**Debra and Tom Willoughby**, organic farmers from Nottinghamshire, initially sought to restrict access but now embrace visitors on their land.
The couple has opened **new permissive footpaths**, discovering positive community interactions far outweigh previous concerns.
Farmers engaging with locals find it beneficial for business, creating direct customer connections and promoting local produce.
Overall, only **8%** of England's countryside allows public access; campaigns are advocating for **expanded access rights** similar to other European regions.
At the **Oxford Real Farming Conference**, farmers will discuss increasing land openness, weighing the balance of community engagement and land conservation.