The Right to Roam campaigners have voiced their frustrations regarding the limited access to over a quarter of England’s most ancient landmarks, many of which are situated on private lands with no formal rights of access for walkers and history enthusiasts. Their recent research highlights a significant problem, revealing that more than 5,500 lesser-known sites designated as Scheduled Monuments lack the necessary pathways leading directly to them, leaving eager visitors without a clear route. This situation has raised an urgent call for action among campaigners who advocate for greater public access to these vital historical sites.
According to the findings from the Right to Roam group, many of these heritage sites include hillforts, ancient burial mounds, and various sacred locations, which hold immense cultural and archaeological significance. Though Scheduled Monuments are legally protected due to their historical importance, government advisors from Historic England have indicated that private landowners are not legally obligated to open these sites to the public. While some landowners do allow access on an ad-hoc basis, the prevailing lack of rights effectively keeps many historical treasures out of reach for the general public.
Notably, the Stone Club, a community of enthusiasts focused on neolithic stone structures, has reported instances where its members are compelled to trespass to visit such sites. This practice not only raises ethical concerns but also brings to light the inadequacies of the current framework regarding access to historical locations. While these monuments are protected to prevent disfigurement and damage, the entailed restrictions also mean that access remains limited to designated footpaths.
Interestingly, the report acknowledges that sites like the Devil’s Arrows stone circle in North Yorkshire, which are easily visible from adjacent roads, fall outside the purview of the Right to Roam’s assessment. Scheduled monuments in England, numbering 19,966 and maintained by Historic England, range from celebrated sites like the Avebury henge in Wiltshire, with open access points, to lesser-known locations with no legal paths leading to them. These locations offer a glimpse into England’s storied past, yet due to restrictive access policies, many remain virtually inaccessible.
Some of these sites, including the East Kennett long barrow, a neolithic burial mound, and Holne Chase Iron Age hill fort, represent crucial links to England’s historical narrative. Landowners have expressed their willingness to allow visits under certain conditions, citing concerns like safety for horse training operations nearby. The community charity known as CPRE (formerly Campaign to Protect Rural England) asserts that the number of sites lacking legal access rights is likely a significant underestimate since many locations are not listed despite their proximity to paths or roads.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) cautions that many fragile historical sites face ongoing threats from unsanctioned visits, leading to potential deterioration. CLA President Victoria Vyvyan has advocated for enhanced funding strategies to aid farmers responsibly opening up access to these landmarks while ensuring their preservation.
Meanwhile, campaigners from Right to Roam have been pushing for legal changes that would provide a responsible access policy similar to that implemented in Scotland since 2003. Advocacy voices such as Amy-Jane Beer have highlighted that these ancient locations not only connect us to our history but also enrich our countryside experiences. This intersection of conservation and public access remains a contentious issue as stakeholders continue to deliberate the right balance between protecting our heritage and allowing public engagement with it.
Overall, the discourse surrounding access to ancient landmarks in England raises fundamental questions about rights, responsibilities, and the preservation of heritage sites for future generations. Whether through legislative reform or cooperative agreements with landowners, the push for enhanced access remains urgent and significant as communities strive to celebrate England’s rich tapestry of history.
