Access to forest land would be at risk under the Public Bodies Bill, say campaigners
Twelve organisations representing outdoor enthusiasts today voiced their opposition to legislation that could cut public access to the English countryside.
The joint statement from representative groups including walkers, mountaineers, horse riders and other outdoor sports enthusiasts, said the Public Bodies Bill would give ministers the power to alter fundamentally the nature of organisations such as national parks and the Forestry Commission.
The bill, currently passing through the House of Lords would, they said, undermine public access and conservation.
The British Mountaineering Council, the Ramblers, Open Spaces Society, Long Distance Walkers’ Association, Disabled Ramblers and the Campaign for National Parks have been joined by the Sport and Recreation Alliance in condemning provisions in the coalition Government bill that would hand sweeping powers to ministers and put hard-fought-for access at risk.
A joint statement said: “We oppose those elements of the Public Bodies Bill which give Government wide-ranging and unfettered powers to alter the nature and functions of bodies which hold land for the public benefit.
“In particular, we are concerned that the bill allows ministers to alter the national park authorities and the Forestry Commission, both of which own and manage land with a wide range of public benefits and who have, as part of their statutory purposes, a commitment to contribute to the landscape and its biodiversity, and provide good-quality public access opportunities, on foot, horseback and bike.
“The result could be that land which is currently enjoyed by the public is appropriated for some other purpose, or that the quality of its natural features and public access diminishes or is not secured.”
The British Horse Society, National Federation of Bridleway Associations, the Woodland Trust, Trails Trust and the South Pennine Packhorse Trails Trust have also lent their support to the campaign to combat the elements of the bill which they say put access at risk.
