WORCESTERSHIRE residents will be able to view a new map of land that could be opened up to walkers by 2005 at a Countryside Agency Roadshow hitting the county.

The draft map has been created from several surveys, aerial photographs and field visits and shows land the agency has identified as common land fitting the definition of open country.

It is believed to be the most detailed mapping project undertaken in England and is part of a nationwide project to identify land where people will be able to walk under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Consultation

People will be able to look at the map and discuss it with agency staff as it tours the county until Saturday, August 2.

Once the consultation period is over, a provisional map will be published, which may include changes made in light of comments received.

"The mapping of England's access land is a mammoth exercise - the biggest exercise of its kind anywhere," said Countryside Agency spokesman Andy Wistow.

To find out about your nearest roadshow, call the access mapping helpline on 0845 100 3298 or visit the web site at www.countryside.go.uk/access/mapping