SL(6)757 – The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (Review of Maps) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2026 

Background and Purpose

Section 10(2)(b) of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 prescribes the time period within which Natural Resources Wales must conduct subsequent reviews of maps showing registered common land and open country in Wales.

These Regulations amend section 10(2)(b) of the Act to extend the maximum interval between subsequent reviews from 15 years after the previous review to 20 years.

Procedure

Senedd annulment procedure.

The Regulations were made by the Welsh Ministers before they were laid before the Senedd.  The Senedd can annul the Regulations within 40 days (excluding any days when the Senedd is: (i) dissolved, or (ii) in recess for more than four days) of the date they were laid before the Senedd.

Technical Scrutiny

No points are identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.2 in respect of this instrument.

Merits Scrutiny  

The following point is identified for reporting under Standing Order 21.3 in respect of this instrument:

1. Standing Order 21.3(ii) – that it is of political or legal importance or gives rise to issues of public policy to be of interest to the Senedd

We note the reasons provided by the Welsh Government for extending the subsequent review period under section 10(2)(b) of the Act. In particular, we note the following paragraphs in the Explanatory Memorandum:

“As part of its commitment to make the management of countryside access more efficient, the Welsh Government has committed to move from a set review to a continuous review process. This SI changes the period for subsequent mapping reviews from 15 years to 20 years, which means the next review will be due in 2034. This avoids NRW expending unnecessary time and resources on a review process that is currently awaiting legislative reform, to introduce a continual review process.”

Welsh Government response

A Welsh Government response is not required.

Legal Advisers

Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee

12 February 2026