We Fight Military’s Path-Closure Plan On Dartmoor
We have objected to a proposal by the Ministry of Defence to close the public footpath through Okehampton Camp on the northern side of the Dartmoor National Park. The society argues that this will be a blow to the public who will lose a direct footpath between Okehampton and the moor and be forced to…
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New Developments Must Provide Open Space
We have called for new developments to be designed to include protected open space for recreation. We were responding to the consultation on Net Gain from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Picnic on Nutsford Vale, Manchester The society argues that such open spaces should have long-term protection, and that they should be…
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25-Year Environment Plan Evasive About People’s Enjoyment Of The Outdoors
We have criticised the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for being vague about how it will measure its success in encouraging people to benefit from the natural environment. The society has responded to Defra’s consultation on measuring environmental change through its 25-year environment plan which was published in January 2018. In the…
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Seventieth Anniversary Of ‘A People’s Charter’
This year we celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Our general secretary Kate Ashbrook, explains what it achieved. This is not just a Bill. It is a people’s charter—a people’s charter for the open air, for the hikers and the ramblers, for everyone who lives to…
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Our Treasured Landscapes
We shall be submitting evidence to the government’s review of England’s designated landscapes; this nicely coincides with their seventieth anniversary next year. Rydal Water, Lake District On 27 May the environment secretary Michael Gove launched a review of the national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs), to be led by author and journalist Julian…
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Massive Development At Emmer Green Rejected
A massive development, proposed by Gladman Developments Ltd, on open land north of Caversham has been turned down following a public inquiry. The inspector, Mr Nick Palmer, rejected Gladman’s appeal against South Oxfordshire District Council refusal of planning consent for 245 residential dwellings and other works on land off Peppard Road, at Emmer Green. We…
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Give Open Spaces At Christmas
We have a Christmas gift solution that will be appreciated for a whole year. The perfect present for someone who may enjoy walking, riding or cycling outdoors, be that in their local park or further afield on our amazing commons, village greens or path network. Whitchurch Green, Bristol, registered 2011 A gift of membership for…
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The Perfect Gift For Outdoorsy People
Looking for a last minute present for Christmas that will give lasting enjoyment? Shopping for a gift for the outdoor fan in your life? Do you want to purchase and send the present without hitting the High Street? Southborough Common OSS membership gift vouchers will be valued by anyone who appreciates our amazing landscapes and path network,…
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Beef Up The Bill
In her Opinion article in the autumn issue of Open Space magazine, our general secretary, Kate Ashbrook, writes about the Agriculture Bill. Last summer the Dartmoor Society (a voluntary body) hosted a visit to Gidleigh Common on north-east Dartmoor. Those present were shocked to see the land there smothered in purple moor-grass and gorse, where once there had been…
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Nutsford Vale Open Space, Manchester, Is Saved
Picnic at Nutsford Vale We are delighted that Manchester City Council’s education department has decided not to build a school on the popular open space at Nutsford Vale, despite having received planning permission earlier this year. With our member, the Friends of Nutsford Vale, we opposed the planning application on this council-owned park on the borders…
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