This was a national pilot project developed in partnership with the Countryside Agency.
The Countryside Agency reported that the epidemic was having a devastating effect on the export market and on the agriculture and tourism industries.
Information for walkers is available from the Countryside Agency's help line, (44-845) 100-3298.
The Countryside Agency estimated that over 10% of public paths were not yet listed on the definitive map.
The resulting 176-mile line is not in public ownership, but a path has been established by the Countryside Agency.
They were first created by the Countryside Agency (CA) in a project started in 2001.
The Countryside Agency has since become part of Natural England, who have nominal national responsibility for this scheme.
The project cost around £375,000 and support came from many different sources, including Defra and the Countryside Agency.
There is nothing to stop anyone opening a site and calling it a Country Park, although they might not receive recognition from the Countryside Agency.
They are funded in part by the National Lottery via the Countryside Agency.