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We are pressing the government for early legislation for access, and have written to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, following his enthusiastic words about the value of walking and contact with nature.
Photograph of Beacon Hill, open-access land near Chequers in Bucks. Photo: Open Spaces Society
Says Kate Ashbrook, our general secretary: ‘We were encouraged to hear that the Prime Minister loves to go for a walk on his own, to clear his head and be out there in nature. Thousands of others, all over Britain, feel the same, which is why we are anxious that this government should get on with legislating for greater freedom to enjoy the countryside and urban green spaces, and to protect and improve public paths.
‘We have written to the Prime Minister to remind him that his government’s Environment Improvement Plan contains the vital commitment to ensure that everyone can enjoy access to green or blue space within a 15-minute walk from home, and that we need legislation in the near future—while there is time in this parliament.
‘We have also suggested that from Chequers he might enjoy a walk on nearby Beacon Hill with its magnificent views, where, thanks to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 enacted by a previous Labour government, we can enjoy freedom to roam. We very much hope he can find an opportunity to go there,’ says Kate.
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Text of letter from the Open Spaces Society to the Prime Minister.
Dear Prime Minister
Going for a walk
We were encouraged by your words, quoted in The Observer (7 December): ‘Going for a walk on your own and clearing your head, being out there with nature, is something I really enjoy. The peace, quiet, taking in a wider world—I’ve always loved it.’
Thousands of others, all over Britain, feel as you do, and your government’s Environment Improvement Plan contains the vital commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to green or blue spaces within a 15-minute walk from home.
At Chequers you have just such access to the adjacent Beacon Hill with its magnificent views. There is also a public footpath leading to the hill. This is thanks to laws enacted by previous Labour governments: the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 which established permanent footpaths and bridleways in the country, and the 2000 Countryside and Rights of Way Act which enabled public access to open country such as Beacon Hill.
We anxiously await similar progressive action by your ministers. We know that we have their sympathy but this must be translated into legislation in the near future—while there is time in this parliament.
Naturally, as a campaigning charity (the oldest national conservation body), we are lobbying for greater access, and we are encouraged by your words to believe that your government will take the necessary steps to achieve this.
And we hope that you will find an opportunity to enjoy the peace, quiet, and wider world from the top of Beacon Hill next time you are at Chequers.
I am releasing this letter to the media.
With our very best wishes for good walking.