . There isnosetwidthfor A The writtenstatement ParishGuide fic. Itisinthe An . of howthecountycouncildealswiththeseissues. See 'encroachment'and'obstructions'fordetails of wayisanobstructionandacriminal An encroachmentintothewidthofapublicright much narrower the boundaries,evenwherewornrouteis highway willnormallybethefullwidthbetween between hedgesorfencesthewidthof taken tobeofbridlewaywidth.Whereapathruns wider thanbridleways,butataminimumare Restricted bywaysandarecommonly Bridleway Footpath 3m 1.2m Path Unenclosed . 3m 1.8m Path Field Edge 4m 2m Path Enclosed fence. page 77

“What do I do about..…” find outmore? Where canI Appendix Y : Countryside www available underthisscheme places/openaccess. www availability ofaccesslandat Inheritance T Access Land W Useful books: - - - - - eb sites: British StandardsInstitution,2006. Agate, E.2004. Defra 2005. Riddall, R.& Ramm, David(2006) Association andOpenSpacesSociety London. vehicles onpublicRightsofW specification. 5709:2006 Gaps,gatesandstiles– handbook. Ramblers Finding, UsingandEnjoyingPublicPaths, Defra, London. Community SafetyPartnerships. – W Countryside .hmrc.gov .naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/ A ay; guideforLocal,Authorities,Policeand A guidetolawandpractice. Association EastBerkshire ax Exemption - BTCV Access - Regulating theuseofmotor .uk/heritage/lbsearch.htm Y Access - T BSI,London. ou cancheckoutthecurrent revelyan, J.,2007. Footpaths –apractical , Doncaster The Secretsof A An IllustratedGuideto ParishGuide - Access areasmade . ay andoffroad PB1 Rights of Ramblers' BS 1381. ,

countryside/issues/common/index.htm www

http://countrywalks.defra.gov be foundonDefra'swebsiteat Environmental Stewardshipgrantschemecan site. 'how to'guidesavailabletodownloadfromthis www2.btcv place. the sensitiveenvironmentsinwhichtheytake and recreation,and,atthesametime,toprotect helps increaseopportunitiesforoutdoorsports rishplans.html www be downloadedfrom and getthemostfromyourplan. been producedby Defra (commons) Defra British T Best ofBothW England) ACRE (Actionwithcommunitiesinrural .defra.gov .acre.org.uk/communityengagement_pa -Detailsofcurrentaccessprovidedunder Their websiteis rust forConservationV - A .org.uk/ nationalParishPlan .uk/wildlife- orlds

ACRE tohelpyoudrawup - websiteat

Y ACRE's websiteat –awebsiteresourcethat ou canfindalloftheBTCV www .bobw .uk/default.aspx The toolkitcan olunteers T .co.uk oolkit has page 78 -

Where can I find out more? www public rightsofwayand accessland most aspectsofcountryside access,including www quest forlotteryfundingisonthesearchpage at everyone. managers toimproveaccessthecountryside for works withpeopledisabilitiesandcountryside www information aboutriversandaccesstowater: www archaeological andimportantheritagesites: Oxfordshire CountyCouncilwalksandridessites) also theFieldfare www buggies canalsobefoundon routes forwheelchairusersandparentswith www Natural England National Lottery Fieldfare T Environment English Heritage Disabled Countryside .naturalengland.org.uk/ .lotteryfunding.org.uk .environment-agency .english-heritage.org.uk/ .walkswithwheelchairs.com .walkswithbuggies.com Access sites rust www Agency Access -

– - –Forinformationabout T The bestplacetostartyour rust, DisabledRamblersand A largesitewithinformation on .fieldfare.org.uk/ –Particularlyfor -Nationalinformationon A ParishGuide .gov respectively

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Fieldfare

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User Groupsand Statute law Planning Inspectorate Paths for Oxfordshire CountyCouncil The BritishHorseSociety Service webpages to datetextsofall www inspectorate.gov public inquiryprocedures. about theinterpretationofhistoricalevidenceand useful information: www public paths andotherland. highways, footpaths,bridleways, carriageways, for riddenanddrivenhorses overpublicroads, preservation ofpublic rights ofwayandaccess promote andsecurethe provision,protectionand horses. Withregardtocountrysideaccessthey matters relatingtohorseridingandthecare of The BHSisacharityinvolvedinpromotingall – 08448481666 ay/rights_way .oxfordshire.gov .statutelaw All

– Here'swhereyoucanfindtheup – .htm A .gov Scottishsitethatispackedwith .uk/pins/appeals/rights_of_w Acts ofParliamentsince1980:

Access Societies: www .uk/ .uk/countryside – .pathsforall.org.uk/ A www goodsiteforadvice

– www –Countryside .planning- .bhs.org.uk/ page 79

Where can I find out more? traditional meansoftravel. lanes thatformpartthe Britishlandscapeand,our public rightsthatexist over themanyancient The BywaysandBridlewaysT The BritishDrivingSociety T www driving ofequineanimals. encourage andassistthoseinterestedinthe Society www www ------Oxfordshire ridingclubsinclude: www For OxfordshireBHSvisit Countryside rust isaregisteredcharity Bridleways (ridingroutesnationwide) Oxford Otmoor RidingGroup North OxfordshireRidingClub(nowebsite) Cherwell V W V Isis DressageGroup Oxford RidingClub Chiltern RidingClub South OxfordshireRidingClub .bbtrust.org.uk .britishdrivingsociety .bridleways.co.uk .bhssouth.org.uk/Ox%20news.htm ale ofWhiteHorseRidingClub est OxfordshireRidingClub , whichwasformedin1957,isto Area Bridleways Access - alley RidingClub

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The aimofthe - www the countryside. See: that don'ttakedisability asareasonnottoenjoy The DisabledRamblers - midweek groupandan Oxfordshirecountygroup. local clubsinOxfordCity campaigning onbehalfofallcyclists. for all. is tomakecyclingenjoyable,safeandwelcoming www skills tohelpkeeptheCotswoldsspecial. Conservation Boardandvolunteertheirtime and W members. join and,today www V www natural resourcesintownandcountry encouraging thesustainableuseoflandandother tranquillity anddiversityofruralOxfordshireby www rights ofwayandconservationmanagement. cycling andwalkinggroupsaswellpractical The CTC(Cyclists'T Cotswolds V CPRE Chiltern Society oluntary W ardens .disabledramblers.co.uk .ctc.org.uk .cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/?Page=Cotswolds .cpreoxon.org.uk/ .chilternsociety -CPREOxfordshirepromotesthebeauty Their workincludeshigh-profile wasestablishedin1968. The wardensarepartoftheCotswolds ardens service oluntary W , thereareover340fulltime -08708730060CTC'smission – The society'sactivitiesinclude .org.uk/ ouring Club)

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Where can I find out more? Countryside www commons intheneighbourhood ofOxford. preservation offootpaths, bridlepathsand Fieldpaths Societywasfoundedin1926for the public's righttoenjoythem. Rights ofW land, villagegreens,otheropenspacesand public increase, enhanceandchampionthecommon The OpenSpacesSociety'smissionistoprotect, The OpenSpacesSociety waymarkers oftheBritishIsles. the publicbenefitmilestonesandother aims toidentify society policy members inawiderangeoflandaccessissues: as anysortofgoverningbody recreation. LARA principal groupsincountrysidemotorsportand Association andactsasanationalforumforthe organisations' Land – Oxford FieldpathsSociety The MilestonesT The Land www .ofs.org.uk , practiceandproblems. .laragb.org .co.uk Access andRecreation ay ofEnglandandW Access - Founded inMay2001,theSociety , record,researchandinterpretfor doesnotorganiseeventsoract rust LARA Access andRecreation – www isthemotoring A ParishGuide - - , butitdoesassistits www The Oxford .milestone- ales, andthe .oss.org.uk Association

------Oxfordshire Ramblersgroupsinclude: public rightsofwaynetwork. representatives thathelptomonitorthelocal oxon.org.uk groups throughoutOxfordshire Scotland andW conditions foreveryonewhowalksinEngland, walking aswellassistingtoimprove walking charitywithover70yearspromoting 3398500 greens thanonpublicpaths. focused oncommonlandandtownvillage access legislation. held apivotalpositioninthedraftingofearly OSS istheoldestaccessgroupinUKand The Ramblers Open SpacesSociety W V Thame &Wheatley Oxon W Oxon 20s&30sW Oxford Henley &Goring Didcot &W Bicester &Kidlington Banbury &NorthOxfordshire ale ofWhiteHorse est Oxfordshire The RamblersisBritain'sbiggest eekend W There arealsoRamblersparish – allingford ales. www The organistionisnowmore There aremanylocal .ramblers.org.uk alkers - alking www .oss.org.uk www .ramblers- –0207 page 81 The

Where can I find out more? Glossary Appendix Z: bridleways. W along it.Bicycles mayalsoberidden on without arighttodrive animals ofanydescription way onhorsebackorleading ahorse,butwithor public havearightofway onfootandarightof Public Bridleway- Bridleway bridleways areused.W mainly forthepurposewhichfootpathsand other kindsoftraf the publichavearightofwayforvehicularand all Byway Opento BOA British HorseSociety BHS team andmanagementplan. W has three-Chilterns,CotswoldsandNorth Area ofOutstandingNaturalBeautyOxfordshire AONB by thephrase“righttoroam” Access Land.Useofthislandissometimesknown Registered CommonLandorlanddedicatedas is eitherMountain,Moor new rightsofaccess,mainlyonfoot. Land thathasbeenmappedandissubjecttothe Access Land,Open squeeze past. e.g. removingjustenoughofanobstructionto nuisance thatisaf The commonlawrighttotakeactionremovea Abatement Countryside essex Downs,eachwiththeirownmanagement T , Byway aymarked by bluearrows. Access - All fic butwhichisusedbythepublic fecting theexerciseofaright, T A raf highwayoverwhichthe Access Land fic -ahighwayoverwhich aymarked byredarrows , Heath,Downland, A ParishGuide Access Land CRoW countryside accessresources. and promotingpublicrightsofwayother work includesprotecting,maintaining,improving The partofOxfordshireCountyCouncilwhose Countryside Service Country LandandBusiness CLA gates andstiles. British StandardCoversthespecificationforgaps, BS5709:2006 conservation, PartIVdealtwith part IIIstrengthenedlawsaboutwildlifeandnature legislation (includingthedutytoprepareRoWIPs), land, PartIIsetoutimprovementstorightsofway established thenewrightofaccessto Countryside andRightsofW Cycle T provisions toestablishLAFs. Conservation Boards,PartVcontainedthe Disability Discrimination DDA Cyclists' CTC possibly alsotowalk. A though itmaynotbeof Access whichisavailable ontheground,even de factoaccess wayoverwhichthereisarighttocycle,and Act rack T ouring Club ficially recorded. Act (1995and2005) Association ay Act 2000–partI AONBs and page 82

Glossary may exist,butnotberecorded. records theexistenceofthoserights.Otherrights comprising mapsandwritteninformation,which Definitive MapandStatementLegaldocument DM, DMS Af Department forEnvironment,FoodandRural Defra which changestheDefinitiveMapandStatement. Definitive MapModificationOrderLegalorder DMMO DMMO. which maybeprovedtoexistbymeansofa is withoutprejudicetootherunrecordedrights conclusive evidenceoftherightsitrecordsbutthis responsibilities includerightsofway Department forT on law”). Access rightswhicharerecordedlegally(“based de jureaccess A Fieldfare T built environmentand archaeology Government agencyresponsible forthehistoric English Heritage ground usingalegalorder The changingoftheroutearightwayon the Diversion other thanrightsofway Government departmentresponsibleforhighways the countryside forall. and countryside managerstoimprove accessto Countryside charitywhichworkswith peoplewithdisabilities fairs Governmentdepartmentwhose rust Access - ransport . A . ParishGuide . . The DMSis rights ofway subsidy those neededtosecure SingleFarmPayment Good agriculturaland environmental conditions; GAEC carriageway (apavement). A Footway arrows. of wayisonfootonly Public Footpath- Footpath management ofprivatelyownedwoodland. the state'sforestsaswellsupporting The Governmentbodyresponsibleformanaging Forestry Commission and distance. direction, andwhereappropriatethedestination leaves ametalledroad.Showsthestatus, A Finger post environmental managementontheirland. managers inEnglandwhodeliveref provides fundingtofarmersandotherland An agri-environmentschemeadministeredwhich Environmental Stewardship control andotherenvironmentalmatters. management, wastepollution Government agencyresponsibleforriver Environment waysetasideforpedestriansattheedgeof a signpostplacedwhereapublicrightofway , andincludingmaintaining visiblepublic . Agency A highwayoverwhichtheright . W aymarked byyellow

fective page 83

Glossary Long distance routesupportedby NaturalEngland National T maintainable atpublic expense. The scheduleofpaths androadsthatare List ofStreets Forum (OCAF). known astheOxfordshireCountryside other relevantinterests.Oxfordshire'sLAFis volunteers includinglandmanagers,usersand under theCRoW advisory bodyestablishedbythecountycouncil Local LAF and motorways. Government agencyresponsiblefortrunkroads Highways In OxfordshireitistheCountyCouncil. highways andkeepingthemfreeofobstructions. The bodyresponsibleforthemaintainingof Highway The landoverwhicharightofwayruns. Highway or maycarrynopublicrightsatall. by hedges. description ofanunsurfacedtrack,oftenenclosed A Green lane referenced information(spatialdata). manipulating, anddisplayinggeographically system capableofassembling,storing, Geographic InformationSystemacomputer GIS Countryside commontermwithnolegalmeaning. Access Forum Authority rail Agency The landmaybeapublicrightofway Access - Act 2000.Comprisedof The countrysideaccess A ParishGuide Access A physical or administrative area. Health's servicesaredelivered withinageographic Primary Care PCT DMS orOSmaps. Permissive Pathsarenotusuallyshownonthe the publichavenopermanentrightsoverit. landowner Path madeavailablethroughthegoodwillof the Permissive path Oxfordshire Countryside OCAF that producesandlicencesmapbasedinformation. Ordnance SurveyGovernmentownedcompany OS includes unsurfacedUCRs. Landranger andExplorermapping.Generally designation routeshownbytheOSontheir Other RoutewithPublic ORP National Farmers'Union NFU everyone. England's naturalwealthforthebenefitof grounded inscience,onhowbesttosafeguard natural environment. Natural Englandisthegovernment'sadvisoron Natural England property Charity thatlooksafternationallyimportant National T A . . Itmaybewithdrawnatanytimeand rust T rusts The waythattheNational They providepracticaladvice, Access Access Forum–seeLAF A non-statutory page 84

Glossary Countryside and other aspects ofspaceon theEarth's surface. Relating to distribution, distance,direction, areas Spatial See Fingerpost Signpost replaced byRestricted Byway Road UsedasaPublic Path RUPP Countryside andRightsofway and registeredcommonlandintroducedunder the describe thenewrightsofaccesstoopencountry A Right toRoam vehicles (e.gcycles,horseandcart). for vehiclesotherthanmechanicallypropelled way onfoot,horsebackorleadingahorse and A Restricted Byway enjoyment orexercise. Using therightsofwaynetworkforinformal Recreational use Ramblers (previouslyRamblers' Ramblers incidental reasonablepurposes. for thepurposeofpassingandrepassing A Public RightofW extinguishes ordivertsafootpathbridleway Public PathOrderLegalorderwhichcreates, PPO group otherthanthepublicatlarge. A Private RightofW commonlyused(butincorrect)termto Highwayoverwhichthepublichavearightof rightofpassagebythepublicoverhighway rightofwayforanindividualoranycompany Access - ay ay A ParishGuide T erm nowdefunctand Act 2000 Association) . stiles, gatesandbridges. Usually mountedona wooden postor status oftherouteand anarrowtoshowdirection. way A W stops andlocalfacilities. daily livese.g.usedtogetschool,work,bus Path whichisusedbypeoplegoingabouttheir Utilitarian routes They aregenerallymaintainableatpublicexpense These areminorhighways,sometimessurfaced. Unclassified RoadorCounty UCR local authorities. organisations andtourismof Includes touristattractions,destinationmarketing T equestrians establishes pay-to-usepermissiveroutesfor T TROT national networkofcycleroutes. cycle andusepublictransport. practical projectstoencouragepeoplewalk, SUST SUSTRANS upkeep oftheDMS. The bodyresponsibleforthepreparationand Surveying oll Rides(Of ourism providers meansofshowingtherouteapublicright of aymark . Oxfordshireusesround plasticdiscswiththe ainable Authority f Road) TRANsport T rust Charitythat A charitythatworkson ficers workingfor Also managesa attached to page 85

Glossary