LOCAL ACCESS FORUM ASKS 'IS IT WORKING'?

The Exmoor Local Access Forum is seeking the views of local communities to see how the new right to open access land is working and what could be improved.

The Access Forum is an independent statutory advisory body set up by the Exmoor National Park Authority in 2002 to advise on how to make the countryside of the National Park more accessible and enjoyable for open-air recreation.

To date the Forum’s main focus has been on the new right of access to open countryside (within the classifications on Exmoor of moor, heath and common land) largely through providing advice on implementation and the dissemination of information. The Forum also advises on improvements to the rights of way network within the National Park through a Rights of Way Improvement Plan Chapter (included in the Devon and Somerset Rights of Way Improvement Plans) and its role is also expanding to include other recreational activities.

The Forum now wishes to meet groups and individuals from local Exmoor communities to seek views on how the new right to open access land is working and how the rights of way network is perceived and what improvements are considered to be necessary. To this end, some ‘meet the community’ events are to be held, with the next one taking place at Porlock Village Hall on Wednesday 31 May at 6pm.

Jeremy Holtom, chairman of the Exmoor Local Access Forum said: “It is vital that we hear from people how this important piece of legislation is working on the ground and also their views on how improved access to other recreational pursuits may be improved and implemented. Do come along and have a chat on 31 May, we very much look forward to seeing as many people as possible.”