CCW Open Access maps review to begin in July 2012

The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) is required by law to carry out the review every ten years and the process starts on 16 July with the issue of draft maps of open country and registered common so that landowners and other interested parties can make representations.

Discussions with landowners and all interest groups will be an essential part of the mapping review. CCW wants to work closely with farming unions, individual landowners and a wide range of walking and other user groups to ensure a high level of awareness of the review throughout the process. Conclusive open access maps will then be published in September 2014.

CCW’s aim is to ensure that the process is open and transparent and gives all interested parties the opportunity to review access in their area of interest.

Richard Owen, CCW’s Access Review Project Manager says:

“Because of the quality of the original mapping work, we don’t envisage that it will result in dramatic changes – but subtle changes are anticipated; for example if there have been changes in land use or if boundaries need modifying.

“We will be more than happy to discuss issues face to face with landowners and visit land. There will also be opportunities to discuss the review with everyone interested after 16 July - for example at agricultural shows and other events held soon after the draft maps are published.”

General enquiries on the review should be sent to: 0845 1306 229 or email openaccessmapping@ccw.gov.uk