Restrictions on the land

There's great scope for adventure in the Welsh countryside. However, sometimes special circumstances might restrict you from visiting land you could otherwise explore. These restrictions usually exist to protect the landscape, and ourselves...

There are different types of land restrictions, and they can all vary in length - some last only a short time, some are longer still. A few are even permanent.

Although restrictions do not apply to public rights of way (PROW) such as public footpaths, they can control how you interact with the land or what areas you might want to visit. 

For example, some of them might rule out taking the dog along, or they might require you to enter and leave the land at very specific points.

Permanent restrictions can stop you visiting certain areas altogether.

Who can impose restrictions?

• ‘Relevant Authorities’ such as the Countryside Council for Wales, the Forestry Commission and the National Park Authorities can place what's called a 'restriction by direction'.
• Landowners, tenants and those people with a legal interest in the land can contact one of these relevant authorities to apply for a 'discretionary restriction'.
• The Secretary of State for Defence and the Home Secretary can also impose restrictions where they believe these are necessary for defence or national security.