The LDWA has, along with 11 other outdoor organisations, added its name to a statement of concern over those parts of the Public Bodies Bill, currently before the House of Lords, that may affect countryside access and path usage on land owned or managed by the Forestry Commission and National Park Authorities. The statement, on which further details may be found here, reads:

"We oppose those elements of the Public Bodies Bill which give government wide-ranging and unfettered powers to alter the nature and functions of bodies which hold land for the public benefit. In particular, we are concerned that the Bill allows ministers to alter the National Park Authorities and the Forestry Commission, both of which own and manage land with a wide range of public benefits and who have, as part of their statutory purposes, a commitment to contribute to the landscape and its biodiversity, and provide good-quality public access opportunities, on foot, horseback and bike.

The result could be that land which is currently enjoyed by the public is appropriated for some other purpose, or that the quality of its natural features and public access diminishes or is not secured."

The British Horse Society

British Mountaineering Council

Campaign for National Parks

Disabled Ramblers

Long Distance Walkers Association

National Federation of Bridleway Associations

Open Spaces Society

Ramblers

South Pennine Packhorse Trails Trust

Sport and Recreation Alliance

Trails Trust

Woodland Trust