BMC backs milestone report calling for urgent reforms on access to nature
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC), as a secretariat member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Recreation and Access to Nature (APPG), has welcomed the launch in Parliament of the group’s landmark report, Outdoors for All: Recommendations to Government on Access to Nature.
The report sets out an ambitious package of reforms to expand, protect and improve access to more blue and green spaces such as woodlands, rivers and downland - while balancing the needs of nature and land managers.
The inquiry heard from more than 750 organisations and individuals and also found strong support for protecting and expanding the public rights of way network. In addition, there was broad agreement on extending access rights to allow more people to enjoy a wider range of activities.
The APPG report highlights ongoing barriers to recreational access, including blocked paths, limited legal access to rivers and woodlands, and uncertainty over activities such as wild camping. One in four people report being unable to use local paths due to blockages or poor maintenance, and only 4% of rivers in England currently have an uncontested right of access.
For those who enjoy climbing, hill walking and mountaineering, these barriers can make it harder to reach crags, hills and mountains and can restrict opportunities for multi-day journeys and activities such as responsible wild camping.
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.
The report also stresses the need for sustained investment and cross-government collaboration to support long-term improvements in outdoor access and participation.
Dr Catherine Flitcroft, Head of Access and Environment at the BMC, said:
“For climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers, access to nature is essential - it’s how we reach the crags, the fells and the mountains. Yet too many barriers remain, from blocked footpaths to restrictions on wild camping. This report provides clear solutions to expand responsible access and ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy our landscapes.
“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. The recommendations from the APPG offer a once-in-a-generation chance to reshape how people access the outdoors.”
Andy McNae MP, Chair of the APPG for Outdoor Recreation and Access to Nature, said:
“The call from the sector is clear: we need ambitious new legislation to expand everyone’s access to green and blue spaces. We have a unique opportunity to build on the legacy left for us by previous Labour Governments, who have always sought to ensure that we can all enjoy Britain’s natural beauty. This not only means opening up new landscapes and waterways for responsible recreation but breaking down the physical and cultural barriers that prevent people, particularly those less physically able, from enjoying them. With the sector behind us, we can transform how the whole country enjoys nature for generations to come.”
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC), Paddle UK and The Ramblers, acting as the Secretariat for the APPG, worked together to fund and facilitate the inquiry.
Read the report in full: ‘The Outdoors For All: Recommendations for Government on Access to Nature’
Related Content
Hill Walking Event Walks
This social walk from Edale will take in Mam Tor, Rushup Edge, Brown Knoll, Southern edge of Kinder and Grindslow Knoll. For the baggers amongst you we’ll be visiting two trigs and four Ethels!
Rock Climbing
Access improvements, funded by the BMC's Access & Conservation Trust mean the new owners can reignite the popular MassonFest, a 'weekend of dry tooling fun' scheduled for 17-19 October 2025.
Midland Area Walks
You are invited to join a peer-led walk, hosted by West Bromwich Mountaineering Club, with member, John Edwards, guiding the route. This social walk, which is part of the club’s annual evening program of walks and will explore an area of surviving greenery in the Black Country, before concluding with enjoying the (by the time we arrive) illuminated view of the Black Country and Birmingham, from the top of Sedgley Beacon. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable evening walk and for those who can stay on for a little while, drinks at the Beacon Hotel afterwards.
North Cymru Walks
You are invited to join a peer-led walk, hosted and guided by BMC North Wales Area volunteer Owain Tomos. This social walk along the spectacular Nantlle Ridge will delve into the area’s rich and layered heritage — from ancient Celtic mythology and medieval Welsh literature to the deep-rooted history of slate quarrying that once defined life in the valley.
North Cymru Walks
You are invited to join a peer-led walk, hosted and guided by BMC North Wales Area volunteer Owain Tomos. This social walk along the spectacular Nantlle Ridge will delve into the area’s rich and layered heritage — from ancient Celtic mythology and medieval Welsh literature to the deep-rooted history of slate quarrying that once defined life in the valley.
Hill Walking Event Walks
You are invited to join a peer-led walk, hosted by BMC Peak Area volunteers.
Lakes Area Walks
Join us for a walk in the Lake District and learn how to read the rocks beneath our feet to tell the story of our geological history, and discover how it has influenced the environment.
Access News
Today, the All Party Parliamentary Group for Outdoor Recreation and Access to Nature has launched a Call for Evidence to examine how to allow more people to access the outdoors.
Performance News
20 GB Paraclimbing greats took to the wall in Innsbruck, showcasing skill, strength and tenacity in the second World Cup of the 2025 series.
Indoor Climbing
Don't let a rainy day stop play. Indoor climbing is great for children's mental and physical health, and helps them develop important life skills. Here are our top tips for taking the kids to the climbing wall...
Indoor Climbing
What does it take to set a championship climbing event? We caught up with professional route setter Zoë to find out.
Rock Climbing Articles
Fairy Cave Quarry requires access through a gate with a combination lock. Here's how climbers can gain access to the quarry.
Mountaineering Destinations
Triglav (2,864m) is Slovenia’s highest mountain and a symbolic peak in the Julian Alps, appearing on both the country’s coat of arms and flag and giving its name - meaning “three-headed” - to the surrounding Triglav National Park.
Indoor Climbing News
BMC members can save money when using Graystone Action Centre in central Manchester.
Rock Climbing News
With the help from Chris Bonington and other legendary climbers, the BMC has reached an agreement with the Isle of Wight National Trust about rock climbing access at Skeleton Ridge on The Needles.
Access & Conservation
Last week, the Senedd in Cardiff passed the Legislation (Procedure, Publication and Repeals) (Wales) Bill, effectively removing the threat of thousands of unrecorded footpaths being lost across Wales.
Access & Conservation
After lobbying from BMC Peak Area Access Reps and others, DEFRA has ruled that the landowner must now comply with an existing enforcement notice requiring them to remove a plastic matting track on Midhope Moor.
Indoor Climbing Gear
Assisted braking devices are a firm favourite among sport climbers, offering an extra layer of confidence when belaying, but they're not infallible. Here are some top tips for choosing and using an assisted braking device...
Indoor Climbing News
From May 1st 2025, there’s now three different ways BMC members can save money when climbing at The Foundry Climbing Centre.
Mountaineering Articles
Ski mountaineering — or SkiMo for short — will make its Olympic debut at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. As qualification heats up and the GB SkiMo Squad progress through the ranks, here’s a look at what the sport involves, what shape it will take in the Winter Olympics and the ones to watch…
Indoor Climbing
Get to know the team behind GB Climbing's champions
Hill Walking Event Walks
Join us for a social walk that will explore high, open moorland above Kielder Water. This walk is led by BMC North East Area volunteer, Louise Feeley.
Hill Walking News
With the Easter Bank Holiday approaching and more people than ever heading to the hills, the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is echoing a vitally important message from Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW): be prepared, be informed, and don’t rely on your phone alone.
Indoor Climbing Learn
V-grade, French or Font? Have indoor grades got you scratching your head? Here's an overview of what to expect at the wall...
Hill Walking Event Walks
You are invited to join a peer-led walk, hosted and led by BMC member and North West volunteer, Nick Howard. This social walk will explore Upper Rivington Reservoir before returning to Great House Barn Cafe car park. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors.
Access News
Yr Wyddfa, one of the UK’s most treasured mountain landscapes, is under threat. Single use pollution has accumulated in its gullies, damaging the fragile ecosystem and endangering rare species.
Mountaineering News
Over 60 climbers from 20 countries took to the Scottish hills from 2-7 March for the first International Winter Meet since 2020. Organised by Mountaineering Scotland in partnership with the BMC, The Scottish Mountaineering Club and The Alpine Club, the event paired visiting climbers with hosts to share knowledge, exchange skills and form international friendships in the beating heart of Scottish winter climbing.
Rock Climbing
The new owners of Masson Lees Quarry, Derbyshire, hope to resolve the long-term controversy over parking issues, and many more improvements, thanks to funding from the BMC's Access & Conservation Trust.
Access News
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) supports the community of Cwmparc, Treorchy, who have seen access blocked on an essential route connecting the village with the woodland and mountain trails.
Indoor Climbing Articles
Since its founding in 2023, the National Universities Lead and Speed Climbing Championships (NULSCC) has rapidly grown into one of the UK’s premier university climbing competitions. Created by passionate climbers Elliot Payne and Laure Renault during their final year at the University of Warwick, NULSCC was born from a shared love for competition climbing and a desire to build an inclusive, high-level event for student athletes.
Indoor Climbing News
The competition is heating up on Day 2 of the British Lead Championships as the semi-finals conclude at the Big Depot, Manchester.
Performance News
The qualification round of the 2025 British Lead Championships concluded this evening, with Olympian Toby Roberts top of the Senior Men and a three-way tie at the top of the Senior Women.
Performance News
The 2025 UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup is well underway, with the latest round taking place in Champagny-en-Vanoise, France.
Lakes Area Walks
BMC members are invited to join a social hike with local BMC volunteer Nicola Merrett (Hiking Highs). This social walk will be a 12km circular route starting from Glenridding. We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!
Performance News
The third stage of the ISMF World Cup took place at the end of January in Arinsal, Andorra, where the GB Skimo team faced the demanding terrains of Comapedrosa Natural Park. Organisers adapted to limited snowfall by designing courses exclusively on the alpine slopes, incorporating multiple loops to test the teams’ endurance and technical abilities.
Indoor Climbing News
WCS is back for 2025 with a jam-packed roster of creative coaching workshops, inspiring speakers and thought-provoking focus talks.
Rock Climbing Articles
In 2024, the BMC Cymru (the British Mountaineering Council's Welsh department) has been actively collaborating with local groups to explore the historical place names of the popular climbing area of Dinorwig Quarries, or Chwarel Dinorwig as they are locally known.
Indoor Climbing Articles
'Tis the season for indoor sessions! But if you feel like you're becoming part of the furniture at your local, why not try a bit of wall tourism? Grab your mates and get ready to check out some of the UK's coolest climbing walls...
Climate Articles
How do you balance budget with a climate conscience when booking a winter trip? Making changes to the way we travel is one of the most effective ways of reducing emissions and giving the snow and ice a fighting chance.
Mountaineering Articles
On the 9th October 2024, 23 year-old British Mountaineer Adriana Brownlee became the youngest woman to summit all of the world's 8,000m peaks, having given up her university degree to pursue her passion for altitude. Claire Maxted, editor of BMC member magazine Summit, caught up with Adriana to find out how it feels to make mountaineering history...
Rock Climbing Articles
Ready to have a go on the sharp end? We've put together a list of eight great choices for your first ever trad lead in the Lake District.
Rock Destinations
Leonidio is a limestone sport climbing paradise in the Peloponnese region of mainland Greece. With a mixture of steep tufa climbs and intricately pocketed slabs, there's something for everyone and a grade range to match, but the sheer amount of rock in the region can leave you feeling flustered. Where to begin? Read on...
Indoor Climbing
Ahead of the 2025 Boulder, Lead and Speed season, the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) have made changes to how they define age categories.
Rock Climbing Articles
When it comes to gift-giving, we know the best things in life aren't always 'things'! Team BMC have been hard at work putting together a list of really great Christmas gift ideas that are a bit ‘outside the box’...
Mountaineering Destinations
Five of Chamonix's leading ski guides tell us their favourite beginner ski tours in and around Chamonix.
