09:30AM, Monday 08 December 2025
KATE Ashbrook, the secretary of the Open Spaces Society in Henley, gave a speech at the Freedom to Roam: the Next Step conference on Saturday.
The event, at Hebden Bridge town hall, saw activists call for greater rights of public access to the countryside.
It called on the Government to legislate for access to the land and inland waters of England for outdoor recreation and enjoyment of nature.
Ms Ashbrook said: “The conference gave a clear message to ministers that we need new laws to extend access rights so that everyone can enjoy countryside, both close to home and further afield.”
The event was held on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act. Before the conference, many of the participants joined a walk to the Mere Stones, on the South Pennine Moors.
The Mere Stones, and all the surrounding moorland, were banned territory, with “keep out” signs, before the implementation of the Act.
Most read
Top Articles
It’s the ‘end of an era’ for Maidenhead Golf Club after members played a final round at their Shoppenhangers course before moving off.
Liverpool Football Club jerseys, red balloons and ribbons adorned streets across the town to commemorate Reuben Virdee, 11, who passed away earlier this month.
The Royal Borough has released a revised timetable for bin collections across Windsor and Maidenhead over the festive period.
© Copyright 2024 Baylis Community Media CIC All right reserved
