Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether guidance has been given to National Park Authorities on access to the countryside by ethnic minorities.

The Government recognises that currently access to nature is unequal, where people living in more deprived areas, ethnic minorities and younger people are more likely to live in areas with less access to green space.

The Government supports the work Protected Landscapes and the Protected Landscape Partnership are implementing to improve access and their focus on equality, diversity and inclusion.

Projects to improve inclusive access, such as improved path surfacing, inclusive signage, and community engagement programmes delivered by National Parks and National Landscapes will help to remove barriers and ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome to enjoy spending time in nature.