ESCC - Rights of Way Access Plan - landowners & managers

Overview

Overview

East Sussex County Council is responsible for around 2,000 miles (3218 km) of public rights of way. These paths are both in the countryside and urban areas. They are important for enjoying and exploring, for travelling to work or school and for health and wellbeing. They are part of what makes East Sussex a special place to live, work and enjoy.

A public right of way is a path that anyone, by law, has the right to use. There are four types:

  • Footpaths for walking, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs
  • Bridleways for walking, horse riding, cycling, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs
  • Restricted byways for walking, horse riding, cycling, mobility scooters or powered wheelchairs and horse-drawn carriages
  • Byways for all modes including motorised vehicles

Every council that is responsible for public rights of way must have a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP). This sets out how public rights of way meet the needs of the public, now and in the future. Our current Rights of Way Improvement Plan dates from 2007 and needs to be reviewed.  The new plan will be called the Rights of Way Access Plan.

Why your views matter

Why your views matter

Landowners, farmers and land managers are vital partners in the public rights of way network. It is important that we gain the views of those who manage the land before we draft the new ROWAP. We want to understand how you think the ROWAP can better support you. We also want to know how we can work better with landowners and land managers on public rights of way.

The process of producing the new Rights of Way Access Plan is being supported by an external consultant. If you need to discuss the process please contact esccrowap@blackwoodbayne.co.uk. Alternatively, please contact East Sussex County Council at ESCCRoWAP@eastsussex.gov.uk or on 0345 60 80 193.

This survey is to support the Rights of Way Access Plan only. If you want to report an issue on a public right of way please click on this link: report an issue or call 0345 60 80 193.

We are committed to protecting your privacy when you use any of our services. Our Privacy Notices explains how we use the information about you and how we protect your privacy: Rights of Way and Countryside Team - Privacy Notice - East Sussex County Council

Closes 30 Jun 2026

Opened 16 Apr 2026

Areas

  • All Areas

Audiences

  • Businesses
  • Residents of East Sussex

Interests

  • Public Rights of Way and Countryside