Along with several other organisations, the BMC has written to the Home Office, Ministry of Justice and DEFRA to share our grave concerns about the Government’s proposals to make trespass a criminal, instead of a civil, offence. This could have the potential to change how people access and enjoy the countryside and green spaces. Read more »
Proposals to make ordinary trespass a criminal offence have alarmed outdoor groups, including the BMC. Ahead of a debate in Parliament on the issue and the possibility of Government publishing the Police Powers and Protections Bill, Ed Douglas calls for the Government to think again. Read more »
Guy Shrubsole, writer and activist, reflects on what the Right to Roam act has achieved over the last 20 years and where he thinks the Right could be further extended. Read more »
Happy birthday to the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act! It's been 20 years of being able to legally enjoy a stroll across open access land, up open access hills and mountains and into open country moor, heath and down. But how did this come about and are we satisfied with current access levels? Read on for a bit of history and let us know your thoughts by taking the survey linked at the end. Read more »
In a big win for a key part of a long-running BMC campaign to improve access in Wales, walkers and climbers should be able to freely access coastal areas and sea cliffs as a part of a shake-up of access law recently announced by the Welsh Government. Read more »
The Welsh government has announced a review which could fundamentally change the way hill walkers and climbers experience the countryside in Wales, and could even result in an open access charter similar to the Scottish system. We take a look at what this means. Read more »
A ten-year review of CROW access land in Wales gave the BMC the opportunity to lobby for improved access rights to key climbing and walking sites in Wales. Some significant gains in securing access rights to key sites were achieved. Read more »
In 2011, Natural England decided its National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and similar holdings should be legally dedicated for permanent public access. But after instituting a blanket ban on climbing at Ravensdale in the Peak District, how serious is that commitment? Read more »
The BMC Access team were busier than ever last year influencing policy and fighting for access throughout England and Wales. Check out some of the highlights from 2012 and what we’re planning on your behalf for 2013. Read more »
The access campaigner Benny Rothman has been honoured with a blue plaque on his former home in Timperley, on the outskirts of south Manchester. Ed Douglas went along to watch the unveiling. Read more »
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