However, from my work running a conservation tourism company, I know that spending time in nature can help us gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world, and the need to preserve it.
A study published in JayJournal of Environmental Psychology found that those who visited natural spaces on a weekly basis were more likely to engage in greener practices.
As scientist Robert Pyle put it: “He who cares to economize; he who doesn’t know doesn’t care. What is the extinction of the vulture to a child who never knew the wren?”
camping
Around the world, many other countries encourage free roaming. In several Scandinavian countries, the “Allemensratten” law, which translates directly to “universal rights”, allows citizens free access to natural areas.
Sweden is one such example. Although the custom dates back to the Middle Ages, the law passed parliament in 1974 and was enshrined in the Swedish constitution in 1994. Authorities can even force landowners to remove any fencing whose sole purpose is to block public access to recreational areas.
In neighboring Scotland, the law is contained in Section 1 of the Land Reform Act 2003 Everyone has the right to be on land for recreational purposes and to traverse land for such purposes. This is colloquially known as the “roaming right”.
The situation was different in England, where ancient laws prohibited public use of the wealth of meadows, woodlands, rivers and forests. In fact, you can be fined up to £2,500 for being caught camping in the wilderness in England or Wales.
save
There have been previous attempts to instill free roam laws in the UK. At the end of World War II, Attlee government tries to enforce freedom of roaming As a corollary to the NHS, the law became law and the land-owning Lords thought the bill had gone too far.
Today the NHS is on the brink of collapse and The UK has lost almost half of its biodiversity since 1970. Connecting with nature contributes to our physical and mental health and helps us protect the natural world around us.
Given the post-Covid public’s increased interest in spending more time in nature, it’s time for the UK government to realize Attlee’s original vision and allow Brits to roam freely in the country they call home.
In light of the recent ‘peace deal’ with nature at the biodiversity-focused COP15, perhaps it’s time for the UK government to allow UK and Welsh hikers to fully appreciate the beautiful and diverse ecosystems around them .
Enjoyment leads to education, which is the first step to preservation. In order to protect the great English and Welsh countryside, it must first be enjoyed by people.
the author
daniel caule is swiman organization specializing in nature trips, wilderness experiences, volunteer work, internships and sabbatical programs.
