**
A recent investigation has revealed that a staggering 73% of woodlands in England are inaccessible to the public, raising significant concerns about the availability of green spaces for local communities. The study, conducted by Forest Research, a government-funded organisation, highlights the pressing need for a right-to-roam bill, with campaigners advocating for greater public access to nature.
Access Restrictions in English Woodlands
The findings of the report indicate that most of England’s forests remain off-limits, primarily due to their use for commercial purposes such as pheasant shooting and timber production. Alarmingly, more than a third of the trees listed in the Woodland Trust’s ancient tree inventory are also out of reach for the public. Ancient trees, some of which are over a millennium old, are especially significant and deserve recognition and protection. Yet, many of these remarkable specimens lie within areas that require trespassing to visit.
The Woodland Trust has called for increased public awareness regarding these vital natural resources, stressing the importance of enabling public access to such historically and environmentally significant trees.
The Call for Change
In response to these limitations, campaigners are urging the government to implement a right-to-roam policy similar to that in Scotland, which would permit individuals to explore the countryside freely while ensuring they leave no trace and do not disrupt agricultural activities. However, despite initial commitments from the Labour party to support this initiative, lobbying from landowner groups has led to a retraction of their stance.
Instead of addressing the issue directly, the government has proposed the establishment of nine river walks and three national forests, which critics argue falls short of addressing the widespread lack of access to woodlands.
Planned Mass Trespasses for Public Awareness
To draw attention to this pressing issue, the Right to Roam campaign has organised a series of mass trespasses in woodlands across England, scheduled for March and April. These events, where participants will walk and have picnics in areas typically restricted to the public, aim to highlight the absurdity of the current access limitations. Previous trespasses have occurred in various locations, from woods owned by aristocrats to the grounds of a former Conservative minister’s estate.
Guy Shrubsole, a spokesperson for the Right to Roam campaign, expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “It’s appalling that three-quarters of all the woodland in England is inaccessible. Everyone loves trees, but thousands of woods are off-limits simply because of corporate logging interests or due to a landowner using their woods for pheasant shooting. We need the government to fix this by introducing a new right-to-roam bill in the next King’s Speech this May, and give the people the right to walk in our own woods.”
The Importance of Green Spaces for Wellbeing
The government has set a target for every resident in England to live within a 15-minute walk of accessible green or blue spaces. However, many areas still lack proximity to nature, particularly in urban settings where the availability of green spaces is dwindling due to deregulated planning policies. New legislation allows housing developers to build on protected green areas without the obligation to replace lost natural environments, raising concerns about the future of accessible nature.
Research has demonstrated the crucial role that natural spaces play in mental and physical health. Studies reveal that living near parks or green areas can reduce anxiety and depression by approximately 20%. Conversely, individuals residing more than 800 metres from such spaces reported lower levels of wellbeing, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdowns. The rising unaffordability of homes in nature-rich areas threatens to deepen existing health inequalities, especially for younger generations.
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs stated, “Our countryside and green spaces are a source of great national pride. This government recognises the importance of access to nature and is already taking steps to increase it.”
Why it Matters
The findings of this study underscore a critical gap in access to nature that affects millions of people across England. As urbanisation continues to encroach on green spaces, the call for a right-to-roam bill becomes increasingly urgent. Access to nature is not just a matter of leisure; it is integral to public health and wellbeing. Ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to connect with their natural environment can help combat rising mental health issues and foster a greater appreciation for the country’s rich ecological heritage.
