The news story is of permissive access by a previous owner of what is clearly a man-made waterfall in a garden. It is not reasonable to extend any of this to "Anger as Dorset estate withdraws public entry to ‘stunning’ local landmark" though.
The house and estate is believed to have sold quickly. The identity of the new owner has not emerged but a notice saying that “permissive access will be withdrawn as of Monday 2 June 2025” appeared on a fence beside the path.
The Right to Roam campaign has said it will challenge and “defy” the ban.
Nadia Shaikh, from the campaign, said: “Bridehead’s beauty and tranquillity should continue to be accessible to all, not locked away behind estate gates. This landscape is more than just scenery – it’s part of the cultural and natural heritage of Dorset, intertwined with local identity and community life.
“This closure epitomises the precarious nature of public access to the countryside across England. It is part of a growing trend of micro-enclosures and the paywalling of the countryside. The government urgently needs to pass new legislation to protect access to places like Bridehead and extend access to the countryside elsewhere.”
Shaikh said the estate’s history was “deeply tied to colonial exploitation” through the East India Company, adding: “Maintaining public access is a positive step toward accountability, community healing, and celebrating a more inclusive, shared heritage.”
https://forumgarden.com/forums/posting. ... post&f=101
No, it's someone's cultivated manicured garden!
