Advice from Kent County Council’s Countryside Access Service on maintenance of public rights of way

Seasonal reminders to farmers and landowners regarding cropping and the maintenance of public rights of way follow.

During the early part of the growing season it is necessary to ensure that:

• As the crop germinates, the path remains evident on the ground.  Tractor wheelings along the route of the path are generally acceptable.
• As soon as is practical, and before the crop reaches a height of 150mm (6"), remove the crop from the path.
• The path continues to remain clear of the crop to its minimum width, including crops encroaching from the side.
• Any side growth from hedges or overhanging trees should be kept clear of a field edge path.

Unless otherwise stated, the minimum widths of public rights of way are as follows:

• Cross-field footpath - 1.0 metre
• Cross-field bridleway - 2.0 metres
• Cross-field byway/restricted byway - 3.0 metres
• Field-edge footpath - 1.5 metres
• Field-edge bridleway - 3.0 metres
• Field-edge byway/restricted byway - 5.0 metres

In May it is important to prevent obstruction to the minimum width of public rights of way. Tall crops such as oilseed rape or maize may need additional clearance during the growing season. A more practical solution is to cut back an extra width early in the growing season, equal to the anticipated height of the crop.

At the end of the growing cycle it is important to make sure that public rights of way remain open and accessible.

Before ploughing:

• Ensure your tractor driver or agricultural contractors know where paths are and how to deal with them.
• Field-edge paths, byways open to all traffic or restricted byways must not be ploughed.
• Avoid ploughing cross field paths if you can reasonably do so.

Following ploughing:

• Within 14 days of ploughing, the path must have a firm level surface and be marked on the ground to at least the minimum width.
• It is good practice, and saves time, to re-establish the footpath before leaving the field, using two or more sets of wheelings.

Further cultivation:

If further cultivation is necessary after the expiry of the 14 day period following ploughing, the path must be reinstated within 24 hours. Again, this is best achieved before leaving the field by marking the path with two or more sets of wheelings.

December is a good time of year to check and maintain stiles, gates or similar structures on footpaths or bridleways and ensure they are safe and reasonably easy to use.

Please refer to the Countryside Access Design Standards for guidance on the required levels of maintenance of structures on rights of way. You can find the Design Standards online at www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess or call the number below.

Assistance with materials and structures is available.

Winter is also the best time of the year to carry out hedge and ditch/culvert maintenance.

Please remember that, if followed, these guidelines will help prevent damage to crops and create a good impression of the agricultural community.  Further information is given in our leaflet 'Ploughing, Crops and Paths – A Practical Guide' which can be found at www.kent.gov.uk/ploughing

If you farm in Kent and are unsure of the routes of public rights of way on your land, or need guidance on your duties and responsibilities, please telephone our Contact Centre on 0845 345 0210 or visit www.kent.gov.uk/countrysideaccess