UK Government Launches Mersey Valley Way as First of Nine National River Walks
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- The UK government announced the Mersey Valley Way, a 13-mile river walk between Stockport and Manchester, as the first of nine planned national river walks.
- The initiative aims to improve access to nature, with upgrades for accessibility and community engagement activities like tree planting and guided walks.
- Campaigners argue the plan is insufficient, advocating for broader public access rights to rivers and countryside areas.
- The Mersey Valley Way is expected to benefit over three million people within an hour's journey, enhancing local business and wellbeing.
- The next set of river walks will be chosen through a competitive bidding process in 2026.
In a bid to enhance public access to nature, the UK government has unveiled the Mersey Valley Way, a 13-mile river walk stretching between Stockport and Manchester. This initiative marks the first of nine national river walks promised by the government, aiming to boost local economies and promote outdoor activities.
Enhancing Accessibility and Engagement
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has committed to upgrading existing paths along the River Mersey to improve accessibility for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams, cyclists, and horse riders. The project also includes community engagement initiatives such as guided walks, tree planting, and the installation of wildlife habitats. "Nature is a huge source of pride and enjoyment for people across the country," said Access Minister Baroness Hayman. "We are delivering on our manifesto pledge by launching the first of nine new national river walks."
Calls for Broader Access
Despite the positive reception, some campaigners argue that the plan falls short of addressing broader public access needs. Guy Shrubsole from the Right to Roam campaign criticized the limited scope, stating, "A promise to create just nine new river walks is totally inadequate." He urged the government to consider legislation granting responsible public access to all rivers and riverbanks.
Community and Economic Impact
The Mersey Valley Way is expected to serve over three million people living within an hour's journey, supported by the Greater Manchester public transport network. John Sanders of the Mersey Rivers Trust highlighted the potential benefits, noting that the walk could enhance health and wellbeing while supporting local businesses. The government also emphasized the walk's importance for low-income households, with 30,000 such families in Stockport alone.
Future Plans
The government plans to select the next tranche of national river walks through a competitive bidding process set to begin in 2026. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve access to nature across England, complementing other projects like the creation of national forests.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The launch of the Mersey Valley Way could set a precedent for future river walks, potentially influencing policies on public access to natural spaces. If successful, this initiative might encourage the government to expand its scope, addressing campaigners' calls for more comprehensive access rights. However, the challenge of negotiating with multiple landowners remains a significant hurdle. As the next selection process for river walks approaches in 2026, the government may face increased pressure to balance accessibility with landowner rights, potentially leading to legislative changes.
Related Articles
UK Government Eases Deer Culling to Protect Woodlands and Farmland
Government Unveils Ambitious Plan to Halve Attainment Gap in England's Schools
UK Government's SEND Reforms: A Critical Turning Point for Special Education
UK Government's SEND Reforms Spark Debate Over Funding and Accessibility
Government U-turn Forces Local Elections in Lancashire and Essex Amid Reorganisation Plans
Government Criticized for Mishandling Maccabi Tel Aviv Fan Ban
UK Government Launches Mersey Valley Way as First of Nine National River Walks
In This Article
Leila Hassan| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- The UK government announced the Mersey Valley Way, a 13-mile river walk between Stockport and Manchester, as the first of nine planned national river walks.
- The initiative aims to improve access to nature, with upgrades for accessibility and community engagement activities like tree planting and guided walks.
- Campaigners argue the plan is insufficient, advocating for broader public access rights to rivers and countryside areas.
- The Mersey Valley Way is expected to benefit over three million people within an hour's journey, enhancing local business and wellbeing.
- The next set of river walks will be chosen through a competitive bidding process in 2026.
In a bid to enhance public access to nature, the UK government has unveiled the Mersey Valley Way, a 13-mile river walk stretching between Stockport and Manchester. This initiative marks the first of nine national river walks promised by the government, aiming to boost local economies and promote outdoor activities.
Enhancing Accessibility and Engagement
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has committed to upgrading existing paths along the River Mersey to improve accessibility for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams, cyclists, and horse riders. The project also includes community engagement initiatives such as guided walks, tree planting, and the installation of wildlife habitats. "Nature is a huge source of pride and enjoyment for people across the country," said Access Minister Baroness Hayman. "We are delivering on our manifesto pledge by launching the first of nine new national river walks."
Calls for Broader Access
Despite the positive reception, some campaigners argue that the plan falls short of addressing broader public access needs. Guy Shrubsole from the Right to Roam campaign criticized the limited scope, stating, "A promise to create just nine new river walks is totally inadequate." He urged the government to consider legislation granting responsible public access to all rivers and riverbanks.
Community and Economic Impact
The Mersey Valley Way is expected to serve over three million people living within an hour's journey, supported by the Greater Manchester public transport network. John Sanders of the Mersey Rivers Trust highlighted the potential benefits, noting that the walk could enhance health and wellbeing while supporting local businesses. The government also emphasized the walk's importance for low-income households, with 30,000 such families in Stockport alone.
Future Plans
The government plans to select the next tranche of national river walks through a competitive bidding process set to begin in 2026. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve access to nature across England, complementing other projects like the creation of national forests.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
The launch of the Mersey Valley Way could set a precedent for future river walks, potentially influencing policies on public access to natural spaces. If successful, this initiative might encourage the government to expand its scope, addressing campaigners' calls for more comprehensive access rights. However, the challenge of negotiating with multiple landowners remains a significant hurdle. As the next selection process for river walks approaches in 2026, the government may face increased pressure to balance accessibility with landowner rights, potentially leading to legislative changes.
Related Articles
UK Government Eases Deer Culling to Protect Woodlands and Farmland
Government Unveils Ambitious Plan to Halve Attainment Gap in England's Schools
UK Government's SEND Reforms: A Critical Turning Point for Special Education
UK Government's SEND Reforms Spark Debate Over Funding and Accessibility
Government U-turn Forces Local Elections in Lancashire and Essex Amid Reorganisation Plans
Government Criticized for Mishandling Maccabi Tel Aviv Fan Ban