Public Access to Nature 2023-03-30
2023-03-30
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the steps being taken by the government to improve public access to natural spaces.
What steps she is taking to improve public access to nature?
Connectivity to rural areas is vitally important. The government is spending millions to ensure that rural areas thrive and people have access to nature.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps and funding details were not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the government's decision to extend deadlines for saving historic footpaths, which has created a backlog of over 4,000 applications.
Saving historic footpaths is a vital way of enhancing engagement with nature. Given there are more than 4,000 pending applications, it is concerning that the government has reneged on their promise to scrap deadlines without a plan for this backlog. Will they rethink this decision?
The deadline was extended from 2026 to 2031. The government is improving access with Natural England, committing people to be within 15 minutes of a blue or green area, enhancing national trails, and designating the coast-to-coast route as a national trail. Additionally, the England coastal path spans 2,700 miles around England, offering extensive public access.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific backlog issue was not addressed
Response accuracy