Part I

Access to the countryside
Chapter I

Right of access

Miscellaneous provisions relating to right of access

Codes of conduct and other information.
20
1
In relation to England, it shall be the duty of Natural England to issue, and from time to time revise, a code of conduct for the guidance of persons exercising the right conferred by section 2(1) and of persons interested in access land, and to take such other steps as appear to them expedient for securing—
a
that the public are informed of the situation and extent of, and means of access to, access land, ...
b
that the public and persons interested in access land are informed of their respective rights and obligations—
i
under this Part, and
ii
with regard to public rights of way on, and nature conservation in relation to, access land, and
c
that, in relation to access land which is coastal margin, the public are informed that the right conferred by section 2(1) does not affect any other right of access that may exist in relation to that land.
1A
The duty imposed by subsection (1) to issue and revise a code of conduct may be discharged, in relation to access land which is coastal margin, by (or in part by) issuing and revising a separate code relating to such access land only.
2
In relation to Wales, it shall be the duty of the Natural Resources Body for Wales to issue, and from time to time revise, a code of conduct for the guidance of persons exercising the right conferred by section 2(1) and of persons interested in access land, and to take such other steps as appear to them expedient for securing the results mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1).
3
A code of conduct issued by Natural England or the Natural Resources Body for Wales may include provisions in pursuance of subsection (1) or (2) and in pursuance of section 86(1) of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
4
The powers conferred by subsections (1) and (2) include power to contribute towards expenses incurred by other persons.
1949 c. 97.
S. 20 in force at 21.6.2004 for W. by S.I. 2004/1489, art. 2(b)
S. 20 in force at 19.9.2004 for E. by S.I. 2004/2173, art. 2(1)(f)
Words in s. 20(1) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 156(2); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)
Words in s. 20(3) substituted (1.10.2006) by Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (c. 16), s. 107, Sch. 11 para. 156(3); S.I. 2006/2541, art. 2 (with Sch.)
S. 20(1A) inserted (12.1.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 303(7)(b), 324(2)(d) (with s. 308)
Word in s. 20(1)(a) repealed (12.1.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 303(7)(a), 324(2)(d), Sch. 22 Pt. 7 (with s. 308)
S. 20(1)(c) and preceding word inserted (12.1.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 303(7)(a), 324(2)(d) (with s. 308)
Words in s. 20(2) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 402 (with Sch. 7)
Words in s. 20(3) substituted (1.4.2013) by The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Functions) Order 2013 (S.I. 2013/755), art. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 402 (with Sch. 7)