Brighton and Hove Ramblers

Government missing vital opportunity to improve access to nature say Ramblers

As the Environment Bill returns to Parliament this week, Rebecca Pow, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has highlighted the important of access to nature. But right now her Government are not doing enough to make this a reality for everyone.

Writing in the Daily Express, Rebecca Pow, the Government Minister with responsibility for the Environment Bill, argued that the Covid-19 pandemic has “has highlighted the importance of being able to connect with our natural environment. I am a major advocate for getting people out into nature as well as promoting the role we can all play in protecting our planet.”

Yet, while they continue to highlight the importance of getting out and enjoying the natural world, without improving the Environment Bill, ministers will miss a vital opportunity to ensure everyone, everywhere can access nature.

How we can strengthen the Environment Bill to increase access to green spaces

The Ramblers welcomes many of the aims set out in the Environment Bill, which returns to Parliament this week. As it stands the Bill enables the Government to set targets and develop plans to improve ‘enjoyment’ of the natural environment. But it does not actually require the Government to do anything to support improvements in access provision where it is needed most. As a result, the Ramblers has been calling for the Bill to be strengthened to require the Government to set targets and develop plans to improve access to nature.

Stephen Russell, Policy and Advocacy Officer for the Ramblers said: "It's great to hear the Minister speak so passionately about the benefits of connecting with nature. We couldn't agree more. So we’re disappointed that the same Minister has consistently refused to strengthen the Environment Bill, which returns to Parliament today. We are now in danger of missing an opportunity to lay the foundations for improving access to nature and ensuring that these benefits are experienced by more people". 

It’s time to bring ensure everyone, everywhere can access nature

To show there is widespread support across society for change, the Ramblers has launched a petition calling on the Government to make connecting people with nature a priority and to invest in the infrastructure that enables everyone to enjoy walking in nature. 

Ramblers Cymru announce Big Welsh Walk to celebrate 50 years of the Offa’s Dyke Path

The Big Welsh Walk is back, this year to celebrate the Offa's Dyke 50th year!

From the breath-taking views of the Clwydian Range to gentle riverside rambles, the festival offers walks for all levels with a long, an intermediate and a Family Walk in each of three locations — Moel Famau, Knighton and Tintern.  

The festival aims to shine a spotlight on the Offa’s Dyke Path — now in its 50th year — and introduce locals and new walkers alike to the delights of the trail.

On Saturday 4 September, walkers can choose between three walks at Moel Famau including a challenging 11-mile trek featuring a bronze age burial mound and a family friendly five-mile stroll through woods and rivers.

The following weekend the walks start from Knighton and feature a particularly stunning section of the path as it skirts King Offa’s earthwork.

The final three walks feature Tintern in the Wye Valley, including a climb to the famous Devil’s Pulpit above Tintern Abbey. Legend holds that the Devil used this scenic spot to hurl insults at the monks of Tintern Abbey below.

The Offa’s Dyke Path, which was opened in the summer of 1971, links Sedbury Cliffs on the River Severn with the coastal town of Prestatyn on the shores of the Irish sea. It takes in eight different counties and crosses the England - Wales border more than 20 times.

The trail gets its name from the spectacular Dyke ordered by King Offa in the 8th century to divide his Kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in what is now Wales. Covering more than 80 miles, Offa’s Dyke is Britain’s longest ancient monument.

Angela Charlton, Director of Ramblers Cymru, said: “During the Big Welsh Walk we’d like people to join us for walks on the stunning Offa’s Dyke Path and experience the many benefits walking has to offer.

“Whether you are a keen walker or someone wanting to take their first steps, we have something suitable for everyone.”

Wendy Abel, Tourism and Marketing Officer at Powys County Council, said: “We are delighted that the Offa’s Dyke Path has been selected for this year’s Big Welsh Walk.

Stretching for 177 miles (285 km) the Offa’s Dyke Path offers everything from characterful market towns like Hay-on-Wye and Monmouth to the rugged inclines of the Clwydian Hills and Brecon Beacons.

We hope that these guided walks will give both new and seasoned walkers the chance to enjoy a taste of the incredible variety of this very special trail.”

To book your individual or family ticket to the Big Welsh Walk, which includes a jumper, goodie bag and more, or to find out more about the walks, please visit:

Moel Famau, Saturday 4 September Tickets Here

Knighton, Saturday 11 September: Tickets Here

Tintern, Saturday 18 September: Tickets Here

For more information about Ramblers Cymru visit: www.ramblers.org.uk/wales