Breadcrumbs
Open Access
Mapping in the East of England
The maps for the East of England show significant areas of common land with some down and heath. This land was identified from existing information such as habitat surveys and maps relating to Environmentally Sensitive Areas showing land use on farms. Common land was mapped using the commons registers that are held by each County Council.
The draft maps for the East of England were published in Autumn 2003. There was a 3 month public consultation period within which comments could be made. This was extended to the 13th January 2004.
During this period The Countryside Agency met people around the region at a series of roadshows. At these events people viewed the draft maps, obtained additional information on the mapping and consultation process and talked to representatives of the Countryside Agency.
Provisional Maps - published in June 2004
These are the basis upon which people with a legal interest in the land could appeal if they disagreed with their land being designated as registered common land or open country. The consultation closed at the end of September 2004. Open country and registered common land became Access Land on October 31 2005.
Conclusive Maps - published in September 2005
In some cases there will be access restrictions to the sites. It's advisable to check for potential restrictions and other advice on accessing the countryside at www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk
Local Access Forums in the Region
New Local Access Forums are being set up across the region. They are independent advisory bodies, which will advise Local Authorities, National Parks and Natural England on improvements to countryside access in their area. They also have an important role to play in reviewing the draft open access maps and commenting on any long term restrictions to that access.
