Open Space Society has criticised the government’s proposed Land-Use Framework for failing to address public access. While the society welcomes the plan to produce a framework, and recognises the complexities of doing so, it notes that the government’s proposal is geared to protecting farmland and food security, and does not consider the role of land…
Hirwaun Wrgant taken from Cynon Culture The earliest reference to coal in the Aberdare Valley Is found in a Survey of XI th. King James, A.D.16I4: “There is Coal within the Common called Hirwaun Wrgan.” The first historical mention of the district is early in the eleventh century. The prince of Glamorgan Gwrgan ap Ithel…
Clare Pillman, who has served as Natural Resources Wales’ (NRW) Chief Executive, has announced her retirement after seven years of dedicated service. Clare joined NRW as its Chief Executive in 2018 during a testing time in its history, and has led the organisation through the challenges of the Pandemic, the major storms of 2020 and…
We have condemned Swansea planners’ recommendation to approve the Skyline’s development on Kilvey Hill. On Tuesday (4 March) the planning committee will decide the fate of this unique area. The development would comprise, among other structures, gondola stations and chairlift infrastructure for 22 cable cars, a restaurant and bar, a vast area of high-speed luge…
Our general secretary, Kate Ashbrook, considers the implications of the government’s apparent obsession with growth. Support The Open Spaces Society from £3/month We deal with almost 1000 cases a year assisting communities, groups and individuals in protecting their local spaces and paths in all parts of England and Wales. Can you help us by joining…
Today (16 December 2024), on the 75th anniversary of the royal assent of the revolutionary National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, the organisations which collectively promoted that law, call for a new vision from the government. Hailed as a People’s Charter, the 1949 act was to enable all citizens, no matter their background,…
In the latest edition of Open Space magazine, our general secretary, Kate Ashbrook, urges the new government to be bold in securing new and better access. She writes: The new Westminster government arrived sooner than expected. Does this mean new access sooner than expected? The government has so far been silent on this subject as…
The Open Spaces Society object to the proposed, unfair land swap on Clyne Common, Swansea, and will give evidence to a public inquiry which opens today Tuesday (6 August)[1]. The society joins the Gower Society and many other objectors in arguing that the Duke of Beaufort’s Somerset Trust land to be taken for housing is…
In these tough times, during a cost-of-living and climate crisis, open spaces and paths for health and well-being, close to people’s homes, have never been more important. The society sets out what it wants from the next government. Public access 1. Early consultation on how to improve access for all The new government must treat public…
