Invitation to provide evidence into inquiry to change policy and legislation around access green and blue spaces

The new APG for outdoor recreation and access to nature in the House of Commons is inviting evidence to its inquiry into changes in policy and legislation that would enable more people to access green and blue spaces.

Laws need to change to give people better access to nature closer to their homes, the chair of a new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has said.

The APPG is focusing on Outdoor Recreation and Access to Nature and has called for evidence to help enable more people to access green and blue spaces.

The group is inviting written submissions from individuals, organisations, and experts.

Click here to find out more and share your ideas that would enable more people to access green and blue spaces

The Government’s manifesto included a commitment to improve access to nature, with more details expected later in 2025.

Over 34m people, including 1.9m children, engage in outdoor activity.

Outdoor Recreation activities have experienced some of the most positive swings post COVID of all activities tracked in Active Lives Survey.

It is estimated that outdoor activities generate around £22bn for the UK economy, with around £8.4bn being generated by trips that involve outdoor recreation.

The inquiry is considering ideas for new legislation and / or policy proposals which would include enabling more people to make use of existing access opportunities (including open access and public rights of way).

Improving access to landscapes (woodlands, riversides, water bodies, downland) and the safeguards needed for the environment and land management.

The APPG is inviting written submissions from individuals, organisations, and experts.

These may include outdoor organisations, access policy experts and land managers and owners with experience of people accessing land for outdoor recreation.

Deadline for submissions is midnight on 20 July 2025.