Countryside access considered by Committee
21 November 2017
The Select Committee on the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 continues its inquiry with three sessions discussing countryside access and rights of way. The sessions consider the role played by Natural England in promoting access, and the effect of Part 6 of the 2006 Act, which reduced access rights for motor vehicles on a number of country routes.
- Parliament TV: Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006
- Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act
Witnesses
Tuesday 21 November, Committee Room 1, Palace of Westminster
At 11.05am
- Dr Michael Bartholomew, Chairman, Green Lanes Protection Group
- Dr Diana Mallinson, Honorary Secretary, Green Lanes Environmental Action Movement
At 11.40am
- Mario Costa-Sa, Chair, Trail Riders Fellowship
- Alan Kind, Secretary, Land Access and Recreation Association
At 12.15pm
- Alison Hallas, Policy and Advocacy Officer, Ramblers
- Stephen Russell, Policy and Advocacy Officer, Ramblers
Areas of discussion
- Whether the approach towards access adopted in the NERC Act struck an appropriate balance between the needs of motor vehicle users and those of other groups who use public rights of way.
- Whether the current legal framework strikes the right balance between countryside access and nature conservation.
- How well Natural England is performing its objective of promoting access to the countryside and open spaces.
- The impact of government funding reductions—and continuing funding uncertainty—on England's National Trails network.
- The work that Natural England has done to establish and promote the England Coast Path.
Further information
Image: iStockphoto