The Ramblers
They led the way. Help us continue to open the way.
As we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the landmark Kinder Scout Trespass, we need your support to continue the fight for better access to our countryside and green spaces.
Story
Exactly 90 years ago a mass public trespass took place on land at Kinder Scout in what is now known as the Peak District. This historic event is widely credited for sparking the movement that would ultimately give us all better access to our countryside.
But the job is far from done...
On 24 April 1932, in an act of desperate frustration at being forbidden access to countryside, 400 activists took to the hills and moorland at Kinder Scout to protest.
After clashing with gamekeepers sent by local landowners to remove the trespassers, several were arrested and jailed. But inspired by the demonstration, larger trespasses began springing up across the country.
We ramblers, after a hard week's work, in smoky towns and cities, go out rambling for relaxation and fresh air. And we find the finest rambling country is closed to us. Our request, or demand, for access to all peaks and uncultivated moorland is nothing unreasonable.
21-year-old Benny Rothman defending his actions while on trial for his role at Kinder Scout in 1932.
Just 3 years following the landmark Kinder Scout Trespass, the Ramblers was founded. Since then, we've campaigned tirelessly to ensure everyone, everywhere can access and enjoy nature on foot - in the same spirit as the men and women who led the way at Kinder Scout.
Fittingly, in 1951, Kinder Scout (below) would become part of the Peak District, our first national park designation.
We've won many victories on access rights over the years, opening the way for the nation to enjoy swathes of green space that would otherwise remain out of bounds.
We've already achieved so much: the creation of National Parks and long-distance footpaths such as the Pennine Way, open access to over a million hectares of English and Welsh countryside and mountains, unhindered access to open countryside in Scotland, and the creation of the Wales Coast Path.
But despite all of the progress we've made there's still too much countryside closed off to us.
Over 80% of the UKs population live in urban areas where open access land is most limited. That's millions of people who are being denied the right to enjoy nature on foot.
As we celebrate the impact and legacy of the Kinder Scout Trespass, we must also highlight the challenges we still face in protecting and expanding access rights to our countryside.
Only 8% of land in England and Wales is open access and mostly limited to vast, remote areas. Just 0.6% of land in Kent is open access, compared to 72% of the Peak District.
Will you help continue the fight for our right to walk freely in the countryside?
Access to green space is still incredibly limited and disproportionate - and the government isn't doing anywhere near enough to tackle the issue.
We're campaigning for the extension of freedom to roam across England and Wales - particularly in areas around our towns and cities, which will open the way for millions more people to benefit from walking in the countryside.
As a charity, the Ramblers relies on the generosity of people like you to carry on the fight.
Will you please chip in today to support our campaign to improve access to the countryside for everyone?
Thank you for all your support.