Ramblers warn that walkers must not be forgotten by new land management agency [11 November 2003]

Despite their vital role in the recovery of the rural economy post-Foot and Mouth, the nation's millions of walkers are long down the list of priorities for the new integrated land management agency, argues the Ramblers' Association today (11 November 2003) following the Secretary of State Margaret Beckett MP's response to The Haskin's Report. 

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Margaret Beckett MP, spoke of bio-diversity, natural resources protection and landscape in her response to the report but made only token reference to the vital work of providing for public access to the countryside; the creation of national parks; and the importance of rights of way - all of which generate billions for the rural economy. 

Walking is the nation's favourite activity with 77% of the British population walking at least once a month for recreational purposes. An independent report released by the RA in September on the economic and social value of walking in England shows that over 527 million walking trips to the English countryside are made yearly, generating an income of over £6 billion for the rural economy. This has a big impact on the rural job market, with an estimated 250,000 full-time jobs supported by walking. 

Nick Barrett, Chief Executive of the RA said: "The Minister's response highlights our worst fears. We are appealing to her to assure the public that the access to the countryside issues which have been championed by the Ramblers' Association over many decades will be properly delivered by this new body. This is particularly important as several million acres of open countryside are on the verge of attaining a legal "freedom to roam" status from next summer. Any new agency must be committed to increasing and managing public access to the countryside as this is so important to the health and well-being of the nation and a key driver in rural regeneration."

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