The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 created new rights for people to walk on areas of open country and registered common land. The Government introduced the new access rights on a regional basis over 2004-2005 and the rights are now in force across England. This website provides owners and managers of access land with information about the new access arrangements and advice on how to manage public access.

If you are a member of the public and wish to view maps and information on where you can go and what you can do on access land click here.

To view all the latest open access developments please go to the news page.

If you are out and about in the countryside remember to follow the Countryside Code . During the summer please be aware of the dangers of fire, which can be devastating to wildlife, livelihoods and landscapes. Please be careful not to drop a match or smouldering cigarette, and never light barbeques or gas stoves without the land manager's permission.

View maps for land managers

• View the of access land in all areas of England
• You can view the statutory draft, provisional and conclusive maps of open country and registered common land here - these detail the process of how the final maps were produced.

Managing open access land

• and guidance for owners and managers of access land.

Consultations on local restrictions and closures

• on proposed long term restrictions and closures.

Guidance for Relevant Authorities

• the Relevant Authority makes decisions on restrictions and closures.

Access rights in Wales and Scotland

• If your land is in Wales, contact the Countryside Council for Wales.
• Contact Scottish Natural Heritage for guidance on public access law in Scotland.