Access land finally mapped – almost
On May Day, after two public inquiries and a legal challenge, and 31⁄2 years late, the final area of land was added to the access maps created under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. You wonder what all the fuss was about: it’s a tiny area of downland, high on the Chiltern Hills, in the parish of Ibstone, Buckinghamshire. Former Ramblers chairman Kate Ashbrook claimed the land for the map, and lives only a mile away. “It may be small, but it’s important,” she says. “It has wonderful views and a lovely downland flora. Sadly, the owner – who has spent thousands of pounds trying to keep us out – still seems reluctant to give us a warm welcome. We can’t yet get onto the land, and we will need the access authority to demand a gate or stile. Let’s hope the owner doesn’t feel the urge to go back to court.”
