Explanatory note

This Order brings into force, in relation to England only, section 2 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 for certain purposes.

It brings into force on 14th December 2004 section 2 (which introduces a new right of access to access land) in so far as it relates to access land which is shown as open country or registered common land on a map in conclusive form and which lies within an area covered by the map in conclusive form issued by the Countryside Agency on 28th September 2004 (such map relates to the central southern area of England).

The Order also brings into force section 2 in so far as it relates to access land which is dedicated as access land under section 16 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which is not also shown as open country or registered common land on a map in conclusive form, but which lies within an area covered by the map in conclusive form issued on 28th September 2004. The day appointed for section 2 in relation to such land is 14th December 2004 or the end of a period of six months beginning with the day on which the land is dedicated under section 16, whichever is the later.

The electronic version of the map in conclusive form issued on 28th September 2004 may be inspected at the offices of the Countryside Agency at John Dower House, Crescent Place, Cheltenham GL50 3RA and 5th Floor, 1 Redcliff Street, Bristol BS1 6NP (telephone 0845 100 3298). Copies of the map at a reduced scale may be inspected on the Countryside Agency’s website (www.countryside.gov.uk/access/mapping). For information about where printed copies of such a map can be inspected and obtained, telephone 0845 100 3298.