Landowners and occupiers

We're keen to work with landowners/occupiers to ensure the Public Rights of Way (PROW) network is maintained effectively. It needs to be maintained to meet both legal requirements and the needs of landowners/occupiers and users.

We provide advice and information in relation to PROW issues. We also need to engage proactively with landowners/occupiers to maintain routes and resolve issues quickly and easily.

We can:

  • offer advice or arrange site visits to confirm correct alignment of public rights of way.
  • discuss any concerns, problems or other issues you may have concerning public rights of way over your land.
  • provide clear signage and waymarking along routes.
  • install or replace access barriers where appropriate and as authorised, on condition that the landowner is responsibility for future maintenance.
  • work in partnership with other agencies to help resolve problems.
  • ask the landowner/occupier to replace faulty stiles along the public rights of way network over their land.

View the guidance for landowners and occupiers (PDF 331Kb) for further information.

Get in touch if you have any difficulties relating to public rights of way over your land.

We have produced a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (PDF 821Kb). It sets out our aims for improving access for all people on the public rights of way network Stockport.

Countryside code for land managers

You may find it helpful to take a look at the Natural England Countryside Code (PDF 3.5Mb). It applies to all parts of the countryside.

The code makes it clear that the responsibilities are for both the public and also the land manager. Three sections of the code are specifically dedicated to land managers:

  • know your rights, responsibilities and liabilities
  • make it easy for visitors to act responsibly
  • identify possible threats to visitors’ safety