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. Rodney Rose A good network of rights of way and accessible open space can improve physical and mental 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 Speedwell House, Speedwell Street in a position to be a very effective local agent Oxford OX1 1NE and able to achieve results through means and [email protected] contacts that are simply unavailable at the Tel 01865 810226 county council level – and that can be much more expedient, effective and economical. 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. chapter youneed. access–then thisisthe management of Council arrangesits how OxfordshireCounty and ifyouwanttoknow and whocanusethem, path andopenlandare the differenttypesof is inthecounty, whatall access isandhowmuch If youwanttoknowwhat access? countryside What is Chapter 2: Countryside Access -A ParishGuide transport. Oxfordshire hasanetwork ofabout resource for recreation,healthand sustainable access toourcountryside, providingavaluable paths offer thesinglemostimportantmeansof is thatyouareusinga publicrightofway. These a woodlandoralongside ariverandthelikelihood to walk,cycle,orhorserideacrossafield,through Public RightsofWay: Stepintothecountryside What typesofaccessarethere? influence. because thisiswhereyourcouncilcanhave most by rightandmostlyonlinearpublicrightsofway In thisguidewewillbeconcentratingonaccess Improvement Grant'agreement. as a'HigherLevelStewardship'or'Woodland permission oftheowner, orduetoalicence,such 'permissive access'–whereaccessisbythe footpaths andmostregisteredcommons; categories ofaccess:'byright'-suchasonpublic commons. There arealsotwomainlegal and areaaccess–suchasparks,downlandor linear accessalongdefinedpublicrightsofway; Countryside accessfallsintotwobroadtypes: common oropennaturalspace. explore; viewstotakein;thelocalfootpath, Countryside accessisspacetorelax;trails What isCountryside Access? carriage drivers andmotorvehicles. open toall users -walkers,horse riders,cyclists, All Traffic arelegally 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 alltraffic (oftenknownasBOATs) andrestricted categories: footpaths,bridleways,bywaysopen Public rightsofwayaredividedintofour Africa. Ouagadougou –capitalofBurkinaFasoinwest end thatistheequivalentofOxfordto 2,600 miles(4,300km)ofrightsway–endto

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

What is Countryside Access? Countryside Access -A ParishGuide which follows theriverfor180miles fromits Thames Path National Trail, isawalkingroute National Trails runningthroughthecounty: The or instages. The twomostimportantarethe walk orridetobefollowed overanumberofdays longer routesthatenable athemedsuggested Throughout Oxfordshirethereareanumber of National Trails andlongerdistance routes: to dateOSMaps. on DefinitiveMaps,buttheyarenowshown onup and cyclists.Becauseofthistheyaren'trecorded they areatypeofbywaylimitedtopedestrians because bicyclesarelegallyvehicles.Effectively Cycle tracksaren'tclassedaspublicrightsofway Cycle tracks: recorded. roads buttheactualstatusofthemisnot These areoftenun-classifiedandun-surfaced show 'ORPAs' – Other RouteswithPublic Access. may ornotcarrypublicrights.LaterOSmaps maps. These aresimplyun-colouredroutesthat roads' arefoundonolderOrdnanceSurvey(OS) right ofway, ornot arightofwayatall.'White lane mightbeofanythefourtypespublic route, usuallybetweenhedgesorwalls. A green descriptive termjustmeaninganun-surfaced 'white roads'and'ORPAs': 'Greenlane'isapurely for publicrightsofwaysuchas'greenlanes', Occasionally youmaycomeacrossotherterms

areas of'open country'andregistered commons. (CRoW) granted rightstowalkon Access Land - The Countryside&Rights ofWay Act 2000 Access Land: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/walkandrides webpages promotes shorterwalksandrides,allon our and theSwansWay. Inaddition thecountycouncil Riders andwalkerscanenjoytheJudgesRide, special badges. Those forwalkersinclude: routes mayalsobesignedorwaymarkedwith also providingadditionalcircularwalks. These accompanied byaleafletorbookletwithsome Other longerthemedroutesareusually scarp. Streatley andheadingnorthalongtheChilterns Oxfordshire beforecrossingthe Thames at Avebury inWiltshirethroughthesouthof routes inBritainandrunsfor87milesfromnear National Trail isoneoftheoldestwalkingorriding nearly totheseaeastofLondon. The Ridgeway source intheCotswoldsthroughOxfordshire Oxford CanalWalk Macmillan Way Wychwood Way Chiltern Way d'Arcy DaltonWay Oxfordshire Way page 7

What is Countryside Access? 1 Countryside Access -A ParishGuide out ofthetotallandarea260,595ha. land. Intotalthereare1,858haof Access Land 940ha ofcommonlandand463hadedicated In Oxfordshirethereare455haof'opencountry', the CountrysideService'swebpages. places/openaccess/ andaslocalinformationon www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/ England's websiteat 'Explorer' OrdnanceSurveymaps,onNatural courses. Access landisshownonuptodate 'excepted land'suchasgardens,quarriesandgolf access tocultivatedfieldsorotherareasof up lessthan1%ofthecounty. There isno rightof only tospecificareasoflandthattogethermake – thisisverymisleadingasthenewrightsapply often referredtointhepressas'rightroam' are presentinOxfordshire. These newrightsare heath ordown.Onlydownlandandcommonland Open countryisdefinedas:mountain,moor, facility. Land ownerscan dedicate Access Landtothepublicunder section 16ofCROW. The ForestryCommission hasmadeextensiveuse ofthis total Access Land total landarea 260,595ha 1,858ha Dedicated Land 463ha Common Land Access Land 940ha Open Country 455ha 1 website athttp://countrywalks.defra.gov.uk/ Details ofcurrentaccess canbefoundonDefra's Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA)scheme. Stewardship schemeand asanoptioninthe Stewardship' optionoftheEnvironmental Stewardship schemes,thenew'HigherLevel schemes, suchassomeoldCountryside sometimes includedinenvironmentalgrant and informal.Formalpermissiveaccessis Permissive accesscomesintwoforms–formal Permissive access: by thecountycouncil. recreation. They andCommonLandarerecorded public havecustomarilyenjoyedforexerciseand Town andVillage Greensareplacesthatthe Town andVillage GreensandCommons: July 31st,oratanytimewhennearlivestock. must bekeptonaleadbetweenMarch1stand or quietrecreation.Somesitesrequirethatdogs The righttoenjoyaccesslandisonlyforwalking restrictions areinplace. will alsodisplaynoticesadvisingwhen found attheNaturalEnglandwebsiteandsites Restrictions andclosuresinformationcanbe suspend accessforupto28daysayear. Unlike onpublicrightsofway, landownerscan

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What is Countryside Access? Countryside Access -A ParishGuide the River Thames andtheOxfordCanal. The are onlynavigation rights(subject tolicences)on boating isstillveryrestricted. InOxfordshirethere Access toinlandwater inEnglandandWales for What aboutaccessto water? chapter 5ofthisGuide. assist withthis. This isdiscussedinmoredetail Section 31(6)oftheHighways Act 1980thatmay of way, landownerscanmakeadeclarationunder 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.hmrc.gov.uk/heritage/lbsearch.htm Inheritance Tax Exemptionschemes.See Formal accessmightalsobeprovidedunder a plananddescriptionoftheaccessavailable. agreements. Foreachlocationyoucandownload In 2010therewere69different access

includes afuture provisionforany historicroutes The Countryside &RightsofWay Act 2000 Chapter 5. rights ofway. This procedure isconsideredin Modification Ordertorecord anyestablished need forinvestigationandaDefinitiveMap be blockedordiverted. This canoftenresultinthe proposals todevelopthelandcausingpath to light whenthereisachangeoflandownership or questioned. Oftenthesituationwillonlycome to decades withoutthepublic'suseeverbeing This defactoaccesscanoftengoonforyears or recorded aspublicrightsofwayonanymaps. Some tracksmaybeindailyusewithoutbeing Are allpathsrecorded? permitted ontowpaths. Waterways beforehand.Horseridingisnot but needtodownloadafreepermitfromBritish for mostofitslength.Cyclistscanusesomeit Oxford Canaltowpathisalsoapublicrightofway Witney toitsjunctionwiththe Thames. The follows therouteofRiverWindrushsouth Valley includesthe Mosaic Trail, someofwhich Thames PathNational Trail. The LowerWindrush widespread, withgoodaccessforwalkerstothe Access alongsidewaterwaysforwalkersismore run bylocalclubs. many sailinglakesinthecountyareallprivately page 9

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

improvement thattheserviceundertakes. rest oftheprotection,maintenanceand rights. The workofthisteamisfundamentaltothe about therecordingandchangingofaccess crossings. Chapter5containsmuchmoredetail changes; andanyspecialorderssuchasrailway administering planningordevelopmentrelated extinguish ordivertrecordedroutes; unrecorded paths;dealingwithapplicationsto as researchinganddeterminingclaimsfor record ofpublicrightswayinthecounty, such This teamdealswithallaspectsofthelegal Definitive Mapteam countryside. This isabriefsummaryofourwork: inform andpromoteresponsibleaccesstothe way network,aswellworkingtoimprove, page 10

What is Countryside Access? Field Areas: South East South West Oxford City North West District Oxfordshire West District White Horse Vale of City Oxford District Cherwell District Oxfordshire South Countryside Access -A ParishGuide them withgates,wherever possible. and improvepathsby removing stilesorreplacing parishes tofindlocalsolutionschallenges; stiles andgates;workwithcommunitygroups and This networkcontainsassetsofaround2000 rights ofwayonanetworkover2,600miles. This teamworkstoassertandprotectthepublic's Field team bridges, 6000fingerposts,7000gates,4500 between theFieldOfficers. (Seethecounty management ofthenetworkisdividedup watercourse crossings. The dayto addition tothesurfacesandothersmall stiles and1500waymarkposts. This isin map oppositeanddetailmapsonpages 12 and13.) The teamworkswithland managers, usergroupsandlocal support forthemaintenanceof councils to:ensurepathsremain excessive naturalvegetation growing onthem;provideand where required;remove paths andwaymarkalongthem open andavailable;signpost provide, inapprovedcases, maintain bridgesovernatural watercourses andditches; Local Access Forum). the OxfordshireCountryside Access Forum(Our activities. The teamalsoadministerstheworkof service's webpagesandundertakingmarketing being metthroughthemanagementof countryside accessandtheworkofserviceis and increasingdemandforinformationabout and arounditsboundaries.Inadditionthehigh policies, strategiesandprogrammesinthecounty providing steeringandinfluencetorelevant Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan,aswell production, deliveryandreviewoftheOxfordshire the countrysideaccessnetworkthrough This teamworksonthestrategicdevelopmentof Access &Informationteam Countryside Service S Oxfordshire CountyCouncil Oxford OX Tel 01865810226 [email protected] peedwell House,SpeedwellStreet 1 1NE page 11

What is Countryside Access? [email protected] Email: Tel: 01865810228 Team Leader:HughPotter Contact details Areas and Field Officer Email: Tel: 01865 810257 Field Area: North WestEast and Assistant Dawson Officer: Field Luke [email protected] Email: Tel: 01865 810226 Officer: Lead Jenny Beardmore Field City Oxford Area: [email protected] [email protected] Email: Tel: 01865 810225 Field Officer: WeeksDan Field Area: West Email: Tel: 01865 810222 Sarah Officer: Field Aldous Field Area: North East [email protected] Countryside Access -A ParishGuide Broughton PoggsCP Westwell CP Filkins and Faringdon CP Taynton CP Holwell CP Little Broadwell CP Chastleton CP Idbury CP Bruern CP Langford CP Kelmscott CP Burford CP Fifield CP -Wychwood CP Milton-under Kencot CP Fulbrook CP Shilton CP Kingham CP Alvescot CP and RadcotCP and WidfordCP Cornwell CP -Wychwood CP Grafton Shipton-under Carterton CP Swinbrook Salford CP Churchill CP Lyneham CP Clanfield CP Bourton CP Sarsden CP Black -Wychwood CP Ascott-under Asthal CP Chipping Norton CP Norton CP Bampton CP Brize Leafield CP Chadlington CP Lovell CP Minster Chilson CP Rollright CP Over NortonCP Curbridge CP Lew CP and WychwoodCP Crawley CP Hook NortonCP Cornbury Ducklington CP Ramsden CP Heythrop CP Epwell CP and Chimney CP Witney CP Gower CP Aston, Cote, Sibford Spelsbury CP Ferris CP Sibford Shifford Charlbury CP with Alkerton CP Hailey CP Finstock CP Shenington with-Yelford CP Swerford CP Little Tew CP Hardwick- Swalcliffe CP Shutford CP Fawler CP Enstone CP North LeighCP Wigginton CP Standlake CP Hornton CP Leigh CP South Tew CP Stonesfield CP Great Wroxton CP with Asterleigh CP Tadmarton CP Newington CP North NewingtonCP Milcombe CP Kiddington Horley CP South Combe CP Freeland CP Northmoor CP Broughton CP Hanborough CP Harcourt CP St. MartinCP Stanton Eynsham CP Sandford Glympton CP Barton CP Drayton CP Westcot Westcot Worton CP Blenheim CP Mollington CP and St.MichaelCP Hanwell CP Barford St.John Bloxham CP Wootton CP Woodstock CP Claydon withClattercotCP Cassington CP Barton CP Milton CP Steeple Duns Tew CP Bladon CP Banbury CP Bourton CP Cropredy CP Deddington CP Bodicote CP and Thrupp CP Begbroke CP Shipton-on -Cherwell Rousham CP Tackley CP Aston CP Yarnton CP Aston CP Middle Prescote CP Steeple Kidlington CP Aston CP Adderbury CP North Wardington CP Heyford CP Hampton Gay and PoyleCP Lower Kirtlington CP Somerton CP Heyford CP Bletchingdon CP Water EatonCP Upper Souldern CP Old MarstonCP Gosford and Oxford City Oxford Fritwell CP Islip CP Stoney CP Middleton Littlemore CP the-Green CP Weston-on- Ardley CP and SandhillsCP Oddington CP Risinghurst Chesterton CP Noke CP Bucknell CP -Otmoor CP Charlton-on Wendlebury CP Blackbird Leys CP Leys Stoke Lyne CP Hardwick with Tusmore CP and MurcottCP Fencott Caversfield CP Merton CP Cottisford CP Bicester CP Fringford CP Ambrosden CP Hethe CP -Studley CP Horton-cum Audley CP Mixbury CP Arncott CP Stratton Launton CP Blackthorn CP with ShelswellCP Newton Purcell Finmere CP Piddington CP Godington CP page 12

What is Countryside Access? [email protected] Email: Tel: 01865 810217 Field WestSouth and East South Area: TurveyKath Officer: Field Assistant Email: Tel: 01865 810218 Sumner Mark Officer: Field Field Area: South West Email: Tel: 01865 810201 Beale Jon Officer: Field Field East South Area: [email protected] Email: Tel: 01865 810226 Officer: Lead Jenny Beardmore Field City Oxford Area: [email protected] [email protected] Countryside Access -A ParishGuide Buscot CP Bourton CP Watchfield CP Shrivenham CP Coleshill CP Eaton HastingsCP Coxwell CP Ashbury CP Great Longcot CP Faringdon CP Beauchamp CP Coxwell CP Compton Great Little Woolstone CP Fernham CP Littleworth CP Uffington CP Shellingford CP Kingston Lisle CP Baulking CP Hatford CP Buckland CP in theVale CP Sparsholt CP Stanford Childrey CP Goosey CP Pusey CP Bassett CP Letcombe Waldrist CP Challow CP Denchworth CP Challow CP Hinton West West Bassett CP East Charney Letcombe Regis CP Longworth CP Oxfordshire County Council Licence Number 100023343 Plot Date: 21 September 2009 copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Majesty's Stationery Office Crown Copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Hanney CP Lyford CP Southmoor CP Bagpuize with Wantage CP Grove CP West West Kingston Lockinge CP Garford CP Fyfield and Tubney CP Hanney CP Ardington CP Frilford CP East Appleton-with -Eaton CP Hendred CP Besselsleigh CP Cumnor CP Marcham CP West West Steventon CP Hendred CP Drayton CP Wytham CP East without CP St. Helen Wootton CP Milton CP Chilton CP Hinksey CP Harwell CP North Abingdon CP Sunningwell CP Hagbourne CP Hinksey CP Courtenay CP South West West Upton CP Sutton Kennington CP Old MarstonCP Culham CP Blewbury CP Didcot CP Appleford-on -Thames CP Radley CP Woodeaton CP Sandford-on-Thames CP Hagbourne CP Littlemore CP and SandhillsCP Elsfield CP East Courtenay CP Risinghurst Hampden CP Moreton CP Nuneham Upthorpe CP Wittenham CP Clifton South Aston Tirrold CP Long Moreton CP Blackbird Aston Leys CP Leys Marsh BaldonCP North Toot BaldonCP Wittenham CP and StowoodCP with ShotoverCP Little Horspath CP Garsington CP Berinsfield CP Beckley Dorchester CP Forest Hill Moulsford CP Cholsey CP Brightwell-cum St. LeonardCP -Sotwell CP St. JohnCP Wheatley CP Warborough CP Stanton Stadhampton CP and DentonCP Drayton Wallingford CP Cuddesdon Holton CP South StokeCP Little MiltonCP Goring CP Whitchurch-on-Thames CP Salome CP Newington CP Crowmarsh CP Berrick Benson CP with ThomleyCP Milton CP Chalgrove CP Waterperry Great Waterstock CP Goring HeathCP Woodcote CP Ipsden CP Haseley CP Ewelme CP Baldwin CP Brightwell -with-Albury CP Great Checkendon CP with EasingtonCP Tiddington Nuffield CP Cuxham Pyrton CP Stoke RowCP Salome CP Mapledurham CP Britwell Wheatfield CP Wheatfield CP Talmage CP Talmage CP Swyncombe CP Stoke Stoke Tetsworth CP Kidmore EndCP Rotherfield PeppardCP Highmoor CP Adwell CP Adwell CP Nettlebed CP Watlington CP Common CP Thame CP Sonning Lewknor CP Shirburn CP Rotherfield GreysCP Sydenham CP Rowant CP Aston Bix and Assendon CP Eye andDunsdenCP with StonorCP Binfield HeathCP Towersey CP Pishill Harpsden 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 Access -A ParishGuide overgrowth tobeclearedfromapath, ortomark perhaps just aquickphonecall,to askfor an individualbasis. An informalrequestfromyou, landowners willbeknown toparishcouncillorson remote and'bigbrother-ish'. Butmany authority isnecessarily formalandcanseem Any approachtoalandownerfromthehighway for localpeople: To bethelocalvoice,dealingwithissues your mostimportantrolesasbeing: with obstructions–ifyousowish.Butwesee powers todirectlytakeenforcementaction deal or makeimprovementstolocalpaths;italso has Your parishcouncilhaslotsofpowersto maintain plan andachievemanyoftheseimprovements. paths andwewouldlikeyoutofeelthatcan focus onwhatimprovementsareneededtoyour In anutshelltheparishcouncilisbestplacedto for newcomers. available tothem-anditwillbeespeciallyuseful residents whomaynotknowwhatpathsare the parishcanopenupnewopportunitiesfor use paths.Producingamapoflocalaccesswithin can makebigdifferences totheabilityofpeople stile foragate,orwaymarkingmeanderingpath improvements. Simplethingslikechanginga including parishcouncils,canmakepath Users, landownersandalllocalauthorities, organised, perhaps usinglocalcontractors, stiles. There's a wealthoftasksthat can belocally picking, grasscutting, fixing gatesorreplacing difference tolocalusers;waymarking,litter carry outthoseminortasks thatmakesucha We want toencourageyouuseyourpowers to Pro-active managersofthelocalnetwork: process. protected andimprovedthroughtheplanning ensure thatlocalpathsandopenspacesare local changesmightmeanontheground. You can levels itisdifficult forustofullyappreciatewhat proposals onlocalpaths. At the district andcounty important isaroundtheeffects ofplanning One particularareainwhichyourvigilanceisvery Protecting localpathsfromdevelopment: Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan. changes, orformorestrategicissuessuchasthe we consultwithyouaboutapplicationsforpath to tapintothatlocalknowledge,forexamplewhen are manyoccasionswhenwe(andothers)need parish andhowitreallyworksthanyoudo. There No otherorganisationknowsmoreaboutyour The sourceoflocalinformation: concerned; peoplefromtheircommunity. landowner willknowthatitislocalpeoplewhoare effective thanaletterfromthecountycouncil. The out apathonploughedfield,canbemuchmore page 14

Improving local access Countryside Access -A ParishGuide 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. We Gathering resourcesforlocalimprovements: aspirations. collect andfocusthecommunity'sideas network. The parishcouncilisthenaturalbodyto important tothemhelprealisethatperfect difference andknowwhatimprovementsare Local communitiescananddomakeareal or ride,andwithallaccessproperlyrecorded. show residentsandvisitorswheretheycanwalk surfaces, withinformationavailablelocallyto and waymarked,pathsallclearwithgood network; accessibletoeverybody, fullysigned Few parisheswillhavetheperfectaccess parish's accessnetwork: The championforideastoimprovethe working withthelandowner. volunteers oryourparish'sownworkforce, successful youhave been 4 Implementtheprojects andseehow projects 3 Planhowtoprogressandfundthese 2 Developideasforimprovements. 1 Findoutwhatlocalpeoplewant. a simplesetofstages: To helpimproveaccess in yourparishwesuggest Getting started labour. landowner mayhelpwithtransportandeven kits tositeacrossfieldscanbeheavywork-a access byreplacingstileswithgates.Gettinggate farmers. Forexample,youmaywishtoimprove your ownworkforce,orenlistingthehelpoflocal mobilising localresources,whethervolunteers, Secondly, much canoftenbeachievedby which includestopublicaccess. money ongeneralimprovementstoyourarea, of publicpathsandyouhavetherighttospend council's incometoexpenditureonmaintenance Firstly, youhavetherighttoallocatesomeofyour page 15

Improving local access Countryside Access -A ParishGuide useful frameworktomake improvements: The visionandaimsoftheRoWIP providea www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/rowip plans areavailableonlineat the countryside.Itandannualdeliveryactions background towhatpeoplethinkaboutaccess to a goodstartingpointforunderstandingthe Oxfordshire's RightsofWay ImprovementPlanis support onceprojectsgetdeveloped. local needswillalsohelptosecurefundingand people needandwant.Basingimprovementson normally dependsonidentifyingwhatthoselocal local involvementinimprovingcountrysideaccess It goeswithoutsayingthatsecuringsuccessful residents andvisitorswantorneed Finding outwhataccessimprovementsyour Stage 1. plans intoreality. and thepracticalstepstobringtheseideas and thengiveyousomepointersastofunding parishes andcommunitygroupshavebeendoing studies toshowthesortofthingsthatother in abitmoredetail,wewillgiveyousomecase Once we'velookedatthefirsttwoofthesesteps .A thrivingcountrysidewhereresidents 4. A publicrights ofwaynetworkwhich 3. A betterjoined-upnetworkthatmeetsthe 2. Publicrightsofwayareprotectedand 1. following aimsachieved: To realisethisvisionweneedtoseethe life intheCounty. rights ofwayfulfiltheirroleasavitalpart understanding ofthenetwork,sothatpublic and improvetheextent,use network forallusersandwould-beusers, To improvethe existing publicrightsofway Improvement Planis: The visionforOxfordshire'sRightsofWay enjoy theirrights,in a responsibleway and visitorsareable tounderstandand enables accessforall our culturalheritage managers, thenaturalenvironmentand accommodating theinterestsofland needs anddemandsofuserswhilst well maintained page 16

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

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Improving local access Countryside Access -A ParishGuide general supportforthesuggestion. parish planquestionnaire–toseeifthereis approach youcouldalwaysincludetheminthe guide. example ofonewehaveputtogetherforthis A pathpollneednotbecomplicated–belowisan page 18

Improving local access way toimprove accessandalsomake theaccess Many people findstilesdifficult and thisisagreat free walksintheirparish. replace stileswithgates inorderto worked withtheCotswold Voluntary Wardens to volunteers obtainedlandowneragreementand 'Furniture' improvements:Epwellvillage parishes made? So, whatsortofimprovementshaveother refer to. digital camerawithyoutomakethingseasy to bridleway). We alsosuggestthatyoutakea see upgraded(forinstancefromfootpathto possible newroutesoryouwouldwantto or surfaceimprovementmeasureseven are outinthefield. These couldincludefurniture where improvementsmightbeneededwhenyou your parishsoyoucanmarkdownthelocations you useacopyofthedefinitivemapextractfor or thecommunityasawhole.We suggestthat maybe youngpeopleorparentswithpushchairs, could bebasedonaparticulargroup'sviewpoint- use thewalksasacommunityactivity?). This council asawhole,thinksaboutthem(orperhaps your nominatedfootpathsperson,ortheparish also walkthepathsinyourparishandseewhat In additiontotalkinglocalpeople,youcould Surveying yourpaths: Countryside Access -A ParishGuide create stile Map andStatement heldbyyour parish clerk. by lookingat thelatestversionof theDefinitive in onthelegallineof path. You cancheck this will alsoneedtoensure thatanynewgateisput mobility vehiclesforpeople withdisabilities. You cyclists (notonfootpaths), pluspedestriansand in width. This willallowthepassageofhorsesand wide andbridlegatesshouldbeatleast1.5m (5ft) Pedestrian gatesshouldbeatleast1m(3'3”) not begrantaidedbyexternalfunders. which willkeepstocksecure.Ingeneral,stiles will supplied withareliableself-closingmechanism push chairs.Nowadays,mostgatekitsare disabilities orforpeoplewithsmallchildrenand difficult tonegotiateparticularlyforpeoplewith stock-proof. However, kissinggatescanbe 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, theoverweight, shortpeople,wheelchair free walkcanopenupthecountrysideto furniture easiertomaintaininthefuture. A stile page 19

Improving local access Countryside Access -A ParishGuide shapes and formssothinkabout the local about putting upanoticeboard. They comeinall village shoporpub-and speaktotheowner people congregateor pass by–suchasthe A goodway todothisisthinkaboutwhere countryside. you canencouragemorepeopletoenjoythe local villages. This isoneofthesimplestwaysinwhich information aboutcountrysideaccessaround their put upaccessnoticeboardswithmapsand The parishesofCumnorand Aston Rowanthave Better information: are ofasuitablestandardandselfclosing. source gatesforyou—butpleaseensurethatthey decide touseacontractortheyshouldbeable Oxfordshire listedinthe Yellow Pages,andifyou are otherlocalsuppliersofgatesandstilesin www.blackburnfraser.co.uk Alternatively there from www.gatesandstiles.com and of accessibility. Furtherdetailscanbeobtained British Standardandoffer optionsforthebesttype for rightsofwaywhichconformtotherelevant leading specialistsuppliersofeasytousegates Centrewire andBlackburnFraseraretwoofthe to wrestlewithheavyfieldgates. run throughthereserveandusersnolongerhave number ofaccessiblegatesonthebridlewaysthat At itsOtmoorreservetheRSPBhasinstalleda your residents, aswellbeingimportant for A lotofpathsareuseful inthedaytolives of 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. This is that visitorsandresidentsmayfinduseful,such other attractions. And doincludelocalbusinesses show alloftheroutesinparishaswell showing whatisavailableinyourarea. You can Walking andridingmapsareareallygoodwayof will bemostusefultobothvisitorsandresidents. material touse. Think alsoaboutwhatinformation environment andsettingwhenplanningthe page 20

Improving local access the towncouncil hasenabledmore than1km for VAT. Byworkingalongside thevolunteergroup the towncounciltoavoid havingtoraisemoney People, andthenplace ordersforworksthrough into awiderangeoffunds, includingPlacesfor where thevolunteergroup hasbeenabletotap particularly fruitfulpartnershiphasbeenformed bridges, andalsowithre-surfacingthepaths. A effort withvegetationclearing,boardwalksand provides. The workhasincludedlotsofvolunteer the wildlifeandopenspacethatreserve paths fullyaccessiblesothatanyonecanenjoy volunteers onitsCuttleBrookreserveto Thame Town Councilhasdonealotofworkwith people. that itcanbeusedbyamuchwiderrangeof difference totheusabilityofapath,andmeans A smooth,firmanddrysurfacecanmakeabig base ifconditionsareverysoft. with stoneorasphalt,perhapsovera'geotextile' improve thepathbywideningit,orsurfacingit aids. Inthesecasesitmaybeappropriateto to usepushchairs,wheelchairsandotherwalking people withmobilitydifficulties, includingneeding there maybeaneedtomaketherouteseasierfor and shoes–theyaren'tequippedformud.Or people usingthesepathsareinordinaryclothes school orworkareusedallyearround.Often, recreation. Manyroutesusedforjourneysto Countryside Access -A ParishGuide make frustration and youcanhelpusto keepontopof the agreement. owner andliaisingwith us–andfortomake – identifyinganeeded link,talkingtotheland 4, it'sgenerallyeasierforyoutodothe'local bits' in yourownrightbut,aswetalkaboutChapter make agreementswithlandownersfornew paths Other ideas: users. maintenance issues,andpossibleimpactson look andsettingofthelocalenvironment,future This includesthinkingabouttheimpactson proper assessmentismadeoftheworkneeded. We willworkwithyoutohelpmakesurethata need togivetheirconsentbeforeyougoahead. work withusandthelandownerasbothparties volunteers andlocalcouncilsbutyouwillneedto Thame andelsewhere,itcanbedoneby appropriate technicalexpertise. As we'veseenin needs carefulthoughtcombinedwiththe Surface improvementofpathsissomethingthat contractors andvolunteerlabour. to ahighstandardusingmixtureofprofessional (more thanhalfamile)ofpathstobebroughtup safer accesstothewidercountryside? You can communities toeachotherorenableeasier or Overgrown pathsarearegularsummer What aboutcreatingnewroutesthatconnect page 21

Improving local access 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 regular toreallymakeanimpact. As wellas its morethanjustastroll,anditneedstobe on aregularbasis.'purposefulandbrisk'means definition is:apurposeful,briskwalkundertaken Oxfordshire. Sowhatisa'healthwalk'? The short they areplayingalargepartincreatinghealthier schemes arepoppingupalloverthecounty and from aHealthWalks scheme?HealthWalks Rogation Sunday. bounds', whichtraditionallytookplaceon reinstate oldtraditionssuchas'beatingthe to surveyallofthepathsinyourparish? You could your networkeasily, andfeelconfidentdoingso? to makesurethatpeoplecanfindtheirwayround local routes. can onpathsthatareclosetothevillageorkey yourselves, ormowingmorefrequentlythanwe them bycarryingoutsomeofthemowing Countryside Access -A ParishGuide How manyofyourparishionerswouldbenefit Why don'tyousetupanannualwalkingevent How aboutputtinginsomeextrawaymarking )categorisethese sotheymake somesense b) collatethesuggestions fromallofthe 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 RoWIP anddoingalocalsurvey, youwill havea From talkingwithlocalpeople,lookingatthe Developing thoseideasforimprovements Stage 2. [email protected] Barbara Jordan, Tel: 01844217904, 704007, Development Officers: BrianConroy, Tel: 01993 help you.PleasecontactoneoftheirCommunity community Development Team maybeableto (e.g gateimprovements, maintenance or different sources [email protected] or page 22

Improving local access Countryside Access -A ParishGuide score canbe usedtoassignapriority toparticular limited resources thananother. The accumulated improvement ismorevaluable anddeservingof tool fordecidingwhether andwhyone attributes providesan objective decisionmaking process ofassigningscores againstdifferent each otherinastructuredandobjectiveway. The be ausefultoolforevaluatingactionsagainst prioritisation, thiskindofframeworkanalysis can improvements and,therefore,moreneedfor When consideringalargenumberofpossible )includingtheproposalsinyourParishPlans h) )gettingwidercommunityapprovalof g) and thenfollowthisupby score theproposalstoseehowtheystackup f) speaktoyourarearightsofwayfieldofficer e) speaktolandownersyouknowattheearliest d) drawtheseonaphotocopyoftheparish's c) to gettheirviews stage extract ofthedefinitivemap links etc) repair works,newoff-road links,roadverge against eachother planned inthelocality housing orcommercialdevelopmentis plans, aswellspeakingtodevelopersif and inotherdocumentsstrategies proposals ifneeded suggestions putforward: following factorsasawayof'scoring'eachthe You mightliketoconsiderallorsomeof the using thissimplemethod. predetermined objectivesareclearlyshownup the abilityofproposalstodeliveragainst important factors;weaknessesorlimitationsin subject toscrutinywithrespectanumberof assigning scoresmeansthateachproposalis actions inatransparentmanner. The processof Amenity importance Strategic Catchment Connectivity 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 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 Access -A ParishGuide 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. Local Authority This guidegivesanoverviewoffunding ndgrants www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/links/public/fundinga Oxfordshire: grant istheGuidetoFundingOpportunitiesin One ofthebestplacestocheckforsources pays tocheckthedetailsregularly.) time restrictedandsoareliabletochange,it groups cantapinto.(Theseschemesareoften page 25

Improving local access economic benefits to AONB, includingcountryside projects that bringenvironmental, socialand “outstanding naturalbeauty”. To encourage landscapes, designated becauseoftheir nationally importantand legallyprotected Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beauty(AONBs)are grant scheme: Sustainable DevelopmentFund–an AONB funding throughthefollowingorganisations: environmental projectsmightbeabletoaccess of anactivesite),andqualifyingcommunity available inpartsofOxfordshire(within10miles Landfill CommunitesFund: larger grants,theLEADERfund. area; theLottery's Awards for All fund;and,for Sustainable Developmentfunds,ifyouareintheir Chilterns' andCotswolds'ConservationBoard Look attheLandfillCommunitiesFund; set upforaccessprojects? Are thereanyspecificgrantschemesthatare Countryside Access -A ParishGuide SITA Trust: http://www.sitatrust.org.uk/ Biffaward: http://www.biffaward.org/ Viridor Credits: (WREN): www.wren.org.uk/ Waste RecyclingEnvironmentalLimited www.viridor-credits.co.uk/ Grantsupportis

[email protected] information. 01844355521 Email Interpretation Officer attheboard,formore AONB. ContactClaire Forrest,Information& awarded forlocalprojectswhichbenefitthe Parishes Fund.Grantsofupto£500canbe apply forsmallgrantstotheChilterns AONB South OxfordshireparishesintheChilterns can Chilterns AONB ParishesFund: [email protected] 862000 Email: please contacttheprojectofficer. Tel: 01451 request aninformationpackordiscussaproject If youareintheCotswoldsandwouldliketo [email protected]. Countryside Officer, Tel 01844355524,orEmail to applyforagrant,contactKathDaly, If yourparishisintheChilternsandyouwouldlike to £5000canbemadesuccessfulprojects. Cotswolds, runSDFschemeswhereawardsofup AONBs. Two of these,theChilternsand In Oxfordshirewearefortunatetohavethree within theirareas. Sustainable DevelopmentFundsforgoodprojects access projects,theirConservationBoardsrun

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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. They Groups (LAGs)allocatingmoneyto There arethreeLEADERLocal Action between 2008and2013. (RDPE). Moniesaretobeallocated Development ProgrammeforEngland funding ispartoftheRural and communityorganisations. The funding forfarmers,foresters,ruralbusinesses The LEADERProgrammeisamajorsourceof LEADER FundingforRuralCommunities: community includingparishandtowncouncils. £10,000 areavailabletograssrootsgroupsinthe quicker decisiontimes.Grantsbetween£300and offers aneasilyaccessibleprogrammewith form, orcall08454102030. The newscheme about theprogrammeandtogetanapplication web sitewww.awardsforall.org.uk for All programmein2009.Visit the Awards for All The BigLotteryFundlaunchedanew-look Awards Awards for All Programme: Countryside Access -A ParishGuide to getdetails

www.southernoxfordshireleader.org.uk Oxfordshire DistrictCouncilon01491823176 Contact theProgrammeManageratSouth Horse: South OxfordshireandVale oftheWhite The threeLEADERareasare: suitable projects. the £5-20,000range,butcangoupto£50,000for LEADER istargetedatprojectsneedinggrantsin support accessworksundertheseheadings. in itsgrantschemesanditmaybepossibleto community services,tourismorheritageelements page 27

Improving local access 210447. Contact theProgrammeManageron01844 The Chilterns: Countryside Access -A ParishGuide nDocument aonb/NWDWebsiteV2.nsf/$LUcontent/9.4?Ope www.northwessexdowns.org.uk/wba/nwd- 01225 71342. Email [email protected] North Wessex Downs: www.chilternsleader.org.uk

or tel www.oxnet.org.uk/development You canaccessitby goingto in yourareaareavailable ontheOCVA website. the latestinformationabout fundingopportunities that coverOxfordshire.Newsletterscontaining compilers ofseveralnewslettersorfactsheets lot ofthisworkhasbeendoneforyoubythe can applytoatanyparticulartime.Fortunately a a bitofinvestigatingtofindallthemthatyou Grant schemescomeandgoitcantake quite Is thereanyotherfunding?

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Improving local access [email protected] Trust on0118 9475049email http: at www.btcv.org/thamesandchilterns orcallthe setting upyourvolunteer group;seeitswebsite is anationalorganisation thatcanhelpwith BTCV (British Trust forConservation Volunteers) variety oftasks. experience ofworkingwithvolunteersonawide around thecounty(seebelow). They havelotsof that alreadycarryoutworkinvariouslocations work withoneoftheestablishedvolunteergroups work onyourlocalRightsofWay. Oryoucan occasionally oronaregularbasistocomplete You cansetupyourownparishgrouptomeet Why notsetupavolunteergroup? www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk downloaded fromtheCotswold AONB websiteat beyond justthe AONB. The newslettercanbe and coversmanygrantsthatareapplicable packed newsletterwhichisproducedannually 'Cotswold Grants'isaveryusefulandinformation at: http://www.oalc.org.uk/FundingNews2.htm (OALC) alsocarriesfundingadviceonitswebsite The Oxfordshire Association ofLocalCouncils on makinggrantapplicationsandcanbefoundat: The 'Fundfinders'websitecontainsusefuladvice Countryside Access -A ParishGuide //www.funderfinder.org.uk/index.php

This iswhere thechecklistinsection threeis the workthat hasgotthescheme tothisstage. and visitors–manyof whommaynotbeawareof This partofprojectsis veryimportanttoresidents successful youhave been Implementing yourprojects andseeinghow Stage 4. offered inreturnforvolunteers'valuabletime. travel expensesandasenseofachievement are footpaths open.Support,training,equipment, well asfarmersandlocalresidentstohelpkeep wardens regularlyworkwithparishcouncils as and treeplantingtoinstallingkissinggates. The with projectsfromdry-stonewalling,hedgelaying, Board andvolunteertheirtimeskillstohelp wardens arepartoftheCotswoldsConservation and, today, there areover340members. The Service wasestablishedin1968. Anyone canjoin Society. The CotswoldVoluntary Wardens insurance coverissuppliedbytheChiltern healthy exerciseatthesametime. All toolsand atmosphere andthechanceforsomegood of theChilternSocietyandoffers asocial Oxfordshire) ingoodcondition. The groupispart rights ofwayintheSouthChilterns(South Paths MaintenanceVolunteers helptokeeppublic AONB Voluntary Wardens. The SouthChilterns Path MaintenanceVolunteers andtheCotswold volunteer organisations-the Our Field Team alreadyworkswithtwolocal South Chilterns page 29

Improving local access Countryside Access -A ParishGuide wider communitywould wanttoknowaboutthis. consider issuingapress releaseifyoufeelthe time tolookbackatwhat youhaveachievedand landowner alongasguest ofhonour. Take the opening –andevenbetterifyouinvitethe can beanicefinishtohaveaninauguralwalk or newsletter orwebsite.Oncetheworksaredone it bodies andalsolookgreatinyourparish possible astheseareappreciatedbyfunding photographs'. Pleasetakeasmanyimages as checklist about'before,duringandafter We woulddrawyourattentiontothepartin applications fortheproject. consultants orcontractors,ifneeded,intheirgrant recommended toincludethefullcostsof of adviceandtechnicalsupport. Applicants are effort willbemadetotryandprovidesomelevel works forprojectsonpublicrightsofway. Every level ofadviceoroffer toundertakethepractical Countryside Servicecannotprovideaguaranteed on thepublicrightsofwaynetwork.However contractors whoweknowcandohighqualitywork and wecanpointyouintherightdirectionfor the teamwilltrytohelpyouasmuchwecan, Our arearightsofwayfieldofficers andtherestof help youtomakesuretheprojectgoessmoothly. important. Havingallofthemattersinplacewill area. 'Countryside accessimprovements'inthatparish news' and'Countywideheadingstofindthe down list. Then scrolldownthroughthe'Local of themaporchooseaparishnamefromdrop the mapofOxfordshireandeitherclickonanarea homepage atwww.oxfordshire.gov.uk ,scrollto website. To havealook,gototheOCC mechanism onOxfordshireCountyCouncil's accessed mosteasilybythe'WhereIlive'search parishioners' information,andthiscanbe will bedisplayedonourwebsiteforyouandyour recent accessimprovementsthatarecarriedout Finally, informationaboutthemajorityofmost 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 Access -A ParishGuide them here,are: Simple definitionsofeachthese,aswemean are: duties;powers;rightsandresponsibilities. into thedetailofwhocanorshoulddowhat. These Four termsneedtobethoughtaboutbeforeweget involved withcountrysideaccess,theseare: rights andresponsibilitiesofallthekeyplayers Here wehaveincludedanoverviewofthe obligation tocarryout;thereisnoelementof of goodpractice. whether laiddowninstatutes orasamatter or individualcanbecalled toaccount; 'Responsibilities' or organisation. can beexercisedatthewillofindividual 'Rights' do tomakethingshappen. 'Powers' –actionsthatabodycanchooseto discretion, thelawsaysthattheymustbedone. 'Duties' –actionsthatabodyhaslegal Inspectorate Defra, NaturalEngland&thePlanning County Council District andCityCouncils Parish and Town Councils The Local Access Forum developers Land owners,farmers,occupiersand Users –legallyenshrinedopportunitiesthat –actionsforwhicha body a pathblocked byexcessiveovergrowth, they exercise of a right.If,say, a walkercomesacross to removeanuisance that isaffecting the Abatement isthecommon lawrighttotakeaction limited, butstillsignificant, powerofabatement. path conditionsarerestricted totheancient, The powersofindividualuserstodirectlyaffect Powers: often easierforwalkerstomakewaycyclists. walkers andhorse-riders,althoughinpractice itis On bridleways,cyclistshaveadutytogiveway to roadworthy, registeredandtaxed. licensed andinsured,vehiclesmustbefully the rulesofroadapply;driversmustbe byway isjustasmuchahighwaythe A40 and the publiconbywaysopentoalltraffic. But,a 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, page 31

Who can do what? Countryside Access -A ParishGuide obstructions removed. A usercan applytothe Users have rightstotakelegalaction toget dogs (underclosecontrol) andpushchairs. 'natural accompaniment' toyourjourney, including 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. The Rights: damage. and furtheractioncouldevenconstitutecriminal they nolongerhavethepowertoremovematerial person canconvenientlycarryontheirjourney the bulkofobstructionmayremain,oncea right todetouraroundanobstruction. Although past. Iftheycan'tgetthrough,alsohavethe have thepowertoremovejustenoughofitget considerately onpublicrightsofway andon duty, of allusers.Usersmust exercisetheirrights Keeping withinthelaw istheresponsibility, and Responsibilities: Definitive MapandStatement. to applyhavethatpathrecordedonthe that anunrecordedpublicrightofwayexists and Anybody hastherighttopresentevidence us Officer. of repairitshouldbereportedtothe Area Field be seenasalastresort.Wheneverpathis out action shouldnormallynotbeneededand a 'section56notice'(s.56HA 80). This sortof force repairstobecarriedout. The noticeiscalled nothing, actioncanbetakenthroughthecourtsto the pathispubliclymaintainablebutstilldoes maintainable. Ifthehighwayauthorityadmitsthat requiring ittostatethatthepathispublicly by servingnoticeonthehighwayauthority highway authoritytorepairthepath. This isdone obstructed) ausercantakeactiontocompelthe Where apathisoutofrepair(ratherthan court (sections134and137Highways Act 1980). an obstruction,againthroughthemagistrates' action directlyagainstthelandownertoremove A-D Highways Act 1980).Userscanalsotake prevent theobstructionofahighway(sections130 magistrates' courttocompelanauthority

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Who can do what? by misleading signs. near tothe path); orbydiscouragement, suchas by intimidation(including aggressiveanimalskept physically: forexample byfencesorlockedgates; closed). They mustn'tobstructaccesseither or onaccessland(that hasn'tbeenformally rights ofaccess,whetheronapublicright way doing anythingthatwillinterferewiththepublic's farmers, occupiersordevelopers)isoneofnot The primarydutyoflandmanagers(owners, Duties: Landowners, farmersanddevelopers countrysidecode www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/ be seenat of theseheadings. The fullCountrysideCodecan The Codegivesmoredetailedadviceundereach messages forthepublic: Countryside Code. The Codehasfivekey access land. This means followingthe Countryside Access -A ParishGuide Consider otherpeople Keep dogsunderclosecontrol litter home Protect plantsandanimals,takeyour Leave gatesandpropertyasyoufindthem Be safe–planaheadandfollowanysigns 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. They alsohaveadutytomaintaintheir 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('BOATs' and'restricted metres wide; Cross-field bridlewaysmustbeatleast2 wide; Cross-field footpathsmustbeatleast1metre page 33

Who can do what? 1 Countryside Access -A ParishGuide plough. of thepublic. An exceptionmaybetherightto right todoanythingthat interfereswiththerights that land.But,theland managergenerallyhasno guests, candrivevehicles onafootpathcrossing So, forexample,alandmanager, ortheirinvited the public,wouldbeatrespassagainstowner. and, ofcourse,theycandothingsthat,ifdone by managers allsortsofrightstoenjoytheirproperty Land ownershiportenancycangiveland Rights: times. cross theland–theymustbekeptopenatall land doesnotaffect anypublicrightsofwaythat reasons fordoingthis. The powertocloseaccess for longerperiods,buttheymusthavegood 'Directions' thatenablethemtocloseaccessland managers canalsoapplytoNaturalEnglandfor can beusedtoexcludepeoplewithdogs.Land certain areasortousers;forexample,it The powertoexcludepeoplecanbelimited must normallybegiventoNaturalEngland. summer SaturdaysorSundays.Fivedaysnotice year, excludesbankholidaysandcannotinclude limitations: Closureisrestrictedto28daysper close accessland–butonlysubjecttostrict Land managershavethepowertotemporarily Powers: occupier oftheland. Legally, anybodycanrequest adiversionbutinpracticewe willonlyconsiderapplications thathavethesupportof ownerand/or divert thepath orextinguishit.However, currently, modifying arightofway. Usuallythis will beto county counciltomake apublicpathorder Land managerscanask thedistrict,cityor caccess.htm www.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/landmanage/publi management webpagesat More informationcanbefoundontheDefra land 'headland' path. There isnorighttoploughafield-edgeor by rollingandstakingitoutinsomeway. 24 hoursofanyfurtherwork. This isusuallydone the pathwithin14daysoffirstploughingor duty toreinstatethesurfaceandmarklineof Whenever apathisploughed,thefarmerhas anyway, hecould becommittinganoffence. farmer toavoidploughingapath,buthedoesit avoid doingso.Ifitwouldn'tbeaproblemforthe plough apathifitisn'treasonablyconvenientto really onlyalegalexcusethatfarmermay Statement. This 'right'isn'tautomatic;thereis or wheretherightisrecordedonDefinitive there islong-standingpracticetoploughthatpath, the lawallowsfarmerstoploughpathswhere path makesitlessconvenienttousers.However, Ploughing orotherwisedisturbingthesurfaceofa 1

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

at least3metresmustbemaintained. path. Inthecaseofabridleway, clearheadroomof that thereisadequateheadroomforusersof the responsibility. Careshouldalsobetakentoensure cutting backofvegetationwillbetheirongoing run nexttoahedgeorwoodland,theregular path. Ifapathistobeenclosedbyhedges, or isto does notoverhangorencroachontothepublic land oneithersideofarightway(overgrowth) A landownermustensurethatvegetationfrom Responsibilities: prior consent. serves asadriveway, butthismustbewithour 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 width. be keptclearofgrowing cropsacrossitsfull Any pathrunningthrough afieldofcropsmust be clearedbytheowner ofthetree. Any treefallingacrossarightofwayshould 2 page 35

Who can do what? Countryside Access -A ParishGuide 3 Planning' below.) permission hasbeengranted. (See'Accessand development togoahead onceplanning or extinguishmentsthat maybeneededtoenable Developers the SPSPayment. Way. The RPA willthenconsiderareductionin those whichbreachGAEC8–PublicRights of to theRuralPayments Agency ('RPA'), particularly Agricultural &EnvironmentalConditions(GAEC) encouraged toreportbreachesofGood Scheme (SPS). The CountyCouncil,is the cross-compliancerulesofSinglePayment rights ofwayisakeyfarmactivitythatfallswithin The maintenanceoffreepassagealongpublic right ofwayunless: offence tokeepanybullinafieldcrossedby employment. Specificrulesrelatetobulls:itisan at riskthehealthandsafetyofpersonsnotintheir All landmanagershavearesponsibilitynottoput necessary sothattheyaresafeandeasytouse. by us. They shouldberepairedorreplacedwhen on rightsofwayunlesstheyhavebeenerected maintenance ofstiles,gatesandotherstructures Landowners andoccupiersareresponsibleforthe 4 The classicallytrained readermay prefertheterm 'fora'butwe willuse'forums' asitisthe more usualplural termused. ‘Section 94(4)' refers tothelistofbodiesdrawn upunders.94(4)Countryside &RightsofW i itisnotofarecogniseddairybreedandat ii) theanimalisunder10monthsoldor i) large withcowsorheifers. havetherighttoapply fordiversions 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 Access Forum(OCAF). countryside accessremitwhichwecallthe Oxfordshire wehavesetupaForumwithwider Forum (LAF)andtoappointaLAFSecretary. In Rights ofWay Act 2000tosetupaLocal Access authority wasrequiredbytheCountryside& Each highwayauthorityandnationalpark Local Access Forum 3 ay Act 2000. 4 page 36

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

5 Recording ofpublicrightsway below; improve theirlocalpaths. These powersarelisted many powersthattheycanchoosetoexercise to management isthattheparishcouncilsstillhave In contrast,thelegacyofcenturieshighways Powers: respect topublicrightsofway. Parish councilsnolongerhaveanydutieswith Duties: available. section givesmoredetailonthepowers are thebestrolesforyourcouncil,butthis paths, InChapter3wesetoutwhatbelieve still playakeyroleinmaintainingtheirpublic be discretionarybut,iftheysowish,parishescan numerous powersandrights.Useofthesemay history oftheparisheshasleftthemwith then thecountycouncils,buthighways a copyoftheDefinitiveMapandStatement map waslastpublished. orders thathavemade changessincethe application. to presentevidence supportthe You cankeepavailableforpublicinspection for theparish,togetherwithcopiesofany You canapplytoadd pathstothemapand page 37

Who can do what? 7 6 Maintaining publicrightsofway Protecting publicrightsofway Countryside Access -A ParishGuide Section 137LocalGovernment Act, 1972 Section 1Parish Councils Act, 1957 You canwaymarkpublic rightsofwayinthe You cansignposta public rightofwaywhere You canputupnoticesorsignstowarn You canmaintainanyfootpath,bridleway or You canprosecuteafarmerwhodoesn't You canprosecuteafarmerwhogrows You canprosecuteanyonewhowilfully You canvetoanyproposalsthatwemight You cantellusthatapathhasbeenillegally parish. it leavesaroad–orask ustosignpostit. users ofanydangersonlocalpaths. work.) some orallofyourcostsformaintenance allows ustocomeanagreementdefray over-arching dutytodothesame. The law maintain publicpathsdoesnotaffect our restricted bywayintheparish.(Your powerto reinstate apathafterploughing. crops onarightofway. obstructs arightofwayintheparish. the magistrates'court. make todivertorstop-upahighwaythrough mistaken. this representationunlesswethinkthatitis obstructed orstopped-up.We mustacton changes thatmayaffect yourparish,including; You havetherighttobeconsultedaboutmany Rights: Improving publicrightsofway for youtouse. the pathsinyourparish,powersarethere If youwanttomaintain,protectorimprove the areaorinhabitants,including adjoining parishes)byagreementwiththe install aseatorshelteratthesideofpublic usually withthedistrictcouncil. bins. Whereyoudo,mustmake bridleway intheparish. You havetherightto objecttoapublicpath Being consultedbefore wemakeadefinitive Being consultedbyuswhenwereceivean improvements topublicrightsofway. You canincurexpenditureintheinterests of landowner. You cancreatenewpathsintheparish(and path. With thelandowner'sconsent,youcan arrangements fortheirregularemptying, With ourapproval,youcanprovidelitter You caninstalllightingonanyfootpathor order oradefinitive mapmodification order map modificationorder intheparish. order. application foradefinitivemapmodification 6 7 page 38

Who can do what? Countryside Access -A ParishGuide Very importantly, yourparishcouncilisa You havetherighttobeconsultedduring the 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.We the effect ofdevelopmentonlocalpaths important thatfullconsiderationisgivento which mayaffect publicrightsofway. Itis consultee forplanningproposals,someof started tobeimplemented Local Transport Planhasbeenadoptedand be extendedbeyond2011 untilthethird many localcouncilsresponded. The planwill 2006 afteraconsultationperiodinwhich Oxfordshire's waspublishedinFebruary shows ourprioritiesforcountrysideaccess). Plans (TheRightsofWay ImprovementPlan drawing upofRightsWay Improvement confirm anorderaffecting yourparish). a dutytonotifyyouwheneverwemakeor (we, oranotherordermakingauthority, have choose totake onsomeofthehighway authority's rights ofway maintenanceduties. They can The districtshavenocountryside accessorpublic Duties: include OxfordCityCouncil. For simplicity, wewilluse'districtcouncil'to management ofpublicrightswayinthecounty. opportunities forinvolvementwiththe councils andOxfordCityCouncilhavethesame To allintentsandpurposes thefourdistrict District andCityCouncils parish. paths andthenetworktobestfitneedsof people; andseekingopportunitiestoimprove protecting thenetworkforbenefitoflocal orders (diversionsandextinguishments); represented onmatterssuchaspublicpath ensure thattheviewsoflocalpeopleare We seeyourmainresponsibilitiesasbeingto Responsibilities: o a pl o nae fln ob You canapplyforanareaoflandtobe 2000. 16 oftheCountryside&RightsWay Act dedicate landforpublicaccessusingsection land asatownorvillagegreen. You canalso Where youownland,candedicatethat recognised asatownorvillagegreen. page 39

Who can do what? 8 paths and Oxford CityCouncilexercises itsright maintenance powerson publiclymaintainable The districtcouncilshave therighttoclaim Rights: Generally, districts havepowersto: Powers: vehicles. refuse, includingfly-tippingandabandoned keeping rightsofwaycleanandclearlitter An importantdutyfordistrictcouncilsisthatof place inOxfordshire. there arecurrentlynoagencyagreementsin duties underan'agencyagreement'withusbut Countryside Access -A ParishGuide Section 42Highways Act 1980 council). emptying andcleaningwiththedistrict (arrangements mustbemadefortheir our consentifitmayrestrictavailablewidth, Install litterbinsonpublicrightsofwaywith danger tothepublic. Require thefencingoff oflandthatmaybea wire wherethisisanuisanceonpath Require theremovalorshieldingofbarbed vegetation Require thecuttingbackofoverhanging Make orderstodivertorextinguishpaths order. Create newpathsbyagreeementor 8 Infrastructure) intheRegional SpatialStrategy. (Countryside Access) andCC8(Green of Way ImprovementPlanandpolicies C6 expect thatthesewillbe informedbytheRights proposals forrightsofwaywithintheseplans. We Frameworks. They havetherighttoinclude and responsibleforLocalDevelopment The districtcouncilsaretheplanningauthorities seek countycouncilfundingforthis. privately maintainablepaths–buttheycannot costs fromus. The districtscanalsomaintain 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 andtheCityWorks. Essentiallythis is asplitresponsibilitybetweenOCCCountryside to lookafterpathsinitsarea.SoOxfordthere page 40

Who can do what? Countryside Access -A ParishGuide county counciltothetitle of'highwayauthority'. For thesakeofconvenience wewillrestrictthe the section. give afullerlistinthesummaryboxatend of powers. We willjustsummarisethemhereand these rolesallcarryanextensivelistofduties and administering worksinstreets).Needlessto say orders) and'streetauthority'(responsiblefor authority' (includingmakingtraffic regulation (managing accesslandinitsarea),'traffic Statement uptodate),'accessauthority' authority' (keepingtheDefinitiveMapand functions of:'highwayauthority','surveying authority forthewholeofcountyandfulfils Oxfordshire CountyCouncilisthehighway Oxfordshire CountyCouncil Improvement Plan. councils andguidancefromtheRightsofWay improvements– takingtheadviceofparish applications andanyopportunitiesforaccess consider thepotentialimpactofallplanning networks. We encouragethemtocarefully can havesignificantimpactsonlocalpathsand District councils,throughtheirplanningfunctions, Responsibilities: ones are: Our powersareevenmore numerous. The main Powers: summarised as: The highwayauthority'smaindutiescanbe Main duties: To createpaths byagreementororder. and villagegreens. To keeparegisterofcommons, andtown modification orders. To keeparegisterofapplications for available forpublicinspection. under continuousreviewandtomakeit To keeptheDefinitiveMap andStatement Improvement Plan. To prepareandreviewaRightsofWay help peoplefollowaroute. road andtowaymarkthemwhereneeded To signpostrightsofwaywheretheyleavea maintainable atpublicexpense. To keepanuptodatelistofhighways disturbance byploughing. encroachment bycrops,misleadingsignsor To preventorrectifyobstructions,including condition forthenormaltraffic usingthem. To maintainthehighwaysinasuitable highways. to theuseandenjoymentofalltheir To assertandprotecttherightsofpublic page 41

Who can do what? Countryside Access -A ParishGuide the countryside. Itisresponsiblefor drawingup most involved withrightsofwayand accessto Affairs (Defra)istheGovernmentdepartment The DepartmentofEnvironment FoodandRural Inspectorate Defra, NaturalEngland&thePlanning agency agreementswemayenterinto. its publicrightsofwaynetworkirrespective any the publicforrecordingandmaintenance of Ultimately thehighwayauthorityisresponsible to Responsibilities: resources asitseesfit. the righttoorganisethisworkandallocate sufficient staff tocarryoutitslegaldutiesbuthas The highwayauthorityisrequiredtoemploy Rights: To maketraffic regulationorders To makedefinitivemapmodificationorders. removal ofthosethataren'tauthorised. absolutely necessary)–andtoorderthe To authorisenewgates(andstilesif To makeorderstodivertorextinguishpaths. To carryoutworkstoimprovepaths. To drainpublicrightsofway. watercourses. To constructbridgesovernatural hearings or publicinquiries. An inspectorwill be 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 &RightsofWay Act 2000.Several 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 page 42

Who can do what? Countryside Access -A ParishGuide obligations to offset thedamage. the planning authoritytoimposeplanning paths oraccesstoopen space,youshouldask If developmentwillhave anegativeeffect on local stopped-up ordiverted. started beforethepathhasbeenformally No developmentthataffects apathshouldbe given. district councilbeforeplanningpermissionis much betterthatrepresentationsaremadeto the extinguishment orderbeingmadeandsoitis granted itishardertopreventadiversionor However, onceplanningpermissionhasbeen or 257 Town &CountryPlanning Act 1990. public pathorder, usuallymadeundersection247 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 Rights areshownbyabluetriangle Powers areshownbyablackcircle Duties areindicatedbyaredsquare those relatingtoparishcouncils. bodies inthetablebelow–andwe'vehighlighted reference dutiesandpowerswiththerelevant countryside access.We havetriedtocross- have alotofdifferent levelsofinvolvementwith It willbeapparentthatalotofdifferent bodies Summary page 43

Who can do what? 10 Removing litterorfly-tipping Temporary diversions 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 Access -A ParishGuide 9 NB. Towns andvillage greensarerecordedthrough asimilarbutunrelatedprocess totheDefinitiveMapand Statement. streams andriversare thehighwayauthority's responsibility. Culverts andbridges overdrainageditchesand artificialwatercoursesmay betheresponsibilityof landowner 9

Users

Land 10 managers Parish councils District councils

County . Bridgesover Defra

Natural

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Who can do what? 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 Rights ofWay ImprovementPlan Make traffic regulationorders secure removalofcrops To enforcere-instatementafterploughingor signs To takeactiontopreventorremovemisleading abatement ofnuisances,e.g.barbedwire Require theremovalofobstructionsand To assertandprotecttherightsofpublic Keep alistofpubliclymaintainablepaths 11 Countryside Access -A ParishGuide Wheretheparish councilisalsothelandowner

Users

Land managers Parish 11 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 Access -A ParishGuide statement form thelegalrecordof publicrightsof Statement. Together, themap andthewritten short-hand forthefull title ofDefinitiveMapand The term'DefinitiveMap' (DM)isoftenusedas Recording rightsofway all ofthem: places, buttherearesomecommonprinciplesto recorded ondifferent documentsandindifferent Different typesofaccess(seechapter2)are careful aboutprocedures. they describe–whichiswhywehavetobe so absolute proofoftherightsorlandstatusthat The official mapsthatwemaintainareall right exists. show that,onthebalanceofprobability, the for it. This evidencehastobesufficient to recorded youneedtogiveussomeevidence If youwanttohaveapathorotheraccess statutory regulations. can onlybealteredbycarefullyfollowingthe following strictprocedures.Similarly, paths Access rightscanonlyberecordedby just recordsit. of accesslanddoesnotcreatetheright–it whether apublicpath,commonoranarea Including accessrightsonthesedocuments, offices duringnormalworkinghours. Copies ofthedocumentsareavailableatour definitive statement. field notes that stillformthebasis ofmostthe Statement intheearly 1950sand'60s.It'stheir drawing uptheoriginal DefinitiveMapand Your predecessorparish councillorshelpedin together. The mapshowspublic way inOxfordshireandbothmustberead Byways opentoalltraffic Restricted Byways Bridleways Footpaths 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 Speedwell House, Speedwell St, Oxford Most importantly, the DM is conclusive evidence OX1 1NE Tel: 01865 810808 of the existence of the public rights of way shown on it. As such, it is a vitally important tool for the Or you can view it for individual districts: protection and enforcement of public rights of way. It is for this reason that, as we shall see in Cherwell chapter 6, any changes to the map and statement can only be made by carefully following involved Cherwell District Council How is access recorded? and, sometimes lengthy, statutory procedures. Bodicote House, Banbury Tel: 01295 252535

If the map is conclusive, how can we add Banbury Library paths to it? Although the DM is conclusive as to Marlborough Road, Banbury Tel: 01295 262282 what it shows, it is not exclusive and is 'without prejudice to higher rights'. So there may be public Bicester Library rights of way that are simply not shown on the Old Place Yard, Bicester Tel: 01869 252181 map. This does not mean that they don't exist – 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 Access -A ParishGuide Stirling Road,Wantage Tel: 01235 762291 Gloucester Street,Faringdon Tel: 01367240311 The Charter, Abingdon Tel: 01235520374 Abbey House, Abingdon Tel: 01235 520202 Broadway, Didcot Tel: 01235813103 High Street,Wallingford Tel: 01491837395 Southern Road, Thame Tel: 01844212288 Tel: 01491575278 Ravenscroft Road,Henleyon Thames Crowmarsh, Wallingford Tel: 01491835351 Wantage Library Faringdon Library Abingdon Library Vale ofWhiteHorseDistrictCouncil Vale Didcot Library Wallingford Library Thame Library Henley Library South OxfordshireDistrictCouncil South OxfordshireDistrictCouncil these inchapter6. Definitive MapandStatement andwewillturnto where mostcouncillors comeintocontactwiththe processes ofmakingchangestothemapwill be map wasconsideredtobefullyupdate). The 'relevant date'(thedateatwhichthepublished plus anychangesmadebyorderssincethe the actuallegalrecordislastpublishedmap The mapisamendedfromtimetoand so version oftheDM&Swaspublishedin2006. these weresenttoallclerkswhenthelatest the DefinitiveMapandStatementforyourparish; definitive map? What istheparishcouncil'srolewith Welch Way, Witney Tel: 01993703659 Tel: 01608643559 Goddards Lane,ChippingNorton Woodgreen, Witney Tel: 01993702941 Witney Library Chipping NortonLibrary West OxfordshireDistrictCouncil West Your councilcankeepacopyof page 48

How is access recorded? the accesslandmaps. will needtobeinvolvedwiththemaintenance of about interimchangesanditisunlikelythat you reviews, thereisnomechanismforconsulting that parisheswillbeconsultedatthetimeof these more thantenyearintervals.Whileitisprobable legislation forreviewoftheconclusivemapsatnot access landmap?Thereisprovisioninthe Does theparishcouncilhavearolewith places/openaccess www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/ is managedonlineat there needstobea'live'documentavailable. This as accesslandcanbeclosedfromtimetotime, Access landisnowshownonOSmaps;however, Where canweseethemapsforaccessland? held byNaturalEnglandnotus. commons). The conclusivemapismaintainedand records accessland(includingregistered there is,butit'scalledthe'conclusivemap'andit Is therea'definitivemap'foraccessland? Countryside Access -A ParishGuide Yes page 49

How is access recorded? extinguished? moved or reclassified, the map, get addedto How dopaths Chapter 6: 1 Countryside Access -A ParishGuide the applicant wouldliketoexist. exist, althoughun-recorded, nottorightswhich application mayonlyrelate torightswhichalready good evidencetosupport theapplication. An DM&S isinsomeway incorrect,providingthereis DMMO wheretheystronglybelievethatthe organisation) mayapplytothecountycouncil fora (either inanindividualcapacityoronbehalf of an 1. DefinitiveMapModificationOrders a definitivemapmodificationorder? Who, whenandhowshouldsomeoneapply for Thosemadetore-route,extinguishoradd 2. Thosebaseduponthediscoveryofevidence 1. come intwomaintypes: means ofproperly-made,legalorders.Orders right ofway. The mapcanonlybechanged by in lawoftheexistence(locationandstatus)a way forthecounty, providingconclusiveevidence together formthelegalrecordofpublicrights The DefinitiveMapandStatement(DM&S) Rural Communities Act 2006. This Act severely limitsthe circumstances inwhichpublic vehicularrights canbeacquired. Claimstoadd a BOAT tothe DM&Sortoupgradeapath toaBOAT are governedbySections66and 67oftheNaturalEnvironment and Path Orders'(PPO). paths forpracticalpurposes–called Modification Orders' incomplete –called that showsthemapisinaccurateor 'Definitive Map (DMMO); Anyone 'Public 1 years), where thatuseis“asofright” andwhere (usually overacontinuous periodofatleast20 many peopleforaconsiderable periodoftime where thereisevidence ofusethepathby unrecorded path.User evidencecanbeused Survey maps,andtitledeedsthatshowan Tithe Maps, Inclosure Awards, oldOrdnance evidence maybefoundinolddocuments,such as evidence anduserevidence.Documentary broadly comesintwotypes:documentary What evidenceshouldbeprovided? DMMO arethat: The mostcommonreasonsforapplyinga The DM&Srecordsthelocation,widthor The DM&Srecordsarouteofparticular The DM&Sshowsapaththattheapplicant The DM&Sdoesnotshowapaththatthe applicant stronglybelievestobeincorrect. description ofarouteinwaythatthe applicant thinksshouldbeabridleway); be ofadifferent status(e.g.afootpaththatthe status thattheapplicantstronglybelievesto believes waswronglyaddedtotheMap; area atlarge); simply basedonthepublicwanderingoveran claimed followsaspecificrouteandisnot (Please notethatitisimportantaway applicant believestobeapublicrightofway. Evidence page 50

How do paths get added to the map...... ? Countryside Access -A ParishGuide Only ifanorder ismadeandconfirmed doesit an ordershould bemadetomodify theDM&S. whether thereissufficient evidencetoshowthat about therouteinquestion. This istodecide widely totryfindout asmuchpossible research alloftheavailable evidenceandconsult After wehaveregisteredyourclaimwill DMMO register(seebelow). sufficient evidenceitwillbeenteredonthe If theapplicationiscompleteandsupported by important thatyoufollowtherelevantguidelines. are involvedintheprocedureanditisvery send youanapplicationpack. A numberofforms If wethinktheremaybeenoughevidencewill question). public righttousetheroutehasbeencalledinto years theyhaveusedtherouteandwhether witnesses claiminguse,theaveragenumberof of yourapplication(includingnumbers details oftheevidenceyouhavefoundinsupport brief summaryofthebackgroundtoclaimand apply foraDMMOyoushouldwritetousgiving How isanapplicationmade? claim. evidence inawaythathelpsustoassessthe We cansupplyyouwithformstocollectuser did notintendtodedicatetheroutepublic. there isnoevidencetoshowthatthelandowner Ifyouwantto : InvestigatingOther EvidencetoModify the 3: ProcessingDefinitive MapModification Orders 2: UpdatingandMaintaining theDM&S 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. monthly. Boththesedocumentscanbeaccessed 'Pending DMMOCaseList',whichisupdated be trackedonaseparatereport,calledthe Register'. The progressofanapplicationcanalso Details ofallapplicationsarekeptonthe'DMMO rsions. www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/modificationsanddive available at processes involvedandoutlinesourpolicy. This is notes fortheDMMOprocedure”fullyexplains Is moreinformationavailable? full publicinquiry. decided bywrittenevidence,ahearingor Inspector toconsiderthecase. The mattermaybe Secretary ofState,whowillaskaPlanning and thismaythenresultinreferraltothe become effective. Anyone canchallengeanorder DM&S Our“Guidance Because page 51

How do paths get added to the map...... ? 2 Countryside Access -A ParishGuide a decisionas towhetherornot supportthe allow youtimetomake localenquiriesandreach your parishbeforean order ismade. This will will stillbeconsultedabout anyclaimaffecting parish councilisnotthe applicantforaDMMOit Modification Orderapplications? So, whatistheparish'sroleinDefinitive Map details. and costsforeveryone.Seesection2further comparatively straightforwardandcansave time Dedication (knownasaCreation Agreement) is a formaldedicationofpublicrightway. DMMO application,maybepreparedtoenterinto their landandinsteadofwaitingfortheresulta opposed toapplicationsrecordpathsacross practice. Howeversometimeslandownersarenot efficiently andfairlyapplynationalgood are confidentthatwedealwithapplications work isalsolimitedbyavailableresources.We rigorous andthoroughratherthanspeedy. Our legal requirementswhicharedesignedtobe DMMO processisgovernedbystrictprocedural Is thereaquickerwayofdoingthings? several moreyearsfortheclaimtoberesolved. investigating theirclaim.Itmaythentake be awaitofseveralyearsbeforewecanstart have toadviseapplicantsthattherewillusually Even afterprioritisingourworkinthisway, we Undersection 25oftheHighways Act 1980. Even ifyour The 2 way, they maydepositwith us astatementand path, butdoesnotwant ittobecomearightof example, alandowner allowspermissiveuseofa Section 31(6)ofHighways Act 1980.Where,for against futureclaimsbased onusageofapath,is gives ameasureofprotectionforlandowners Another simplebuteffective mechanismthat users. there isnopublicrightofwayorbychallenging erection ofclearlywordednoticesindicating that public rightsofwayacrosstheirland,suchas the number ofmeasurestopreventtheacquisition of prevent claims? A landownercantakea Is thereanythingalandownercandoto can oftenhelpinidentifyinglandowners. out whotheownersare. Your localknowledge landowners. Sometimesitcanbedifficult tofind applications thatnoticeisservedonaffected status.It isaprerequisiteforallDMMO whether ornotitexistsintermsoflocationand a claimedroute,butonlyevidencerelatingto to considerthedesirability, safetyorsuitabilityof based onrelevantevidence;wearenotallowed The representationyourcouncilmakesmustbe modifying theDM&Sshouldbemade. that canhelptoshowwhetherornotanorder order. We welcomeanyevidencethatyoufind page 52

How do paths get added to the map...... ? 3 Countryside Access -A ParishGuide 2. PublicPathOrders the Town andCountry Planning Act 1990. are usuallymadeunder theHighways Act 1980or in certaincases,byways opentoalltraffic. They 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 Against FutureClaims”pageson Declarations registerwhichcanbeinspectedon be inspectedonthePublicRightsofWay be afforded anyprotection.Currentdepositscan to useasofrightbeforeadepositismadewillnot retrospective, sorouteswhichhavebeensubject The effect ofaS.31(6)depositisnot ensure continuedprotection. deposit shouldbemadeatleastevery10yearsto rights furthertothoseshownontheplan. A that alandownerdoesnotintendtodedicate deposit underS.31(6)isregardedasanindication land andstatingthattherearenoothers. A rights ofwaytheyacknowledgetoexistontheir plan andstatutorydeclarationdetailinganypublic opportunity forpublicinvolvement. Pathchanges can alsobemadethroughthe Magistrates'Court,butthis is notconsideredbestpractice asitisseentoreducethe PublicPath 3 119, namelythattheOMA mustbesatisfiedthat: meet thelegalprovisionscontainedwithinsection so. Mostaremadebyus. Applications must council althoughthereisnodutyforeitherto do Oxfordshire CountyCouncilorbythedistrict appropriate OrderMaking Authority (OMA)i.e.by (section 119). Orders canbemadebythe Highways Act 1980andrelatetodiversions section 119? MostPPOsaremadeunder What isadiversionunderHighways Act 1980 further details. planning permissiongranted.Seebelowfor Planning Act Ordersaredirectlyconnectedwith the change,andthoseunder Town andCountry the publicwillnotbeundulyinconveniencedby landowner's (orsometimespublic)interestwhere under Highways Act 1980aremadeinthe must bemetineachcase.Broadly, diversions are importantdifferences tothelegalteststhat or Town andCountryPlanning Act 1990. There under powerssetoutineitherHighways Act 1980 How arepathsdiverted? A pathcanbediverted The diversionisintheinterestsofowner, The diversionwillnotbe substantiallyless convenient tothepublic; path, orintheinterests ofthepublic; occupier orlesseeofthe landcrossedbythe page 53

How do paths get added to the map...... ? Countryside Access -A ParishGuide 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 We canalsomakediversionorderstoimprove substantially asconvenienttothepublic. to ahighwayconnectedwithitandwhichis termination ofthepathorifitdoesmustconnect The diversionmustalsonotalterthepointof the currentpath(on correctline)mustbe the legalrequirements listedabove; It willalsotakeintoaccounttheeffect thenew buildings or otherdevelopment); by substantial obstructiondueto permanent open andsafetouse(except whereaffected would haveonotherland. the wholepathandanyeffect thediversion route wouldhaveonthepublic'senjoymentof For applicationsunderHighways Act Anyone can (approximately £300-£500,depending onthe recharge the costofadvertisingin thelocalpress annually (2010/11 rates£1089-£2084). We also scale ofchargesisset anddetailsarepublished We chargetheapplicantformakinganorder. A administration charges. as aresultofthediversion,wellour compensation toanyonewhoselandisdevalued An applicantmayberequiredtopay expense. carry outtheworktooursatisfactionandat their diversion proceedstheapplicantmustnormally be donebeforewemakeadiversionorder. Ifthe condition. We willspecifyanyworkthatneedsto completed untilthenewpathisputintoasuitable ground? What aboutmakingthechangeson made andsubsequentlyconfirmed.. An Application onlycomesintoeffect ifanorderis the applicantmustbewillingtomeetcosts the landownerisknowntokeeprightsofway the statusofpathisnotindispute; in exceptionalcircumstances). our discretiontowaivecharges,fullyorinpart, of administrationandadvertising(We mayuse use; on landinhis/herownershipclearandsafeto A diversionisnotusuallylegally page 54

How do paths get added to the map...... ? input onsuchfactorsas: have. You areinagoodpositiontoprovidelocal your localrightsofway andtheeffects itwould hear yourcouncil'sviews onproposedchangesto go aheadwithmakinganorder. We arekeento then afurtherformalconsultationifwedecide to council iftheyhavereceivedtheapplication), and informal consultationsfromus(orthedistrict owners. This willusuallybethrougharoundof made totheCountyCouncilfromotherland Mostly youwillbeconsultedaboutapplications and proceduresasanyother. application wouldbecoveredbythesamerules beneficial tothecouncil(orpublic). Your divert thesepathsifyoufeelthatitwouldbe and, likeanyotherlandowner, youcanapplyto may ownlandcrossedbypublicrightsofway What istheparishcouncil'srole? rsions. www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/modificationsanddive 'Pending PPOcaselist'at: website givingthestatusofapplications.See taking place? How canyoufindoutwhatdiversionsare concerned). length oftheadvertisementandnewspaper Countryside Access -A ParishGuide what impact theproposedchange wouldhave on public useof the path–whether itwill be We publishamonthlylistonour Your council yourself makethe application. the publicbenefit and,iftheowner agrees,can yourself to suggest thatthechange wouldbein Chapter 3),youcanapproach thelandowner the RightsofWay Improvement Plan(see improved bydiversion, perhapsfittingtheaimsof If yourcouncilknowsof apaththatcouldbe so. land ownerstodothis,theyaren'tobliged do people wouldlike.However, while weencourage choice ofroute,surfaceandstructuresthatlocal giving youtheopportunitytoinitiallydiscuss the before anydiversionapplicationismadetous, Ideally youwouldbeconsultedbythelandowner any otherinformationthatyouthinkwillbe any particularimportanceorlocalsignificance whether theeffects onuserswouldbe whether therewouldbeparticularissues expedient tomaketheorder. important indecidingwhetherornotitis of thepaththatwemaybeunawareof; substantial orinsignificant; worse surfaceforusers,etc.,etc.; gates, proximitytobusyroads,betteror or gainofviews,theneedforbridges resulting fromthechange,forexampleloss particularly, the less-mobile); cyclists andhorse-ridersonbridlewaysand, the usersthatwouldbeaffected, including made easierormoredifficult touse(forallof page 55

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

How do paths get added to the map...... ? Countryside Access -A ParishGuide 1980 section 118). Indeciding whetherornotitis path isnot needed forpublicuse (Highways Act and canonlybemade onthegroundsthat up? How canpathsbeextinguished orstopped order. there issufficient publicneedtojustifymakingthe your evidencemaybevitaltoestablishingthat order isneededwewouldconsultwithyouas and OxfordshireCountyCouncil.Ifacreation an agreementmadebetweenthelandowner(s) would alsoaskthatyouworkwithustoachieve negotiating withlandownersinyourparish, we looking forlocalpathimprovementsand So, whileweurgeyoutotaketheinitiativewith there aresafeguardsforthepublicbuiltinto paths createdbyagreementwiththeparish paths createdbyagreementwithusare we canpaycompensationormakean also toensurethatthenewpathispublicised. physically createdtoasuitablestandardand we haveadutytoseethatthenewpathis agreements madebythehighwayauthority– cannot besubjecttoconditionsorlimitations; agreed withparishcouncils; expense butthisisnotthecaseforpaths normally automaticallymaintainableatpublic parish councilstodoso; enabling paymentbutthereisnorightfor Extinguishment orders areonlyrarelymade any extinguishmentorder. expect tosecureyour agreement beforewemade about thepublicneed for thepath.We would is inastrongposition to provideuswithevidence make, wewouldconsultyoufirstandyourcouncil the districtcouncil).Forordersthatwemight extinguishment intheMagistrates'Court(as does you've gotthepowerofvetooverapplications for What's theparishcouncil'srole? the Town andCountryPlanning Act 1990. about asaresultofapproveddevelopmentunder to beinvolved.Extinguishmentscanalsocome can sometimesgivelessopportunityforthepublic use theMagistrates'Courtbecausethisprocess request totheMagistrates'Court.We don'tliketo 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 Unusually, page 57

How do paths get added to the map...... ? stopped upunderthesetypesoforders: byways opentoalltraffic maybedivertedor footpaths, bridlewaysandrestrictedbyways, prevention andschoolsecurity:Inadditionto may bemadeforthepurposesofcrime Special ExtinguishmentorDiversionOrders alternative routeorcrossingfacility. usually berequiredtoprovideasuitable (Highways Act 1980s119a/s118a). They will railways atlevelintheinterestsofpublicsafety for diversionorextinguishmentofpathscrossing Rail CrossingOrders:operatorsmayapply Further typesofPublicPathOrders: Countryside Access -A ParishGuide School proprietorsmayapplyfordiversionor Orders forcrimepreventioncanonlybemade from violence orthreatofviolence, up ordiverted toprotectthepupils orstaff authority thatthehighway shouldbestopped appear expedienttothe ordermaking 119b/118b). Beforemakinganorderitmust grounds (Highways Act 1980section extinguishment ofpathscrossingschool designated areasinOxfordshire. only asalastcaseresort. There areno Secretary ofStateandshouldbeconsidered designated forsuchmeasuresbythe in anareathathaspreviouslybeen 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 Act 1990 (section 257/261). result ofdevelopmentapprovedthroughthe Town extinguishment orderscanalsobemadeasa process? Diversions,creationand How arepathschangedthroughtheplanning Act 1980section119c). apply foran“SSSIDiversionOrder”(Highways Special ScientificInterest,NaturalEnglandmay considered tobecausingdamageaSiteof SSSI DiversionOrders:Whereuseofapathis examined first. address theissueswouldhavetobe other measuresthatcouldhavebeenusedto safety arisingfromsuchactivity. However, activity oranyotherrisktotheirhealth harassment, alarmordistressfromunlawful page 58

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 Act 1980, thepublic permission granted. As withdiversion applications just becauseadeveloperhashadplanning itself andasuccessfuldiversionisnotguaranteed process isseparatetotheplanningpermission development togoahead. The ordermaking diversion isthennecessarytoenablethe permission hasbeengrantedandthatthe making authoritymustbesatisfiedthatplanning For apublicpathordertobemadethe application. and couldaffect theoutcomeofanyplanning material considerationintheplanningdecision affected byaproposeddevelopment,thisis its committeeforadecision.Ifpublicfootpathis planning authoritybeforetheapplicationgoesto paths, andmakesanyrepresentationstothe about theeffect ofdevelopmentproposalsonits It isimportantthatyourcouncilinitiallythinks Countryside Access -A 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, damaging are expectedtorespect thelandinsameway organised gamesorusingametaldetector. Users riding ahorseorbicycle,camping,hang-gliding, rights donotextendtootheractivitiessuchas walking, birdwatchingandpicnicking. The new of openairrecreation-activitiessuchasrunning, have arighttouseaccesslandforthepurposes What canaccesslandbeusedfor? land outofthetotalarea260,595ha. access land.Intotalthereis1,858haof In Oxfordshirelessthan1%ofthecountyis pages. www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/accessland information ontheCountrysideService'sweb places/openaccess. Thereislocalaccessland www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/ and restrictionsareshownheretoo: and onNaturalEngland'swebsite. All closures on uptodate'Explorer'OrdnanceSurveymaps are presentinOxfordshire. Access landisshown heath ordown.Onlydownlandandcommonland Open countryisdefinedas:mountain,moor, areas of'opencountry'andregisteredcommons. (CRoW) grantedrightstowalkon'accessland'- The CountrysideandRightsofWay Act 2000 Countryside Access -A ParishGuide

The public access land websiteandthereshould benotices management –thiswill beshownonthenational at certaintimesofyear toallowforland Can landbeclosed? on thenationalaccesswebsite. local dogbans–thesewillbelistedforeach area There mayalsobelocalrestrictionsondogs or unlikely thatthiswillchange. historically allowedaccessfordogsoff leads,itis season. However, ifthelandowner has birds duringthemainbreedingandlambing reduce disturbancetolivestockorground-nesting lead ofnomorethan2metreslength. This isto other timenearlivestock,dogsmustbeonafixed land- butbetween1Marchand31July, oratany 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 Access land maybeclosed page 60

Managing access land Juniper Valley, nr Aston Tirrold The access land sign–inplaceat Countryside Access -A ParishGuide alongside theDefinitive MapandStatement. copy ofthisiskeptinthe centralOxfordLibrary years. There isapaperconclusivemap,and Natural Englandandit mustbereviewedevery10 We don'tholdthisrecord;itismaintainedby is acarefullymaintainedlegalmapofaccess land. As withtheDefinitiveMapforrightsofway, there Is therea'ConclusiveMap'foraccessland? times. cross theland–theymustbekeptopenatall land doesnotaffect anypublicrightsofwaythat people withdogs. The powertocloseaccess users; forexample,itcanbeusedtoexclude people canbelimitedtocertainareasor reasons ofnationalsecurity. The powerto exclude avoiding danger;forconservationreasons;or purposes of:managingtheland;preventingfireor for alongerperiodoftimeifitisnecessarythe a 'Direction'toexcludeorrestrictaccesssite Land managersmayapplytoNaturalEnglandfor give noticetoNaturalEngland. access landcanbeclosedthemangermust include summerSaturdayorSundays.Beforeany per year, excludesbankholidaysandcannot strict limitations:Closureisrestrictedto28days temporarily closeaccessland–butonlysubjectto on site.Landmanagershavethepowerto with Natural England,landmanagers andusers is the'Access Authority' whichmeanswework have inaccessland management? The council What roledoesOxfordshire CountyCouncil its freeholdwoodlandsasaccessland. Commission, whichhasnowdedicatedmost of from publicbodiesand,inparticular, theForestry But sofardedicationshavegenerallyonlycome than wouldbeowedtoothervisitorsthesite. benefits fromalowerlevelofliabilitytothepublic advantages ofdedicationisthatthelandowner for adedicationtobepossible).Oneofthe lease (whichmusthaveatleast90yearstorun dedicating isalease-holder, totheendofthat as suchinperpetuityor, wheretheperson Once landisdedicatedasaccessitremains to theaccesslandmaps. exists foraddingwoods,viewpointsorriverside their landasaccessland,sothemechanism provides forlandownerstovoluntarilydedicate or inlandwater, forexample.Section16ofCRoW common. Itdoesn'tincludeaccesstowoodland mountain, moor, heath,downandregistered this onlyautomaticallyincludeslandclassifiedas hectares) ofadditionalaccessnationwide,but has resultedinabout2.5millionacres(1 Countryside andRightsofWay Act 2000 (CRoW) Can newaccessareasbecreated? The page 61

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

Managing access land about..…” “What doI Appendix X: Trees andbranches fallen across the path Surfaces ofrightsway - Stiles andgates - Signingofrightsway - Ploughing ofrightsway - Pesticidesandherbicides - Obstructions andencroachments - Misleadingsigns andnotices - Litterandfly-tipping - Liabilityofthecounty counciltopathusers - Liabilityoflandowners topathusers - - Intimidationorthreatening behaviour Intimidatingdogs - Hedgesandtrees adjacenttorightsofway - Firearms - Fencesalongsidearightofway - Fencesacrossarightofway - Encroachment - Dogsonrightsofway - Cropsgrowingonrightsofway - Competitionsandspeedtrails - Cattle - Bullsanddangerousanimals - Bridgesandculverts - Barbedwire - Accessforpeoplewithdisabilities - Abandonedvehicles - - by publicaccesstothecountryside Brief answerstoissuesaffectingandaffected Countryside Access -A ParishGuide intended todeteruseofarightway Access forpeoplewithdisabilities: problem. District Councilofficers abouthowtodealwiththe suggested thatlandownersshouldtalktotheir landowner's responsibilitytoremove.Itis trespass againstthelandownerand Vehicles abandonedonprivatelandarea abandoned vehiclesat of thevehicle. You canalsoreportany together withdetailsoflocationandadescription reported tothedistrictasquicklypossible the districtcouncil. All incidentsshouldbe footpaths andbridleways,istheresponsibilityof burnt outvehiclesfrompublicland,including Abandoned vehicles: Widthofrightsway Waymarking - Undergrowth - - stiles and withfew (ifany)gates. wider tracks withamoreevensurface, without likely tobe the mostaccessible,as theyareoften Bridleways, Restricted Bywaysandare are notaccessibletowheelchair users. the natureofcountryside pathsissuchthatmany people intheservices weprovide.Unfortunately, ensure thatwedonotdisadvantagedisabled Discrimination Acts alsoplacea duty onusto of peoplewithmobilityproblems. The Disability highway authoritiestohaveregardfortheneeds Countryside &RightsofWay Act 2000requires www.direct.gov.uk Removal ofabandonedor The . page 63

“What do I do about..…” website ( selection ofshortroutesinOxfordshire.Goto our downloadable accessinformationleafletsfora The CountrysideServicehasproducedarangeof gates, andthenstilesifnothingelsewillsuffice. longer present),followedbygatesandkissing the leastrestrictiveoption(ifanimalsareno landowner's decisiononwhichisused.Gapsare restrictive structure,althoughultimatelyitisthe The CountyCouncilpromotestheuseofleast purpose, pleasecontacttheFieldOfficer. particular stileorgateisnolongerneededforthis used tokeepthemfromstraying.Ifyouthinka where livestockarepresent,stilesandgates and thosewithchildren'spushchairs.However, obstacle formanypeople,includingtheelderly On footpaths,asimplestilecanbemajor risk asawire fencecanbeateye level.Whether Children andwheelchair usersareatparticular path isnarroworhasa cambertowardsthewire. be arealhazardtopath users,especiallyifthe Barbed wire:wirealongside apathcan Thames PathNational Trails. well asonesthatlinktotheRidgewayand Chilterns andCotswoldsConservationBoards as links toaccessibleroutespromotedbythe and clickon'Short,easywalks'. There arealso Countryside Access -A ParishGuide www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/walksandrides ) and recover expensesfordoingso. wire amonthafterserving noticeontheoffender Authority andDistrictCouncils canremovethe removal oftheobstruction. Also, theHighway the highway, thecourthaspower to orderthe area. Whereapersonisconvictedofobstructing prosecution forobstructionofahighwayinits including theparishcouncil,canseek obstruction astatutoryoffence. Any council, of theHighways Act 1980makes such 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 Act 1980(Section164)givesthe on theparticularcircumstances. or notaparticularfenceishazardwilldepend 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. The railauthorityisresponsibleforthe vehicular bridgewhichcarriesapublicfootpath or costs ofmaintainingandrepairingaprivate council mayagreetocontributeashareofthe responsibility ofthelandowner. The county bridge tovehicularstandardislikelybethe get tohisproperty),thenmaintenanceofthe access tohisfields,orallowahouse-owner rights (e.g.onebuilttoallowafarmer'stractor bridge overwhichthereareprivatevehicular Where apublicfootpathorbridlewaycrosses from theFieldOfficer ineachcase. pattern tothis,soitisadvisableseekguidance landowner/manager, butthereisnoconsistent culverts fallseithertothecountycouncilor provision, repairandmaintenanceofbridges Bridges andculverts:Responsibilityforthe notify yourFieldOfficer. the personresponsibletorequestitsremovaland other obstructionsandhazards,pleasecontact If youareawareofproblemswithbarbedwireor Countryside Access -A ParishGuide Itisanoffence cattle while walkinginthecountryside arefewand Cattle: Incidentsofpeople beingattackedby to followup. the mattershouldbereported totheFieldOfficer fenced off. Iftheparishcouncil'sapproachfails, keeper andaskfortheanimaltobemovedor off fromapublicrightofway, itshouldcontactthe suspected dangerousanimalwhichisnotfenced If theParishCouncilbecomesawareofa injured party. committed andthekeepercouldbesuedby the member ofthepublic,anoffence maybe known tobedangerouscausesinjurya to belikelycauseinjury. Ifanyanimalwhichis member ofthepublicandanimalwasknown animal liablefordamagesifitcausesinjurytoa The Animals Act 1971makesthekeeperofany might presentathreattopathusersincreases. As farmingdiversifies,therangeofanimalsthat field crossedbyapath. or heiferstodetermineifitislegallyoccupyinga sufficient tocheckthatabullisrunningwithcows outside ofspecialistunitsanditwillusuallybe In practiceveryfewdairy-breedbullsarekept or heifersarepermittedinfieldscrossedbypaths. or ofarecognisedbeefbreedandkeptwithcows the land.Bullswhicharelessthan10monthsold, page 65

“What do I do about..…” Countryside Access -A ParishGuide Bepreparedforcattletoreactyour - Do countryside throughwhichyouarewalking: what todoifyoucomeacrosscattleinthe Union (NFU)andRamblers' Association about Here aresometipsfromtheNationalFarmers' the countryside. very lowriskofcattleattacksputthemoff enjoying remove themall.Walkers areurgednottoletthe there arecertainrisksanditisnotpossibleto countryside. As withanyworkingenvironment This addstothepleasureofwalkingin where animalsgrazeincloseproximitytowalkers. working landinwhichfarmersearntheirlivingand far between.However, theBritishcountrysideis Movequicklyandquietly, andifpossiblewalk - Keepyourdogcloseandundereffective - Hangontoyourdog.Ifyouarethreatenedby Getbetweencowsandtheircalves - - Don't Putyourselfatrisk.Findanotherwayaround - Panic orrun.Mostcattlewillstopbefore they - you presence, especiallyifyouhaveadogwith around theherd control onalead cattle, letitgo,asthe cattle willchasethedog possible the cattleandrejoin footpathassoon reach you. Iftheyfollowjustwalk onquietly and 2mfor bridleways). Additionally, theoccupier less thanthe minimumwidth(1m forfootpaths ensure thatthelineof the pathisindicatedtonot land crossedbyaright ofway, thefarmer must (other thangrass)has beenplantedorsownon Crops growingonrights ofway: events. orders tocloseroadsforcyclingandother on Britishroads–canbeusedfortemporary passed toenablethe Tour deFrancetotakepart Regulation (SpecialEvents) Act 1994-originally 31, Road Traffic Act 1988). The Road Traffic is authorisedbytheSecretaryofState(Section bridleways. A racecanonlybeheldonroadsifit participate inacycleraceonfootpathsor Road Traffic Act 1988). bridleways, aswellcarriageways.(Section31, authority. This appliestofootpathsand motor vehicleraceonapublichighwaywithout Competitions andspeedtrials: harm orscarefarmanimals. and blacksignsremindingthemthatdogscan countryside safely. Walkers willseenewyellow providing newsignstohelpwalkersenjoythe The NFUand The Ramblers' Association are Bicycles: Motor vehicles:Itisanoffence toholda Itisanoffence topromoteor Where acrop page 66

“What do I do about..…” wander from thepathortoworry livestock, the to askthem toleavetheland.Ifa dogislikelyto trespasser andowners andoccupiershavearight to wanderoff thepublicrightofwaybecomesa control' atalltimes–a pathuserwhoallowsadog a lead.Howeverthedog shouldbeunder'close there isnorequirementinlawforthedogto be on to takeadog(s)withyouonallrightsofway and Dogs onpublicrightsofway: of way' Field Officer. -seealso'Ploughingofpublicrights should onlybetakeninconsultationwithyour a publicpathbutwesuggestthatanysuchaction farmers whosecropsmakeitinconvenienttouse The ParishCouncilhasthepowertoprosecute remains tonotifytheFieldOfficer. can proveveryeffective, butiftheproblem landowner inthefirstinstance,asalocalrequest parish thecouncilisaskedtoapproach ploughing orcroppingproblemsoccurinyour so infringementsarerelativelyinfrequent.If responsibilities whenploughingandcropping, farmers twiceayeartoremindthemoftheir In Oxfordshire,theFieldOfficers writetoallknown (Rights ofWay Act 1990section137A). Failure tofulfilthisdutyisacriminaloffence within thatwidththroughoutthegrowingseason. has adutytopreventthecropfromencroaching Countryside Access -A ParishGuide You areallowed The keeping of dogs on leads. - Fouling bydogsand the removaloffaeces. - The exclusionofdogs fromland. - Thenumberof dogsapersoncantakeonto - The DogControlOrder cancover: covered bytheHighways Act, as notedabove. except roads,includingpublicpaths,asthese are cover anylandtowhichthepublichasaccess Environment Act 2005. The ordercanbemadeto under theCleanNeighbourhoodsand County Councils,canmakeaDogControlOrder The ParishCouncil,alongwiththeDistrictand than twometreslong. A shortleadisdefinedasonethatnotmore kept onashortleadwheneverstockarepresent. between 1stMarchand31stJuly. Dogsmustbe regardless ofwhetherstockarepresentornot, access landdogsmustbekeptonashortlead, much stricterthanonRightsofWay; onsome livestock) Act 1953).Onaccesslandtherulesare no interestinthesheep(Dogs(Protectionof in anyfieldwithsheep,evenifthedogistaking It isalsoanoffence toallowadogbe'atlarge' Act 1971). compensate thedog'sowner(Section9, Animals or chasinglivestock,withoutbeingliableto lead. A farmermayshootadogwhichisattacking owners areadvisedtokeepthedogonashort land. page 67

“What do I do about..…” Countryside Access -A ParishGuide legal width, andsotheFieldOfficer willfirst worn inthe groundisnotalways the sameasits part orallofthepathwidth. The widthofthepath adjoining plotoflandor buildingisextendedover obstruction ofthehighway, oftencaused whenan Encroachment: Anencroachmentisan unlawful lorries. -seealso'Intimidatingdogs' bins tobeatlocationsaccessiblethecollecting District Council,butthismaybecostlyandrequire alternative. These canbesourcedthroughthe encourage ownerstopickupaftertheirdogs isan be onsiteregularly. Installingdogwastebinsto outside urbanareas,sinceitrequiresanofficer to enforcement ofsuchbylawsisusuallyverydifficult Rights ofWay (orotherareas).However, forbidding ownerstoallowtheirdogsfoulon District Councilshavethepowertomakebylaws other thanthehighway. owners nottocleanupaftertheirdogonland the ParishCounciltomakeitanoffence for Dog fouling: behaviour toalleviatetheproblem. owners concernedtomakeprovisionorchange with dogs,wewouldurgeyoutoworkthe many localresidentsand,whenproblemsoccur that dogsplayinthehealthandwell-beingof the CountyCouncilrecognisesimportantrole Although alloftheabovepowersareavailable, Dogcontrolorderscanbemadeby right ofway”). Whereabarbedwire orelectric restrict the width oftherightway (see“Widthof Fences alongsidearight ofway:Nofenceshould of livestock. only authorisestructures necessaryforthecontrol under section147Highways Act 1980.We can across rightsofwayiftheyareauthorisedby us line ofthepath.Structurescanonlybeerected provide anadequatemeansofcrossingiton the remove itor, ifitisnecessaryfor stock control,to Council willrequiretheowneroffenceto refer themattertoFieldOfficer. The County the landownertoremoveit,andifnotsuccessful willing, itissuggestedthattheparishinitiallyask to membersofthepublicwishinguseit.If obstruction tothepath,anuisanceanddanger adequate meansofcrossingisanoffence. Itisan erected acrossapublicrightofwaywithoutan Fences acrossarightofway: Any fence contact yourFieldOfficer. -seealso'Obstructions' application, willaffect arightofway, please application, orchangeofusewithoutaplanning If theparishcouncilisconcernedthataplanning if appropriate. will beapproachedandlegalactiontaken encroachment hasoccurred,thenthelandowner legal widthandrouteoftherightway. If consult theDefinitiveStatementtodetermine page 68

“What do I do about..…” Countryside Access -A ParishGuide authority or areasonableexcuse, suchasa public right of way, unless the personhaslawful (loaded ornot)inapublic place,includingany weapon, oranyother firearm withammunition Firearms: way forpassage. can beconvenientlyandsafelymovedoutof the handle shouldbeprovidedsothatthelivewire tubing. Whereitcrossesagate,aninsulated example bycoveringwithalengthofinsulated shielded whereitpassesthroughastile,for live electricfence. The electricfenceshouldbe must beclearlysignedatfrequentintervalsas a If anelectricfenceisnecessaryforlivestock,it barbed wire. the fence,orslips,theyareprotectedfrom ensures thatifsomeonecomesintocontactwith outside oftheposts,nexttopath. This plain wireisused(atthesameheights)on is setontheinsideoffenceposts,andthat the countycouncilwillrequirethatbarbedwire If abarbedwirefenceisnecessaryforagriculture, livestock. first beaskedifitwerenecessaryforkeeping that itpresentsahazard,thelandownerwould the public.Ifitissetcloseenoughtopath may beahazardandnuisancetomembersof fence issituatedalongsideapublicrightofwayit Itisanoffence tohavealoadedair- especially during thesummermonths and,if Overgrown pathsareacommon problem, the pathiscleartouse. of thepathandoverhanging vegetationsothat back hedges,vegetation growinginfromtheside – see“undergrowth”). The landownermustcut vegetation growingupfromthepathsurface itself (the countycouncilisresponsibleonlyfor 'overgrowth' andisthelandowner'sresponsibility causing restrictionofwidththisiscalled grow outfromthesideoveroracrosspath, landowner's responsibility. Wherehedgesortrees trees alongsidepublicrightsofwayisthe (overgrowth): The maintenanceofhedgesand Hedges andtreesadjacenttorightsofway see also'Intimidationandthreateningbehaviour' ih fwy ee h atrt h oie - right ofway, refer themattertopolice. concerned forthesafetyofpublicusing 161). The countycouncilwill,whereitis user oftheroute(Highways Act 1980section a bywayifitinjures,interruptsorendangersany discharge afirearmwithin50feetofthecentre circumstances. Itis,however, anoffence to law nuisanceorintimidation,dependingonthe way, althoughto dosomayamounttoacommon It isnotanoffence toshootacrossapublicrightof land (Firearms Act 1968section19). landowner ortenantshootingverminonhisown page 69

“What do I do about..…” .Firearms. and 'Intimidatingdogs' (section 4Public Order Act 1986).-seealso the offender andinvolvethepoliceasappropriate situation arising.We maythenissueawarning to address anyunderlying issueswhichledtothe path. Inthefirstplace, theFieldOfficer willseek to offence andmayamounttoobstructionofthe deterring theuseofarightwayispossibly an intimidating behaviourwiththeintentionof to deteruseofarightway: Intimidation orthreateningbehaviourintended directly. and willadvisecomplainantstonotifythepolice close tothepath.We mayalsoinformthepolice erecting aninternalfencetostopthedoggetting that theownertakesaction,forexampleby be reportedtotheFieldOfficer whowillenforce path. Ifthisisnotsuccessful,theproblemshould owner andaskthatthedogbekeptawayfrom The ParishCouncilshouldcontactthedog's way. Itmayalso be considereda'publicnuisance'. dangerous orintimidatingdogonapublicrightof Intimidating dogs: across rightsofway'and'Undergrowth notified. -seealso'Trees andbranchesfallen successful, thentheFieldOfficer shouldbe back inwardly-growingvegetation;ifthisisnot initially makecontactwiththelandownertocut willing, itissuggestedthattheparishcouncil Countryside Access -A ParishGuide It isanoffence tokeepa The useof 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. You canhelpby after, wehavetorelyonusers let usknow negligence. With2,600milesofpathstolook liable forinjuriessuffered asaresultofour courses, signposts,barriersetc.,andwould be maintenance ofbridgesacrossnaturalwater- of publicuse.We arealsoresponsibleforthe condition suitablefortheexpectedlevelandtype maintaining thesurfaceofrightswayina The countycouncilisusuallyresponsiblefor Liability ofthecountycounciltopathusers: Safety atWork Act alsoappliestofarmpremises. (Occupiers Liability Act 1957). The Healthand a claimagainsttheoccupierofland across apath,thentheinjuredpartymaypursue were tobeinjuredbyanelectricfenceplaced were tocollapseunderawalker, orifapathuser users bytheirnegligence.Forexample,ifastile way canbeliableforinjuriescausedtopath and occupiersoflandcrossedbypublicrights Liability oflandownerstopathusers: Responsibility forthe Owners page 70

“What do I do about..…” Countryside Access -A ParishGuide the rightto carry outmaintenance ofanyfootpath, Highways Act 1980). Parishcouncilsalsohave 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 highway authority, weareresponsibleforthe public pathslieswiththecountycouncil. As purposes, theprimaryresponsibilitytomaintain can allhavearoletoplay. However, forpractical district councils,parishcouncilsandlandowners less thansimpleanswer. The countycouncil, maintains publicrightsofway?'ofteninvokesa rights. The apparentlysimplequestionof'who their ownershipeventhoughtheystillcarrypublic maintainable bythelandownerundertermsof maintainable atpublicexpense.Somepathsare Maintenance: Mostpublicrightsofwayare cleaning themmustbemade. install litter-bins–arrangementsforemptyingand are all'litterauthorities'andhavepowersto the occupiers.Parish,districtandcountyCouncils parish council(ifwilling)maychoosetospeak impeding any significantpartofthe highway completely block thehighwaytobe unlawful; offence. An obstructiondoesnothave to such itisapublicnuisance andastatutory prevents theconvenient passagebythepublic. As obstructions. An obstructionisanythingthat ensure publicrightsofwayarefreefromunlawful Obstructions: Field Officer. all illegalormisleadingnoticesandsignsto your to enforceremoval. You should,therefore,report remove anymisleadingsignsbuthasnopowers 1980). The parishcouncilcanaskalandownerto costs recovered(section132,Highways Act way canberemovedbythecountycouncilandits Officer. Unlawful signserectedonapublicrightof challenge occurrencesreportedtotheField (see 'Obstructions')andthecountycouncilwill use paths. As suchtheyareaformofobstruction deter peoplefromlawfullyexercisingtheirrightto rather than“Pleasekeepyourdogonalead”)can “private, noentry”or“dogsmustbeonleads” unlawful signsonapublicrightofway(e.g. Misleading signsandnotices: sections also 'SurfacesofRightsWay' &'Liability' not affect ourcontinuingmaintenanceduty. -see parish doesdecidetomaintainitspathsthis bridleway orrestrictedbywayintheirarea.Ifthe The countycouncilhasadutyto Misleading and page 71

“What do I do about..…” should also contactyourFieldOfficer. application, willobstructapublic right ofway, you application, orchange ofusewithoutaplanning If theparishcouncilis concerned thataplanning should bereportedto your FieldOfficer. including allcasesofbuildingsorencampments, suggest thatincidentsofdeliberateobstruction, anyone whowilfullyobstructsapath,butwe The ParishCouncilhastherighttoprosecute (see 'Trees andbranchesfallenacrossapath'). or branchesiftheyareunabletodoitthemselves clear accidentalobstructionssuchasfallentrees you mayliketoarrangewiththelandowner to If yourparishcouncilhasavolunteer/workteam, access alongapublicrightofway. path orwhenencampmentsaresetupthatrestrict houses orotherbuildingsareputupoverapublic difficult obstructionstodealwithoccurwhen 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. This canincludean Countryside Access -A ParishGuide route. The Health &SafetyExecutive hasissued on apublic rightofwaymayaffect users ofthe herbicides: Theuseofpesticides or herbicides Agrichemicals, especially pesticidesand adjacent toRightsofWay' and 'Undergrowth' Field Officer. -seealso'Hedgesandtrees overgrowth themattershouldbereportedto your out theclearance.Ifthereisarefusaltoclear to dothework,parishcouncilcanitselfcarry cleared. Or, ifitwillbedifficult forthelandowner can oftenbeallthatisneededtogetapath request fromtheparishcounciltolandowner prevent itfromencroachingoverthepath. A the landownertocutbackanyovergrowthand through thepathitself.Itisresponsibilityof not grasses,nettles,etc.thatmightbegrowingup and reducingtheavailableheightorwidth.Itis are growingoutwardsfromthesidesofpath any vegetation,butusuallytreesorhedgesthat is knownlegallyas'undergrowth'.Overgrowth when, confusingly, theproblemiscausedbywhat summer, aredescribedasbeingovergrown Overgrowth: Manypaths,particularlyinthe have toaskyoufindoutwhothelandowneris. the countycouncil–especiallyaswewilloften way ofdealingwiththeproblemthanactionfrom the landowner. This canbeamoretimeefficient direct, localapproachfromtheparishcouncilto Many casesofobstructionarebestresolvedbya page 72

“What do I do about..…” after drilling/harrowing), otherwise acriminal 1 dayforsubsequent disturbance ofthesoil,e.g. ploughed, itmustbereinstated within14days(or Where across-fieldfootpath orbridlewayis whatever theirlocation -fieldedgeorcrossfield. open toalltraffic shouldalsoneverbeploughed, be ploughedandrestrictedbyways "headland" footpathsandbridlewaysmustnever footpaths andbridleways.Fieldedgeor This lawfulauthorityonlyappliestocross-field reasonably convenienttoavoiddisturbingthem. entitled toploughpublicrightsofwayifitisnot Ploughing ofrightsway: pesticides. could includetheincorrectapplicationof users (Section161,Highways Act 1980),this highway thatmaycauseinjurytoorendanger places. Itisanoffence todepositanythingonthe pesticide usebytheparishcouncilinpublic out bycompetentpersonnel. This includesany herbicide, andsuchworkshouldonlybecarried taken withtheapplicationofanypesticideor Work Act 1974). Considerablecareneedstobe be liabletoprosecution(HealthandSafetyat while usingapublicrightofway, thesprayermay vicinity ofapath.Ifanyoneisaffected byspraying hazard, wheresuchchemicalsareusedinthe be requiredtoadvisethepublicofpotential not beoversprayedandthatwarningnoticesmay a codeadvisingthatpublicrightsofwayshould Countryside Access -A ParishGuide Farmers areonly metal fingerpost pointingalongthe pathshowing metalled road. InOxfordshire,this isusuallya public footpath,bridleway orbywayleavesa required toerectasign atthepointthateach Signing ofrightsway: Rights ofWay' Responsibilities'. -seealso'Cropsgrowingon follow 'RightsofWay' andthen'Farmers' www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/countryside guidance onourwebsite–goto Field Officer. We havepublisheddetailed If theproblempersistsyoushouldnotifyyour instance toaskthemrolloutandmarkthe path. asked toapproachthelandownerinfirst been reinstated.However, ParishCouncilsare 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 offence iscommitted.Reinstatementmeans A countycouncil is

and page 73

“What do I do about..…” Countryside Access -A ParishGuide circumstance forwhichthecounty councilcan obstruction andisacriminaloffence. The only stiles orgateswithout this authorityisanunlawful county councilforauthority todoso. To erect stiles orgates,theymust applyinwritingtothe If anoccupieroflandwishes toinstalladditional stiles (see'Accessforpeoplewithdisabilities'). in adjoiningareas,followedbygatesandthen preferred optioniflivestockarenolongerpresent Officer. Whenreplacingstructures,gapsarethe needed itshouldbereferredontotheField instance. Ifunsuccessfulorfurtheradviceis willing) approachthelandownerinfirst gate inneedofrepairorreplacement,theymay(if If theparishcouncilismadeawareofastileor may affect thesecurityofhis/herlivestock. obligation tonotifythecouncilofanyissuesthat these casesthelandownerisstillunderan undertake maintenanceofgatesandstiles.In Oxfordshire CountyCouncilhasagreedto this isoncertainpromotedrouteswhere kept inagoodstateofrepair. The exceptionto landowner toensurethatanystilesandgatesare Stiles andgates:Itisgenerallythedutyof also “Waymarking” the FieldOfficer foritsrepair/replacement.-see a fingerpostisdamagedormissing,pleasenotify the path'sstatus,andsometimesdestinations.If alternative arrangements suchas betterdrainage and although theFieldOfficer willdiscuss flooded byawatercourse atcertaintimesofyear- this isdifficult –forexample,apathmaybecome In somecasestheunderlying geologyissuchthat or wellingtonsinthewinter). clothing andfootwear(forexamplewalkingboots, it isassumedthattheuserwillwearappropriate in aconditionsuitableforusebywalkers.In this, suitable fortheirusebythepublic,ie.afootpath seek tomaintainrightsofwayinacondition during thewintermonths. The countycouncilwill soil, somemudshouldbeexpected,particularly earth surface,andso,dependingonthetypeof essentially countrysidepaths,usuallywithan must berecognisedthatrightsofwayare council hasadutytomaintainthesurface.It of wayrunacrossprivateland,butthecounty Surfaces ofrightsway: prevent useofapathbyvehicles). Traffic RegulationOrder(usuallyseekingto all traffic' unlesstheyarerequiredtoenforcea erected on'restrictedbyways'or'bywaysopento Stiles, additionalgatesandbarrierscannotbe section 147). prevent livestockstraying(Highways Act 1980 stiles/ gatesisthatthestructuresarerequiredto provide authorisationfortheerectionofnew The majorityofrights page 74

“What do I do about..…” Countryside Access -A ParishGuide problem itshould bereportedtothe FieldOfficer. county council's responsibilityand ifitbecomesa from thesurfaceof pathisgenerallythe Undergrowth: Naturalvegetationgrowing up way' see also'Hedgesandtreesadjacenttorights of removed, whiletherestislefttorotnaturally. - section acrossthepathwillbecutoutand and ifatreeislargeitoftenthecasethat the the treeisremovedfromwidthofpath, Officer shouldbenotified.Itisonlyrequiredthat its removal;ifthisisnotsuccessful,thenthe Field initially makecontactwiththelandownertoseek If willing,itissuggestedthattheparishcouncil which istheresponsibilityofownertree. way, thenitcauses anobstructiontheremovalof tree orlargebranchfallsacrossapublicrightof Trees andbranchesfallenacrossthepath:Ifa “ploughing” and“cropsonrightsofway” see also“Overgrowth”,“encroachment”, have beenunlawfullydisturbedarereinstated.- ensure thesurfaceofpublicrightswaythat county council.We willtakeenforcementactionto surface tolaypipes)withoutpermissionfromthe public rightofway(forexample,diggingupthe It isanoffence tointerferewiththesurfaceofa is notalwaysareadysolution. or atemporarydiversionwiththelandowner, there 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 Act 2002givethe police. These include: available tothehighwayauthorityand/or do occur, thereareanumberofmeasures licensed, insuredandfittodrive.Whereproblems times befullyroadlegalandtheirdriversmust be driving onbyways,thevehiclesusedmustat all Although theterm'off-roading' isoftenusedfor surface ofapublicrightwayforvehicularuse. A highwayauthorityhasnodutytomaintainthe highways isnotautomaticallyaproblem. considerate vehicleuseofthisminority be usedonbywaysopentoalltraffic andthat recognised thatmotorvehiclescanquitelegally loss ofamenity. However, itmustalsobe conflict itcauseswithotherusers,andthrough through wearandtearofthehighway, through use onpublicrightsofwaycancauseproblems: Vehicles onpublicrightsofway: footpaths andbridlewaysiftheywish. Parish Councilsalsohavethepowertomaintain We keepalistofpathsthatneedannualcutting. Motor vehicle page 75

“What do I do about..…” Countryside Access -A ParishGuide conserving natural beauty - preserving(orimproving) theamenityof preservingthecharacter ofaway - preventinguseby unsuitablevehicles - preventingdamage tothepublicrightofway - - reasons including: permanent andcanbeimposedforanumber of Orders maybetemporary, experimentalor recorded ontheDefinitiveMapandStatement. TROs canbemadebeforearouteiseven even beusedtorestrictnon-vehiculartraffic. restrict particulartypesofvehicles,ortheymay particular lengthoftime. They canbeusedto vehicles duringspecifictimesoftheyearorfora quite flexibletoolsandcanbeusedtorestrict prosecute thansomeotheroffences. TROs are The offence ofbreakinga TRO canbeeasierto even wherethatpathcarriesnovehicularrights. restrict orbancertaintypesoftraffic fromapath– Traffic RegulationOrders(TRO)canbemadeto the rightsofsomestatutoryundertakers.) the land,orpermissionfromowner, orthrough ('lawful authority'mayarisethroughownershipof restricted bywayoranylandthatisn'tahighway. vehicle withoutlawfulauthorityonapublicpath, Drivers canbeprosecutedfordrivingamotor area thatthewayruns through officer aswell as yourFieldOfficer. problems toyourlocal neighbourhoodpolice the ParishCouncilisrecommended toreportsuch coordinated approach byanumberofparties,and can requireaconsistent, persistentand access isn'tneeded.Solvingvehicleproblems barriers canalsobequiteeffective wherehorse successful inreducingmotorcycletraffic. Squeeze over gatesandstep-overbarriersaregenerally passage tohorsesandcyclists.However, step- at keepingoutmotorcycleswhileallowing have yetbeenmadethatarecompletelyeffective motorcyclists arethemainproblem.Nobarriers The mostdifficult situation,however, isthatwhere drawn vehiclesmakingthejobmoredifficult still. still needstobemadeforthepassageofhorse- quite unsightly. On restrictedbyways,provision determined vandalism–andthereforetendtobe need tobemadesufficiently robusttowithstand Barriers to4x4scanbequiteeffective, butthey legitimate users;successsofarhasbeenlimited. that stopvehicles,butdonotundulyinterferewith and moneyhasgoneintotryingtodesignbarriers restrict accessbyvehiclesandmuchtime,effort Sometimes physicalbarriersareneededto often difficult togetadequatepolicinginplace. TROs isthattheyneedtobeenforcedbutit Oxfordshire. A commonproblemwith TROs canonlybemadebythecountycouncilin page 76

“What do I do about..…” Countryside Access -A ParishGuide 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 each typeofrightway. The writtenstatement Width ofrightsway: rights ofway' for inadvertenttrespass.-seealso“signingof are correctlywaymarkedtoreducethepotential interest oflandownersthatallpublicrightsway arrows forbywaysopentoalltraffic. Itisinthe bridleways, purpleforrestrictedbywaysandred arrows forpublicfootpaths,blue agreed nationalcolourschemeusesyellow path takes-theseareknownaswaymarks. An with colouredarrowstoshowthedirection To dothis,whitecirculardiscsareused,printed way wheretherouteofpathmaybeunclear. required toprovidesignsalongapublicrightof right ofwayleavestheroad,countycouncilis Waymarking: Inadditiontofingerpostswherethe There isnosetwidthfor of howthecountycouncildealswiththeseissues. See 'encroachment'and'obstructions'fordetails of wayisanobstructionandacriminaloffence. An encroachmentintothewidthofapublicright much narrower. the boundaries,evenwherewornrouteis highway willnormallybethefullwidthbetween between hedgesorfencesthewidthof taken tobeofbridlewaywidth.Whereapathruns wider thanbridleways,butataminimumare Restricted bywaysandarecommonly rdea 3m 4m 3m 3m Bridleway otah . . 2m 1.8m 1.2m Footpath ah ahPath Path Path nnlsd il de Enclosed FieldEdge Unenclosed page 77

“What do I do about..…” find outmore? Where canI Appendix Y: Countryside Access -A ParishGuide www.hmrc.gov.uk/heritage/lbsearch.htm available underthisscheme places/openaccess. www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/ availability ofaccesslandat Inheritance Tax Exemption Access Land Web sites: Riddall,R.& Trevelyan, J.,2007.Rightsof - Ramm,David(2006) - Defra2005.Regulatingtheuseofmotor - BritishStandardsInstitution,2006. - Agate,E.2004.Footpaths–apractical - Useful books: London. Association andOpenSpacesSociety, Way; A guidetolawandpractice. Ramblers Association EastBerkshire Finding, UsingandEnjoyingPublicPaths, Countryside Access - An IllustratedGuideto Defra, London. Community SafetyPartnerships. – A guideforLocal ,Authorities,Policeand vehicles onpublicRightsofWay andoffroad specification. 5709:2006 Gaps,gatesandstiles– handbook. - You cancheckoutthe current BTCV, Doncaster. BSI,London. The Secretsof - Access areas made PB11381. Ramblers' BS countryside/issues/common/index.htm www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife- http://countrywalks.defra.gov.uk/default.aspx be foundonDefra'swebsiteat Environmental Stewardshipgrantschemecan site. 'how to'guidesavailabletodownloadfromthis www2.btcv.org.uk/ place. Their websiteis the sensitiveenvironmentsinwhichtheytake and recreation,and,atthesametime,toprotect helps increaseopportunitiesforoutdoorsports rishplans.html www.acre.org.uk/communityengagement_pa be downloadedfrom ACRE's websiteat and getthemostfromyourplan. The toolkitcan been producedby ACRE tohelpyoudrawup Defra (commons) Defra British Trust forConservationVolunteers Best ofBothWorlds England) ACRE (Actionwithcommunitiesinrural -Detailsofcurrentaccessprovidedunder - A nationalParishPlan Toolkit has -websiteat You canfindalloftheBTCV –awebsiteresourcethat www.bobw.co.uk page 78 -

Where can I find out more? www.naturalengland.org.uk/ public rightsofwayand accessland most aspectsofcountryside access,including www.lotteryfunding.org.uk quest forlotteryfundingisonthesearchpage at everyone. managers toimproveaccessthecountryside for works withpeopledisabilitiesandcountryside www.environment-agency.gov.uk information aboutriversandaccesstowater: www.english-heritage.org.uk/ archaeological andimportantheritagesites: Oxfordshire CountyCouncilwalksandridessites) also theFieldfare Trust, DisabledRamblersand www.walkswithbuggies.com www.walkswithwheelchairs.com and buggies canalsobefoundon routes forwheelchairusersandparentswith Natural England National Lottery Fieldfare Trust www.fieldfare.org.uk/ Environment Agency English Heritage Disabled Access sites Countryside Access -A ParishGuide - The bestplacetostartyour – A largesitewithinformationon –Forinformationabout –Particularlyfor -Nationalinformationon respectively. (See

Fieldfare

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 www.statutelaw.gov.uk/ to datetextsofall Acts ofParliamentsince1980: ay/rights_way.htm inspectorate.gov.uk/pins/appeals/rights_of_w public inquiryprocedures. about theinterpretationofhistoricalevidenceand useful information: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/countryside Service webpages The BritishHorseSociety User Groupsand Access Societies: Statute law Planning Inspectorate Paths for All Oxfordshire CountyCouncil –Here'swhereyoucanfindtheup – A Scottishsitethatispackedwith

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

Where can I find out more? traditional meansoftravel. lanes thatformpartthe Britishlandscapeand,our public rightsthatexist over themanyancient Trust isaregisteredcharity, formedtoprotect the The BywaysandBridlewaysTrust The BritishDrivingSociety www.bbtrust.org.uk driving ofequineanimals. encourage andassistthoseinterestedinthe Society, whichwasformedin1957,isto www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk The aimofthe Bridleways(ridingroutesnationwide) www.bridleways.co.uk - Oxford Area Bridleways Association OtmoorRidingGroup - NorthOxfordshireRidingClub(nowebsite) - - CherwellValley RidingClub West OxfordshireRidingClub - Vale ofWhiteHorseRidingClub - IsisDressageGroup - OxfordRidingClub - ChilternRidingClub - SouthOxfordshireRidingClub - - Oxfordshire ridingclubsinclude: www.bhssouth.org.uk/Ox%20news.htm For OxfordshireBHSvisit Countryside Access -A ParishGuide The Byways&Bridleways

– - www.disabledramblers.co.uk the countryside. See: that don'ttakedisability asareasonnottoenjoy The DisabledRamblers - An inspirationalgroup midweek groupandan Oxfordshirecountygroup. local clubsinOxfordCity, Wantage, Witney, a campaigning onbehalfofallcyclists. There are for all. Their workincludeshigh-profile is tomakecyclingenjoyable,safeandwelcoming www.ctc.org.uk -08708730060CTC'smission skills tohelpkeeptheCotswoldsspecial. Conservation Boardandvolunteertheirtime and members. The wardensarepartoftheCotswolds join and,today, thereareover340fulltime Wardens wasestablishedin1968. Anyone can www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/?Page=Cotswolds Voluntary Wardens service www.cpreoxon.org.uk/ natural resourcesintownandcountry. encouraging thesustainableuseoflandandother tranquillity anddiversityofruralOxfordshireby www.chilternsociety.org.uk/ rights ofwayandconservationmanagement. cycling andwalkinggroupsaswellpractical The CTC(Cyclists'Touring Club) Cotswolds Voluntary Wardens CPRE Chiltern Society -CPREOxfordshirepromotesthebeauty, – The society'sactivitiesinclude

-TheCotswold – page 80

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

West Oxfordshire Vale ofWhiteHorse - Thame &Wheatley - OxonWeekend Walkers - Oxon 20s&30sWalking - Oxford - Henley&Goring - Didcot&Wallingford - Bicester&Kidlington - Banbury&North Oxfordshire - - Oxfordshire Ramblersgroupsinclude: public rightsofwaynetwork. representatives thathelptomonitorthelocal oxon.org.uk groups throughoutOxfordshire Scotland andWales. There aremanylocal conditions foreveryonewhowalksinEngland, walking aswellassistingtoimprove walking charitywithover70yearspromoting 3398500 The RamblersisBritain'sbiggest greens thanonpublicpaths. focused oncommonlandandtownvillage access legislation. The organistionisnowmore held apivotalpositioninthedraftingofearly OSS istheoldestaccessgroupinUKand The Ramblers Open SpacesSociety There arealsoRamblersparish –www.ramblers.org.uk –0207 - www.oss.org.uk www.ramblers- page 81 The

Where can I find out more? Glossary Appendix Z: bridleways. Waymarked by bluearrows. along it.Bicycles mayalsoberidden on without arighttodrive animals ofanydescription way onhorsebackorleading ahorse,butwithor public havearightofway onfootandarightof Public Bridleway- A highwayoverwhich the Bridleway bridleways areused.Waymarked byredarrows mainly forthepurposewhichfootpathsand other kindsoftraffic butwhichisusedbythepublic the publichavearightofwayforvehicularand all Byway Opento All Traffic -ahighwayoverwhich BOAT, Byway British HorseSociety BHS team andmanagementplan. Wessex Downs,eachwiththeirownmanagement has three-Chilterns,CotswoldsandNorth Area ofOutstandingNaturalBeautyOxfordshire AONB by thephrase“righttoroam” Access Land.Useofthislandissometimesknown Registered CommonLandorlanddedicatedas is eitherMountain,Moor, Heath,Downland, new rightsofaccess,mainlyonfoot. Access Land Land thathasbeenmappedandissubjecttothe Access Land,Open Access Land squeeze past. e.g. removingjustenoughofanobstructionto nuisance thatisaffecting theexerciseofaright, The commonlawrighttotakeactionremovea Abatement Countryside Access -A ParishGuide though itmaynotbeofficially recorded. Access whichisavailable ontheground,even de factoaccess Disability Discrimination Act (1995and2005) DDA Cyclists' Touring Club CTC possibly alsotowalk. A wayoverwhichthereisarighttocycle,and Cycle Track provisions toestablishLAFs. Conservation Boards,PartVcontainedthe conservation, PartIVdealtwith AONBs and part IIIstrengthenedlawsaboutwildlifeandnature legislation (includingthedutytoprepareRoWIPs), land, PartIIsetoutimprovementstorightsofway established thenewrightofaccessto Countryside andRightsofWay Act 2000–partI CRoW Act countryside accessresources. and promotingpublicrightsofwayother work includesprotecting,maintaining,improving The partofOxfordshireCountyCouncilwhose Countryside Service Country LandandBusiness Association CLA gates andstiles. British StandardCoversthespecificationforgaps, BS5709:2006 page 82

Glossary the countryside forall. and countryside managerstoimprove accessto A charity whichworkswithpeopledisabilities Fieldfare Trust built environmentand archaeology. Government agencyresponsible forthehistoric English Heritage ground usingalegalorder. The changingoftheroutearightwayon the Diversion other thanrightsofway. Government departmentresponsibleforhighways Department forTransport on law”). Access rightswhicharerecordedlegally(“based de jureaccess responsibilities includerightsofway. Affairs Governmentdepartmentwhose Department forEnvironment,FoodandRural Defra which changestheDefinitiveMapandStatement. Definitive MapModificationOrderLegalorder DMMO DMMO. which maybeprovedtoexistbymeansofa is withoutprejudicetootherunrecordedrights conclusive evidenceoftherightsitrecordsbutthis may exist,butnotberecorded. The DMSis records theexistenceofthoserights.Otherrights comprising mapsandwritteninformation,which Definitive MapandStatementLegaldocument DM, DMS Countryside Access -A ParishGuide rights ofway. subsidy, andincludingmaintainingvisiblepublic those neededtosecure SingleFarmPayment Good agriculturaland environmental conditions; GAEC carriageway (apavement). A waysetasideforpedestriansattheedgeofa Footway arrows. of wayisonfootonly. Waymarked byyellow Public Footpath- A highwayoverwhichtheright Footpath management ofprivatelyownedwoodland. the state'sforestsaswellsupporting The Governmentbodyresponsibleformanaging Forestry Commission and distance. direction, andwhereappropriatethedestination leaves ametalledroad.Showsthestatus, A signpostplacedwhere a publicrightofway Finger post environmental managementontheirland. managers inEnglandwhodelivereffective provides fundingtofarmersandotherland An agri-environmentschemeadministeredwhich Environmental Stewardship control andotherenvironmentalmatters. management, wastepollution Government agencyresponsibleforriver Environment Agency page 83

Glossary Long distance routesupportedby NaturalEngland National Trail maintainable atpublic expense. The scheduleofpaths androadsthatare List ofStreets Forum (OCAF). known astheOxfordshireCountryside Access other relevantinterests.Oxfordshire'sLAFis volunteers includinglandmanagers,usersand under theCRoW Act 2000.Comprisedof advisory bodyestablishedbythecountycouncil Local Access Forum The countrysideaccess LAF and motorways. Government agencyresponsiblefortrunkroads Highways Agency In OxfordshireitistheCountyCouncil. highways andkeepingthemfreeofobstructions. The bodyresponsibleforthemaintainingof Highway Authority The landoverwhicharightofwayruns. Highway or maycarrynopublicrightsatall. by hedges. The land may beapublicrightofway description ofanunsurfacedtrack,oftenenclosed A commontermwithnolegal meaning. A physical Green lane referenced information(spatialdata). manipulating, anddisplayinggeographically system capableofassembling,storing, Geographic InformationSystemacomputer GIS Countryside Access -A ParishGuide or administrative area. Health's servicesaredelivered withinageographic Primary Care Trusts The waythattheNational PCT DMS orOSmaps. Permissive Pathsarenotusuallyshownonthe the publichavenopermanentrightsoverit. landowner. Itmaybewithdrawnatanytimeand Path madeavailablethroughthegoodwillof the Permissive path Oxfordshire Countryside Access Forum–seeLAF OCAF that producesandlicencesmapbasedinformation. Ordnance SurveyGovernmentownedcompany OS includes unsurfacedUCRs. Landranger andExplorermapping.Generally designation routeshownbytheOSontheir Other RoutewithPublic Access A non-statutory ORPA National Farmers'Union NFU everyone. England's naturalwealthforthebenefitof grounded inscience,onhowbesttosafeguard natural environment. They providepracticaladvice, Natural Englandisthegovernment'sadvisoron Natural England property. Charity thatlooksafternationallyimportant National Trust page 84

Glossary Countryside Access -A ParishGuide and other aspects ofspaceon theEarth's surface. Relating to distribution, distance,direction, areas Spatial See Fingerpost Signpost replaced byRestricted Byway Road UsedasaPublic Path Term now defunctand RUPP Countryside andRightsofway Act 2000 and registeredcommonlandintroducedunder the describe thenewrightsofaccesstoopencountry A commonlyused(butincorrect)termto Right toRoam vehicles (e.gcycles,horseandcart). for vehiclesotherthanmechanicallypropelled way onfoot,horsebackorleadingahorse and A Highwayoverwhichthe publichavearightof Restricted Byway enjoyment orexercise. Using therightsofwaynetworkforinformal Recreational use Ramblers (previouslyRamblers' Association) Ramblers incidental reasonablepurposes. for thepurposeofpassingandrepassing A rightofpassagebythe publicoverthehighway Public RightofWay extinguishes ordivertsafootpathbridleway. Public PathOrderLegalorderwhichcreates, PPO group otherthanthepublicatlarge. A rightofwayforanindividual oranycompany Private RightofWay stiles, gatesandbridges. Usually mountedona wooden postor status oftherouteand anarrowtoshowdirection. way. Oxfordshire usesroundplasticdiscswiththe A meansofshowingtherouteapublicright Waymark stops andlocalfacilities. daily livese.g.usedtogetschool,work,bus Path whichisusedbypeoplegoingabouttheir Utilitarian routes They aregenerallymaintainableatpublicexpense These areminorhighways,sometimessurfaced. Unclassified RoadorCounty UCR local authorities. organisations andtourismofficers workingfor Includes touristattractions,destinationmarketing Tourism providers equestrians establishes pay-to-usepermissiveroutesfor Toll Rides(Off Road) Trust Charitythat TROT national networkofcycleroutes. cycle andusepublictransport. Also managesa practical projectstoencouragepeoplewalk, SUSTainable TRANsport A charitythatworkson SUSTRANS upkeep oftheDMS. The bodyresponsibleforthepreparationand Surveying Authority attached to page 85

Glossary