The right for people to walk along a 2,500-mile coastal path around England is expected to be rushed through Parliament within a year.

The aim is to open up beaches, inlets and cliff tops that have so far been closed to public access and to allow walkers to enjoy these spectacular views of the shore. The complete route, however, may take as long as ten years to map out unless agreement is reached with landowners.

The new right to roam was agreed yesterday by the board of Natural England, the landscape agency. Its final recommendations are to be sent to Barry Gardiner, the Rural Affairs Minister, at the end of the month and a consultation paper will be published in the spring.

One plan under discussion within the Government is to use the new Marine Bill, which is already pledged for this legislative session, to speed through coastal access.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is worried that havens for rare wild birds such as redshank, peregrine falcon, little tern and ringed plover, which like to breed on cliffs, mudflats and coastal marshes, could be harmed by disturbance from visitors.

Sue Armstrong Brown, the RSPB’s head of countryside conservation, made clear that it would support this access only if Natural England kept to its guarantee to keep the path from these sensitive sites. She said that the rare bird species were already in decline and would react badly to the presence of people near their nests.

Landowners and farmers are also incensed that they will have to foot the bill to improve the recreation of the nation without anything in return.

There are no plans to compensate owners for giving up the private rights on their land. Sir Martin Doughty, chairman of the Natural England board, believes that a system of grants to land managers for environ-mental improvements around the coast may be a better solution. Such grants might not, however, apply to someone who owns a private beach.

David Fursdon, president of the Country Land and Business Association, insisted yesterday that compensation should be paid if owners lost out from the new right of access. He supported the concept of a coastal route rather than the blanket right to roam on all beaches and foreshore suggested last year but said: “There must be a presumption of compensation paid where a loss is shown.”

He was also sceptical about the estimated £5 million-a-year implementation costs over the next decade and suggested that it was “optimistic”.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors also spoke out about a lack of compensation and gave warning that this new access might damage sensitive wildlife habitats and other important environ-mental land.

Brian Berry, the institution’s head of public policy, said: “Unbridled public access could have a detrimental impact on sensitive enironmental coastal areas threatening the biodiversi-ty so valued by the public. It’s also very concerning that Natural England has ruled out any compensation to landowners. Given that property values are likely to fall, the decision not to compensate seems punitive and draconian.”

Natural England is determined that local communities will play a vital role in mapping out the route and it wishes to include many headlands, view-points and beaches provided they are safe and clearly signed.

The Ramblers’ Association is pleased with the plan but does not wish local authorities to take charge of the paths. Many councils have a poor record of keeping footpaths clear even though it is their legal duty.

On the wishlist

Beauty spots ramblers would like to visit

- The private beach along the Beaulieu river, owned by the Beaulieu Estate in Hampshire

- Burgh Island, a private beach and hotel in Devon

- The Norfolk coast between King’s Lynn and Hunstanton

- The Essex coast from Harwich to Walton-on-the-Naze

- The beach at Osborne House, Isle of Wight, owned by English Heritage

- A three-mile stretch from Bosham Hoe to Oldpark Wood on Chichester Harbour, West Sussex

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