Natural England

Operational Note - Over two-thirds of the countryside open - 2 July 2001

These counties are close behind with more than 90% of paths open - Cambridgeshire expects to be fully open by the end of June. 

The regional breakdown across all authorities is as follows: 

National Parks 
The Broads are now fully open, and 75% of paths in the Northumberland National Park have reopened this week. 90% of the Peak District remains open, also the High Fells in the Lake District and all of South and East Dartmoor. The rest of Dartmoor is expected to open on 14 July. Despite large areas of the National Parks remaining closed at the moment there are still places to visit, and many special attractions are being arranged where paths remain closed. 

National Park Status 

Most of the paths and all campsites in the New Forest Heritage Area are now open. 

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) 
These comprise of 15% of the English countryside and have equivalent landscape value to National Parks. AONBs are also reopening and the following (mostly coastal) are fully open, with precautionary notices in some parts: 

Suffolk Coast and Heaths 
Chichester Harbour 
Isle of Wight 
Isles of Scilly 
Norfolk Coast 
South Hampshire Coast 
Surrey Hills

Community Forests 
Information is coming in about the reopening of these areas, which are mostly sited near centres of population and cover some 5% of the English countryside. The Forests of Marston Vale expects to be fully open by the end of June and the Forest of Avon around Bristol by 6th July.

National Trails 
Of the 10 National Trails in England, four are fully open:

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path 
Ridgeway (with one diversion) 
South Downs Way 
Thames Path

The South West Coast Path is fully open from this weekend with the exception of a stretch in north Cornwall, which is expected to open on the 16th July. The first section of the Pennine Way remains open from Edale to the Blackstone Edge Reservoir, a total of some 36.5 miles.

National Trails Status 

The Cotswold Way (National Trail under development) is fully open with one short diversion.

Country Code 
When out in the country enjoying the newly reopened footpaths and bridleways, please take special care to protect the countryside from Foot & Mouth Disease by following this code:

1)If you have handled cattle, sheep, goats or pigs in the last 7 days, please stay off all other farmland. 
2)Do not go near and never touch, handle or feed livestock: - if you come across them unexpectedly, move away slowly; if neccessary retrace your route. 
3)Keep dogs on short leads where there are livestock. 
4)In addition to this, in infected areas you will be asked not to take dogs on land where there are cattle. 
5)Do not leave waste food or litter. 
6)Stay on the path and leave all gates as you found them. 
7)Use disinfectant where provided. 
8)Start your walk or ride with clean equipment, footwear and clothing.

Notes to Editors 
The latest information on reopened country parks, national parks, national trails and regional trails is availiable on request.

If media would like further information please contact the Countryside Agency press office on 020 7340 2907, or out of hours on 07654 620243 (pager).

The Countryside Agency is responsible for advising government and taking action on issues affecting the social, economic and environmental well being of the English Countryside. 

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