Category Archives: Defra

For want of a comma

Posted on 29/10/2022 by campaignerkate

I trust that Thérèse Coffey will not demand the purge of the Oxford comma from Defra officials’ language. Continue reading →

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Walk for a minister

Posted on 31/07/2022 by campaignerkate

We devised a walk to demonstrate to the environment minister, Richard Benyon, how agricultural payments can fund more and better access. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, AONB, British Horse Society, campaigns, Defra, Open country, Open Spaces Society, Public paths, Ramblers, riding, walking, walks | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Agri-access betrayal: an update

Posted on 07/12/2021 by campaignerkate

A dismal revelation from environment secretary George Eustice about funding for farming. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, campaigns, Defra, green spaces, parliament, planning, Public paths | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Empty promises

Posted on 17/06/2021 by campaignerkate

The environment secretary’s big speech on 18 May has proved a disappointment. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, campaigns, comment, Defra, parliament, Public paths | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

A seventieth birthday gift?

Posted on 31/05/2018 by campaignerkate

The government’s review of national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty looks positive. We must make sure it is. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, AONB, Defra, National parks, Natural England, parliament, wild country | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The coast is our birthright

Posted on 24/12/2017 by campaignerkate

In 1936, my predecessor at the Open Spaces Society, Laurence Chubb, called for the protection of the coast and our access to it:  We have called attention more than once to the danger which confronts the people of this island of … Continue reading →

Posted in Access, campaigns, Coastal access, Defra, National trail, Natural England, Open Spaces Society, Ramblers, walking | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

What about Natural England?

Posted on 20/11/2017 by campaignerkate

Michael Gove has announced that he will set up a new environmental body post Brexit, but he already has one. Continue reading →

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End-of-term euphoria?  I hope not

Posted on 28/07/2017 by campaignerkate

Michael Gove made a speech which was surprisingly good, though it failed to mention access. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, campaigns, Defra | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

How independent?

Posted on 05/11/2016 by campaignerkate

How independent is Natural England? Defra has cut its vital survey yet NE has apparently said nothing. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, campaigns, Defra, Natural England, People, riding, walking | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Let’s have data not dogma

Posted on 28/03/2016 by campaignerkate

The government threatens to cut a vital survey of people’s engagement with the outdoors, with loss of important data. Continue reading →

Posted in Access, campaigns, Defra, National parks, Natural England, riding, walking | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment