Shooting UK: closing a right of way

Ok, in oreder to close a right of way (I take it its a footpath) you need to inform the local council about 6 weeks prior to your intended closure. They will advertise the fact you want to close it so the local ramblers association or anyone else can object. You should then be able to close it. If its a road, forget it. If the area comes under the Contryside Rights of Way Act (CROW) you need to register with the Gov. Department who look after such things and then go through the process with them.

It's a lot easier to call the local Plod Station and tell them what you are doing, hang a couple of signs at either end of the footpath that your shooting over and stick a whistle on a bit of string so anyone who wishes to pass along can blow it so you are aware they are there and can stop shooting. In general, most people are ok with pest control, especially if you meet them and have a bit of banter with them (preferably not whilst holding a gun in your hand!)

Your signs should be clearly visable, of a decent size (A3) and laminated. Put something like:

Pest Control In Progress to Protect Livestock

Please Blow Whistle Prior to Passing this Sign

Many Thanks.

There are, I believe, ways to put an emergency closure in place, but it's not really required if you take reasonable steps to protect and inform any walkers. I would not suggest you do it if its a bridleway and is used a lot. If it is, its better to go down the official route.

Further information can be found on your local council's website and nature england's website.

Hope this helps, Good luck!