A Bolton MP has taken his campaign to bring in a national ‘right to roam’ to Parliament.

Earlier this month, Bolton West MP Phil Brickell honoured the Winter Hill Trespass anniversary as part of a campaign to improve access rights across the countryside.

The original Winter Hill Trespass took place on September 6, 1896, when 10,000 Bolton workers marched over the hill to regain access to a path that had been closed off by a landowner.

On Monday, September 16, the MP took the campaign closer to the country’s top decisionmakers, asking a written question to the environment secretary about what steps he is taking to extend the right to roam.

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In Scotland, the Land Reform Act 2003 gives everyone rights of access over land and inland water throughout Scotland for recreational purposes – with some restrictions.

In England, meanwhile, the situation is different, with only open access land or public rights of way having any legal access guaranteed – even then, unlike in Scotland, wild camping is prohibited in most of the country.

In response to the MP’s written question, environment minister Mary Creagh said: “Our countryside and green spaces are a source of great national pride, but too many across the country are left without access to the great outdoors.

“That is why the last Labour Government expanded public access by introducing the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, which provided the public a right of access to large areas of mountain, moor, heath, down, registered common land and coastal margin in England. 2024 marks 75 years since the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, which secured public access and preserved natural beauty.

“This Government will continue to increase access to nature for families to enjoy, boosting people’s mental and physical health and leaving a legacy for generations to come. We will create nine new National River Walks, plant three new National Forests and empower communities to create new parks and green spaces in their communities with a new Community Right to Buy.

“We will announce further details on our plans for improving access to nature in due course.”

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Speaking to The Bolton News, the Bolton West MP said: “In England we only have a right of access to eight per cent of the land, and uncontested rights to three per cent of our rivers.

“Over 150 Parliamentary constituencies in England have no real right to roam at all. Most others have only tiny percentages.

“I want to see this extended so that my constituents and others up and down the country can truly enjoy the great outdoors.

“Access to open space for leisure is key to reducing the strain on the NHS both in terms of physical and mental health.

“I welcome the Minister’s recognition of that and response that the Government are actively making progress on improving access to land and bringing green spaces back to communities. I will continue to raise these issues in Parliament.”

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Bolton. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk.