Sussex Ramblers

Campaigns

Volunteer Image 11

Nationally

The national Ramblers organisation has a long history in campaigning going back over 70 years. 

Your membership helps keep that campaigning spirit alive.

A history of success:

In 1949, the Ramblers was instrumental in securing the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, legislation that led to the creation of National Parks, National Trails, the definitive map of rights of way in both England and Wales, and National Nature Reserves across Great Britain.

More recently, the Ramblers has also helped to establish national parks, most recently for the South Downs and New Forest in the early 2000s.

The charity has also had a key role in establishing national trails as a concept and practically.

A long-term goal of the organisation was achieved in 2000 with the passing of The Countryside and Rights of Way Act, which grants the freedom to roam in mapped areas of open countryside in England and Wales.

The Ramblers has also been at the forefront of those campaigning for a consistent scheme of access to the whole coast of England and Wales (under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009) and for its implementation.The Ramblers have been successful in securing government funding  for the completion of the King Charles III England Coast Path.

In Sussex

On a local level, Ramblers volunteer teams often take on practical roles in campaigns, for example helping to maintain footpaths across East and West Sussex, keeping a watch on planning applications in their area and researching and registering paths for the Don’t Lose Your Way campaign. 

Sussex Ramblers often works in conjunction with private individuals, local authorities and other public bodies to keep paths open and develop routes for long distance paths. The Area is closely associated with the creation and maintenance of the Sussex Border Path and the Sussex Diamond Way and is a member organisation of the South Downs Network.

The cut through path

Following an application made by the Ramblers six years ago, a path from Western Road to De Montfort Road in Lewes has become a formal right of way.

The path was created by the developer of new housing on the site of the old Meridian pub some years ago but had no legal status.

The Planning Inspectorate has now confirmed the status of the route as a right way after East Sussex Council refused to do so.

 Chris Smith, Ramblers Local Footpath Warden  for Lewes, Iford and St Ann, is delighted with the decision made by The Planning Inspectorate. “The confirmation may have come just in time because the development company has been wound up and the land is to be sold.  There is just room for a small house on the northern end of the path and it is possible that this would have blocked the path.”

Chris added, “Local people have been using the path since it was created, and now it is clear that they can continue to do so in the future.”