A rare positive from the Blair government ,it may never have happened were it not for the exteme actions of landowners during the foot and mouth crisis .
It has led to a marked improvement in relationships between walkers /climbers and gamekeepers , but landowners are getting around it by various methods . Extensive use of electric fencing with limited entry points (easily jumped/circumvented but it will keep out a significant proportion ), greater signage asking to avoid entry even when no stalking or shooting is taking place , introducing or applying for the introduction of some "dangerous " animals like buffalo and thus stopping access due to the dangers , unless accompanied by a gamekeeper etc . It's not all great , but pretty good .