FARMERS in Wales are being invited to join an online seminar on public access and rights of way being organised by Farmers’ Union of Wales and Davis Meade Property Consultants in Oswestry.

The seminar takes place over the web/phone application Zoom on Wednesday, May 20 at 7pm with some 50 places available for members of the Farmers Union of Wales and other interested parties to join in.

The session will be led by Philip Meade from Davis Meade, who are based in Beatrice Street, and believes that because more people are using footpaths, farmers needs to know their rights.

“Footfall on public rights of way is increasing as more people use the footpath network for their hourly exercise during coronavirus lockdown and many farmers and landowners are asking what they should be aware of as the public cross their land,” said Mr Meade.

"While there are some instances of footpaths being abused and cases being reported of dogs running off lead, in general there is a positive side in that more people are getting out and about enjoying the countryside, although it is important that this is done sensitively with those who live and have to make a living there.

"The lockdown has highlighted the benefits of walking for wellbeing and mental health and there may be some capital advantage in this for farmers linked to future funding for public goods as one of the first clauses in the Finance Bill mentions that Defra will pay for things like public access."

The zoom seminar will discuss Definitive Map Modification Orders which can be put in place if someone intends to claims a new footpath across land and also the merits and pitfalls of temporary diversions and permissive routes which may incur increased liability for the land manager.

“The basic idea will be a short presentation on key points relating to the subject followed by a Q&A session, aiming for about 60 minutes in total,” he explained.

You can find out more about the seminar and book a place at www.fuw.org.uk

For further details contact Mr Meade at the Oswestry office of Davis Meade Property Consultants telephone 01691 659658 email philipmeade@dmpcuk.com or Caryl Roberts at FUW telephone 01970 629432 email caryl.roberts@fuw.org.uk