I doubt very much that this issue is entirely straightforward at all. It might be little more than ingrained British stubbornness.
Stubborn or not, sooner or later, the expectations of the greater community are brought to bear; from dilapidations to rights of way.
From the news recently;
Locally a dog walker 'mauled', but no action was taken as she was on 'private property'.
Slightly further afield, a man was killed by a bull while using a right-of-way. Charges pending, the animal has been put-down...
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Man-killed-bull-footpath-attach/story-12039837-detail/story.html#axzz2c7XaICxz