Our Land

Who has a right to nature? The documentary Our Land sketches a turbulent history of England that begins with the enclosure of the commons and ends with the present situation, in which only 1% of the population owns 90% of the land. These forests and fields are separated by walls, fences, and hedges. A stark contrast to Scotland, where 'the right to roam' has been in effect since 2003. Headstrong aristocrats with inherited estates à la Downton Abbey and a love of hunting are confronted with eccentric activists in homemade animal costumes who view a 'mass trespass' as a playful protest. Does nature benefit more from stewardship or general access ? Forests and fields are divided by walls, fences and hedgerows, standing in stark contrast to Scotland, where the right to roam has existed since 2003. Eccentric aristocrats with inherited country estates worthy of Downton Abbey and a passion for hunting come face to face with equally eccentric activists in homemade animal costumes, who stage playful mass trespasses in protest. Is nature better served by private stewardship or open public access?