Highway authorities have a duty to make sure that their Definitive Map is as complete and accurate as possible. It is known that - in common with the position in many other counties - many of Suffolk's historic rights of way have not yet been put on the Map.
The County Council has an on-going programme of investigation of claimed public rights of way and as a result, there is a steady stream of paths being added to the Map when the case has been proved.
Over the last few decades, our former Area Footpaths Secretary John Andrews made hundreds of such applications backed up by historical evidence such as early maps, Inclosure Awards, tithe records, court records, Inland Revenue valuation records, etc. Many of these have been successful, some following long drawn-out legal battles. The Register of applications currently with the SCC (with supporting documents) can be viewed by following the link at:
http://www.suffolkpublicrightsofway.org.uk/registers/definitive-map-modification-order-register/
However, unless the current provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 200 are changed, the process of mapping historic routes will come to end in January 2026 - on which date most rights of way that have not been put on the Map will be legally extinguished. Further information about this can be seen at:
http://www.ramblers.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/dont-lose-your-way-2026.aspx
The Suffolk Area branch of the Ramblers' Association is closely involved with this process and keen to make sure that all historic rights of way are safely 'on the Map' by that date.
Applications to modify the Definitive Map can also be based on recent user evidence where dedication by the land-owner can be implied. Applications of this kind will not be affected by the 2026 cut-off date.
If you know of any routes that are not on the map which you believe to be public rights of way - please contact the Area Footpaths Secretary, Jim Richards. e-mail: