Ramblers’ Association celebrate two years of the right to roam
30-10-07
Ramblers Association (RA) chief executive has praised walkers’
“respect and love for the countryside” on the 2nd anniversary of
the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CROW), that has seen
walkers enjoy 750,000 hectares (1) of open countryside that was
previously forbidden to them.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act, which was fully
implemented on October 31st 2005, granted a legal right of
on-foot access to mountain, moor, heath, down and common land
around England and Wales for the first time to the British
public. This freedom to roam was granted largely due to an 80
year campaign by the Ramblers’ Association.
The act specifically excluded domestic spaces, farmland and
gardens while protecting privacy and allowing sensible
provisions for conservation and land management. Although a
restrictions process was put in place to allow landowners to
close off their land for up to 28 days at a time, few have taken
advantage of it. There has been little or no need for
restriction provisions for wildlife.
RA chief executive, Tom Franklin, comments: “The CRoW Act has
enshrined on the statute books a genuine freedom to roam. It is
based on a very simple, democratic principle – that every
citizen of our country, no matter who or what they are, where
they come from or how much money they have, should be able to
walk freely over the open country, mountain and moorland that
forms such an important part of the landscape of our islands.”
The RA is encouraging walkers to use their new access rights,
and explore the previously unmapped open land: Tom Franklin
comments: “We are urging people, now, to put on their shoes and
boots and delight in exploring this beautiful land that we
fought so hard to gain access to.”
The RA, the biggest charity in the UK working for walkers, is
also calling for a legal right of access to Britain’s coastline,
comprising a broad coastal corridor that includes provisions for
the protection of privacy and the enhancement of biodiversity.
Tom Franklin comments: “Despite predications to the contrary the
right to roam has been implemented smoothly. What is needed now
is a bold plan for opening up access to the coast to ensure a
rejuvenation of coastal towns which is badly needed. The
implementation of CROW has proved that people cherish the land
they walk on; they will apply the same attitude of respect to
the coast.”
Notes to Editors
(1) In total, CROW covered 936,000 hectares of access land, some
of which – such as common land – was previously available.
The Ramblers’ Association (RA) is the largest and most effective
organisation in Britain representing walkers’ interests. The RA
is a registered charity that promotes walking and improves
conditions for everyone who walks in England, Scotland and
Wales.
The Ramblers’ Association:
• Was established over 70 years ago
• Has nearly 140,000 members
• Offers around 500 led walks each week across England, Scotland
and Wales
• Has over 50 20s-30s Groups across Britain.
Walking facts:
• Walking is the closest activity to perfect exercise, the most
sustainable means of transport, and Britain’s most popular
outdoor recreation.
• 77% of UK adults say they walk for pleasure at least once a
month.
• Unlike going to the gym, walking is a free, low impact,
natural exercise.
• 78% of all journeys under one mile are made on foot, and
walking is still the biggest means of accessing public
transport.
• Walking one mile burns about 100 calories
• Regular walking reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by
up to 50%.
• More walking could save £7billion off the National Health
bill.