My friend and former colleague Alan Teulon, who has died aged 91, was a champion for access to the countryside. As head of countryside services in Northamptonshire for 25 years, he believed that “contact with the countryside and nature is essential to the quality of life for all, regardless of age, culture or ability”. He worked to break down any physical and perceptual barriers that might prevent access for all; and also developed the idea of “pocket parks” that can bring green spaces into urban communities.
Alan was born in Enfield, north London, to Agnes (nee Rowbury), a laundry worker, and Selwyn Teulon, a wood machinist. He grew up in London but loved visiting the countryside. After attending Latymer school, he did national service in the Royal Engineers in Kenya, and stayed on to become a draughtsman.
