Our charity has owned and managed Kilkhampton Common since 2012, during which time we opened and maintained permissive pathways alongside the public right of way. These routes provided additional access for visitors while supporting our conservation work.
All permissive paths are now closed until further notice. The public right of way remains open, but the additional routes we created can no longer be maintained.
This decision has not been taken lightly. An individual unconnected to our charity has applied to register the land as “common land.” While this application is under consideration, we have been unable to secure the funding required for essential safety and conservation work. Despite the name, we do not believe the land meets the legal definition of common land.
The resulting uncertainty, combined with pressure on our small team and limited resources, has already begun to reverse years of restoration. Without proper management, both paths and habitats are deteriorating.
If the land is reclassified, it will become more difficult for us to deliver our charitable aims and continue protecting this area for people and wildlife.
For now, our priority is managing the legal process and working to secure a long-term solution. We will continue to share updates as the situation develops, and we appreciate your understanding during this period.