Require permanent, maintained grass strips for public footpaths crossing fields

26
signatures
closedDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsOpened 23 January 2026Closed 23 July 2026

Background

Require a permanent one-metre grass strip to remain next to public rights of way, and for these to be maintained (by cutting not chemicals) so paths stay walkable year-round and remain connected with the wider rights-of-way network.

Additional details

Cross-field public footpaths can be ploughed or sprayed with certain conditions. However, this can leave them muddy, overgrown, or chemical-laden, breaking walking routes and exposing people and dogs to herbicides. We believe that current rules are not sufficient and a permanent, maintained grass strip would keep paths safe, accessible year-round, and preserve the network of public rights-of-way for everyone.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 752872.