It's time for South Downs national park, says Castaway star

Television presenter Ben Fogle has thrown his weight behind a campaign to conclude the long-running saga of the South Downs National Park.Ben, who took over the post of president of the Council for National Parks earlier this month, has added his voice to those calling for a decision on the boundaries of the park.

Union man back at work as TGO bosses do u-turn

Managers at TGO’s publishing company have climbed down in the face of a legal challenge by the National Union of Journalists over the suspension of one of their officers.Newsquest, owners of the outdoors magazine, reinstated Gordon Thomson, deputy father of chapel (workplace representative) after what it claims was a misunderstanding.The reporter was suspended after refusing to obey an order to attend a meeting at which he understood he might have been disciplined, unless he was accompanied by a colleague, as permitted by employment law.

Our uplands are 'neglected and declining'

The United Kingdom’s uplands are in crisis. They are neglected, damaged and in decline. Despite farming dominating land use, its economic benefi...

Campaigners slam footpath ?gold standard?

A pressure group says Cornwall’s grading of footpaths is unacceptable.Despite having a legal obligation to keep footpaths clear, the county council’s new draft access strategy says some paths are ‘not needed for public use’.The Open Spaces Society (OSS), which campaigns for the maintenance of commons and rights of way, fears this designation will lead to the authority turning a blind eye to problems on those paths.

Lowther Hills are venue for mountain marathon

Organisers have revealed the previously secret venue for the Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) – formerly known to generations of masochistic runners and walkers as the KIMM.

Lairig Ghru walker rescued after night search

A walker was rescued after spending a night out in bad weather in the Cairngorms.The Glasgow man was separated from his companion in the Lairig Ghru and the alarm was raised about 7.45pm last night.

Dog walkers told: watch those cows

Authorities have warned dog walkers to take care around cows and calves. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority issued advice to say the animals ...

Cyclists plead not to be forgotten in coastal access campaign

Cyclists are pleading not to be left out of the coastal access campaign.The Cyclists’ Touring Club – the campaigning body for those on two wheels – says the Government’s consultation on creating a coastal access corridor is only aimed at walkers.

Horse riders demand access voice

Horse riders are demanding a voice in future access issues, including the coastal-access campaign.Campaign group the British Horse Society says it is worried the new coastal arrangements, currently nearing their consultation period, will exclude equestrians.