Protecting the Countryside
“The protection and enhancement for the benefit of the public of the beauty of the countryside”
from the Aims & Objectives of the Ramblers’ Association
Countryside Latest:
Eco-towns - our response
The Ramblers' Association firmly believes in investing in
existing communities before creating new ones. However, as
government does plan to build new communities, we want to see
walking at their heart, as a principal mode of transport and
recreation and without damaging existing walking opportunities.
Read our response to
government's latest consultation on Eco-towns.
Quick Questionnaire on our Countryside Campaigns.
Do you care about the countryside?
A number of organisations campaign to protect the natural environment in the countryside; testament to just how much these places are valued and by so many people. In this 'busy work place', the Ramblers' Association is uniquely placed to represent the interests of people accessing and using the countryside for walking - Britain's biggest pastime.
By completing our short questionnaire you are helping the Ramblers' Association to look both inside and out of the organisation to make sure that what we campaign for is responsive to a changing world - so that walking remains Britain's most loved pastime and a favoured mode of transport.
Simply click on the link below and take five minutes to answer our questions
Complete the questionnaire
Countryside Guidance Notes 2008
The Ramblers' Association has revised its guide to protecting
the countryside from development threats.
TAKE ACTION: Protect your right to be heard through the planning system - read our response to the government's planning reforms.
New: Questions & Answers - Energy & Planning White Papers 2007 (pdf)
Introduction:
Walkers value the countryside not only for its landscape and wildlife, but also for the fresh air, tranquillity, and health benefits to be found there.
Climate change, inappropriate development and misunderstanding of our natural heritage all have the potential to damage our countryside and the opportunities it provides.
The Countryside Protection team provides support to a network of local countryside secretaries who act as sentinels for the Ramblers' Association, monitoring any developments that may threaten the countryside and the environment.
Our volunteers are invaluable to the work of the Ramblers' Association and we are always keen to hear of people who are interested in volunteering for us. Find out more about volunteering.
The Countryside Protection Team is involved with a wide variety of campaigns. More information on these can be found be clicking on the links below, by contacting the team on 020 7339 8500 or by email countryside@ramblers.org.uk .
Latest news available in our Countryside Update bulletin.
- We believe it is possible to meet our energy needs, and tackle climate change, without damaging our unique landscapes. In several parts of country, our local groups are concerned about the impact of industrial sized wind turbines being constructed in scenic areas.
- We have long supported the creation of National Parks. We are working with others to keep pressure on the government to ensure that it designates a South Downs National Park with wide-reaching boundaries as soon as possible.
- Planning lies at the heart of sustainable development. It is central to a lot of the work done by the Ramblers' Association. There are some good guidelines in place, but that doesn't mean they are always followed.
- Walking is the most sustainable form of transport, while road building and airport expansion threaten vast tracts of our countryside. We campaign for investment in sustainable public transport.
- We would like to see a move away from subsidies based on farming methods that are harmful to the environment. We believe that if farmers are to be our countryside custodians then access and protection of the countryside should be key priorities.
- Quarrying causes extensive damage to our countryside, not only through the quarries themselves, but through the movement of aggregates from quarries to their destination.
- The Countryside Protection Team respond to consultations as part of our national campaigns. If you would like to find out more about Ramblers' Association policy this is a good place to start.