UK NEWS

Two thirds support Scottish-style right to roam law in England

Only 8 per cent of England is covered by a right to roam but the majority of Scottish land has been open to the public for two decades
Only 8 per cent of England is covered by a right to roam but the majority of Scottish land has been open to the public for two decades
ALAMY

Almost two thirds of Britons support a Scottish-style right to roam in England after the High Court ruled that wild camping on Dartmoor was unlawful.

Dartmoor was the only place in England and Wales where wild camping was allowed without permission, but that right ended in January after Alexander Darwall, a wealthy landowner, successfully challenged it in court.

Just 8 per cent of England is covered by a right to roam. In Scotland, a majority of land has been open to the public for two decades, provided they act responsibly.

After the Dartmoor decision, the Labour Party promised to pass a similar right to walk and camp across England and Wales to ensure land is not off-limits.

Polling suggests the policy would have strong