Confusion about keeping rights of way that have either been ploughed or planted with crops should soon be a thing of the past thanks to a guide that has been published by Somerset County Council's Rights of Way Team. The guide has been produced in partnership with The National Farmers Union, the Country Land and Business Association, together with Mendip District Council and South Somerset District Council's Rights of Way Teams.

Grant Turner, Somerset County Council's Rights of Way Team's Community and Volunteer Development Officer explained:

"We've been to many rural shows over the last couple of years and one issue that comes up time and time again concerns cropping and ploughing public rights of way. When we've talked to to landowners and farmers, it's clear that in many cases public rights of way are not left ploughed or allowed to become overgrown with crops deliberately; they're simply not aware of what their responsibilties are"

The guide explains:

• Whether a public right of way can be ploughed;
• What should be done to reinstate a ploughed path; and
• How to keep a path clear of overhanging crops.

Download a copy of the guide [ 390.9k].

If you would like to discuss any issues concering cropping and ploughing please contact:

• Mendip Area
  Sheila Petherbridge - Mendip Rights of Way Officer
  Telephone: 01749 341545
  Email: petherbridges@mendip.gov.uk
  
  
• Taunton Deane Area
  Sam Jones - Rights of Way Maintenance Officer
  Telephone: 01823 356288
  Email: ssjones@somerset.gov.uk
  
  
• Sedgemoor Area
  Guy Manning - Rights of Way Maintenance Officer
  Telephone: 01823 358287
  Email: gmanning@somerset.gov.uk
  
  
• South Somerset Area
  Eve Wynn - Rights of Way Officer
  Telephone: 01963 435084
  Email: eve.wynn@southsomerset.gov.uk
  
  
• West Somerset Area
  Glenn Martin - Rights of Way Maintenance Officer
  Telephone: 01823 355624
  Email: gvmartin@somerset.gov.uk