Issue 17, March 2007
In this issue
A legal right to roam along England's coast is one step closer! Last week we were pleased to hear Natural England announce that it will advise government to establish an 'access corridor' along the coast of England. Keep up to date with the progress, and keep lobbying your MP!
Our countryside is too often polluted by companies who get away without paying to clean up. You can add your voice to a campaign calling for tight government legislation to control companies and stop the cleaning bill going to the taxpayer.
For those of you who live or work in London, there's a chance to get involved in our pioneering projects that promote walking to local community groups.
And what's so great about a hedgehog?
Landmark decision in coastal access campaign
| We were encouraged to hear last week that Natural England - the independent body set up to advise government - will recommend the establishment of a corridor along the entire length of England's coast with a legal right to roam. |  |
The proposed corridor will be flexible and unmapped so that it can take coastal erosion into account. It will also look to increase biodiversity and to protect landscapes within it.
This is good news but there is some way to ensure these proposals are implemented. You can help the campaign
And why not head out for a walk along a part of the coast you've not yet explored?
Make Polluters Pay
We want companies to take responsibility for the damage they cause to the countryside. We have added our voice to those of other green organisations calling on the government to implement the new Environmental Liability Directive as strongly as possible.
The directive should mean that the polluter pays for the damage they cause to the environment. However, the government is keen to include loopholes which could pass the costs onto the taxpayer as well as excluding some protected sites and species.
- Contact the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) asking them to live up to the ambitious standards needed to protect our countryside. (email eld@defra.gsi.gov.uk, or via use the Friends of the Earth website www.foe.co.uk)
- Read our submission to the government consultation
Londoners, Support others to get walking
 | Two exciting Ramblers projects in South London are working to encourage more walking in local communities. |
"Get Walking...Keep Walking" works with community to demonstrate how walking can be an easy part of daily life. "Little Legs" has the same aim focussing on families with young children.
The Ramblers work by leading a small programme of short walks and by talking to individuals about small changes they can make to walk more.
We are building up our network of Walk Leaders and Walking Ambassadors. If you move around South London, have time during the day on week days, and are interested to get involved, contact freda@ramblers.org.uk to find out more.
Stay safe, support us, win a trip to Monte Carlo!
| UIA is Ramblers' officially endorsed provider of Home, Travel, Motor and Pet insurance. What's more, they pay us £15 for each new home policy taken out or renewed. Other policies also secure a generous donation. Visit www.ramblersinsurance.co.uk and you will receive a 15% discount on home or travel and 5% on motor polices bought online. You can also enter our FREE prize draw to win a luxury weekend in Monte Carlo! |  |
Ramblers Association is an Introducer Appointed Representative of UIA (Insurance Services) Ltd and UIA (Insurance) Ltd which are both authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Last word... a hedgehog!
 | In December we encouraged you to vote in an Environment Agency poll to identify an icon of the countryside. The result's now in, and the winner is....the hedgehog! |
Footpaths made it to number 19 in the poll. The Lake and Peak Districts also featured.
Read more at www.icons.org.uk
