Private landowners need not worry about the Ombudsman’s proposals on rambling trails, aimed at regulating this recreational activity, Commissioner for Environment David Pace has assured.
During a meeting with hunter representatives, Mr Pace said the proposals “in no way hinted” that private landowners would be forced to allow passageways for rambling through their properties.
Private property owners’ rights, including any rights related to private footpaths leading to privately owned land, will not be affected and access to these areas will be up to the owners.
According to the Ombudsman’s proposals, landowners will grant access to their properties at their own discretion, knowing that the presence of rambler groups will serve as a deterrent against vandalism.
The recommendation was made in a report presented in August to Speaker Anġlu Farrugia by Ombudsman Anthony Mifsud and Mr Pace. It was based on a series of meetings with the Ramblers’ Association of Malta, which flagged regular difficulties when trying to access parts of the countryside.
Malta’s circumstances could be unique, as it is probably the only EU country without proper delineation between public and private land
The report noted that Malta’s circumstances could be unique, as it was probably the only EU country without proper delineation between public and private land. Consequently, the Ombudsman suggested drawing up a legislative framework.
But the report, called Access to the Countryside: The Right to Ramble, was followed by concerns from the Federation for Hunting and Conservation. Consequently, the Commissioner for the Environment asked to meet with FKNK officials.
The commissioner explained that, as stated in the report, the rambling trail network would focus on public land and private landowners would only join the network at their own discretion.
He also said that the report highlighted the need for mutual respect of usage rights for the open countryside.
Both parties said in a joint statement that the countryside was getting smaller and with the increased diversity in leisure outdoor activities, pressure was increasing for multiple uses on public land.
The scheme proposed would ensure control to access in the interest of safety, biodiversity conservation and better land management, they added.
Meanwhile, the FKNK representatives and Mr Pace also discussed better demarcation signage of private and public land, and the effect of the Public Domain Act on the rights of private ownership.