SUSTAINABILITY

FEATURES
Looking back at public access
on the military estate
Walking as a pastime began to
emerge in the 19th century with
numerous walking clubs being
formed. Increasing industrialisation
was having an impact on city workers
who sought to escape the confines
of the urban environment to explore
their local countryside. With increasing
numbers of people venturing
outdoors it became apparent that
numerous beautiful areas were
inaccessible and out of bounds to the
general public.
In protest mass trespasses were
organised, most famously at Kinder
Scout in the Peak District. A clear
public statement, the Government
recognised that legislation change
was needed, prompting the writing
and passing of the National Parks and
Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
Castlemartin provides world class opportunities for climbing, an increasingly popular sport © Lynne Houlston
Enjoying the great outdoors is a
fundamental part of many peoples
lives, but when it comes to access and
recreation on the defence estate there
are two opposing trains of thought:
as one of the largest landowners and
a government department we should
lead by example, seeking to provide
access to the public where possible and
the primary purpose of the estate is to
provide land for military training. Public
access provision has the potential to be
dangerous and disrupt training.
The DIO Access and Recreation Team
(ART) aim to achieve balance between
these two viewpoints. Access projects
carried out have been successful
because at their core there have
been a collection of key stakeholders
working together to provide the best
possible outcome.
Outdoor recreation is very much a
modern concept. Historically the
paths and lanes of the countryside
were an essential element of the
rural community, offering passage to
work, friends and family. The rapid
development of the motor vehicle has
ensured the rural footpaths, bridleways
and byways, the public rights of way,
now serve a very different purpose.
They are gateways to the countryside.
The 19 49 Ac t established National
Park s and public rights of way
(PROW ) were legally defined
and designated across England
and Wales. It cannot be stressed
enough that this in itself was a big
achievement; the first significant
step in the creation of public access.
The Ac t solidified public access
rights across the UK and recognised
areas of land that would ac t as
national f lagships for natural histor y,
geology and landscape qualit y. As
a consequence the MOD, alongside
all other landowners, is obliged to
ensure PROW are clear and useable.
Since the passing of NPAC byelaws
have been written to manage sites to
enable military training. In addition to
creating a safe place through PROW
closure during live firing, some estate
byelaws also increase public access
during appropriate times. Positive
relationships with local councils ease
PROW management through joint
working and, where practicable,
create improvements.
50
Sanctuary 44 • 2015