Access to the countryside

That this House acknowledges the outstanding beauty of our nation’s countryside; understands that public access to the countryside has considerable benefits to both physical and mental health; believes that footpaths, cycle tracks and bridleways are essential infrastructure that facilitates walkers, cyclists and equestrians safe access to the countryside; notes BBC reports that walkers are being shut out of 2,500 landscapes and beauty spots in England where there is a right to roam but no legal right to access them; further notes the BBC investigation which found that footpaths across countryside are being blocked or obstructed in nearly 32,000 places across England and Wales; and calls on the government to bring forward proposals for the expansion of the network of footpaths, cycle tracks and bridleways to ensure there is equitable access to the countryside for everyone.