Natural England - Section 15 land
Section 15 land
Certain access rights that were in existence before the CROW Act take precedence over CROW rights where they overlap with mapped open country, registered common land or land dedicated for access under Section 16 of the Act. The enactments granting such rights are listed in Section 15 of the CROW Act.
These maps are not definitive, but represent the best data Natural England has been able to collect so far. The maps are updated periodically with any new information which comes to light.
Landowners and managers cannot use CROW restrictions on these areas. This is because these areas have different access rights from CROW rights. They may have their own regulations or byelaws to manage their access arrangements.
Viewing Section 15 Maps
To view an overlay of S15 land which coincides with access land, click on the link to MAGIC:
Choose "interactive map"
From "selected topic" drop down box choose "design your own topic"
select "Countryside and Rights of Way Act, Section 15 Land True Access Cut (England)"
Choose the area you are interested in by clicking in to one of the location Radio buttons and then either type or use the dropdown to go to your location.
Agree to the terms and conditions and click "Open Map" (ensure your pop up blocker is switched off)
A new window will open but you may need to zoom in to see the Section 15 as it is set to be displayed at 1:15000 and below.
Categories of Section 15 land
Natural England has mapped areas which documentary evidence indicates are within one or more of these Section 15 categories:
1. Land Subject to S193 of the Law of Property Act 1925.
Urban commons
Metropolitan commons
Rural commons with a deed of declaration
2. Areas covered by a scheme under the Commons Act 1899 or where a Local or Private Act gives a right of access.
3. Areas where an access agreement or order under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 applies.
4. Areas to which S19 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 applies.
What Next?
Natural England has researched and mapped known Section 15 land and discussed the access opportunities with key stakeholders. We are aware there is public interest in the data, which we plan to publish. We will prepare guidance on the legislation and the rights that are available.
Before publishing this work, we are assessing whether an increase in use of the rights could affect sites designated for nature conservation.
We have taken legal advice on issues related to the enactments at Section 15. For more information download the pdf 
.
How you can help us keep the existing access land maps up to date
Natural England has collected as much information as possible to identify areas of land affected by Section 15 of the CROW Act. However, we are aware that some information is missing from the archives, and the status of land and access rights can change over time. If you know of any documentary evidence which would help us update our maps, please contact our Open Access Contact Centre at openaccess@naturalengland.org.uk.
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Answers to questions that landowners and estate managers often ask us about the section 15 land designation.