Welsh Government consultation on Open Access to the countryside – make your voice heard

The Countryside Alliance is urging the public to fight unrestricted access to the Welsh countryside by taking part in an e-lobby campaign, which was launched yesterday (16 September).

The Countryside Alliance is firmly opposed to unrestricted access to the Welsh countryside and is inviting the public to take part in the Welsh Government consultation on the issue through its online lobby, at http://act.voteaction.uk/a/84

Rachel Evans, Countryside Alliance director for Wales said: "We welcome the Government's proposal to increase access to the countryside, particularly for families and to improve the health and well-being of the nation. However, there are areas of the consultation which we feel may pose a fundamental threat to rural liberty and livelihoods. One example would be if a footpath were to be made available for multiple uses such as cycling, horse riding and carriage driving this could create conflict between users, have an economic impact on the land owner and cause damage to the land.

"The report also suggests that Wales could extend access for responsible recreation to all land and water as is the current position in Scotland. We feel this proposal is unjustified, unwarranted and would be an unregulated free for all. It could have an environmental impact on rivers and habitats, provide opportunities for crime and could lead to other issues, such as sheep worrying by domestic dogs. It could also severely limit the landowner's ability to manage and protect their land. It would be wholly unjustified and unfair to all private landowners across Wales."

The consultation also suggests that not enough waterways are currently available for canoeing, rafting and wild swimming. The Countryside Alliance disagrees with this presumption and supports Voluntary Access Agreements between users and owners.

Rachel Evans said: "The impact on our rivers could be catastrophic with an increased risk from environmental damage, such as the trampling of spawning beds or a lack of proper biosecurity measures."

The Countryside Alliance does, however, support the proposal that extinguishing or re-routing of footpaths becomes simpler and less burdensome for local authorities and landowners.

Rachel Evans said: "I would urge everyone with an interest to respond to this consultation which closes on the 2 October through our e-lobby - http://act.voteaction.uk/a/84"

You can also take part directly at http://gov.wales/consultations/environmentandcountryside/improving-opportunities-to-access-the-outdoors/?lang=en

For more information, contact the Countryside Alliance press office on 0207 840 9220, Rachel Evans on 01550 777997/07835 337978, or email [email protected] or [email protected]

Notes to editors:

• Since devolution in Wales there has been a significant increase in the amount of accessible land available to the public – it has almost trebled


• There are 360,000 hectares of open country and common land, coupled with 100,000 hectares of Welsh Government woodland, now accessible to the public.


• Through the implementation of the "Rights Of Way Improvement Plans", we now have access to approximately 4,700 miles of public rights of way.


• There are over 500 miles of river already available for canoeing.