I have signed too, and passed on the email to a number of contacts. Thanks for drawing this to our attention.

It would appear that the promotion and marketing of our national trails is being taken over by Walk England Ltd (ever heard of them?) - a "highly respected and experienced social enterprise" (Natural England).

Was the LDWA consulted in ay way?

I don't have much time for the RA but have signed their petition:

http://www.ramblers.org.uk/england/campaign-with-us/campaign-for-national-trails/campaign-for-national-trails-send-to-a-friend.aspx

and will write to my MP.