Don’t let your vote at a general election be the only time your voice is heard! 

Our research has found that there is, on average, a stile at every mile on public paths across England. We know from talking to people like you that this stops many, many people from getting the most out of walking – and that’s why we are calling for transformational Access to Nature Bill for England.

Everyone should be able to enjoy walking on public paths, so if something is stopping you or someone you know, make sure your MP knows about it. 

Here’s how you can take action.  
 

5 simple steps: how to write to your MP 
 

1. Find your MP’s contact details 

Visit the UK Parliament website to find the name of your local MP as well as their contact details. As one of their constituents, you can write to them at their constituency office.   
 

2. Start your letter by introducing yourself 

Make it clear you live in their constituency. MPs are more likely to respond when they know the person writing to them is one of their constituents.  
 

3. Share the issue and make it personal 

Tell them how the issue you’re writing to them about affects you, or someone you know. To introduce the issue, you could mention the Ramblers and our research into the number of stiles on public paths, but it’s personal experience that will make your letter stand out.   

One of our volunteers recently shared two stories that helped him better understand the importance of replacing stiles with more accessible options. Stories like these are powerful: 

• “When my friend David’s wife passed away, he wanted to start walking again, so I devised a little walk near him and took him out one evening. There was one stile halfway out, which I helped him over. Later when I suggested he start going out a few times a week, he said to me, “oh, I wouldn’t tackle that stile on my own.” 

• “John and his wife used to do a lot of walking. When his wife was diagnosed with dementia, he carried on taking her out for walk until she could no longer remember how to get over a stile.” 

These seemingly small obstacles often have big consequences, but with actions from our MPs, things can change. 
 

4. Be constructive 

If you can, suggest a simple fix to the problem you’re writing to them about, such as replacing a stile with a gate. You might also want them to begin highlighting the wider need for more accessible paths. And then… 
 

5. End with a specific request 

In England, the Ramblers is proposing an Access to Nature Bill that tackles many of the barriers stopping people fully enjoy the outdoors. Please do ask them to support this Access to Nature Bill – tying this back to your personal experiences is always powerful.

You could also ask them to raise the wider issue in parliament or write to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.   

Do share any emails you send, and any feedback from your MP, to the team at campaigns@ramblers.org.uk.

 

Why it matters 

Every email, every letter makes a difference.  

Writing to your MP might sound complicated at first, but it’s actually one of the simplest and most powerful ways you can make change happen. If a number of an MP’s constituents raise similar concerns, that issue will be placed firmly on the MP’s radar. 

Take some time to write to your MP today. Share your story and help break down the barriers that stop people enjoying the outdoors.