Countryside Access Scheme

HL Deb 09 July 1999 vol 603 c128WA

Lord Morris of Castle Morris

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect the Countryside Access Scheme to be closed to new entrants. [HL3475]

Lord Donoughue

On 1 July 1999 we announced that the Countryside Access Scheme was closed to new applications. This pilot agri-environment scheme provided public access to set aside land. Public access to farmland will continue to be available under the Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Areas schemes, which provide more comprehensive incentives for farmers to provide access.

All existing CAS agreements will continue until the end of their five-year terms. At the expiry of their agreements, farmers will be offered the opportunity to apply for agreements under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Those which provide good quality opportunities for public access will be offered agreements.