Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

Rights and Responsibilities

This Act, often referred to as the ' CROW ' Act, deals with changes to access to the countryside. There are five parts to the Act:

Part 1 is concerned with open access land - often referred to informally as 'the right 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; and,
• Guide to problems and protocol

Part 3 strengthens nature conservation measures and wildlife protection.

Part 4 relates to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

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

• complete text of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Contact Public Rights of Way

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Page last reviewed: 17 May 2024