The attached note summarises progress on the main tasks devolved to the Countryside Agency, to help prepare for legislation on access to the countryside, and then implement it. (NB More information on the objectives for each task is contained in Ann...
Recreation

Breadcrumbs

Progress on access work (NCAF 1/2)

Purpose

1. In considering the programme of work, the Forum is invited to:

a. note the range of activity getting under way; and advise if there are specific tasks which it considers need more or less attention;

b. note the general approach to each task (from the 'How' sections in Annex 1 of the Countryside Agency Board paper 99/4 which is attached), and advise on any improved procedures that might be worth consideration, bearing in mind the need to plan to meet the requirements of legislation in the forthcoming Parliamentary session; and

c. give any other advice on the programme that it thinks would be helpful in its overall execution. 

Progress

2. The attached note summarises progress on the main tasks devolved to the Countryside Agency, to help prepare for legislation on access to the countryside, and then implement it. (NB More information on the objectives for each task is contained in Annex 1 of Agency Board paper 99/4).

3. As well as the activity listed, there has been great deal of internal and external liaison to clarify the outputs, processes and timetables for the various pieces of work, and for the various interested parties. Maintaining clear communication with DETR and between the parallel exercises in England, Wales and Scotland is particularly important.

4. There is potential tension between rapid progress towards tangible access achievement, and the need to implement policy in this sensitive area in a technically thorough, open and consultative manner. The programme of work puts a premium on high quality preparation, whilst seeking to deliver access in a timely way.

5. The main brake on progress at the moment is the time it is taking to recruit additional people to the Countryside Agency teams in Cheltenham, London and Manchester. We expect most posts to be filled by the end of September, and for work on all elements of the package to be sufficiently well progressed by the end of the year that we could meet the requirements of legislation in the next Parliamentary session, should there be an opportunity.

6. As well as progress on these tasks, the Countryside Agency continues to make significant inputs to the improvement of access through its work on National Trails, its grant aid programme in support of other Rights of Way, support for improved access for the disabled, and developmental work on Greenways. 

Annex 1

Progress on Access Work

Last Updated - 3 July 1999

a. Advice on access to 'other' categories of land

Contract 1 let to Surrey University et al to advise on current provision, distribution and use of access to coast, watersides, woods and cliffs. Report due in August 99. Steering group comprising DETR, CCW, FC and Env. Agency.

Contract 2 let to MVA Consultants, to carry out market research into potential demand for additional access to above categories of land, and additional provision of access for riders and other 'higher' users. (Report in August 99).

Consultants report in August. If possible a paper to the NCAF in September. Paper will go to the Board in September. Advice to DETR in Oct. Contact - Paul Johnson or Chris Moos.

b. National Countryside Access Forum (NCAF)

12 Institutional members invited to nominate members on June 23. First Forum Meeting July 21st. Subsequent meetings planned for Sept and December 99. Panel to select 4 independent members in August 99. Contact - Nadia Little or Miriam Angier.

c. Mapping

Stage 1 - contract let to Geodata Institute (Southampton University), to provide analysis of usefulness of existing data and create and test a methodology for widespread mapping. Reports in October 1999. (Mapping Advisory Group includes OS, FRCA, ITE, National Parks)

Stage 2 - trial mapping, from Oct 99 to Sept 2000. Stage 3 - Mapping of access categories over all of England starts Spring 2000. Contact - Roger Ward or Chris Moos.

d. Produce Codes of Practice for Visitors, Land Managers and Local Authorities

Code of Practice for Visitors - Paper to NCAF planned for December 99. Contact - Gavin Stark (from August).

Code of Practice for Land Managers - Paper to NCAF planned for December 99. Contact - Chris Moos.

Code of Practice for Local Authorities - Paper to NCAF planned for December 99. Contact - Paul Mutch (from July). 

e. Local Countryside Access Forums (LCAFs)

Paper to NCAF in September 99. Contact - Nadia Little.

f. National Access Register

Ordnance Survey producing preliminary advice on approach. Paper to NCAF planned for December 99. Contact - Roger Ward.

g. Rights of Way

Countryside Commission provided detailed advice to Government in March. Assisting DETR in drafting consultation paper; publication expected mid July 99. Paper on Countryside Agency response to DETR consultation - paper to NCAF in September. Paper to Board in Sept 99. Contact - Roy Hickey.

h. Public Information

About to employ a publicity officer to assist with dissemination of information on the work we are doing at present, and to help prepare a strategy for the eventual public dissemination of information on rights and responsibilities, closures or other constraints, and means of access. Discussion on communication paper to NCAF in September 1999. Paper to NCAF planned for December 99.

i. Integrated Access Demonstration Projects

Outline proposal to be drafted by end of August. Contact - Nadia Little.