Full Breakdown
Mass Trespass Calls for Right-to-Roam Access on Winstanley Hall Estate
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Campaigners staged a mass trespass on the privately-owned Winstanley Hall estate in Wigan, located within the Ashton-in-Makerfield constituency represented by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Participants walked public footpaths before breaching a gap in the site’s metal fencing to enter the land, aiming to draw attention to the lack of public access under current law.
Background & Context
The protest targets England’s restrictive “right to roam” framework, which permits public access to only a small fraction of privately owned green spaces. Campaigners are urging the adoption of a Scottish-style model that would grant responsible access to land and water owned by private parties. Nadia Shaikh, co-director of the advocacy group Right to Roam, noted that only about 1 % of Burnham’s constituency currently enjoys such access, highlighting the limited opportunities for local residents to enjoy nature.
Key Figures & Groups
- Andy Burnham – Prime Minister and MP for Ashton-in-Makerfield.
- Nadia Shaikh – Co-director, Right to Roam, campaign organizer.
- Kingswood Homes – Developer proposing roughly 400 new homes on the estate; its spokesperson emphasized plans to make more than 18 acres (approximately 0.07 sq km) publicly accessible.
Official Statements & Responses
Burnham’s office has not issued a formal comment on the trespass. Kingswood Homes’ spokesperson responded that the development proposal includes a commitment to open over 18 acres of the site for public use, suggesting that the company is addressing access concerns while proceeding with the housing project.
Why It Matters
The demonstration underscores growing pressure on policymakers to revise England’s access laws, especially as large-scale housing developments encroach on green spaces. Advocates argue that expanding public right-to-roam would provide nearby residents with “a lovely one-hour walk” and improve wellbeing, while developers contend that integrating designated public areas can balance housing needs with community access. The outcome of this dispute could influence future legislation on land access and shape how new residential projects are planned across the country.