Guidelines for Landowners: Ensuring Responsible Public Access Along Coastal Margins As a landowner, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental guidelines surrounding public access to coastal areas. This document outlines key considerations and best practices to promote responsible usage while protecting your property rights and the environment. 1. Understand Public Access Rights - Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding public access to coastal margins. - Recognize...
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The King Charles III England Coast Path (ECP) is a national trail established by Natural England, offering a scenic route along the entire English coastline. For landowners or managers in this coastal area, understanding responsibilities and navigating public access complexities is essential.
This initiative involves designating a coastal margin, which includes all land seaward of the trail. A significant portion of this coastal margin is classified as open access land, governed by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act).
This legislation allows the public to engage in specific recreational activities while respecting property integrity.
The facts
Under the CROW Act, the public generally has the right to access open access land for recreational purposes, as long as they do not damage any physical features, such as walls, fences, or gates.
To facilitate responsible use, it is advisable to provide clear access points on your land.
Examples of permissible activities
Visitors may engage in activities like walking, birdwatching, and picnicking. However, certain activities, such as political rallies, filming, or kite-surfing, require explicit permission from you, the landowner. It is important to be aware of restrictions; individuals who do not comply may be considered trespassers and can be asked to leave. If behavior persists, you have the legal right to seek a court injunction against repeat offenders.
Understanding excepted land and access limitations
Not all land designated as open access permits public rights. Certain types of land, known as excepted land, do not allow access despite appearing on access maps. Examples include private gardens, agricultural land under specific management, or sites of special scientific interest.
Identifying excepted land
Clarify your land’s status by posting signs indicating restrictions. If you suspect your land falls under an excepted category, consult independent legal advice for better understanding. Natural England cannot provide specific guidance on individual circumstances.
When public access is granted, additional rules apply, especially regarding dog walking. Visitors may bring dogs onto access land, but they must be kept on a lead, particularly near livestock, to ensure safety for both animals and the environment.
Managing public access effectively
To mitigate conflicts between land management and public access, implement informal measures like signage or verbal requests. These can often be more effective than formal restrictions. If informal methods fail, consider instituting access limitations, but the public must have the opportunity to comment on proposed restrictions lasting longer than six months.
Denote open access land using appropriate symbols, such as the open access symbol or the national trails acorn symbol for the King Charles III England Coast Path. For comprehensive guidelines, refer to the Countryside Code, which outlines responsibilities for both land managers and visitors.
It is illegal to display misleading information regarding access rights. Your local authority or national park authority will oversee access rights in your area and can assist in managing public access if difficulties arise.
Liability and public access fees
This initiative involves designating a coastal margin, which includes all land seaward of the trail. A significant portion of this coastal margin is classified as open access land, governed by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act). This legislation allows the public to engage in specific recreational activities while respecting property integrity.0
This initiative involves designating a coastal margin, which includes all land seaward of the trail. A significant portion of this coastal margin is classified as open access land, governed by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act). This legislation allows the public to engage in specific recreational activities while respecting property integrity.1
This initiative involves designating a coastal margin, which includes all land seaward of the trail. A significant portion of this coastal margin is classified as open access land, governed by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act). This legislation allows the public to engage in specific recreational activities while respecting property integrity.2
This initiative involves designating a coastal margin, which includes all land seaward of the trail. A significant portion of this coastal margin is classified as open access land, governed by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act). This legislation allows the public to engage in specific recreational activities while respecting property integrity.3
This initiative involves designating a coastal margin, which includes all land seaward of the trail. A significant portion of this coastal margin is classified as open access land, governed by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act). This legislation allows the public to engage in specific recreational activities while respecting property integrity.4
