New research from the Ramblers shows overwhelming public support for access to nature yet millions of Brits are being locked out of nature by a “shameful web of barriers”.

 

The Ramblers is accusing governments of failing to support and grow Britain’s love of walking outdoors, with a new poll finding that 84% of adults think access to nature should be a basic right. 

The charity says decades of political inaction has led to far too many blocked and unusable paths, missing signs and a shocking lack of access to green space – sometimes leaving entire communities without the chance to enjoy healthy walks from their doorstep. 

Tom Platt at the Ramblers said: “People across Britain overwhelmingly believe that access to nature should be a basic right, yet for millions it remains out of reach due to a shameful web of barriers.  

“Local paths are lifelines. They connect people with green space, fresh air, and better mental and physical health. Right now, we need those things more than ever, which is why we’re launching our new Access Denied campaign to mobilise our hundreds of thousands of supporters to call for urgent political action.” 

 
A nation divided from nature  

The charity highlights how stark inequalities across each nation in Britain means millions of people can’t enjoy a simple walk in nature. 

• In England, more than 1 in 4 adults don’t have green space within 15 minutes’ walk.  
• In Scotland, the wealthiest communities have access to twice as many paths as the least well-off communities. ​  
• In Wales, half of all paths are blocked, not signposted or both.  

The Ramblers has today launched its new campaign, Access Denied, calling on governments to tear down the obstacles preventing people from walking in nature to address these inequalities. 

 
Lack of access to nature isn’t just unfair, it’s unhealthy 

Having easy access to nature is increasingly recognised as a simple and free way to improve public health and wellbeing. Walking outdoors is linked to improved mental health, physical fitness and reduced stress, yet the communities that would benefit most are often those with the least access. 

Research consistently shows that people living in more deprived areas are less likely to have access to nearby green spaces. At the same time, research by the Health Foundation shows an average gap of 19 years in healthy life expectancy between the most and least deprived areas in England, Scotland and Wales.  

 
Different nations, same story of inequality  

The Ramblers Access Denied campaign brings together testimonies from across England, Wales and Scotland, that reveal a striking patchwork of inequality across Great Britain, showing how access to nature varies dramatically depending on where you live.  

Jane, in Brynmawr, Wales said, “The countryside is so close, yet it feels impossible to reach it safely on foot. Without accessible, signposted local paths, walking stops being spontaneous and becomes more of an effort. And because of that, all of us are doing it less.” 

For Eliza, from Glasgow’s southside, walking close to home was an important part of recovery from Lymes disease “In early years of my recovery, I didn’t really know how to start walking again. I didn’t feel confident, and having a good path became a big deal. I simply couldn’t walk off into muddy or steep terrain…I really notice how a big percentage of people in cities don’t have easy access to local green spaces. I feel like governments should invest more in paths and access, as people shouldn’t feel confined by where they live.”  

Carmella-Khadijah, in Slough, England added: “It’s not that we lack places to walk, but there’s a lack of awareness of where we can walk. And the problem is you need a car to get there. Some of the local green spaces are not very nice… they should be improved”  

The Ramblers say stories like these are becoming increasingly common, as decades of path issues mount up. A lack of investment means path blockages can take years to clear, missing signage is never replaced, and the places where people love to walk are becoming more and more inaccessible.   

Platt continued: “Access to nature isn’t a luxury. It’s a right. That’s why we are fighting to end years of neglect of Britain’s path network and make the right to access nature a reality for every community.” 

Add your voice to the Ramblers campaign.