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.

What is the CROW Act?

There are five parts to the Act:

• Part 1 deals with access to the countryside, also known as the 'right to roam' or 'freedom to roam'
• Part 2 makes changes to the way in which rights of way are recorded, maintained, enforced, managed and promoted.
• Part 3 strengthens nature conservation measures and wildlife protection
• Part 4 relates to areas of outstanding natural beauty
• Part 5 sets up Local Access Forums

You can find a summary of the CROW Act on the Countryside Agency's website.

Visit the Countryside Access website for online public maps of access land and public information about the new right of access. This website also contains details of the new Countryside Code and general information and advice about enjoying access to the countryside.

Land managers should visit the Open Access website for information about CROW for land managers.

The council is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Open Access Land

Part 1 of the CROW Act provides for the public to have access, on foot, to open country and registered common land in England and Wales.

The Act defines open country as mountain, moor, heath and down. York has no mountains or downland. One area of open access land (heath) known as Strensall Common has been identified. (Strensall Common is subject to military byelaws and as such access is restricted). Areas of registered common land that have been opened up for increased public access are also identified. See the Countryside Access website for details of this access.