I am just one among many who have sought the solace of nature amidst personal crisis, only to face disappointment. My recent mental breakdown led me to find refuge far from the maddening crowd, away from it all, to rest, recover, and rejuvenate. My plan was simple: pack a tent and sleeping bag and immerse myself in the healing power of the outdoors. Yet, I discovered that wild camping in Britain is sadly illegal. This policy not only hinders mental wellbeing, but it curtails our fundamental rights to solitude and nature.

In our increasingly busy lives, finding moments of solitude for mental health is crucial. The Mental Health Foundation reports that spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems including anxiety and depression. Similarly, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that spending time in nature decreases rumination, a pattern of thought associated with the onset, in some cases, of mental illnesses.

Yet, our laws restrict us from these healing moments of solitude in the wild. Scotland is the only part of the UK where wild camping is widely permitted. In contrast, wild camping everywhere else in the UK can result in a criminal offence, barring us from the serenity we desperately need in challenging times.

We are calling on the UK Parliament to review these outdated laws, taking into account the mental health benefits of allowing solitary escapes in the wild. The UK's vast and beautiful parks and natural spaces can be more than just tourist spots. They can also be sanctuaries of tranquillity for those needing relief from urban chaos and personal crisis.

We appeal to your sense of community and ask for your help in this endeavour. Each signature on this petition is a step closer to a policy that respects our individual need for solitude and the therapeutic power of nature. Please, lend your voice to our cause. Sign this petition to make wild camping legal in the UK.