Public Access, Rights of Way and Highways

The public have a right to access the countryside and coastal areas under a variety of laws, which differ across the UK.

Strutt & Parker’s national presence means we have land agents who understand the differences in the regulations and can help landowners and managers tackle the issues that affect them at a local level.

Managing potential conflict

In Scotland, there has always been an implicit right to roam however the Land Reform Act (Scotland) 2003 formalised this and gave the public access to inland waterways.

With such open access there is potential for local conflict between different groups of users and landowners.

We help to come up with management solutions that avoid public access from adversely impacting on an estate’s activities.

In England, landowners may have rights of way, footpaths, restricted byways or byways open to all traffic across their property.

Diversions and new paths

Our team can help with proposed diversions for crime prevention purposes or to protect a site of special scientific interest. We can also act to defend claims for new paths.

The Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act applies in England and Wales and was introduced to give greater public access to the countryside.

We have a wealth of experience on the legislation and can advise on issues associated with its implementation.

Coastal access provisions

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 introduced a new right of access around the English coastline which is now being rolled out by Natural England.

Strutt & Parker is well-placed to assist you in mitigating the impact of coastal access on your land and businesses, wherever you are on the UK coastline.