On Wednesday 28 October, MPs will debate the ‘Economic Value of Outdoor Recreation’ from 2.30-4.00pm. To ensure the importance of outdoor recreation including hill walking, climbing and mountaineering are fully recognised in future legislation and policy, we are asking our members to email or write to their local MP asking them to attend.

The timing is important as the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has just concluded its consultation on A New Strategy for Sport and the Government’s Spending Review is currently underway.  This is a real opportunity for your MP to champion the economic and wider benefits of outdoor recreation.

The debate, secured by APPG Mountaineering Co-Chair David Rutley (MP for Macclesfield) will give MPs the opportunity to push for Government policies to recognise the value of recreation alongside conventional, mainstream sports.  The demand to participate in activities such as climbing and hill walking is increasing and by shifting its focus to outdoor activities with genuine potential and capacity, Government could make a real contribution to the long term physical health and mental well-being of the nation as well as supporting the visitor economy.

In particular, we support the desire to see:

• Cross-departmental working: Outdoor activities have clear health benefits and the increased interaction with the Department of Health is very much welcomed.  The BMC believes that DEFRA should also be involved in its capacity as the body responsible for the natural environment and the laws governing access to it – access to the outdoors being essential to participation. Climbing and hill walking are genuine life-long activities, which rely on natural outdoor facilities and often become a way of life for many participants.
   
• A dedicated Minister for the Outdoors:   A champion for the outdoors and outdoor recreation should be appointed or responsibility for the outdoors should be added to the brief of the existing Sports Minister.

The BMC is delighted that this debate has been secured. We want to see tangible measures to increase, improve, maximise and strengthen policies on outdoor recreation. A more detailed briefing paper can be downloaded here. 

Help us campaign

The BMC looks forward to hearing MPs discuss the Government’s position on the economic value of outdoor recreation and would encourage all of our members to get in touch with their local MP to encourage them to attend the debate.  

Westminster Hall Debate: Economic Value of Outdoor Recreation, 2.30-4.00pm Wednesday 28th October

Please email or write to your local MP asking them to attend.

To make this easy for you, we have written a template letter for you to send or email to your MP.

Download letter template.

Send your letter to your MP

We want to say a big thanks to every BMC member who continues to support us through the Coronavirus crisis.

From weekly Facebook Lives and GB Climbing home training videos, to our access team working to re-open the crags and fight for your mountain access, we couldn’t do it without you.

Did you know that we've just launched a new U27 membership offer for just £1.50 / month? And with full membership from £2.50 / month, it's never been easier to join and support our work: 

https://www.thebmc.co.uk/join-the-bmc-for-1-month-U27-membership

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