A FARMER is being investigated for allegedly ploughing a field in a bid to stop ramblers walking across it.

The land on a farm in East Meon had been earmarked by the Countryside Agency for open access to ramblers.

But walking groups were horrified to discover the downland had been dug up, preventing them from walking across it.

Spokesman for the Hampshire Ramblers Association, Owen Plunkett said: "We were shocked to hear this news.

"This looks like one of many cases across the country where land has been illegally ploughed to avoid it being mapped for access.

"The route was along beautiful downland that was rich in a number of species. The routes are not allowed to be mapped over land being used for agricultural purposes which is what the farmer is trying to turn the field into."

The group brought the situation to the attention of the Department of Food and Rural Affairs, who have ordered the farmer cease ploughing the field until the case is properly investigated.

A spokeswoman for Defra confirmed action had been taken over the site at Stoniland Farm that is owned by J and K Walther.

She said: "A stop notice has been served on the farmer until a thorough investigation can take place into whether there has been a breach of Defra regulations.

"Whenever someone decides to change the use of land, permission must be sought from Defra and it appears that hasn't been done in this case.

"There are penalties for breaching regulations particularly if there are implications for nature conservation which can include convictions and fines."

The HRA is now calling on Defra to take firm action.

Mr Plunkett said: "The Countryside Agency has only identified a small amount of land in Hampshire on their draft maps, so to have even those taken away is awful.

"We can only hope that this land near East Meon can be restored. Defra must act firmly to prevent further acts of this type."

A spokesman for J and K Walther said that the actions were part of "company policy" but declined to comment further.