A Welsh farmer has argued that those looking to put on their walking boots and head to the countryside should be made to pass a test before being allowed do so, in order to show they can avoid causing problems for livestock.

In comments reported by the Daily Post, chairman of the Black Mountains Graziers Association Neville Powell said: "Just as people need to be educated before they walk on the roads, they should be educated before they are allowed to have access to the countryside."

He claimed that the Countryside Rights of Way act had allowed people access to areas where their behaviour could have a detrimental effect on livestock.

Mr Powell also suggested that walkers should be obliged to make a financial contribution towards the upkeep of footpaths such as the Offa's Dyke path - which runs through the Black Mountains and marks the border between England and Wales in places.

The Centre for Mountain Studies is currently carrying out a survey of hill walkers to establish whether they would be prepared to make mandatory payments towards the upkeep of upland paths.

Posted by Dan Mirza