Jerry Pearlman: fighter for commons and paths
Our world of paths and commons would be very different but for the work of Jerry Pearlman who has died aged 84 on 9 March 2018, writes our general secretary. Jerry was honorary solicitor for the Ramblers for more than 30 years; he took on countless path battles and campaigned for freedom to roam on…
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Powys wind-turbine inquiry imminent
On the eve of the public inquiry into Hendy Wind Farm’s appeal against Powys County Council’s refusal of planning permission for seven wind-turbines near Llandegley Rocks, we have renewed our call for rejection of the plans. We are backing the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales and many other organisations and individuals who oppose…
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Fencing allowed on Betws Common, Ammanford
We are disappointed that Welsh ministers have approved an application from Betws Common Holdings for nearly one mile of new fences on Betws Common, near Ammanford in Carmarthenshire. Because the fence comprises works on common land which will prevent or impede access, the applicant needed the consent of Welsh Ministers under section 38 of the…
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We call for new policy in London Plan to save green spaces
In our response to the London Mayor’s draft new London Plan we have called for London boroughs to dedicate their green spaces as town greens. The society has proposed the inclusion of a new policy: ‘Boroughs should dedicate any green spaces in their ownership as town greens, under the Commons Act 2006. This will protect…
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Protests over abuse of Clapham Common
Our local correspondent Jeremy Clyne has written to Lambeth Council to protest against the exploitation of open space in the borough, and the damage caused. The situation has become so critical that local people are saying the flagship Clapham Common might be better renamed ‘Clapham Commercial’. A large swathe of the common is still fenced…
Read MoreBattle of Knutsford Heath
A new ‘Battle of Knutsford Heath’ is brewing in Cheshire East. TV chef Tom Kerridge plans to present ‘Pub in the Park’ on Knutsford Heath, which is protected common land, from 7 to 9 September 2018. We are calling for Knutsford Heath instead to be kept open to the public for quiet recreation. The society…
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Public inquiry into common-land swap at Therfield Heath, Royston
A public inquiry is being held on Tuesday (30 January) into the exchange of common land proposed by the Conservators of Therfield Heath and Greens in Hertfordshire. We have submitted an objection. The conservators wish to swap 1.65 acres of common land off Sun Hill at Royston in Hertfordshire for the same area of woodland…
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We challenge British Car Auctions’ use of Yateley Common, Hampshire
British Car Auctions (BCA), which occupies part of the former Blackbushe Airport on Yateley Common in Hampshire, has withdrawn its application to the environment secretary for consent for works on the common. The application was made under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006. We had objected to the application. We were concerned that the…
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The government’s 25-year plan for the environment
We are pleased that the government has at last published its 25-year plan for the environment. It has many fine ambitions, which we applaud, and now we should like to hear more about how the government intends to achieve them. And of course we are willing to help. Green spaces We particularly welcome the aims…
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Environment charities welcome 25 Year Environment Plan, but Environment Act needs to secure its success
The Open Spaces Society has joined other organisations represented by Wildlife & Countryside Link in welcoming the Prime Minister’s commitments on the environment and the UK Government’s long awaited 25 Year Environment Plan which is launched today. The plan covers England and the UK’s international environmental commitments. The environment and animal welfare organisations support the…
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