Author Archives: campaignerkate

About campaignerkate

I am the general secretary of the Open Spaces Society and I campaign for public access, paths and open spaces in town and country.

Slainte, Scottish Ramblers!

Posted on 19/03/2023 by campaignerkate

Ramblers Scotland is making a huge difference for walkers, and especially for young people. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, campaigns, Ramblers, Scotland, walking | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Defra’s double standards

Posted on 16/03/2023 by campaignerkate

The government fails to take an opportunity to revoke the 2026 cut off and instead tables amendments to delay the review of access maps. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, campaigns, Natural England, Open country, Public paths | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Noticing nature on Dadima’s Walk

Posted on 02/03/2023 by campaignerkate

I joined Dadima’s walk along the Ridgeway, taking photos and noticing nature, in enjoyable inter-generational company. Continue reading →

Posted in AONB, Chilterns, Dadima's walks, Public paths, walks | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

On sunlit slope

Posted on 27/02/2023 by campaignerkate

On 13 February with the help of students from Plymouth University, we made big improvements for butterflies at Common Wood. Continue reading →

Posted in butterflies, Common Wood, Dartmoor, Natural history | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Michael Dower, doyen of the countryside

Posted on 22/02/2023 by campaignerkate

Adrian Phillips writes an obituary of Michael Dower, 1933-2022, both important figures in the development of British and European rural policy. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, National parks, Natural England, Obituary, Peak District, planning, rural services, Woods and forests | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Pit perambulation

Posted on 18/02/2023 by campaignerkate

I visited Little Marlow gravel pit with Bucks Bird Club, learnt a lot, and saw a kingfisher. Continue reading →

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Hoogstraten: just one of many

Posted on 10/02/2023 by campaignerkate

Twenty years after I cut the chain to reopen the blocked Hoogstraten footpath, there are still plenty of path problems. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, campaigns, Dartmoor, Obstructed path, Public paths, Ramblers, walking | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Rivers of change

Posted on 05/02/2023 by campaignerkate

I joined one of Dadima’s walks along the Thames and learnt of the creative and destructive power of rivers, in lovely company. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, AONB, Bucks, Chilterns, Dadima's walks, Henley-on-Thames, National trail, Public paths, walking, walks | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Quiet Otmoor

Posted on 29/01/2023 by campaignerkate

A quiet day at Otmoor is still a pleasure. Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, walking | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

A crumb from the £2.4-billion table

Posted on 27/01/2023 by campaignerkate

The environment secretary continues to ignore the need for public access to be funded through the environmental land management scheme, despite ministerial promises. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, British Horse Society, campaigns, Open Spaces Society, Public paths, Ramblers, riding, walking | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments