Local Access Forum (LAF)

About the Local Access Forum

The Local Access Forum (LAF) is independent from the County Council and advises on countryside matters.

They offer advice to:

• Nottinghamshire County Council

• District, borough and parish councils

• Natural England

• Central government, and others.

The LAF aims to:

• safeguard the character of Nottinghamshire's countryside
  improve public access

• encourage enjoyment of our rights of way network.

The LAF was set up in 2003 as a requirement of the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act). This was also when open access land was first introduced.

The members of the LAF are local people, balanced between those who:

• access the countryside

• manage the land

• or have an interest in the local community and conservation.

They work together to improve access for all users of the countryside whilst protecting biodiversity and the legitimate interests of landowners.

Download a leaflet about the Local Access Forum [PDF].