[piroque]

Read all the article :

It is a criminal offense to disrupt or damage the dyke, which is designated a ‘scheduled ancient monument’ because of its historical significance. Anyone caught doing so can be punished with six months in jail or a £5,000 fine.

[WayneS]

Please recall that I made the following caveat in my comment: "...IF no easements/rights of way to protect the ‘dyke’ were in place..."

In the United States, areas subject to such a law would be clearly indicated on a Plat and described in a Deed. I am not sure whether or not this is also the case in the UK. If it is not, then I would be interested in knowing how a property owner is supposed to know whether is property meets some 'historic' criteria.

Finally, I am always suspicious of the fairness and/or validity of any law which is in any way based on a status 'awarded' by UNESCO.