A Right to Roam

by Marion Shoard

For a thousand years British people have been battling against the 'Trespassers will be Prosecuted' mentality of landowners. Now, however, the law of trespass is under challenge. After mass trespasses and days of protest against 'Forbidden Britain,' the idea of a right of access to Britain's countryside has moved firmly on to the political agenda.
But any such 'right to roam' will be fiercely resisted by some. What would it really mean for agriculture, forestry and wildlife, as well as recreation? Who would benefit and who would lose out? This illuminating book answers these questions and places them in what turns out to be a fascinating historical, philosophical, and political context. The result provides essential reading for anyone concerned about the balance of power in a changing Britain as well as the fate of our countryside.

447 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 1999

About the author

Marion Shoard is an English writer and campaigner. She is best known for her work concerning access to the countryside and land use conflicts. In 2002 she became the first person to give a name to the "edgelands" between town and country. Since 2004 she has also written and campaigned about older people's issues.