Latest news with #RightToRoam
The Guardian
16-07-2025
- The Guardian
‘The place is bleached, a dead zone': how the UK's most beloved landscapes became biodiversity deserts
Dartmoor is a place where the wild things are. Rivers thread through open moorland past towering rocky outcrops. Radioactive-coloured lichens cling to 300m-year-old boulders. Bronze age burial mounds and standing stones are reminders that humans have been drawn here for thousands of years. It is considered one of the UK's most beautiful and precious landscapes. Much of this moorland is officially protected as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) because it is considered home to the country's most valued wildlife. Its blanket bogs, heathlands and high altitude oak woodlands are treasure troves of nature. But the wildlife that once depended on these habitats is vanishing. Dartmoor is known for its diverse birdlife, but breeding populations of golden plover, red grouse and ring ouzel have disappeared, or are on the verge of local extinction. Conceived of 75 years ago, there are 15 national parks across the UK, designed so every citizen could immerse themselves in nature and beautiful landscapes. But their beauty can be misleading – experts say many of the landscapes that are formally recognised for their rich natural heritage are actually deserts for biodiversity. 'We have become so used to these landscapes,' says author and campaigner Guy Shrubsole, who advocates for Right to Roam on Dartmoor. 'Good geology hides a lot of problems. We're admiring rocks and not what should be a living ecosystem.' In some cases, species and habitats are in a worse condition within national parks than they are outside them. In May, Natural England released its latest assessment of Dartmoor's three largest protected sites, which cover nearly a quarter of the national park. The results show just 0.1% of them are in a favourable condition. The amount of land area in an unfavourable and declining condition has doubled since the last assessment in 2013. 'Dartmoor is dying,' says Tony Whitehead, a Dartmoor nature campaigner, who crunched the Natural England data. National parks should be at the heart of the government's pledge to protect 30% of land by 2030, but estimates suggest less than 3% of land in England is actually being protected. 'What should be the best is the worst,' says Whitehead. 'They are absolutely failing.' Hen Tor is a one hour walk up from Trowlesworthy car park. This landscape – which falls within South Dartmoor special interest area – used to be known for its carpets of purple heather at this time of year. But today, finding any heather at all is hard work. Getting down on our knees, we spot a handful of heather flowers hidden among the grasses. Tiny bits of bilberry – which once formed dense bushes – cling on around stones. Floral diversity has been replaced by a uniform expanse of grass, grazed close to the ground by sheep. In winter, when this grass is sparse, sheep turn to the heather and bilberry. According to Natural England, this is leading to a 'sharp decline in heather cover'. Monitoring data suggests heather cover has dropped from 25% to 1% in some areas of Dartmoor in recent years. 'We could lose the heather altogether,' says Whitehead. 'It's almost all gone. What is happening here is replicated on other commons around the moor.' At the top of the hill, a mantle of deep peat sits on top of the moor like icing on a sticky bun. But due to historic extraction and repeated burning it is in a poor state. Degraded peat has encouraged the spread of vast stretches of purple moor grass. Monocultures of the species now smother many upland areas, creating ecological dead zones. Deep scars – peat hags – have opened like wounds. Just 1% of Dartmoor's deep peat is considered to be healthy. Consequences trickle down. These habitats should be a stronghold for nationally declining birds such as ring ouzel, curlew, tree pipit and whinchat, but they are increasingly rare to see. 'If you ever had to describe a desert that is on a common, it is here,' says Whitehead. 'It's just desperate – the place is bleached, it's a dead zone and I know how rich it could be. This is the exemplar of a bad site but it is not an anomaly.' If it were assessed again today, Whitehead says this landscape would not be designated an SSSI. None of the features that made it special are here any more. 'This is [now] your bog-standard rough grazing land across uplands across the UK,' says Whitehead At the root of the issue is land ownership. Most land within national parks is privately owned and, particularly in the uplands, used for grazing by farm animals. In Dartmoor, just 7.5% of land is publicly owned, and conservation is seen as secondary to economic interests. Across UK upland national parks, overgrazing and moorland burning are driving these areas into poor ecological health, and a heating climate is heaping on the pressure. Conservation bodies and park authorities often have limited funding to monitor and restore ecosystems. In 2024 the first full assessment of how national parks are supporting nature recovery found that just 6% of park land in England and Wales is being managed effectively for nature. Mike Madgwick, from the National Trust, says Natural England's latest assessments are consistent with the the trust's own monitoring, which he described as 'deeply concerning'. Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion 'These landscapes are nationally important for their wildlife, heritage, and beauty. The National Trust is committed to reversing this decline,' says Madgwick. He acknowledged that the current system was failing: 'While the Trust has worked within the frameworks available, including government-funded schemes, we acknowledge that these have not delivered the ecological outcomes needed.' The 2024 assessment, by Campaign for National Parks, found a chronic lack of funding was preventing park authorities from improving the situation. The parks' direct grant funding from government has been cut by 40% in real terms since 2010. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, none of the UK national parks meet the international definition of a protected area. Pressure is mounting to improve the situation. The campaign group Wild Justice has launched a legal challenge to the Dartmoor Commoners' Council (DCC) for failing to meet legal environmental duties. The hearing was held in the high court on 15 July. The land in the Dartmoor case is privately owned by the National Trust, and is used by farmers – called commoners – with rights to graze livestock on the land. There are about 850 commoners, or owners of properties on the commons, who have rights permitting them to keep sheep, cattle and ponies. David Wolfe KC, for Wild Justice, said in written submissions that DCC has failed 'to ensure that the commons are not overstocked' and has not issued any limitation notices 'in the last 10 years'. He asked the court to order DCC to comply with its statutory duties and carry out an assessment of the number of animals that can graze, as well as order it to issue limitation notices. The DCC says it has made assessments of overgrazing, and its legal representative said natural beauty 'is a core consideration'. The case concludes on 16 July and a written judgment is expected at a later date. The DCC denies that it has breached those duties 'either as alleged or at all, and has defended the proceedings accordingly'. Within the crags of Hen Tor itself, tiny oases of life survive. Protected from grazing, a bilberry bush and mountain ash tree are thriving. Likewise, around the car park in the valley, a wealth of bracken and scrubby trees attract garden warblers, blackcaps and thrushes. Ironically, it is these edge landscapes – protected from the pressures of grazing – that hold the most biodiversity, and show what this land could still be. 'Dartmoor still has some amazing places, but they are small,' says Whitehead. Despite decades of overgrazing, small heather shoots can still be found – albeit in a fragile state – which means restoration would be possible, if done soon enough. 'This land needs a rest, there should be no sheep here over winter', says Whitehead, who says if sheep stocking densities were lower, the land would start to bloom again. If not, ecologists believe the wildlife that once lived here will become a relic of the past – the place where the wild things once were. The quiet crisis unfolding here is not isolated but repeated across UK national parks. Understanding what is happening means looking more closely – not just at the beautiful scenery, but all that is missing too.
The Star
01-07-2025
- The Star
6 countries to go on a campervan holiday
With more people looking for flexible ways to travel, campervan trips have become a popular choice. Instead of staying in one place, campervan travel lets you explore more – all at your own pace. You can wake up by the beach one day and then settle down for the night in the mountains the next. While countries like New Zealand and Australia are well-known for campervan travel, there are many other places that are just as great, but perhaps not as widely talked about. These countries have well-maintained roads and good facilities for motorhomes, making them ideal for your next trip. Portugal It's easy to find a campsite to park your 'home-on-wheels' in the motorhome-friendly nation of Portugal. There are plenty of camper parks across the country, many of which would require you to pay a small fee. A must-do for campervan travellers is the Estrada Nacional 2, dubbed by Americans as the 'Portuguese Route 66', the longest national road in the country. Measuring over 739km, it takes you from northern Chaves all the way down to Faro in the south, winding through various districts, and past mountains and rivers. Along the way, you'll never run out of things to do and delicious food to try. Towns like Evora and Monsaraz in rural Alentejo are great for soaking up historical charms. If you want to avoid the summer crowd, plan your trip between April and June or September and November. Drive through the beautiful Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway. Norway Did you know that in Norway, campervan travellers can legally camp almost anywhere on uncultivated land? This is due to the 'Right To Roam' bill, introduced in the Outdoor Recreation Act in 1957, which lets campers experience the wild. That said, there are a few important rules to follow: Stay at least 150m away from private homes, don't camp in one spot for more than two nights, and always avoid areas where it could cause damage to property or disturbance. Picture yourself cruising down the Atlantic Ocean Road, an 8km or so scenic stretch that winds through tiny coastal islands. It's no wonder the road is often called one of the most beautiful drives in the world. If you're up for a hike, head to Rondane National Park, about 270km from the Atlantic Ocean Road. This alpine paradise offers peaceful hiking trails and views. Take another 180km drive from the park to the beautiful Geirangerfjord, where steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls become your backdrop. If you are planning your trip, aim for May or September: You'll be able to experience either spring blooms or vibrant autumn foliage, and there will be fewer crowds, too. Montenegro's Kotor is great for a campervan adventure. Montenegro The European nation of Montenegro may be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to tourism, and especially for campervan tourists. Tucked along the Adriatic coast are peaceful towns like Herceg Novi, Budva and Kotor. These spots, known for their diverse landscapes, are favoured by campers. From natural wonders such as national parks, canyons, and glacial lakes, to historical landmarks like medieval fortresses, you will find plenty of immersive experiences. Unlike its tourist-packed neighbours, such as Croatia and Albania, Montenegro is a great destination for those seeking a quieter holiday. This little-known country will make your road trip worthwhile. Before you hit the road, it's a good idea to get familiar with the local traffic laws. For example, you need to keep your headlights on no matter the time of day. This is because while the roads are scenic, they can be narrow and winding, especially in mountainous areas. Another important thing to note is that camping in the wilderness isn't permitted in Montenegro, so it's best to stay at official campsites, though it is said the rules tend to be a little more relaxed in remote areas. (We still recommend that you stick to official spots.) If you're planning a trip, spring and autumn are ideal, offering cooler temperatures and more pleasant weather for your exploration. Japan Japan might not be the first destination that pops up for a campervan adventure, but it's actually an unexpected delight for road-trippers. Fly to Fukuoka in Kyushu, one of the country's four main islands. Rent a motorhome and drive through the island's scenic routes to Nabegataki Waterfall, a popular spot where you can walk behind the cascading water. Just a short drive away, unwind at Kurokawa Onsen, a hot spring town tucked in the mountains. Don't miss the Daikanbo Lookout area which is great for viewing Mount Aso and its expansive caldera – one of the largest in the world that was shaped by volcanic eruptions. Wrap up your trip with a drive along the beautiful Laputa Road, nicknamed the 'Road To Heaven', before heading back to Fukuoka. United Arab Emirates Dubai, one of the UAE's seven emirates, is usually known for its tall skyscrapers, deserts and artificial islands. Today, it is also a hotspot for campervan tours. Start your trip by driving your campervan to Al Qudra Desert, about 60km from the city. There, you'll find peaceful lakes among the sand dunes. The next day, head to Hatta, which is 145km away. This mountain town is home to the Hatta Dam, where you can go kayaking and hike through the nearby hills. Finish your adventure in the neighbouring emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, 180km from Hatta. There, treat yourself to a magical sunset picnic on the beach. Visitors must apply for a Parks pass to access national parks in Canada. Canada For campervan adventures, the Canadian Rockies – stretching across Alberta and British Columbia in western Canada – is a top choice for nature lovers. Along the way, you might come across moose, elk and even the occasional grizzly bear as you wind through the roads surrounded by towering peaks. It is this stunning scenery that makes the region a top nature destination. Besides hiking trails, you'll also find natural hot springs, cascading waterfalls and glacial lakes. Landmarks like the massive Columbia Icefield and the majestic Takakkaw Falls are just a few of the natural wonders that make this area worth visiting. The Banff National Park, a popular place for locals and tourists, is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks Unesco World Heritage Site. Remember to apply for a Parks Canada pass to access the national parks.
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Uncommon Ground by Patrick Galbraith: Everything wrong with Right to Roam
Uncommon Ground by Patrick Galbraith (William Collins £22, 368pp) Right to Roam is a vociferous pressure group that demands far greater access to the countryside for 'the ordinary people of Britain'. This demand depends upon a very particular narrative: at some point in the past, rich aristocrats stole the land from the people and shut us out. We must take it back. It's a matter of social justice. Does any of this make sense, asks Patrick Galbraith? What effect would it have on our precious, beleaguered countryside if Right to Roam triumphed? After all, one of their leading lights recently tweeted a demand for 'the People' to be allowed to wander freely anywhere along field margins. It caused uproar. Field margins are some of the most precious wildlife habitats of all, where our rarest birds nest. Yet what makes Uncommon Ground such a superb read is Galbraith's generous even-handedness, his endless curiosity and his energetic research among all sorts of people, including the Right to Roamers themselves. They like to dress as Morris dancers or woodland sprites, wear face paint, play ukuleles and sing folk songs. He likes their eccentricity but despairs of their ignorance. It isn't true we are excluded anyway. We enjoy an amazing 140,000 miles of rights of way across England and Wales. Some open-access campaigners, meanwhile, are bluntly destructive. They destroy crow traps, even though control of corvid numbers is crucial to bird conservation. An old Devon gamekeeper tells Galbraith about one activist who tore down a lot of fencing as a protest. Yet it wasn't put up by some greedy landowner but Natural England. 'It was to stop the sheep getting in the ancient woodland.' Other problems created by careless or selfish 'human access' include Scottish mountain bikers disrupting capercaillie breeding grounds and jet skiers terrorising wintering birds on the coast. Still, he enjoys his wild swim with a mass trespass group in a reservoir owned by United Utilities. Galbraith never argues puritanically, like some militant eco-warriors, that his fellow humans should be excluded from swathes of the countryside to protect wildlife. In fact he wants far more engagement between people and nature. In his ceaseless quest for a truly 3D, multi-faceted portrait of our country, he goes walking with the British Naturist Ramblers in a bluebell wood, appropriately attired (ie boots and socks, no more.) They're an amiable bunch, harmless and nature-loving, but rather lacking in female members, he notes. He meets the Earl of Leicester, proud proprietor of Holkham Hall in Norfolk, just the sort of toff that the Roamers despise. Yet fully one fifth of his 25,000 acres is superbly managed nature reserve. Public footpaths thread across the other 20,000, and Holkham also hosts a regular 5k Parkrun, which the earl joins in with! This is the kind of aristo we can warm to. Especially when he tells Galbraith, while rolling a cigarette, that it gives him 'great pleasure to beat farmers on the estate who are half his age'. The idea that 'they' are to blame – that is, rich landowners and aristos – is a hopeless oversimplification. 'Landowners and farmers aren't the cause, but they could be part of the solution.' In the end, lack of access isn't the problem, it's lack of understanding. Millions go to the seaside every year, he points out, yet how many know there are two different species of seal in the UK? If only more people did country things in the country. Our countryside is changing fast. Could the solution be a win-win for all concerned? With commitment and imagination, yes, says Galbraith.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How entry fees took over Britain's countryside
Growing stretches of the English countryside are 'falling behind a paywall,' campaigners warn as national parks grapple with drastic funding cuts. The Peak District National Park Authority caused uproar last week when executives said they were mulling the introduction of a £1 entry fee. Meanwhile, visitors to the New Forest face fresh parking charges. Elsewhere, centuries-old free access to Lord Bathurst's Cirencester Park in Gloucestershire was monetised last year, access to a popular waterfall on Dorset's Bridehead Estate was blocked as of Monday, and the National Trust has hiked its membership fees by 25pc in the space of just three years. While the fees may be small, campaigners say they underpin a crisis of growing inaccessibility to Britain's beauty spots. Recent government research found that 34pc of people do not have access to a woodland larger than 50 acres within 4km of their home. And just 8pc of land in England is covered by the right to roam – making it one of the worst rate rates in Europe, according to a separate 2022 study. Lewis Winks, of the Right to Roam campaign, said: 'From entry fees for historically open parks, to pay-for-permission wild camping and river swimming, the paywalling of the countryside is quietly shutting the public out. 'Britain already has the lowest levels of nature connectedness in Europe – we should be making it easier for everyone to get outside, not creating more barriers.' An entry fee to England's most accessible national park, the Peak District, has been suggested by its chief executive Phil Mulligan. The authority's financial troubles have been blamed on a fixed government grant that has not accounted for inflation or other costs such as the rise in the minimum wage. The dwindling of funds comes as the Peak District grapples with parking mayhem, overcrowding and litter problems which have blighted popular attractions such as Mam Tor. Mr Mulligan told the BBC that the park, which has around 13 million visitors per year, has cut 10pc of its staff in recent months and suffered a 50pc real terms funding cut over the last decade. A 10p per person fee would cover its recent losses, while a bolder £1 rate would eliminate the need for core government funding. The idea has been backed by the Reform UK leader of Derbyshire County Council. But the Peak District isn't alone in considering an admission charge. Kevin Bishop, chief executive of the Dartmoor National Park Authority, questioned if the rugged moorlands need to become the 'equivalent to a low-emission zone' where 'you get charged entry'. As reported by The Times, he said a public debate was needed on how national parks' upkeep should be paid for. 'Are you going to have a national park funding model whereby you have to pay a hiking licence, like you have to do in some countries every time you want to go for a walk?' The prospect of enforcing entry fees to access our national parks – which would need to be greenlit by the Government – has split opinion. Diane Drinkwater, of the British Beekeepers Association, believes access to nature 'should never become a luxury', and stresses that revenue raised must be ring-fenced and reinvested into the natural world. Kate Ashbrook, of the Open Spaces Society, said the group 'would certainly object to a fee just to enter an area', while regular Peak District hiker, Chloe Groom, said: 'The people who will be hit hardest are those that visit the national park two or three times a week. This takes enjoying the outdoors from a free and accessible activity to one that has a price tag.' Reacting after news broke of the potential £1 charge, Telegraph reader, Lee McLoughlin, commented: 'Here begins the monetising of outdoor spaces. Hell awaits society.' Mike Ross, who labelled the proposal 'ridiculous', said 'soon we won't be able to visit any part of the country without paying fees. What is life coming to?'. A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesman said: 'Our national parks are a source of great national pride, which is why this government is providing them with a capital uplift of £15m. 'This is in addition to the £400m we are investing in restoring nature across the country. We are also helping national parks cut through bureaucracy and take an entrepreneurial approach to boost earnings.' Cash-strapped authorities have also been accused of exploiting Britain's beauty spots via their car parking fees. A minimum stay at Snowdon's popular Pen-y-Pass car park costs £20. Staying for a full day sets visitors back £40. Examples of rate increases at beauty spots are endless. Despite strong opposition, Leeds City Council this year introduced parking charges at five of its parklands, while Labour-run Birmingham City Council is pushing to bring in controversial rates at a trio of parks visited by thousands each year. The year-round fees, costing up to £5 a day, are proposed for Sutton Park, Sheldon Country Park and Lickey Hills Country Park. Ewan Mackey, a Conservative councillor, said: 'These parks were given to the people of this city for their use in perpetuity, for the benefit of their health and well-being. 'They weren't given to the council to be used as an out in Labour's ongoing cycle of crises.' The council concedes the charges are 'unpopular', but said in a report that it is 'reasonable to ask park users to contribute financially to [their] upkeep'. Elsewhere, Forestry England is considering introducing fees at its 130 car parks in the New Forest. Branded 'highly immoral' and a 'penny pinching' tactic by critics, the public body is understood to be eyeing up the parking price plan for next year. It partly blamed the need to charge motorists on 'prolonged bad weather' which has damaged its car parks and increased maintenance bills. A spokesman said: 'Caring for the New Forest has become increasingly expensive in recent years. This includes the price of vital materials needed to repair and maintain the car parks that have increased by more than 50pc over the last three years. 'At the same time, higher levels of damage to trails and car parks have been caused by prolonged bad weather and increasing usage.' Forestry England said less than 20pc of its funding comes from the Government. The spokesman added: 'We need to raise the majority of funds for car parks, trails and all of the work we do, ourselves. A sustainable approach to funding is needed if we are going to be able to continue to do this vital work and provide these facilities.' For those regularly using beauty spot car parks, annual membership with charities and organisations such as the National Trust, RSPB and Forestry Commission continues to be the most cost-effective option. Locations such as the White Cliffs of Dover (£6 per car) charge for parking, but the sites are free to use for members. Those looking to save on National Trust annual membership can purchase a National Trust for Scotland annual pass for £74.40, and still benefit from the parking perks in the rest of the UK. This is £22 cheaper than buying traditional National Trust membership. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How entry fees took over Britain's countryside
Growing stretches of the English countryside are 'falling behind a paywall,' campaigners warn as national parks grapple with drastic funding cuts. The Peak District National Park Authority caused uproar last week when executives said they were mulling the introduction of a £1 entry fee. Meanwhile, visitors to the New Forest face fresh parking charges. Elsewhere, centuries-old free access to Lord Bathurst's Cirencester Park in Gloucestershire was monetised last year, access to a popular waterfall on Dorset's Bridehead Estate was blocked as of Monday, and the National Trust has hiked its membership fees by 25pc in the space of just three years. While the fees may be small, campaigners say they underpin a crisis of growing inaccessibility to Britain's beauty spots. Recent government research found that 34pc of people do not have access to a woodland larger than 50 acres within 4km of their home. And just 8pc of land in England is covered by the right to roam – making it one of the worst rate rates in Europe, according to a separate 2022 study. Lewis Winks, of the Right to Roam campaign, said: 'From entry fees for historically open parks, to pay-for-permission wild camping and river swimming, the paywalling of the countryside is quietly shutting the public out. 'Britain already has the lowest levels of nature connectedness in Europe – we should be making it easier for everyone to get outside, not creating more barriers.' An entry fee to England's most accessible national park, the Peak District, has been suggested by its chief executive Phil Mulligan. The authority's financial troubles have been blamed on a fixed government grant that has not accounted for inflation or other costs such as the rise in the minimum wage. The dwindling of funds comes as the Peak District grapples with parking mayhem, overcrowding and litter problems which have blighted popular attractions such as Mam Tor. Mr Mulligan told the BBC that the park, which has around 13 million visitors per year, has cut 10pc of its staff in recent months and suffered a 50pc real terms funding cut over the last decade. A 10p per person fee would cover its recent losses, while a bolder £1 rate would eliminate the need for core government funding. The idea has been backed by the Reform UK leader of Derbyshire County Council. But the Peak District isn't alone in considering an admission charge. Kevin Bishop, chief executive of the Dartmoor National Park Authority, questioned if the rugged moorlands need to become the 'equivalent to a low-emission zone' where 'you get charged entry'. As reported by The Times, he said a public debate was needed on how national parks' upkeep should be paid for. 'Are you going to have a national park funding model whereby you have to pay a hiking licence, like you have to do in some countries every time you want to go for a walk?' The prospect of enforcing entry fees to access our national parks – which would need to be greenlit by the Government – has split opinion. Diane Drinkwater, of the British Beekeepers Association, believes access to nature 'should never become a luxury', and stresses that revenue raised must be ring-fenced and reinvested into the natural world. Kate Ashbrook, of the Open Spaces Society, said the group 'would certainly object to a fee just to enter an area', while regular Peak District hiker, Chloe Groom, said: 'The people who will be hit hardest are those that visit the national park two or three times a week. This takes enjoying the outdoors from a free and accessible activity to one that has a price tag.' Reacting after news broke of the potential £1 charge, Telegraph reader, Lee McLoughlin, commented: 'Here begins the monetising of outdoor spaces. Hell awaits society.' Mike Ross, who labelled the proposal 'ridiculous', said 'soon we won't be able to visit any part of the country without paying fees. What is life coming to?'. A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesman said: 'Our national parks are a source of great national pride, which is why this government is providing them with a capital uplift of £15m. 'This is in addition to the £400m we are investing in restoring nature across the country. We are also helping national parks cut through bureaucracy and take an entrepreneurial approach to boost earnings.' Cash-strapped authorities have also been accused of exploiting Britain's beauty spots via their car parking fees. A minimum stay at Snowdon's popular Pen-y-Pass car park costs £20. Staying for a full day sets visitors back £40. Examples of rate increases at beauty spots are endless. Despite strong opposition, Leeds City Council this year introduced parking charges at five of its parklands, while Labour-run Birmingham City Council is pushing to bring in controversial rates at a trio of parks visited by thousands each year. The year-round fees, costing up to £5 a day, are proposed for Sutton Park, Sheldon Country Park and Lickey Hills Country Park. Ewan Mackey, a Conservative councillor, said: 'These parks were given to the people of this city for their use in perpetuity, for the benefit of their health and well-being. 'They weren't given to the council to be used as an out in Labour's ongoing cycle of crises.' The council concedes the charges are 'unpopular', but said in a report that it is 'reasonable to ask park users to contribute financially to [their] upkeep'. Elsewhere, Forestry England is considering introducing fees at its 130 car parks in the New Forest. Branded 'highly immoral' and a 'penny pinching' tactic by critics, the public body is understood to be eyeing up the parking price plan for next year. It partly blamed the need to charge motorists on 'prolonged bad weather' which has damaged its car parks and increased maintenance bills. A spokesman said: 'Caring for the New Forest has become increasingly expensive in recent years. This includes the price of vital materials needed to repair and maintain the car parks that have increased by more than 50pc over the last three years. 'At the same time, higher levels of damage to trails and car parks have been caused by prolonged bad weather and increasing usage.' Forestry England said less than 20pc of its funding comes from the Government. The spokesman added: 'We need to raise the majority of funds for car parks, trails and all of the work we do, ourselves. A sustainable approach to funding is needed if we are going to be able to continue to do this vital work and provide these facilities.' For those regularly using beauty spot car parks, annual membership with charities and organisations such as the National Trust, RSPB and Forestry Commission continues to be the most cost-effective option. Locations such as the White Cliffs of Dover (£6 per car) charge for parking, but the sites are free to use for members. Those looking to save on National Trust annual membership can purchase a National Trust for Scotland annual pass for £74.40, and still benefit from the parking perks in the rest of the UK. This is £22 cheaper than buying traditional National Trust membership. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
