Landowners can voluntarily give walkers a permanent right of access to their land by dedicating it under Section 16 of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000. Long-term leaseholders can also do this, but only for the remaining length of their lease. Once a dedication is made, it continues to apply to the land even if the ownership or the lease later changes hands.
Any type of land can be dedicated in this way, for example a woodland, a piece of coastline, a riverbank or an urban open space. Some dedicated land is owned by public bodies such as the Forestry Commission, while other areas are privately owned.
A dedication always allows public access on foot, but may include other activities too, for example cycling, horse riding or camping. Such higher access rights can be granted either as part of the initial dedication, or later on, but once granted they cannot be withdrawn.
Some dedicated land will contain small areas of excepted land where the new rights will not apply. The new rights will also be subject to various national and local restrictions. Watch out for local notices about such exceptions and restrictions.
Visitors to access land are responsible for their own safety, and for taking care of any children or dogs who accompany them. Always behave with consideration for others and follow The Countryside Code.
More information on:
National and Local Restrictions