Protecting your public footpaths and bridleways....Important changes!

[Nicos]

Not quite wildlife gardening, but if these are lost then these natural 'natureways' will become farmed land possibly affecting local wildlife...

"

1. On 1 January 2026, the official map of public rights of way (the definitivemap) is scheduled to be closed to claims for public footpaths andbridleways which existed before 1949 but have not been recorded on it.These pre-1949 public paths will then be formally extinguished.
   

There are going to be changes in the law about registering them....you might want to get involved in protecting those near you?

Open Spaces Society - Protecting Open Spaces Since 1865

[sparrow100]

That's a really good point - will check that the ones I use are on there. I bet there are a few land owners out there crossing their fingers and whispering 'please let them forget'

[Nicos]

My very thoughts sparrow!

[Nicos]

It tends to be along those tracks where we can forage for blackberries,sloes etc which also haven't been covered with a layer of exhaust....

[More basil]

Thank you for bringing this up! Here in the High Weald we have footpaths that go back to pre-roman times, must check the local maps to see if they are on them. There was a thing in the news the other day about someone driving through the nazca lines. I am not saying that my local footpaths have the same significance but some are as old and it would be a crying waste if they got turned into farmland.

[4Shoes]

Remember it is not the O/S map that is important, it is the official register. O/S map is just a picture of what is there - not your right to access. Up here, you have the right to roam (provided you cause no damage). My understanding is that if not registered (England & Wales?), right can be denied

[Small pumpkin]

Thanks Nicos. I've shared the link with a few people who will find that very interesting.