This is the first annual report of the Nottinghamshire Local Access Forum, a statutory consultative body established to advise Nottinghamshire County Council, the Countryside Agency and others on the enhancement of public access to the countryside of the county of Nottinghamshire. The Forum consists of 18 members from a broad cross-section of interests. For further details see the Membership section below.
The Forum was established in July 2003, as required by Section 94 of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000.
This report reviews the meetings of the Forum in its first year and summarises some of the most significant matters discussed. It was approved at the meeting of the Forum on 27th July 2004.
The main emphasis of the Forum’s work has been consultation responses regarding implementation of various parts of the CROW Act, including responses to the Draft Maps for Open Country (Area 8). The requirement in the CROW Act for local Highway Authorities to prepare Rights of Way Improvement Plans is also a subject of central importance to the Forum, and it will become increasingly involved in the evolution of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Nottinghamshire.
More detailed information on the work of the Forum, its meetings, members and terms of reference are available elsewhere on this website
Members of the Forum were appointed through a selection and shortlisting process between March and June 2003. Following an extensive press release, advertising and canvassing campaign to attract potential members, 42 applications were received. With an absolute maximum of 22 places available on the forum, (with 2 already taken by the elected members nominated by Nottinghamshire County Council) candidates were shortlisted against key criteria supplied in the application pack, with 31 candidates being invited for interview.
Seven informal group interview sessions were held, led by the Forum Administrator, Countryside Access Team Manager and one of the nominated council members. As a result 16 members were appointed, (giving a total of 18 including the elected members) leaving spare capacity for additional members if an area of expertise is identified as missing. The members’ details are shown, with information including brief biographies, elsewhere on this site. They can be viewed by clicking on 'Forum Members' in the left navigation bar.
The Forum has had 5 formal meetings, summarised below:
Meeting 1: 24th July 2003, at County Hall. The main issues dealt with were the election of the Chair, and a discussion formulating a response to a consultation form DEFRA on Open Country regulations. The Forum received a presentation introducing the work of the Countryside Access Team.
Meeting 2: 30th September 2003, at Ollerton. The main issues dealt with were formulation of a response to the Countryside Agency on proposals for landowner compensation rates and consideration of the Draft Maps of Open Country for Area 8. A presentation was received from the Countryside Agency on the process of mapping Open Country.
Meeting 3: 18th November 2003, at County Hall. The main issue dealt with was the formulation of a response to the draft maps of Open Country for Area 8. The Forum received a presentation from Forest Enterprise on recreation and access in Forest Enterprise estates in Notts.
Meeting 4: 27th January 2004, at Ollerton. The main issues dealt with were the formulation of a response to DEFRA on the use of motor vehicles on public rights of way, and discussions on the new ploughing and cropping strategy for Nottinghamshire, with a presentation by Rob Percy, Senior Rights of Way Officer.
Meeting 5: 27th April 2004, at County Hall. The main issues dealt with were discussions regarding the use of police powers to restrict illegal access to public rights of way by motor vehicles, for which the Nottinghamshire Cheif Constable, Mr Steven Green was in attendance. The forum received a presentation from Simon Houghton, Countryside Access Development Officer, on Nottinghamshire's Pilot Right of Way Improvement Plan.
The overall attendance rate by members across the 5 meetings was 80%.
In addition, the Forum members have taken part in a number of other activities:
3rd July 2003: An informal meeting of the Forum was held, an opportunity for the new Forum Members to meet, get to know one another and find out more about the role and structure of the Forum.
11th September 2003: A site visit to Cropwell Butler (hosted by Russell Price) to look at access issues, illustrating the various ways in which the public rights of way network can change, as well as the provision of permissive access.
9th March 2004: Forum development session held at Boughton Pumping Station, Ollerton. A half-day session with trainer Richard Knightsbridge looking at problem solving, building consensus and decision making.
Nottinghamshire Local Access Forum has established well during its first year. The Forum is well placed to take a central role in steering the development of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan for Nottinghamshire during the coming year, and has the opportunity to continue making links with all individuals and organisations with an interest in the land.
