Open Access Land on Exmoor

The campaign for public open access to land in England nas been going on for much longer than might be expected. In 1884, Member of Parliament James Bryce irtroduced the first Bill proposing a freedom to roam. This bill was re-introduced every year lor the next 30 years defeated each time. In 1932 six people were sent to jail for leading the famous mass trespass on Kinder Scout in the Peak District. This trespass mostly comprised of local people: who worked in factories and wanted the nght to enjoy the open moorlands on their precious days off. The National Parks Committee (known as Hobhouse Committee) wasset up in 1945 to consider the recommendation of John Dower,a research Officer in the Ministry of Works,and planning in possible Natioonal Park areas

The Hobhouse Committee reported in 1947, leading to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 under which open country was defined as mountain, moor, heath, down, cliff and foreshore. Local authorities were required to survey open countryside, assess the level of access provided and to secure further access by means of agreements, orders or by purchasing the land. This was less effective than was hoped and few areas were opened up. In 1997, over 100 years after the first freedom to roam Bill was proposed, Government proposed legislation introducing a public right to walk on open country. From this stems the present day opening up of new public access land throughout England and Wales.

The Open Access symbol

Contributed by: Tim Kelso