Open access land

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 created new rights for people to walk on areas of open country and registered common land in England.

There are 3 areas of land in Bracknell Forest that have been dedicated as Open Access. These are shown on the map.

Wildmoor Heath

Part of this local heathland nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest is between Crowthorne and Sandhurst. The site is jointly managed by the council and the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT).

Broadmoor Bottom

This is a local heathland nature reserve managed by BBOWT.

Crowthorne Woods

This is an area of conifer plantation that has been voluntarily dedicated for Open Access by the Forestry Commission.

Rules and regulations

The new right of open access does not include:

• cycling
• horse riding
• driving a vehicle
• camping

However, where any of these activities already take place, for example horse riding or cycling on an existing bridleway, the activity is unaffected by the new regulations.

Dog owners should also note that the new access rights require you to keep your dog on a lead of no more than 2m long between 1 March and 31 July (the main breeding period for ground-nesting birds) or at any time of year when you are near livestock.

More information

• Ordnance Survey - map shop
• The Countryside Code
• GOV.UK - open access land