Get Active in the Great Outdoors

        

Building a dry stone wall	After a caving expedition

The great thing about England is that no matter where you live, you are never far from green space or nature. Favourites areas to explore include the National Parks, ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, Country Parks, National Trails, the Public Right of Way network, the National Cycle Network, and National Nature Reserves.

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) provide a great way of getting close to nature and to see England’s special wildlife and geology. There are over 200 National Nature Reserves representing the full range of habitats that make England special. From shingle beaches, yew woodlands, wildflower meadows to limestone pavements, NNRs offer a unique experience to visitors to enjoy unspoilt and tranquil natural places throughout the country. Entrance to all the reserves is free, check our website to find the nearest one to you.

National Trails provide over 2,500 miles (4,000km) of the nation’s best walking, riding and cycling experiences. They pass through some of the most visually stunning and varied landscapes in England and Wales. You can travel along part or all of any one (or all) of the 15 Trails, depending on your stamina. The Pennine Way for example, is over 250 miles long. The Pennine Bridleway is the first purpose-built long distance bridleway for horse riders, mountain bikers and walkers. 120 miles have been completed so far. For information on National Trails, visit http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk

National Parks offer the best examples of the diverse landscapes in England. They are the most remote and dramatic landscapes of all. Sweeping heather moorlands, dramatic coastlines, beautiful upland and mountain areas, are part of the richness of the National Parks experience. There are currently eight National Parks in England, plus the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, which has equivalent status.

If you wish to explore somewhere ‘new’, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) gives people the right to walk freely on mapped areas of mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land. Recent editions of OS Explorer maps show the areas of ‘access land’, which opened up in 2005. Although the new right allows area-wide access, at certain times restrictions may apply for land management, conservation or safety reasons. The Natural England website will provide further information on all of the above: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk

Should you wish to stay overnight, the Youth Hostel Association has over 200 Youth Hostels and 40 camping barns for individual travellers, families, school and youth groups in rural locations and major cities – members and non-members receive a warm welcome, comfortable accommodation and good food at affordable prices. For more information, check out the website http://www.yha.org.uk

As to the countryside close to home, there are many smaller areas of green space open to the public. These include traditional urban parks, country parks, nature reserves, picnic areas and woodlands. Most local parks are managed by local councils, who can give further information. Several other organisations, for example the National Trust, the Forestry Commission and the Woodland Trust, manage extensive areas of land open to the public. The various Wildlife Trusts and the RSPB also manage many nature reserves, while large areas of land around reservoirs in upland areas are managed by water companies, who often promote public access. For information about local and national leisure and recreation opportunities, visit http://www.direct.gov.uk

For advice and information to help you get the best out of walking anywhere in Britain, see http://www.ramblers.org.uk

Cycling is another great way to explore the countryside. The National Cycle Network offers cycle routes on quiet country lanes and traffic-free paths, with easy to follow route signs and connecting towns and villages throughout the UK. For information about the National Cycle Network, visit http://www.sustrans.org.uk.

England is a beautiful country. It’s landscape and nature is there for us all to enjoy. So whether you want a wildife adventure, a long walk across the hills or a leisurely amble by a quiet stream, there is sure to be something in the countryside to suit you.

The Countryside Code

* Be safe - plan ahead and follow any signs
* Leave gates and property as you find them
* Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
* Keep dogs under close control
* Consider other people

Thanks go to Nuala Murray from Natural England for submitting this article. Natural England is working to enhance biodiversity, landscape and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas; promote access, recreation and public well-being, and contribute to the way natural resources are managed so that they can be enjoyed now and by future generations.

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