Written question asked by Lord German (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Public Footpaths: Rivers

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether they anticipate that the National River Walks will involve the creation of new (1) public rights of way, or (2) permissive access agreements.

Answer

This Government committed in its manifesto and the Environmental Improvement Plan 2025 to create nine new National River Walks, one in each region of England, as part of our plans to improve responsible access to nature.

This Government will launch a competition to identify the next National River Walks later in 2026. The type of access created for each National River Walk will depend on the proposals brought forward by delivery partners. Further details on how applications will be assessed will be set out when the competition is launched.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL771
Session: 2026-27
Subjects: Public footpaths Rivers
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Public Footpaths: Rivers

Secondary information

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