Ramblers comment on Agriculture Bill

Gemma Cantelo, head of policy and advocacy for the Ramblers, said: “We welcome the return of the Agriculture Bill to Parliament and the renewed commitment to improve public access to the countryside. Ramblers research shows that people really value public access, with more than 80 per cent saying visiting the countryside was good for their physical fitness and wellbeing. To really make a difference to the millions of people who enjoy the benefits of being outdoors every year, getting the detail of the legislation right will be critical. 

“We need the Bill to establish an agricultural payments regime that rewards farmers for making the existing network more accessible or creating new routes that help more people enjoy the benefits of walking in nature. We want a Bill that’s fair for farmers and creates a level playing field across the sector. To make that happen, it is critical that as a condition of receiving public funds, farmers fulfil existing obligations to keep paths clear.”