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Landowners guide to public rights of way

If you have a Public Right of Way that crosses your land then the following information will help to explain your duties and responsibilities. You will also find advice on which paths you can and cannot plough, how you must restore a path if you do plough it and the minimum width requirement of each type of Right of Way.

Landowners guide to ploughing and cropping (pdf, 690Kb)

Your duties as a landowner are to:

  • Leave cross field paths undisturbed where possible;
  • Ensure that the surface of the path is firm and level;
  • Make good the surface of any cross field path that you cannot avoid ploughing to at least the minimum width;
  • Reinstate the path within 14 days of the first disturbance and within 24 hours of any subsequent disturbance;
  • Ensure that the minimum width of the Right of Way is clear from obstructions and encroaching vegetation/crops;
  • Leave the surface of a headland path undisturbed;
  • The photo above provide good examples of these specifications.

Questions and Answers

Q. What is the minimum width of a cross field path?

A. 1m for a footpath, 2m for a bridleway, 3m for a Restricted Byway or BOAT (unless a specific width is recorded).

Q. Can a cross field path be ploughed?

A. A footpath or bridleway may be ploughed but must be reinstated, within 14 days of disturbance, to a firm and even surface of at least the minimum width. The path must be reinstated within 24 hours of any subsequent disturbance. A Restricted Byway or BOAT may NOT be ploughed.

Q. Can a field edge / headland path be ploughed?

A. No.

Q. Am I responsible for control of the hedge next to a field edge path?

A. Yes. You must ensure that the hedge is cut back to allow the path to be usable to its minimum width.

Q. Is the minimum width of a field edge path different to that of a cross field path?

A. Yes. 1.5m for a footpath, 3m for a bridleway and 5m for a Restricted Byway or BOAT (unless a specific width is recorded).

Q. What should I do if crops start to encroach onto the path?

A. The minimum width of the path must be kept clear of crops and the path must be clearly marked. Spraying may be the best method of maintaining the path once the crops begin to grow.

Q. Why should I bother reinstating and maintaining the Rights of Way on my land?

A. Clearly marking the route will help to stop people straying from the path and onto your land. Failure to reinstate a path may result in legal action and a £1000 fine.

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