Walkers celebrating right to roam

The White Cliffs of Dover are among areas opened up to walkers

Walkers in Kent, Surrey and Sussex are celebrating new laws which come into force on Sunday, giving them greater access to the countryside.

Areas in the South East, along with north-west England, are the first where the right to roam is granted under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Among 26,000 hectares in the South East affected are miles of coastline at the White Cliffs of Dover.

Areas of the South Downs are also newly accessible to walkers.

In Medway, four pieces of land in Luton, Walderslade and Gillingham will be open to the public.

Pippingford Park in the Ashdown Forest, East Sussex, is designated as open heathland, but most of it will remain closed for use by the military.

Wander off the path

Nigel Sloan, area secretary of the Ramblers' Association in Sussex, said: "We welcome the new freedom to be able to wander off the path to wonder at an orchid or butterfly.

"Whole new valleys are being opened such as Anchor Bottom near Shoreham and Deep Dean, near Alfriston.

"Over the next six months we will see a lot of new gates and stiles appear to give practical effect to this law."

However, the new right has caused controversy and some farmers have tried to appeal against it.

Sussex farmer Trevor Passmore said: "We have won several conservation awards for access land.

"We feel that all the improved land has now been taken from the farmers and given to the public."