News from Geoffrey Cox MP

We are truly blessed in Devon with the landscape and coastlines on our doorstep. Getting outside and being active in such an environment is a pleasure with so many beautiful areas to explore, and I am always keen to support efforts aimed at promoting outdoor activities, with walking Britain's magnificent countryside being one of the best ways I know to take exercise.

Being outside in nature benefits people physically and mentally, making it extremely important that we protect access to the countryside. Our network of public rights of way plays an important role in this effort, and the Government is simplifying the process of recording them to ensure that no historic rights of way are lost.

Work also continues with Natural England to establish the England Coast Path, of which a significant section is in Devon, providing the perfect mix of challenging walking with stunning views. 
 
It's also important to ensure that our countryside remains inviting to visit. I am therefore pleased that the Coalition Government has published the first Natural Environment White Paper for 20 years and established a proper strategy to promote nature, “Biodiversity 2020”. £7.5 million has been provided to establish 12 Nature Improvement Areas, providing space for wildlife to thrive, and 150,000 acres of priority habitats are being created.
 


In addition, over 11 million trees were planted in the last Parliament and the Government plans a further 11 million in this one. England's woodland cover is now expanding at a rate not seen since the fourteenth century.
 
I believe the progress the Government has made shows a proper commitment to protecting and promoting the great British countryside for the present and for the future.