Set aside land - can it be ridden on?

[ticki]

With roads becoming busier places and country lanes being used as rat runs by townies relocating to the country, I was just wondering if set aside land was allowed to be ridden on? Do farmers still have set aside land and if they do and it is accessible, then how could riders find out what land is set aside and for what duration?

If not, then are there any ways of increasing the number of, or extending existing bridle ways to get more riders off the roads?

 

[Sugarplum Furry]

Sadly...and tempting as it is to go on it...any set aside land is still private land and you'd have to chat up the farmer very nicely for permission to ride across it. And respect his wishes if he says no.

But these people have a lot of success in gaining access to private land http://www.tollrides.org.uk/
and are really worth contacting.

 

[Maisy]

I am under the impression that 'environmental set aside' is not to be use at all....if tracks are visible, I believe that the farmer can have the payment withdrawn.

I am sure someone who knows can clarify if this is true or not....

 

[scribble]

there is not a legal requirement to have set aside any more although some farmers still have it. farmers also have land in countryside stewardship schemes, and other environmental schemes, 2 4, 6 and 10 metres margins, nectar mixes, etc. ALL if ridden driven or walked over will cause the farmer to loose his payments for doing this. beyond this though it is tresspass anyway as it is private land unless you have thier permission. As is stubble fields.

 

[Maesfen]

Agree with Scribble. Definitely a no no and a bit presumptuous to think just because it is set aside/Stewardship that anyone other than the owner has a right to roam over it on a whim.
Try your local council Rights of Way group, they will tell you more but unless owners want to give up their land and allow permissive paths over it, you won't stand much chance of getting more off road riding I'm afraid as the paths available are, in the main, already mapped as such.