National Trails UK calls for National Trails funding uplift

In December 2024, the Government announced that as part of their review of Government spending for April 2026 onwards, the Second Stage Spending Review, they would be inviting evidence from non-government organisations. These submissions would enable us to make a strong case for increased funding to National Trails.  

Working with a task and finish group of National Trail Chairs, and with evidence provided by National Trail Officers, NTUK put together a strong business case demonstrating that funding for National Trails urgently needs to be increased. We based this on Government’s own numbers, looking not only at the additional benefits that National Trails offer, which are central to many of the Government missions, but also at the hard facts: by 2026, the National Trail network in England will have nearly doubled, and yet promised funding has barely increased over the last 10 years.  

While Active Travel England has received £300million to construct 300 miles on footpaths and cycleways, our urgent request from Government is to increase National Trails funding to £5.7million a year from 2026. This modest uplift would finally bring funding back in line with the values prescribed by the 2013 New Deal, account for the 2892 mile expansion brought by the King Charles III England Coast Path and Coast to Coast, and allow for 100% funding for National Trail sections on CROW Land.  

To strengthen the case to Government, we've been contacting MPs with National Trails in their constituencies, urging them to back the submission.  

The Government have given no clear timelines on the outcome of the Second Stage Spending Review. We will inform National Trails of any updates, and continue to speak up as their independent voice.

In the meantime, the funding allocation for 2025/26 remains uncertain. With less than a month until the new financial year, it is impossible for National Trails to plan ahead. NTUK has urged Natural England and DEFRA to confirm funding for National Trails immediately, stressing that it should be at least £3.6 million “

You can download our submission to the Second Stage Spending Review using the link below. Many thanks to all the National Trails members who contributed to this.

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