New access rights
Open Access in Cambridgeshire applies to registered Common Land - there is no mapped Open Access Land as there are no mountains, moors, heaths or downs as defined by the legislation. Although landowners can dedicate access rights, and the Forestry Commission has dedicated much of its freehold estate (e.g. around Thetford), there is currently no such dedicated land in Cambridgeshire that we are aware of.
** There is no right of access to farmland other than along existing Public Rights of Way or across commons! **
We have about 300 Registered Commons. Approximately half of the sites are small sites in villages, generally already open and looked after by parish councils.
Of the remainder, many are commons which are already fully accessible with a network of public rights of way, such as the commons within Cambridge City.
Larger commons were surveyed when open access commenced and six sites identified for access improvements.
- East Fen Common, Soham
- Quy Fen Commons, Soham
- Portholme, Hunts
- Godmanchester Eastside and Westside, Hunts
- St Neots Common, Hunts
- Hawkesden Leys, Hunts
Accessibility improvements were made to these sites, and over forty signs were placed providing information on new rights of access and wildlife. This work was funded by an Access Management Grant awarded by Natural England.
Please note that the new right of access is on foot only and not for wider recreational purposes. There may sometimes be access restrictions, or limitations relating to dogs, but rights of way will be unaffected. Where the land is managed for hay, local signs may ask that you follow marked paths to avoid damage to the crop during the growing season.
Help and advice
See the Open Access Land link on the right for more detailed advice on the new public right of access to open country and registered common land, and news of any access restrictions. Wider details of national trails, national parks, rights of way and links to many related organisations can be found through the Natural England link.