Landowner faces villagers in right-to-roam row

Residents of Adisham, near Canterbury, Kent, claim to have enjoyed the beauty of rare plants and birds on the tracks for more than 20 years, therefore giving them a legal right to ramble freely.

The picturesque area is believed by locals to have been trodden by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, subject of a collection of stories by the 14th century author Chaucer.

But villagers face opposition in their battle for public access from landowner and former stockbroker Timothy Steel, who disputes their claim to have enjoyed the rich flora and fauna of his land for 20 years.

At the start of a three-day public inquiry, it was disclosed that Mr Steel, who has owned most of the land since 2001, believes granting public access to the woods could harm it as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and its woodland management.

The area is home to several orchid varieties plus butterflies, insects and birds, including the green woodpecker, the willow warbler and the grey partridge.

There are also said to be a range of soil types present, two of which are considered nationally rare, while the ground fauna is described as "very rich".

Mr Steel, former vice chairman of stockbroker Cazenove, listened as opening statements were read at Adisham Church of England Primary School.

Maria McLauchlan, public rights of way definition officer at Kent County Council, said Natural England was consulted as part of the investigation and raised no objection to granting public access rights to the three footpaths and a bridleway.

"Therefore the recording of these rights should not make any difference to the woodland management and the SSSI. In any event, this is not a relevant consideration," she told the inquiry.

The hearing continues.