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KATE Ashbrook, the secretary of the Open Spaces Society in Henley, gave a speech at the Freedom to Roam: the Next Step conference on Saturday.

The event, at Hebden Bridge town hall, saw activists call for greater rights of public access to the countryside.

It called on the Government to legislate for access to the land and inland waters of England for outdoor recreation and enjoyment of nature.

Ms Ashbrook said: “The conference gave a clear message to ministers that we need new laws to extend access rights so that everyone can enjoy countryside, both close to home and further afield.”

The event was held on the eve of the 25th anniversary of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act. Before the conference, many of the participants joined a walk to the Mere Stones, on the South Pennine Moors.

The Mere Stones, and all the surrounding moorland, were banned territory, with “keep out” signs, before the implementation of the Act.