Ask your MP to support better access to the outdoors for all

Despite the progress CROW enabled, too many people still face barriers to accessing nature, and the need for improved, more inclusive access has never been clearer.

In the run-up to CROW's 25th anniversary, the BMC - alongside other outdoor organisations - is inviting MPs to a drop-in briefing in Parliament. This is a chance for them to hear directly from the outdoor community about what government can do now to expand and strengthen access and to discuss the recent finds of Outdoors For All: Recommendations For Government by the APPG for Outdoor Recreation and Access to Nature.

For climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers, access to nature is fundamental - its how reach the environments our activities are reliant upon. But many practical barriers remain, from obstructed paths to limits on responsible activities such as wild camping.

READ: What is the Countryside Rights of Way (CROW) Act?

The APPG's report sets out clear, achievable steps to fix these issues but progress depends on political will. It's important that MPs hear directly from our members, a strong message from constituents will help ensure that access is taken seriously and that the recommendations are acted on.

Among the report’s 40 recommendations are 10 headline proposals, including:

• Removing physical barriers such as stiles and locked gates within five years.
• Overhauling the Countryside Code to reflect modern recreation and promote responsible access.
• An Access to Nature Investment Strategy to support maintenance and improvements to the rights of way network.
• New statutory rights to responsible access across more landscapes, including riversides, inland waters and woodlands.
• Extending access rights to a wider range of activities, including wild camping, paddling and swimming.
• Recognising access to nature as a statutory public health responsibility, through changes to the Health and Social Care Act.

Dr Catherine Flitcroft, Head of Access and Environment at the BMC, said:

“Access to nature isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for our health, wellbeing and connection to the natural world. By opening up more land and routes for outdoor recreation, and equipping people with the skills, confidence and opportunities to enjoy them, we can build a healthier nation while fostering future custodians of our landscapes. However, the achieve this we need the support of to provide ambitious new legislation to expand everyone’s access to green and blue spaces."

What can you do?

To ensure MPs attend the briefing and hear why action is needed, we’re asking members to contact their MP with a short personal invitation. It only takes a few minutes and it’s one of the most effective ways to make sure access remains firmly on the political agenda.

• Find your MP's contact details on the parliament website
• Send them a short email or letter inviting them to the drop-in session. We've provided some example text below, which you can adapt, but you also might like to include some local context about the importance of access in your area:

Dear [MP’s name],

I’m writing as your constituent [insert your postcode] and a supporter of the British Mountaineering Council to ask you to attend an upcoming drop-in briefing about improving public access to nature, to mark the 25th anniversary of the passing of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.

When: Tuesday 25 November, 10am–12pm

Where: Portcullis House, Room U

The session will bring together the British Mountaineering Council and other access organisations to discuss how the Government can help everyone enjoy the benefits of nature. You can also have your photo taken with 'I support outdoors for all' placards - a ready-made social media moment. I hope you’ll be able to come along and show your support for improving public access. Thank you.