A provisional map of open country and registered common land in Wales was published on Wednesday 7 August.

This identifies the proposed areas where people will have a right of access to the Welsh countryside and is the first time the map has been reviewed since it was first introduced nearly 10 years ago.

The provisional map takes into account feedback which Natural Resources Wales received from a consultation on a draft map last year.

It includes some new areas of access land and other places where boundaries have been changed and covers roughly the same amount of land as previously.

Some 20% of the landmass of Wales is classed as open access land - most of which is in some of Wales’ most spectacular open country such as mountains, moorland, heathland or downland (lime or chalk-rich areas).

People visiting open access land have a duty to respect the environment, other people using the land, and local communities.

Richard Owen of Natural Resources Wales said: “We have worked very closely with a wide range of people and organisations on the provisional maps but it’s important that landowners now take a good look at them.

“We have already been in contact with the landowners that are likely to be affected by changes so that they are aware of the process and how they can engage with us if they have any queries.

“At this stage of the process only people with a legal interest, such as landowners, can appeal against what’s in the maps. They can do this by contacting the Planning Inspectorate at wales@pins.gsi.gov.uk.”

You can see the map by clicking here. Appeals must be lodged before 7 November 2013.

Natural Resources Wales is required by law to review the maps of open

access to mountains, moors, heathland, downland and registered common land at least once every decade.

Any general enquiries on the review should be sent to openaccessmapping@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk  or call 0300 065 3000