Right of Way or access

[Phoebe09]

Hi, my house stands next to farm fields with a hedge separating my property from the fields. For over 40 years my parents had a gate inserted through the hedge into the field which has a public footpath running through it. The farmer was aware of the gate and never raised an objection. The farmer has only cut this hedge once in at least 20 years and my Dad always cut it himself until he was unable to then he paid a firm to cut it at his own expense. He obtained the farmers permission to cut the farm side of the fence as long as the cuttings were removed. He needed to go through the gate to do this. 3 years ago I inherited the house and moved into it. Last year the farmers grandson came and blocked of the gate with hedging and wire fencing without any word to myself. This means I can still cut the hedge my side but not the height. The hede is now very high and untidy. Do I have any rights? Any advice welcome