Farming businesses operate in a challenging environment, balancing food production, animal welfare, machinery movements, biosecurity and environmental management. Public Rights of Way add another layer to that picture.
In most cases, paths across farmland cause little difficulty. Problems tend to arise where routes pass through busy farmyards, livestock handling areas, cropped fields or areas where machinery is operating regularly.
Landowners have legal responsibilities in relation to Public Rights of Way, including:
- Keeping paths free from obstruction.
- Reinstating paths after ploughing within the required timescales.
- Maintaining gates and stiles in a safe condition.
- Ensuring vegetation does not make routes impassable.
However, the law also recognises the practical realities of farming. For example:
- Temporary obstructions may sometimes be permitted for essential works with proper authority.
- Dangerous bulls of recognised dairy breeds must not be kept in fields crossed by Public Rights of Way.
- Landowners can apply to divert paths away from sensitive operational areas.
Good management often comes down to communication and practicality. Clear waymarking, well-maintained gates and sensible route management can reduce conflict and improve safety for both the public and farm businesses.
Where a route genuinely causes operational problems, a diversion may be worth exploring. Common examples include:
- Footpaths through farmyards with heavy vehicle movements.
- Routes through livestock handling areas.
- Paths crossing areas needed for new agricultural buildings or infrastructure.
- Security or biosecurity concerns around modern farm operations.
Each case turns on its own facts, and early advice can help assess whether a diversion is likely to succeed.
Public Rights of Way are a long-established part of the countryside, but they do not prevent sensible land management. The aim is usually to find a practical balance between public access and the efficient operation of the holding.
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