FARMERS across Worcestershire are being urged to closely check regional draft maps, to see if their land appears in the CROW Act.

The Countryside Agency (CA) is currently mapping out walks throughout Britain, in a bid to open public rights of way to everyone.

Under the CROW Act (Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000), open countryside, which is defined as land which appears to consist wholly or predominantly of mountain, moor, heath or down is listed.

Helen Cartledge, a member of auctioneers Halls, warned time is fast running out for both farmers and landowners, who have until Tuesday, September 30 to register their comments with the CA.

"People need to check to see if their land is affected and to ensure that boundaries from the official register of 'commons land' have been copied correctly onto the draft map," she said.

"The Countryside Agency has no powers to correct or take account of any mistakes so it's imperative to lodge comments at this stage so the original data can be checked.

"Site visits can them be made if appropriate and then the draft plan can be amended accordingly."

Statutory

The Crow Act will give the public the right of access to the land for open-air recreation including running, walking, bird-watching and climbing.

Dogs will need to be kept on a fixed lead of no more than two metres between March 1 and July 31, the main breeding season for birds and in the vicinity of livestock.

The Government has indicated access to the land will become a statutory right and no compensation will be payable.