Access and Conservation
Make a real difference
Our campaigns our fuelled by donations from members and organisations. All money donated to the Access and Conservation Trust - the BMC's registered charity - goes into facilitating conservation and education projects across England and Wales.
Regional Access Database (RAD)
The BMC's Regional Access Database is the source of the most up to date access advice for climbers in England & Wales. Check it before you head out to a crag to see in there's any bird restrictions, access restrictions, parking requirements and log any updates you find that we need to know about.
ACCESS NEWS
Mend Our Mountains Articles
Three impassable paths in the Cotswolds National Landscape have been fixed thanks to funding from the BMC Access & Conservation Trust's Mend Our Mountains campaign. Here are three great walking routes using these new paths.
Mend Our Mountains Articles
26,000 plastic bottles have been rescued from landfill to create a new bridge for walkers and climbers at Cressbrook Mill, partly funded by the Mend Our Mountains campaign from the BMC's Access & Conservation Trust.
Mend Our Mountains Articles
This year's International Mountain Day, Wed 11 Dec, the theme is: “Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation and youth”. Here at the BMC we are brimming with nature-based solutions in the mountains that contribute to a more sustainable future, so here are 3 easy ways you can help us right now.
Mend Our Mountains Articles
Work to improve the first route at Roseberry Topping from Newton Woods to the summit is now complete, but there are 9 more sections of path repair to go over the next two years. Here's everything you need to know about the ongoing repairs, where to walk, when and why.
Contact an access rep
Wondering where to report a rockfall update or a bird nest that isn't listed on RAD? Get in contact with our local area reps.
LATEST ACCESS ARTICLES
Mend Our Mountains Articles
Three impassable paths in the Cotswolds National Landscape have been fixed thanks to funding from the BMC Access & Conservation Trust's Mend Our Mountains campaign. Here are three great walking routes using these new paths.
Mend Our Mountains Articles
26,000 plastic bottles have been rescued from landfill to create a new bridge for walkers and climbers at Cressbrook Mill, partly funded by the Mend Our Mountains campaign from the BMC's Access & Conservation Trust.
The Climate Project Events
In association with Moors for the Future Partnership, BMC volunteers will be planting sphagnum moss in the Goyt Valley area of the Peak District, close to Buxton. Sphagnum moss is a key building block of peat and healthy blanket bog keeps the underlying peat banks safe. Sphagnum traps carbon dioxide and due to its water retention properties it also helps reduce flooding and improves water quality. Therefore protection and restoration of blanket bog is an important part of the fight against climate change.
The Climate Project Events
In association with Moors for the Future Partnership, BMC volunteers will be planting sphagnum moss in the Goyt Valley area of the Peak District, close to Buxton. Sphagnum moss is a key building block of peat and healthy blanket bog keeps the underlying peat banks safe. Sphagnum traps carbon dioxide and due to its water retention properties it also helps reduce flooding and improves water quality. Therefore protection and restoration of blanket bog is an important part of the fight against climate change.
GET INVOLVED
Check out the full list of access and conservation volunteering opportunities, including footpath mending, sphagnum moss planting, invasive species eradication and seagrass planting days.
CLIMATE ARTICLES
Access News
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) has unveiled an ambitious Climate and Sustainability Action Plan aimed at drastically reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting sustainability within the outdoor community.
Olympics
With four GB Climbing athletes heading across the channel for the Olympic boulder and lead competitions starting Monday 5 August, not only are they bringing their A-game in terms of performance but, as part of the BMC, the whole team is supporting Paris 2024 in its bid to be the ‘greenest ever Games’.
Climate Articles
The latest Get Stuck In party of a dozen BMC volunteers have been working with the National Trust to stop peat erosion, reduce carbon emissions and promote tree growth in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park this June.
Climate Articles
The BMC is one of the first organisations to sign Sport England’s Going for Green Pledge, an initiative spearheaded by their chair and former Olympic cycling champion Chris Boardman. The aim is to encourage the sport and physical activity sector to step up its work in tackling climate change, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.
CAMPAIGNS
From footpath repair, to organised litter picks on the hills, to rallying members to write to their MPs asking for the removal of the sale of disposable BBQs, we have a great range of campaigns to get behind. Find out more about our active campaigns, and why they're making a difference to the British hills you love.
RESOURCES
Access Articles
The BMC has voluntary Access Representatives in all of the BMC Areas. The reps offer a first point of contact for climbers or walkers with questions about local access.
Rock Climbing News
Castlemartin is on Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (PCNPA) land, and is a popular climbing destination. This area also includes Range West, a military training area with a firing range, so climbers must attend a briefing before accessing the area. The briefing dates have now been published for 2025.
Trusts and Charities
Access and Conservation Trust
The BMC's Access and Conservation Trust (ACT) funds vital projects that protect our crags and mountains. It promotes sustainable access to crags, mountains and open countryside through education and conservation projects across Great Britain.
Land and Property Trust
The BMC owns eight crags across England and Wales, and actively supports the management of several others for the benefit of climbers. Some sites have been given to us over the years while others have been purchased or acquired at auction to secure long-term access.
Mountain Heritage Trust
Mountain Heritage Trust is committed to safeguarding the stories, traditions, and legacies woven into these rugged landscapes. It's archive of films, images, books and artefacts echo some of Britain’s most iconic achievements.