Call for open space champions
We have launched our 2013 Open Space Award and are calling for nominations for open space champions. We want to encourage nominations for projects which support our aims to protect, increase, enhance and champion common land, town and village greens, open spaces and public rights of way in England and Wales, and the public’s right…
Read More
Government failing in ambition to be ‘greenest ever’
The Coalition Government is failing on its own commitments to Britain’s natural environment: that’s the public’s view from a survey organised by Wildlife and Countryside Link (Link), a coalition of 39 leading environmental charities. Of those surveyed, less than a quarter (23%) think the Government is doing enough to protect our landscapes and wildlife—on land…
Read More
Herne Bay Downs set to become a village green
The Downs at Herne Bay in Kent are set to be registered as a village green. An inspector, appointed by Kent County Council, has recommended to the council that the land be registered. The application was made by Phil Rose of the Friends of the Downs in September 2009. Because the landowner, Canterbury City Council,…
Read MorePopular Plympton path to be closed
We are dismayed that Plympton St Mary footpath 2, which runs through the grounds of the Ridgeway School, is to be closed. A public inquiry into the closure was held last month and the inspector, Mr Paul Dignan, ruled in favour of Plymouth City Council which wanted to close the path. The school and the…
Read MoreWe help to save Somerset paths
We have helped save two public footpaths at Oake Manor golf course, near Taunton in Somerset, from being moved to inferior routes. Our local correspondent Paul Partington was among the objectors at a hearing last month. The inspector’s decision, refusing the path changes, was issued last week. The existing routes run from Oake Manor in…
Read MoreDismay at threat to mid-Wales beauty spot
We are dismayed that parts of the beautiful Eppynt Commons in Powys are advertised for sale ‘with some potential for wind-farm development’. The commons form part of an extensive ridge of high ground to the north of the Brecon Beacons National Park, south of Builth Wells. More than 2,500 acres, comprising four commons with over…
Read More
Government’s plans for village greens a kick in the teeth for localism
We have slated the government’s plans for town and village greens in the Growth and Infrastructure Bill as ‘a kick in the teeth for localism’. We are calling on Members of Parliament to speak against clause 13 of the Growth and Infrastructure Bill which is due for second reading in the House of Commons soon.…
Read More
OSS on BBC Countryfile
The society was featured on BBC One Countryfile on 11 November, arguing that the government’s proposed changes to village-greens law in the Growth and Infrastructure Bill are over the top, and will kill off genuine applications as well as dealing with vexatious ones. You can watch the programme here.
Read More
Changes to village green law will not fit the bill
The excessive measures in the Growth and Infrastructure Bill to change the law on registering land as a town or village green should be reconsidered. So say the Open Spaces Society and the Campaign to Protect Rural England who, among others, are campaigning to amend clause 13 of the Bill. Without changes, the Bill would…
Read MoreCrystal Palace campaigners win right to appeal
We are delighted that our member the Crystal Palace Community Association (CPCA) has been granted permission to appeal against the High Court ruling that the unique, Bromley Council owned, Crystal Palace Park can be sacrificed for commercial development. The CPCA’s case for an appeal was heard before Lord Justice Lewison on 31 October. He found…
Read More