Category Archives: National parks

Michael Dower, doyen of the countryside

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

Stop a dual carriageway through the Peak District!

CPRE PDSY must urgently raise money for legal action against the Mottram bypass, which will lead to a dual carriageway across the Peak District National Park. Continue reading

Posted in Access, campaigns, National parks, Peak District, planning, wild country | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Go for it, Dartmoor National Park Authority!

It is crucial that the Dartmoor National Park Authority resolves to appeal against the high court ruling on wild camping on the Dartmoor commons. Continue reading

Posted in Access, campaigns, commons, Dartmoor, National parks, Open country, parliament, riding, walking, wild country | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Jack Burling, path defender

My friend Jack Burling, a staunch defender of public paths, died in March aged 86. Continue reading

Posted in Access, campaigns, green spaces, National parks, Obstructed path, Open Spaces Society, Peak District, Public paths, Ramblers, walking | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

A united front for national parks

The national parks movement makes a declaration at a time of crisis. Continue reading

Posted in campaigns, National parks | 1 Comment

Bye-bye Benenden

Fifty years ago I left Benenden school. Here are a few memories. Continue reading

Posted in Denham, Devon, Memories, National parks | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Tony Hams remembered

Remembering Tony Hams on what would have been his 76th birthday, a great leader and a dear friend. Continue reading

Posted in Access, campaigns, National parks, Obituary, Peak District, wild country | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Red-letter day

Fifty years ago today, while at school, I received my first letter from Sylvia Sayer, a special moment. Continue reading

Posted in campaigns, Dartmoor, Memories, National parks, wild country | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Kinder’s legacy

The 90th anniversary of the Kinder trespass is a chance to call for a new movement for access. Continue reading

Posted in Access, campaigns, National parks, Open country, Open Spaces Society, Peak District, Public paths, Ramblers, Walkers Are Welcome Towns, walking | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

A milestone meeting

Fifty years ago today I first met Sylvia Sayer who inspired me to become a campaigner. I owe her so much and remember her with huge affection. Continue reading

Posted in Access, campaigns, Dartmoor, National parks, Open Spaces Society, Ramblers, wild country | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments