#167 Crossing boundaries and Reclaiming land (with Nick Hayes)

This week’s guest is Nick Hayes! Nick is an author, illustrator, print-maker and political cartoonist. He has published four highly acclaimed graphic novels, each one in separate ways focuses on mankind’s relationship with the environment. I’ve just read his latest book The Book of Trespass: Crossing the Lines That Divide Us, that came out last year. It my favourite Christmas present! We discuss the nature of trespassing and the social, political and cultural impacts it has on us. We only have access to 8% of the English countryside, the rest is hidden behind walls and protected by private property laws. Why can’t we swim in a river? Or roam through a forest? Why do these laws exist and why aren’t they being challenged? Nick explains the history of how trespassing laws came into existence and what he is doing to change them with his Right to Roam campaign. Is private property law furthering the disconnection we have with nature and pushing it towards commodification? Has this also become a class issue, where nature and natural beauty spots are now reserved for those who can pay to access them? This is a particularly fascinating podcast that will hopefully inspire you to explore more and join Nick in his Right to Roam campaign. More Info: Join the campaign to open more of England's countryside to public access: www.righttoroam.org.uk Follow Nick on Instagram @nickhayesillustration & Twitter @nickhayesillus1 Support independent bookshops, by purchasing The Book of Trespass from here: https://labiblioteka.co/item/the-book-of-trespass http://lawyersfornature.com/