The future of public access – national opportunities…and threats

We face a climate emergency, catastrophic nature loss, rising obesity levels, a mental health crisis and widening health inequalities. Enabling more people to walk and be in contact with nature can help tackle these challenges.The Covid-19 outbreak, and the necessary restrictions on movement and outdoor activity, have brought into sharp focus just how important it is for people to be able to connect with nature as part of their daily lives. 

Whether it’s a city park or a National Park, a local footpath or the England Coast Path, our paths and green spaces encourage people to get outside and get active. They improve our health and happiness and help us relax and unwind. They are where we spend time with family, feel close to nature and connect to our history and heritage. But access to the natural environment for everyone is far from guaranteed. Action at a national level is needed to bring the benefits of nature to more people. That will take political leadership, ambition and investment.

Opportunities and threats

The access rights we enjoy today are founded on laws and policy that have developed over decades. We want to build on these strong foundations to ensure that more people can get outdoors and benefit from the experience. This means being alert to both the opportunities and threats for public access in forthcoming legislation and national policy.