David Drake

Celebrating 25 Years of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 – and 20 Years of Public Access Rights

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Coast and access, Connecting People with Nature, Countryside Code, Natural England, Nature, Parks, trails and nature reserves
Snailsden Reservoir Peak District National Park. Image: David Drake

By David Drake, People and Nature Director This year marks a double milestone in the history of outdoor access in England and Wales: 25 years since the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act) was passed, and 20 …

Growing stronger together: community action for nature

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Connecting People with Nature, Development, Education, Green Infrastructure, Mental health and wellbeing, Natural England, Nature, Parks, trails and nature reserves, Wildlife
Children in school uniforms help with planting outside of a school. An adult and child are kneeling in the foreground, digging at the base of a young tree, while another child stands with a watering can.

By David Drake, Director for People and Nature, Natural England The Nature Towns and Cities Partnership established by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Trust and Natural England, brings together organisations across the UK with a shared vision for …

Celebrating 60 Years of the Pennine Way: A Legacy of Access, Nature, and Inspiration 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Connecting People with Nature, Landscapes, Landscapes and access, Mapping, Natural England, Nature, Parks, trails and nature reserves, Wildlife
Malham Cove, Yorkshire © www.nationaltrails.co.uk

By David Drake, Director for People and Nature, Natural England  On 24 April 2025, I had the privilege of joining a remarkable celebration - the 60th anniversary of the Pennine Way. As Britain’s first National Trail, the Pennine Way remains …