RURAL economy experts at the CLA have drawn on over 100 years experience of dealing with rural issues to produce a new guide to the rights and responsibilities of those who own land or property in rural areas.

The organisation deals with many thousands of queries from its members every year on all aspects of country life. Inevitably many of these queries reflect current topics of concern, but the CLA also says that many questions demonstrate how hard it is to keep up with ever-changing rules and regulations applying to land and property ownership.

Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North explains: “The people who use the CLA’s advisory services have access to up to date and tailored advice on the rights and responsibilities that come with owning land or property in the countryside.

“However, we are also aware that many people new to rural areas can fall foul of our complex legislation, or simply have no awareness that with their rights come responsibility.

“This situation isn’t helped as it appears our rights are constantly being eroded whilst our responsibilities seem to grow at an alarming rate.

“Our specialist advisers deal with these issues every day, which is why our new booklet is so useful to everyone who lives or works in rural areas.

“The scope of the publication is enormous, but by presenting the issues in a clear and simple way, it is an easy way to ensure that your dream does not become a nightmare.

“It may not have all the answers, but it will certainly give you the questions you need to ask”

The booklet “Landowning rights and responsibilities” is currently available free of charge as a .pdf download from www.cla.org.uk/keyissues