Trespass for a Right to Roam
As some of you may know there are plans a foot to change the current laws involving trespass. Mostly this is aimed at travelling communities but would almost certainly be used against protest camps and even those wishing to wild camp with more than one vehicle. The changes include the classification of an encampment from 6 vehicles to 2 and criminalising an intent to trespass. Currently trespass is a civil offence and has to be actual not merely with an intent.
As a criminal offence, not only do the police have the authority to charge and arrest, but it becomes the responsibility of the accused to prove themselves innocent as opposed to the land owners responsibility to prove a trespass. Here is where the issue is a bit sticky, there are many people who, understandably, see that trespass by inconsiderate people who take no care, leave litter and damage the land, needs to be addressed and therefore support these law changes. But as 3/4 of the country's police forces have stated that they consider their current powers to be sufficient and proportionate and 84% of them being against the criminalisation of unauthorised encampments, it would seem that this is not the answer to the problem.
There are many national organisations that feel as we do, that these changes threaten our right to protest (Human Right Act 1998 - ref CPS) and what rights we have left to roam on the meagre 8% of the land open for us to do so. Unfortunately the majority of the people that would be directly affected by these new laws have a great love and respect for the land and seek to protect it from harm, continuing to quietly enjoy the peace and tranquillity that she has to offer.
Sacred Earth Activism will be supporting campaigns to increase our right to roam in England from 8% of the land up to a full right, one step at a time. Nick Hayes author, illustrator and campaigner is working with Guy Shrubsole and Extinction Rebellion to this end and will be speaking at our Conference on Sunday March 28th at 11am. We are also supporting XR Trespass in their call to Trespass Together on 24th April 2021 remembering the Kinder Trespass of 1932.
In defiance of oppressive laws the Kinder Scout trespass grew from the actions of 500 working men and women to a protest movement of more than 10,000 people in just three weeks. These early pioneers sacrificed and fought for our right to roam these beautiful Isles and we continue that fight today.
If you are interested in joining us with these campaigns and would like to join our focus team on Telegram please send us your contact details info@sacredearthactivism.org stating your interest or message Louisa directly.
