THE Countryside Agency is currently mapping this area for land that will be subject to the Statutory Right of Access when that right is introduced probably 2005.

This area is the second "wave" of those to be mapped, and the exercise has been delayed by the thousands of amendments required to the first maps. The Countryside Agency was overwhelmed.

I am writing to alert readers to the fact that their land could be mapped erroneously however large or small their holding is.

It is imperative that everyone checks the Countryside Agency website if they live near any mountain, moor, heath, down or common land. Even gardens have been included on the draft maps.

The Countryside Agency website www.countryside.gov.org is very informative about how to respond to the maps, but if any of eaders would like additional guidance or help with a specific problem, then I would be delighted to hear from them.

I was involved in the discussions leading up to the legislation and advise Government bodies and private clients on how to deal with Statutory Access.

DAVID PARDOE

Associate

FPDSavills

Milford Street,

Salisbury