Natural England

LET THE MAPPING COMMENCE! - 9th January 2001

Following approval of a detailed access implementation programme in December, the Countryside Agency signed up Binnie, Black & Veatch, specialists in environmental consultancy and mapping, to help the Agency in its work. The consultants will be responsible for identifying and mapping the areas that are ‘open country’ and common land and then consulting very widely on these maps. Only once appeals to this process are heard and resolved will people be able to use these new access rights - likely to be in 2003. The consultants will also provide a Geographical Information System (GIS) which will help the Countryside Agency to manage access rights and information. Richard Wakeford, Countryside Agency chief executive, said: “I’m delighted that we have started this important task. We will be working closely with the various interested parties and consulting very extensively on the maps we produce. We are determined to produce these maps using a careful, fair and open process to provide certainty to everyone involved about their rights and responsibilities.” - ends - Notes to editors For further information please contact Julia Cropley or Nigel Ellway on 020 7340 2909/7 1. This work is part of a wider programme of activity by the Countryside Agency to improve access to the countryside for a wide range of people. 2. The term ‘open country’ refers to mountain, moorland, heath and down. 3. The Countryside Agency is responsible for advising government and taking action on issues relating to the social, economic and environmental well being of the English countryside.