The report also proposes expanding access rights for paddlers on inland waters through new legislation or amendments to existing acts.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act( CRoW), an Access to Nature Bill, or the upcoming Water Reform Bill, could be the way to open up more places to paddle.
Ben Seal, Paddle UK’ s Head of Access and Environment, said,“ With Labour making a commitment to expand responsible rights of access to more green and blue spaces, this report is timely and welcome.
“ Our rights of access have evolved over the years to meet the growing demand from people wanting to want to get out and explore the countryside.
“ But still, 75 years after the landmark National Parks and Countryside Act, many landscapes, including the majority of rivers and watersides, remain off limits for public enjoyment.
“ Our freedom to explore nature needs to evolve again, not only to meet the needs of society today, but to also give people greater confidence to experience nature on their own doorstep.
“ It’ s great to see the APPG set out such a clear set of recommendations, which if taken forward by the Government, will undoubtedly open up nature to many more people, closer to home.”
Andy McNae MP, Chair of the APPG, said,“ The call from the sector is clear: we need ambitious new legislation to expand everyone’ s access to green and blue spaces.
“ We have a unique opportunity to build on the legacy left for us by previous Labour Governments, who have always sought to ensure that we can all enjoy Britain’ s natural beauty.
“ This not only means opening up new landscapes and waterways for responsible recreation but breaking down the physical and cultural barriers that prevent people, particularly those less physically able, from enjoying them.
“ With the sector behind us, we can transform how the whole country enjoys nature for generations to come.”
Outdoors For All: Recommendations for Government on Access to Nature is at: https:// outdoors. inparliament. uk / outdoors-all-report. paddleuk. org. uk 45