The most widely known right to enjoy the countryside is that given by "public rights of way". Rights of way can be in or near to towns or in remote countryside. They can be wide tracks or narrow trails but all public rights of way are highways in la...
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Rights of Way

The most widely known right to enjoy the countryside is that given by "public rights of way". Rights of way can be in or near to towns or in remote countryside. They can be wide tracks or narrow trails but all public rights of way are highways in law. Anyone may use a right of way, and may do so at any time, just as they would any other kind of highway (but see section about Types of Rights of Way).

Natural England is involved in a number of projects which aim to improve the network of public rights of way. These include:

  • Rights of Way Good Practice Guide - a website for rights of way staff to exchange information and experience about all aspects of rights of way work 
  • Rights of Way Improvement Plans - all highway authorities have a duty to prepare a plan by 2007. We are working in partnership with a selection of authorities in England to prepare early plans. The lessons will be shared on the Public Rights of Way Good Practice Guide website 
  • Integrated Access Demonstration Projects - Six demonstration projects show how existing access can be improved by linking countryside recreation to wider issues such as public transport and the availability of comprehensive information.
  • Improving information - we are working towards the creation of a National Countryside Access Database which will provide a source of information about public rights of way, open access land, country parks and other outdoor recreation opportunities