Thank you for this. I've signed the petition and read the Ramblers link in detail. Very worth reading for anyone who hasn't yet read it, the final paragraph being ...
We are calling on the Home Office to provide: 1) urgent clarification on the governments long-term plans around the criminalisation of trespass, and; 2) public commitment not to introduce measures that would limit people’s access to and enjoyment of the outdoors, and to working with organisations such as ours to ensure this is not the case.
I spoke to the footpath officer of our local N.E. Wilts Ramblers Group earlier to see if he could clarify what is going on. He wasn't able to simply because it is unclear why the proposal to criminalise is being made. Traveling communities may well be the target - it would be shameful to see that way of life turned into a criminal offence.
One of the points made in the Ramblers response related to land near railway lines, there is a specific case for this because of vandalism.
Also land around prisons - I was recently walking with a friend near Erlestoke Prison in Wiltshire, the footpath was so muddy it was impassable so we cut into some adjacent woodland. There were 'No Trespass' signs everywhere but also broken down fences so we were not the only ones to do this. As we walked we realised this woodland went right up to the prison fences.
Speaking for myself, I know I have committed trespass in the past whilst in the pursuit of a better look at some Gloucestershire longbarrow. I'm sure I am not alone - it was always done with trepidation and the expectation that someone would appear with a shotgun. My god, the adrenalin rush - it never happened and I hope it never does.
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