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An estimated eight million people in Britain enjoy rambling in the Peak District every year.

But what many who enjoy outdoor pursuits don't know is that their "right to roam" was won by men who sacrificed their own freedom to gain access to the countryside for all.

In 1932 wealthy landowners had exclusive use of large areas of moorlands for grouse shooting.

Walkers were kept out by guards, until a group of 400 people from Manchester and Yorkshire, led by Benny Rothman, engaged on a mass trespass. The campaigner was jailed with four other men.

The event is credited by many with starting a movement that paved the way for the establishment of national parks.

Mr Rothman died in 2002 but he is now being honoured for his contribution with the unveiling of a blue plaque on his former home in Crofton Avenue, Timperley, Greater Manchester.

Retired professor, Harry, who followed in his father's footsteps by specialising in environmental issues, says: "He was a very optimistic man and he made the best of it when he went to prison. It didn't put him off campaigning, he went on campaigning on environmental issues most of his life."

Mr Rothman did live to see the Countryside Rights of Way Act passed by Parliament in 2000, ensuring the freedom of the countryside for future generations.

Roly Smith, a friend of Mr Rothman and an author of walking guidebooks, said: "It is down to them that we have got what we have today."

Councillor Jonathan Coupe, of Trafford Council, said: "The honour of having a blue plaque attributed to you means you have really made an impression on society."

"Mr Rothman contributed to the changing of history and it is because of him that we are able to enjoy the local countryside as often and freely as we can today."

Quiz 测验

1. According to the article, what were large areas of countryside used for by the 1930s?

Grouse shooting.

2. How will Benny Rothman be honoured?

With a blue plaque put on his former home in Crofton Avenue.

3. Is the following statement true, false or not given? Benny Rothman had a son who is interested in the same issues as himself.

True. Environmental issues interested both men.

4. What expression in the article means activities carried out in open air?

Outdoor pursuits.

5. What word means 'the act of entering into private property without permission'?

Trespass.

Glossary 词汇表

to ramble 漫步

outdoor pursuits 户外运动

to roam 游逛

to sacrifice 牺牲

a landowner 一个地主

the moorlands 荒野

grouse shooting 捕猎松鸡

a trespass 一次非法入侵

to pave the way 为某事铺平道路

a national park 一个国家公园

to unveil 揭开

a blue plaque 一个蓝色牌匾

to follow in his father's footsteps 跟随父亲的足迹

an environmental issue 一个环境问题

the Act 一项法案、法令

a guidebook 一本旅行指南

to be down to (someone) 归功于（某人）

a councillor 一名议员

a Council 政务会、议会