Countryside local access forum
Local people and visitors have a say in how access to the
countryside is being developed through the Cumbria Local Access Forum
(external link), introduced as part of the Countryside and Rights
of Way Act 2000.
The primary role of the Cumbria Local Access Forum is to provide
advice to Cumbria County Council and to Natural England on how to
make the countryside more accessible and enjoyable for open-air
recreation, in ways which address social, economic and
environmental interests. The Forum encourages and assists access
provision.
It gives advice on four main topics:
- development of integrated recreation and access strategies
which cater for a wide range of people;
- strategic improvements to the rights of way network and related
plans;
- implementation, management and review of the statutory rights
of access to the countryside; and
- the development and implementation of information and
educational strategies.
In providing this advice the Cumbria Local Access Forum has
regard to:
- the needs of land management;
- the desirability of conserving the natural beauty of the area
for which it is established, including flora, fauna and geological
and physiographical features of the area;
- guidance, including this document, given from time to time by
the Secretary of State.
The Forum is a balanced group which avoids being dominated by
single interests. It is representative of all interests, including
recreation use, land management, nature conservation, tourism and
business, transport, education, access for all and health. The
Forum holds meetings in public every quarter.