Archive for July 2023
Right to backpack camp on Dartmoor’s commons confirmed by appeal court
We are delighted that three judges in the court of appeal have unanimously overturned the high court ruling and resolved that there is a right to backpack (wild) camp on Dartmoor’s common land. The full judgment can be read here. The society intervened in the court of appeal to support the Dartmoor National Park Authority…
Read MoreAn update on the Dartmoor backpack-camping appeal
The court of appeal hearing of Dartmoor National Park Authority and Open Spaces Society v Darwall was on 18 July, and can be watched here. Our aim was to overturn the ruling of Sir Julian Flaux in the high court in January that the term ‘open-air recreation’ in section 10 of the Dartmoor Commons Act…
Read MoreMissing piece of Hudnall Common is restored
We are delighted by the decision of Hertfordshire County Council, the commons registration authority, to grant our application to register as common land just under four hectares adjoining the northern boundary of Hudnall Common, Hertfordshire. The land, which is one mile east of Little Gaddesden, comprises trees, ferns and bushy undergrowth and was formerly part…
Read MoreWe slate government for lack of action on public access
‘The Open Spaces Society is often critical of the government’s approach to open access opportunities.’ So said our chairman, Phil Wadey, in his keynote speech our AGM on 6 July. He continued: ‘Back in January, the government announced an environmental improvement plan for England which aspired to having every household no more than “a 15-minutes’…
Read MoreDoughty Diane Andrewes, is elected our vice-president
Our annual general meeting has elected activist Diane Andrewes as one of our vice-presidents. Diane, a resident of Bursledon, south Hampshire, since 1964, has been a member of the society for more than 30 years. She served as a trustee from 1993-1995, 2007-09, and 2012-2018. Diane is a founder member of the Bursledon Rights of…
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