National conservation group the Open Spaces Society has published a ten-point plan to protect routes for those who enjoy walking in the New Forest and other parts of the country.

The list has been compiled for candidates at the general election, with politicians asked to sign up to it.

It includes a right of appeal and a requirement to provide suitable alternative land before public open space is taken for another purpose.

Another request is for public paths, such as New Forest walks and Lake District walks, to be recorded, open and easy to use, with a definitive list of all public highways, from roads to footpaths available to walking fans.

In addition, the charity wants swift implementation of the English coastal route and the access land associated with it.

The latter could soon become a reality as the government recently gave the green light to the Coastal Access Scheme.

New funding has been secured to help conserve and improve walking routes on Ilkley Moor as well as at Scammonden and Cant Clough reservoirs in the upper Colne valley.

The Watershed Landscape project will focus on the expanse of upland moors and peat watersheds in the South Pennines and will be spearheaded by regeneration group Pennine Prospects.

More than £1.9 million has been allocated to the scheme from a deal between the Heritage Lottery Fund and local authorities.

In addition to revitalising the walking routes, the cash will also go towards mapping and interpreting Bronze Age cup-and-ring stones on Romblands Moor as well as to the restoration of drystone walls and shooting lodges.

Pennine Prospects chairman Pam Warhurst told the Bradford Telegraph and Argus that the announcement is great news for walkers and ramblers.

“More than a million people live in or around the South Pennines yet the uplands feel remote, wild and exhilarating,” she added.

In other news, work to implement the all-England coastal path can now begin after the government approved Natural England’s Coastal Access Scheme.

Plans to develop a cycling and walking route between Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton are to go on show to the public today (March 29th).

Devon County Council is holding an exhibition at Old Forde House, Brunel Road in Newton Abbey from 14:00 GMT to 20:00 GMT with members of the public invited to see and give their thoughts on the proposal.

The Connect 2 project is aimed at addressing the lack of walking routes and cycling paths linked to the north bank of the River Teign, with plans to extend the path to reach Teignmouth.

It will include a new link from Hackney Marshes to the River Teign and will be approximately 2.5km long.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said that the exhibition is a chance for local people to have a say on plans for the area.

“This is a great opportunity for people to comment on what I’m sure will be a great asset for the area. I hope it will encourage more people to cycle and walk, whether that is in their leisure time or on their journey to work or school,” he added.

Dunnet Head Centre and Educational Trust in Scotland recently revealed it is hoping to win support for a new walking route on the country’s far north coastline.

There is only one way to discover the hidden treasures of the New Forest and that is to lace up one’s walking boots and head out on foot.

While meandering down the many walking routes and paths, visitors get a more intimate feel for the luscious green landscape than they would admiring it through the window of their car.

With an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife, the area offers something for everyone, from artists looking to capture a beautiful landscape on canvas to photographers hoping to capture that perfect shot.

Historic sites

A visit to the New Forest must include a trip to Breamore House, an Elizabethan manor located in the picturesque village of Breamore, which offers quite outstanding views of the Avon Valley.

Housed within this majestic building are fine works of art, period furniture, tapestries and more.

Rockbourne Roman Villa is another must-see, as is Hurst Castle and Ferry, the fortress prison that housed Charles I and is now home to exhibits from various conflicts, including artefacts from World War II.

Glorious parks and gardens

The piece de resistance of the New Forest is its National Park.

It is a living and working remnant of medieval England offering wonderful walking routes, with its fresh air, clean water and luscious landscape making it a perfect example of England’s green and pleasant lands.

A combination of ancient woodland, heather-covered fields and quaint villages make this the jewel in the New Forest’s crown.

However, it is just one example which is popular with tourists, with walking groups also fond of the New Forest Water Gardens.

Set in three acres of glorious gardens, the ponds and waterfalls which are home to a variety of fish and marine life are a joy to behold and a wonderful discovery while walking and rambling in the area.

Furzey Gardens is another place waiting to be discovered.

Noted for its year-round beauty, it offers a wonderful spot in which to relax and take off one’s hiking boots for a short while.

Wonderful wildlife

Grazing on the long green grass of Burley Park are some of the most majestic and beautiful Red Deer likely to be seen anywhere.

With tractor rides and other tours taking place, the chance to get close to these wonderful animals should not be missed.

A trip to Lower Test Nature Reserve is also a must, although this vast area of coastal and wetland habitats requires visitors to wear sturdy walking or hiking boots and come equipped with suitable walking clothing.

This unique environment is home to some wonderful animals and plants, making it a fantastic spot for photography, art and walking.

The art of falconry has been practised in the New Forest for centuries and nestled within the area is Liberty’s Owl, Raptor and Reptile centre.

Here walkers will find a large collection of birds of prey – including eagles, vultures and owls – along with various reptiles ranging from snakes to tortoises.

Walking fans will also spot the famous New Forest pony, an animal that roams free over the open forest, with various other farm animals enjoying the space afforded them.

Quaint villages

The New Forest does not just offer grass and woodlands.

A visit to Barton-on-Sea provides stunning coastal walks and views which have to be seen to be believed.

Many people enjoy a swim in the area, meaning visitors can kick off their walking boots and take a dip in the sea should they wish.

Standing at the very eastern edge of the New Forest is the parish of Fawley which, with its many Roman remnants, is a popular spot for history fans.

To the western edge walkers will find Ringwood, the traditional market town of the New Forest and home to beautiful cottages.

Those who visit on a Wednesday can get a taste of the market atmosphere, with a trip to Jubilee Garden also recommended.

Rest and relaxation

The New Forest is home to numerous hotels, guest houses and camp sites.

As the best way to explore the terrain is on foot many visitors pitch up tents at the camp sites and spend the night with nature.

Those who do this must ensure they have brought all the correct gear with them so they can enjoy a good night’s sleep before lacing up their walking boots and heading out into the wilderness once again.

Work to implement the all-England coastal path can now begin after the government approved Natural England’s Coastal Access Scheme.

Under the 2009 Marine and Coastal Access Act, Natural England has a statutory duty to improve access to the English coast for walkers and ramblers through the creation of a long-distance walking route around the coast and accessible land nearby.

The Coastal Access Scheme outlines how the walking route will be aligned, approaches taken to estuaries and areas that are likely to be used as spreading room where people can enjoy picnics and relax while on their walk.

Poul Christensen, chair of the organisation, said “The publication of the scheme is an important step in making clear, secure and consistent coastal access a reality for England.”

Natural England recently submitted its Stepping Forward report to the government, outlining steps those in power should take to safeguard the country’s walking routes for the benefit of everybody.

Natural England has delivered a set of recommendations to the government designed to protect the country’s walking routes and public rights of way.

The Stepping Forward report contains several measures which the organisation claims would benefit walkers, landowners, local authorities and farmers.

At present, there is a lack of clarity for the public about which walking routes they can use, as many footpaths and bridleways are not recorded on the ‘definitive map’ held by councils.

Poul Christensen, chair of Natural England, said he hopes the recommendations, which include reducing the bureaucracy of the existing procedures for recording pre-149 rights of way, will benefit everybody.

“Rights of way are a vital means by which people can enjoy our beautiful countryside and engage with nature, farming and their local heritage,” he added.

Adrian Morris, a campaigner for Ramblers, backed the plan, adding that the government must not “cherry pick” recommendations, as they will have no effect.