Whats the real impact of rising urbanization on the availability and accessibility of outdoor leisure activities in rural areas, and are we doing enough to preserve and promote these spaces for future generations, or are we just paying lip service to the idea of getting people out of their cars and into the great outdoors?
Is it not ironic that were constantly being told to get out and enjoy nature, yet the very same governments and councils who are pushing this agenda are also the ones responsible for selling off public green spaces to the highest bidder, or allowing them to be overrun with invasive species and litter?
And what about the so-called cycle-friendly routes that are springing up all over the countryside - are they really designed with the needs of cyclists in mind, or are they just a way for local authorities to tick a box and say theyre doing something to promote sustainable transport?
Its all well and good to talk about the importance of getting people outdoors and active, but if were not willing to put our money where our mouth is and invest in the infrastructure and maintenance of these spaces, then are we just wasting our breath?
And another thing - whats the deal with all these new adventure parks and resorts that are popping up in rural areas, promising to bring in tourists and boost the local economy? Are they really just a bunch of overpriced, soulless theme parks, or are they genuinely contributing to the preservation and promotion of outdoor leisure activities?
Are we in danger of losing sight of what it means to truly enjoy the outdoors, and instead just treating it as another commodity to be bought and sold?
Is it not ironic that were constantly being told to get out and enjoy nature, yet the very same governments and councils who are pushing this agenda are also the ones responsible for selling off public green spaces to the highest bidder, or allowing them to be overrun with invasive species and litter?
And what about the so-called cycle-friendly routes that are springing up all over the countryside - are they really designed with the needs of cyclists in mind, or are they just a way for local authorities to tick a box and say theyre doing something to promote sustainable transport?
Its all well and good to talk about the importance of getting people outdoors and active, but if were not willing to put our money where our mouth is and invest in the infrastructure and maintenance of these spaces, then are we just wasting our breath?
And another thing - whats the deal with all these new adventure parks and resorts that are popping up in rural areas, promising to bring in tourists and boost the local economy? Are they really just a bunch of overpriced, soulless theme parks, or are they genuinely contributing to the preservation and promotion of outdoor leisure activities?
Are we in danger of losing sight of what it means to truly enjoy the outdoors, and instead just treating it as another commodity to be bought and sold?