Right to swim and wild camp in England should be enshrined in law, Labour MPs say

The Guardian
The Guardian
3M ago
69 views
Labour MPs are advocating for legal rights to swim and wild camp in England's countryside, aiming to expand access to nature. A report from an all-party group highlights the limited current access, with only 8% of England legally open for roaming. The MPs propose new legislation to include inland waters and promote various outdoor activities. They emphasize the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor access, urging the government to address barriers preventing public enjoyment of natural spaces.
Right to swim and wild camp in England should be enshrined in law, Labour MPs say
A What happened
Labour MPs are advocating for legal rights to swim and wild camp in England's countryside, aiming to expand access to nature. A report from an all-party group highlights the limited current access, with only 8% of England legally open for roaming. The MPs propose new legislation to include inland waters and promote various outdoor activities. They emphasize the mental and physical health benefits of outdoor access, urging the government to address barriers preventing public enjoyment of natural spaces.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Limited Access to Nature: Only 8% of England is legally accessible for roaming.

  • 2

    Health Benefits of Outdoors: Spending time outdoors improves mental and physical health.

  • 3

    Legislation Needed: New laws are proposed to enhance access to green and blue spaces.

Takeaways

The proposed changes aim to improve public access to England's natural environments.

Topics

World & Politics Governance