Main heading

New Rights, New Responsibilities

The new Act, often referred to as the 'CROW' Act, is a major new piece of legislation which is coming into force in stages over the next few years. There are five parts to the Act:

•  Part 1 is concerned with access to open country - often referred to informally as either 'the right to roam' or 'freedom to roam'
   
• Part 2 makes changes to the way in which rights of way are recorded and to the maintenance and enforcement of public rights of way and their management and promotion. It includes measures relating to: 

• Restricted byways
• Completing the definitive map by 2026
• Rights of way improvement plans
• Opening obstructed paths

• Part 3 strengthens nature conservation measures and wildlife protection
   
• Part 4 relates to areas of outstanding natural beauty

• Part 5 provides for the setting up of Local Access Forums and draws together various pieces of miscellaneous and supplementary material