Majority of England's Forests Restricted From Public Access, New Study Reveals

Nearly three-quarters of England's woods are off-limits to the public, according to a new study by Forest Research, a government-funded organization. The exclusive report found that 73% of English woodland is publicly inaccessible, raising concerns among environmental advocates.

The findings have sparked calls for the government to introduce a right-to-roam bill that would allow people to freely walk around their local woodlands. Campaigners argue that restricting public access to such a large portion of the country's forests is detrimental to both public health and environmental conservation.

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The report, which was buried in government documents, highlights the disconnect between the public's desire for outdoor access and the reality of limited accessibility to many of England's natural landscapes. This issue has become increasingly pressing during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people have sought solace in nature and experienced the mental and physical benefits of spending time in green spaces.

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Environmentalists have long advocated for greater public access to woodlands, arguing that it not only improves public well-being but also promotes environmental stewardship and conservation efforts. By allowing people to directly experience and interact with nature, they believe it will foster a deeper appreciation and commitment to protecting these valuable ecosystems.

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The government-funded study has reignited the debate over the balance between private property rights and public access to natural resources. As the demand for outdoor recreation and nature-based activities continues to grow, there is increasing pressure on policymakers to address the issue of limited accessibility to England's woodlands.

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The right-to-roam movement, which has gained momentum in recent years, seeks to expand the public's ability to access and enjoy natural spaces without infringing on private landowners' rights. Advocates argue that a carefully crafted legislation could strike a balance and ensure the public's enjoyment of England's natural heritage.

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