Backbench Business

Reminded the House that a legal case is sub judice and should not be referenced in debate.

Wildlife and Countryside Link has made recommendations for improving public access to nature, including expanding the right to roam and investing in widely publicising the countryside code. By realising these recommendations in tandem, the Government can aid more people to enjoy natural spaces responsibly.

I seek joy from canoeing on rare occasions but there is an unfettered right of access to only 7% of appropriate inland waterways in the UK. Does she agree that at a minimum, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 needs to be extended to cover water as well as land?

I agree that access to nature is not equally distributed in this country. Some of the wealthiest constituencies have far greater access to nature than some of the poorest, reflecting historic thefts of land by the very wealthy facilitated by institutions like Parliament.

Along with access to nature, we need restoration of nature. Local authorities can lead the way but they need funding. It is important that our urban communities can benefit from local authorities restoring nature where possible.

Mr. Walker emphasised the importance of access to nature for children and education, highlighting local projects such as the Wild about Worcester Way walking route that connects schools with green spaces. He also discussed the need for better curriculum integration, including a natural history GCSE, which would provide students opportunities for field work and environmental engagement. Mr. Walker mentioned discussions on environmental land management schemes and the challenge of balancing access to nature with renewable energy developments.

I congratulate the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion on securing this important debate and the Backbench Business Committee on granting it. Research shows that the UK’s biodiversity, wellbeing and natural connection are among the worst in Europe and globally. While I welcome the Government's environmental improvement plan published this year, its 10 goals lack ambition and rigour to ensure timely delivery of commitments. The plan also fails to address historic land ownership injustice and inequality issues. Access to nature is restricted for those from deprived communities with only 8% of England covered by the right to roam, and limited access to rivers and woods. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 was a step forward but much more needs to be done. Access to nature improves physical and mental health; it is essential for children's wellbeing, learning vital skills like map reading and cycling, and reducing inequality in opportunities. Many young people today lack these experiences due to funding constraints and limited access. I advocate integrating a programme of nature recovery with human recovery, addressing the decline in youth hostels, supporting social prescribers facilitating access to nature, and promoting urban green spaces such as city farms for therapeutic benefits.

In Bath, only 5% of land is accessible to the public. Much green-belt land is privately owned, limiting access. I propose opening up green-belt land for the right to roam as part of the plan.

I visited a primary school in Hastings and Rye that was close to the sea, yet many children had never been there. This illustrates how communities can get locked out from natural resources despite proximity. Schools should be resourced and challenged to engage students with nearby natural resources.

I congratulate Second West Kirby Sea Scouts for their work in taking children out on water sports, promoting volunteers who are invaluable in providing these opportunities. Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring young people have access to nature and outdoor activities.

Although I have no policy views, I am delighted to represent the Ribble Valley during this debate and look forward to returning there in the afternoon.

Mr Graham expressed his appreciation for the debate on nature and public access, highlighting Gloucester's natural assets including its proximity to the Cotswolds escarpment, Crickley hill, and the River Wye. He emphasised the importance of volunteers, charities, and individuals in improving local landscapes. The MP discussed preservation, enhancement, and creation of green spaces within urban environments such as parks, waterways, and community gardens. He also touched on challenges like floods, droughts, and balancing human needs with nature conservation. Mr Graham concluded by praising the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' role in these efforts.

Margaret Greenwood commended Caroline Lucas for securing the debate and highlighted the unequal access to green spaces across the UK, especially among less affluent areas and ethnic minorities. She cited statistics showing that in 2020, only 39% of people from ethnic minority backgrounds had easy access to local green space compared to 57% of white British adults. Fewer than half of those with household incomes below £15,000 lived close to a green space while 63% of those earning more than £35,000 could find one nearby within five minutes' walk. Greenwood questioned the Government on their recent assessment and steps taken to address this inequality.

Mr. Seely highlights the Isle of Wight's diverse habitats, including marine conservation areas, nature reserves, and sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs), as well as its unique flora, fauna, and geological features. He argues for an all-island designation to unify these diverse elements under a single ecological entity, benefiting both environmental conservation and economic development through eco-tourism.

Alex Sobel discusses the UK's poor standing in biodiversity preservation and the importance of public access to nature. He mentions that nearly 2.8 million people live more than a 10-minute walk from green space, emphasising the need for a robust strategy beyond mere ambition. Labour plans include introducing a 'right to roam' act, expanding access to woodlands and waterways, improving national parks quality, and ensuring sufficient protections for natural environments.

Caroline Lucas secured the debate and thanked Alex Sobel for his contribution. She asked a clarifying question regarding Labour's specific model of 'right to roam', whether it would be universal like in Scotland or more specialised with exclusions.

Acknowledged contributions from various Members and praised efforts by non-governmental organisations and DEFRA in promoting environmental initiatives. Highlighted the importance of schools, Bikeability, and Active Travel England in enhancing access to nature. Emphasised ongoing government projects such as national trails and green infrastructure framework.

Asked for a commitment from the Government to rule out underground coal gasification, which poses risks to areas like Hilbre Island in the Dee estuary that are important for international bird life and enjoyed by local residents.

Expressed concern over time constraints and urged the Minister to address questions raised during the debate. Did not provide a full speech as per the given excerpt.

Ms Caroline Lucas highlighted the issue of equitable access to nature, noting that only 8% of English land is accessible under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. She emphasised the critical importance of public access to nature for environmental protection, stating that people are not motivated to protect environments they do not know or have direct experience with. Caroline Lucas pointed out that half of England's land is owned by just 1% of the population and proposed a comprehensive right to roam to address this issue.