It is sad to read that right to roam only applies to 8% of land in England (92 constituencies in England allow no right to roam, data shows, 13 May). No wonder Westminster politicians will be debating this huge barrier to the enjoyment of nature on 18 May. Why is such access so limited in England when the opposite is true in Scotland? Here, public access rights apply to most land and water, even around our own densely populated cities, so long as we follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Today’s Westminster politicians need to come north and learn about access to nature. The annual prime ministerial visit to Balmoral provides the perfect opportunity. King Charles can demonstrate how rights of public access apply to most land and water on the Balmoral estate and in the surrounding hills, woods and fields, whether on foot, bike or horseback. If the king and any member of the public can exercise right to roam in this way, then the prime minister should return south with a determination to deliver equal rights of access to nature for all citizens. England deserves no less.
Dave Morris
Kinnesswood, Kinross
