The pros and cons of proposed changes to public access in the Welsh countryside
Proposals by the Welsh Government are likely to see extended public access to land and water, something that will have a considerable impact on many farmers and landowners.
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The proposed changes came about under the ‘Taking Forward Wales’s Sustainable Management of Natural Resources’ (SMNR) consultation. They are likely to have major repercussions if they come into effect, with greater public access to the outdoors at the heart of the consultation.
There are certainly some measures that will be of benefit to custodians of land – such as having to keep dogs on leads around livestock. Though this is already part of the Countryside Code, the new proposals would make it legally enforceable.
Potentially more controversial is the proposed expansion of uses for public rights of way, which would see restrictions lifted on cycling and horse riding, hang-gliding and para-gliding, bathing or using a vessel or sailboard on natural bodies of water. (Restrictions will be retained on manmade bodies of water, organised games and camping.)
This means that if you own open access land, such as expanses of moorlands, the public may be permitted greater accesses to it, which could have a financial impact and carry greater risk of littering or fire damage.
In raising these proposals, the Welsh Government has amiable intentions in tackling mental health and obesity issues by providing greater access to the outdoors, but this could be at the expense of its landowning and farming community if not managed carefully.
The proposals do not take into account that some people are irresponsible in their use of public land and it will be the farmers who bear the burden, whether through increased costs, liabilities or emotional impacts.
Farmers manage over 80% of the land in Wales and provide an important backdrop to the country’s most important industry; tourism. Wales is already home to more public rights of way per square kilometre than any of the UK nations, so though well-intentioned, these changes could put a greater burden on Wales’ landowners and farmers.
The changes are certainly a positive step, encouraging the general public to explore and enjoy our natural environment, but they have to be right for landowners and farmers too. There’s lessons we can learn from the CRoW Act 2000, which although somewhat controversial at the time, has been well integrated since.
The next step in the consultation will likely be the setting up of an Access Reform Group to inform the Government on what needs to happen next. Farmers and landowners need to be properly represented in this group to ensure that any changes made reflect their needs and concerns.
If you would like to discuss the proposed changes and what it may mean for you, please contact Eddie Holloway.