Thousands of children use the camp every year

Right-to-roam legislation that comes into effect next year will give ramblers greater access to the countryside.

But the Countryside Agency told the BBC that the safety of children at the camp will not be compromised.

A rigorous appeal process will ensure restrictions are imposed if necessary, an agency spokeswoman said.

Heath land

The Scout's 250-acre Walesby Camp hosts thousands of children every year.

Scout spokesman Stuart Howells said: "We have over 20,000 young people a year enjoying the facilities but if it is opened up to all and sundry there is no way we can guarantee their safety."

Mrs Cornwall, manager of the agency's mapping project, said: "The agency takes the safety of children very seriously.

"Before the rights come into place, a process will allow people to appeal against access," she said.

The new rights of access in the East of England come into effect in November 2005.

Walesby is on the map because it contains an area of heath land, she said.