Environment Secretary Michael Meacher joined ramblers protesting against the lack of public access to privately-owned uncultivated land.
At Todmorden, West Yorkshire, he told the protesters he was committed to securing public access to 1.41ha (3.5m acres) of uncultivated moorland, mountains, heath and downs, currently privately owned.
There were nine other similar protests across the country. Another rally took place at Postbridge, on Dartmoor. Currently only one-fifth of registered common land is open to the public, including only two-thirds of Dartmoor.
The Country Landowners’ Association has said it will consider counteraction if a compulsory “right to roam” for the public is introduced.
The Daily Telegraph 21/09/98 page 7
The Times 21/09/98 page 8
The Independent 21/09/98 page 7
The Guardian 21/09/98 page 10
