Our countryside is of great importance and I fully appreciate the benefits of outdoor activities, both physically and mentally. England has a fantastic network of footpaths and the public has the ‘right to roam’ over many areas of wild, open countryside.
The 25 Year Environment Plan sets out the ambition to connect more people from all backgrounds with the natural environment for their health and well-being. The Government is supporting and enhancing access to the countryside through completing the England Coast Path and supporting our network of National Trails. Over 2000 miles have now been approved as England Coast Path, with 800 miles already open. When complete, the England Coast Path will be fully walkable by the end of this Parliament.
Further, increasing access to the countryside and engagement with the natural environment have been supported by schemes like Farming in Protected Landscapes and Countryside Stewardship.
The Government has been working to increase access to the countryside through developing the £9 million Levelling Up Parks Fund to create parks and green spaces on urban land which has become unused, undeveloped or neglected. Ministers are also investing £2 billion in walking and cycling over this Parliament, building hundreds of miles of high-quality cycle lanes increasing access to a range of places including green spaces. The launch of the Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy includes a commitment to increase opportunities for all children and young people to spend time in nature, learn more about it, and get involved in improving their environment.
