Harborough-based campaign group host walk and swim in bid to improve access to nature

The Leicestershire Right to Roam group recently held an event to highlight the lack of access to ancient woodland, in which participants walked responsibly in private woodland near Stockerston.

This was followed by a swimming event in which participants swam at Rutland Water, a private body of water owned by Anglian Water.

Philip Horspool from the Right to Roam group told the Harborough Mail: “The group was formed to support the national campaign for a Right to Roam in England and Wales.

“Currently access to the countryside is around eight per cent and navigable rivers are at just four to five per cent.

“Those involved recognise the health benefits of accessing the countryside and we are all nature lovers who just want to be able to enjoy the countryside and not be so restricted.

“Leicestershire is particularly poor for access and as a county has very little accessible ancient woodland.

“We do not want to have to trespass, but with 50 per cent of the land in England owned by just one per cent of people and with accessible countryside often only being accessible by trespassing, there is really no choice.

“We do not trespass to seek conflict and we have had very little interaction on our walks and swims.

“On the Rutland Water swim I think the main reaction from the public was 'crazy people!'

“People are often not aware of the lack of access to the countryside and are surprised when they hear the numbers.”

The Leicestershire Right to Roam group is planning a further walk on June 14 in the north of the county, while regular swimming events are held.

The group also holds a monthly book club and has a free lending library available to all, which is supported by two local bookshops - Kibworth Books and Quinns in Market Harborough.

For more information about the Leicestershire Right to Roam group and their upcoming activities email [email protected] or contact them via WhatsApp on 07970 077254.

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