Thank you for contacting me about walking and the future of UK agricultural policy.
The benefits of walking – and being out in the countryside more generally – are well established.
Our network of public rights of way plays an important role in this effort, so the process of recording them is being simplified to ensure no historic rights of way are lost. Work is also ongoing with Natural England to establish the England Coast Path. We must also ensure that our countryside remains inviting to visit.
As you have identified the vote to leave the EU, and as such the Common Agricultural Policy, gives us an unprecedented opportunity to design policies tailored to our needs. The Secretary of State has recently set out the direction of travel in terms of farming support and will shortly launch a consultation exercise that will give all interested parties the chance to share their views and ambitions for the future. This will provide an ideal opportunity for the Ramblers' call for a Walking Britain to be heard.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
