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#OutdoorsForAll

Outdoors for all.

Forty two leading national governing bodies and environmental organisations have joined together to support an Outdoors For All manifesto, seeking to extend responsible access to more green and blue landscapes.

British Canoeing - British Mountaineering - British Cycling - The British Horse Society - The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association - The Bat Conservation Trust - British Orienteering - Campaign For National Parks - The Camping and Caravanning Club - Canal & Rivers Trust – CPRE - Cycle UK - Disabled Ramblers - Endurance GB - Friends of the Earth – Froglife - GB Outrigger - Intelligent Health - Hayfield Kinder Trespass Group - The Land Trust - Mountain Training England - Mountain Training Wales - National Trails UK - National Trust - Open Spaces Society - Outdoor Industries Association - The Outdoor Swimming Society - The Outward Bound Trust – Plantlife - Peoples Trust For Endangered Species - Ramblers, Right to Roam Campaign - Running Industry Alliance - Royal Yachting Association - Sport & Recreation Alliance - Surfers Against Sewage – Sustrans - Swim England - The Wildlife Trusts - Trail Riders Fellowship - UK Mountain Bike Trail Alliance.

Access to nature and the outdoors is good for our minds and bodies. It makes sense for our economy, prosperity and the future of our natural environment.

We are proud of our rich and varied landscapes - from rivers, canals and lakes, to mountains, crags, coastlines and urban green and blue spaces. Every day, people across the country are walking, wheeling, horse-riding, swimming, paddling, boating, camping, cycling, flying, climbing or simply relaxing in these spaces. People from the most remote parts of the great outdoors to the hearts of our cities get so much from being in our great outdoors.

However, research tells us that the UK ranks lowest of 14 European nations on nature connectedness. It also ranks 11th out of 15 European nations on levels of physical activity. It is no coincidence that those nations that rank higher than the UK have far more freedom to enjoy their outdoor spaces.

The government has set its sights on getting 3.5 million more people active by 2030, through its Get Active Strategy. It has also committed to giving the public access to green and blue spaces within a 15-minute walk of home, through its Environmental Improvement Plan. The most cost-effective means of realising both of these targets is through an expansion of our rights of access to the outdoors.

We have an opportunity now to create a lasting legacy for the next generation. Outdoor spaces that are accessible to all.  

OUR VISION

... A NATURAL HEALTH SERVICE THAT IS FREE AND AVAILABLE TO ALL:

MORE PEOPLE, MORE ACTIVE, MORE OFTEN

Outdoor spaces in the countryside and in our towns and cities that are welcoming, accessible and in good condition. Spaces that can be enjoyed responsibly by everyone, supported by a culture which addresses barriers to access for all.

NATURE-RICH SPACES THAT EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, CAN ACCESS

Outdoor spaces that are healthy and rich in native wildlife. Stakeholders respecting each other's rights and working together to recover and enhance the natural world.

A COMMITMENT TO RESPECT, PROTECT AND ENJOY OUR SPECIAL SPACES

Visitors, communities and custodians of our landscapes united by a shared responsibility to respect, protect and enjoy our precious surroundings. This should be deeply embedded within our culture from an early age.

To achieve this vision, the next government needs to take a long-term approach, committed to addressing deep inequalities in public access and outdoor recreation. They also need to support improved educational provision to enhance people’s knowledge of how to access the countryside responsibly.

Central to delivering a more expansive and inclusive outdoors is new access legislation.

CURRENT ACCESS TO GREEN AND BLUE SPACES IS DISTRUBTED UNEVENLY.

Studies and evidence have shown that economic barriers; working long hours, lack of private transport, expensive equipment – and cultural barriers; no family or community traditions of the outdoors, lack of role models – as well as someone’s age, health and other factors, has tilted the land in favour of wealthier demographics. Our outdoor spaces lack diversity compared to the country as a whole.

"Our outdoor spaces lack diversity compared to the country as a whole."