Open Spaces Society

On the sixtieth anniversary of the Commons Registration Act 1965, we have challenged ministers to re-open the closed registers in England, and save thousands of square miles of green land for the people to enjoy: bit.ly/46KNsWs

We are deeply concerned that on 24 July Plymouth City Councillors are being recommended to approve the development of Wilmot Gardens, Crownhill. The recommendation comes despite 49 objections to the monstrous proposal. Read more: bit.ly/4m0DDZj

Happy birthday to us! We’ve been proudly defending the right to enjoy public spaces since 19 July 1865, and we’re not slowing down.

Thank you to all our supporters, volunteers, and colleagues who make our work possible. Read some of our highlights: bit.ly/4eWR3CF 💚

You can also see further analysis in a personal blog, Wild about camping, from our case officer, Hugh Craddock: bit.ly/3H37alr

We are delighted by the unanimous supreme court judgment that there is a legal right to backpack camp on Dartmoor's commons. Today marks the end of a four-year legal battle to protect our rights to access and enjoy common land. Read more on our website: bit.ly/43rtT28 (1/2)

Tomorrow, a planning committee will decide the fate of Kilvey Hill. The much-loved space in Wales is under threat from an ugly megadevelopment which will stop local people enjoying a vital outdoor area. Find out why this simply can't be allowed to happen: bit.ly/4kCt0vt

We expect that these details will enable the public better to understand what additional access is being offered in return for public money, and we advise people on how to find this out: bit.ly/4g50hfb (2/2)

We have welcomed a tribunal decision that HMRC must reveal more information about country estates benefiting from inheritance tax relief. (1/2)

We’re on the hunt for a new case officer to join our small but mighty team.

If you've got good technical and legal knowledge of planning and open spaces and want to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you 💚

Apply before 31 January: bit.ly/4jgW9eH

As we mark 75 years since the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, we’re proud to call for a renewed People’s Charter to encourage access for all.

Everyone deserves to benefit from what national parks offer. Read more: bit.ly/3ZGeM2U

The government's revised National Planning Policy Framework leaves open spaces incredibly vulnerable, when they should be at the heart of our planning system. Find out why we believe the protections outlined in the document to be wholly inadequate: bit.ly/4fjrXfM