Farm leaders and landowners have criticised the Labour government’s decision to scrap the 2031 deadline for recording unregistered rights of way in England.
The controversial move reverses a policy introduced by the previous Conservative government and has been branded as yet another attack on farmers and rural communities.
Labour argues that abolishing the deadline means unrecorded paths will “no longer be lost to the public,” giving walkers, cyclists, and equestrians more opportunities to enjoy the countryside. However, the decision has sparked backlash from farming and landowning groups who say the lack of consultation leaves them vulnerable to legal uncertainty and could harm productivity.
“A Backward Step”
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA), representing rural businesses and landowners, condemned the move. CLA deputy president Gavin Lane described it as a “backward step” and accused Labour of failing to consult key stakeholders.
“The vast majority of landowners are keen to promote responsible access and work collaboratively to ensure people can continue to enjoy the countryside,” Lane said. “This country already has an enormous amount of public access—140,000 miles of footpaths and 3.5 million acres of public access land in England and Wales. Scrapping this deadline adds unnecessary uncertainty.”
Balancing Access with Farming
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) also expressed concerns, with deputy president David Exwood urging a more forward-thinking approach.
“This current plan simply perpetuates an outdated focus on routes that haven’t been used for centuries,” Exwood said. “The focus should be on a network fit for the future that encourages responsible use, respects working farmland, and promotes safety in accordance with the Countryside Code.”
Farmers argue that unregulated access could disrupt farming operations and create safety risks, particularly during busy harvesting seasons or in areas with livestock.
Labour’s Justification
Labour defended its decision, claiming it ensures local authorities have the necessary time to assess whether unrecorded paths meet the requirements to be added to the definitive map. Established under the Atlee government’s National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 75 years ago, the definitive map is the legal record of public rights of way.
Once a path is registered, local authorities and landowners become responsible for its maintenance. Labour insists this will ensure paths are “properly maintained” and allow more people to experience the health and well-being benefits of outdoor access.
A Divisive Move
The announcement has divided opinion, with countryside campaigners welcoming the preservation of historic paths while farming groups worry about the practical implications.
Critics argue that Labour’s focus on historic routes undermines efforts to create a modern, safe, and practical rights of way network. Farmers are calling for greater recognition of their role in maintaining the countryside and a more balanced approach to public access.
As debates intensify, the decision highlights the growing tensions between urban policymakers and rural communities, with many warning that Labour’s policies risk alienating those who work to sustain Britain’s countryside.
