Right to Roam Exhibition Explores Landscape, Access and Belonging

About

image: No Owner of Mountains by Izzie May

The Inspired by… gallery at Danby Lodge National Park Centre is presenting Right to Roam, a new exhibition that examines the relationship between people, landscape, access and belonging.

The exhibition marks one of the most significant moments in the history of public access to the countryside. Nearly a century ago, workers from the industrial towns and cities of northern England organised campaigns to secure greater access to rural landscapes. Their efforts culminated in the 1932 Kinder Scout Mass Trespass, a landmark event that helped influence public access rights and contributed to the establishment of Britain’s National Parks.

Artists Explore Access to Nature and the Countryside

Drawing inspiration from this history, Right to Roam brings together artists from across the UK to explore what access to landscape means in contemporary society. Featuring painting, printmaking, textiles and sculpture, the exhibition showcases a range of personal and thought-provoking responses to the natural world.

Many of the participating artists reflect on themes including:

Walking and outdoor exploration
Seasonal changes within the landscape
Personal memories and connections to place
Local histories and cultural heritage
Relationships with the natural environment

Other works examine the social and political histories embedded within the countryside, raising questions about land ownership, public access and environmental stewardship.

Exploring Different Perspectives on Land Management

While many artworks celebrate the freedom to experience nature, the exhibition also addresses contemporary discussions surrounding land management and environmental responsibility. Visitors will encounter a variety of viewpoints that encourage reflection and discussion.

Rather than presenting a single narrative, the exhibition highlights the complexity of the landscapes people value and inhabit. National Parks continue to serve multiple purposes, balancing recreation, conservation, farming, tourism, wildlife, heritage and local communities.

The Legacy of the Right to Roam Movement

An important theme within the exhibition is the original right to roam movement’s commitment to caring for the countryside. In response to criticism at the time, walking groups promoted principles of responsibility, respect and care for the environment.

These values continue to influence both the Countryside Code and the North York Moors National Park’s ‘Share with Care’ message today.

Right to Roam invites visitors to consider the legacy of those early campaigners while reflecting on personal connections to the landscape. The exhibition explores themes of:

Access to nature
Belonging and community
Memory and heritage
Environmental responsibility
The value of the natural world

Archive Material from the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass

The exhibition also features archive material from the Working Class Movement Library, providing additional insight into the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass and the wider campaign for public access to the countryside.

Artist Response Highlights Importance of Nature

Rhian Roberts, Engagement Officer for Arts and Culture at the North York Moors National Park Authority, commented that the open call generated an enthusiastic response from artists throughout the UK.

Artists from across the country highlighted the importance of spending time in local natural spaces as a source of inspiration for their creative practice. The exhibition demonstrates how direct engagement with the landscape continues to shape artistic expression and encourage appreciation of the natural environment.