The Government has given the Countryside Agency a number of tasks to help it to deliver the policies outlined in the 'Framework for action on access to the countryside', published on 8 March 1999.
Recreation

Breadcrumbs

Draft first year programme of work for the Forum (NCAF 1/3)

Purpose

1. The National Countryside Access Forum is invited to discuss and agree its first year programme of work. A draft programme is attached at Annex 1. In particular members are asked to consider whether:

a. the proposed programme is appropriate, comprehensive and practicable;

b. an annual site visit should be included in the programme; and

c. if the Forum should hold an annual event (workshop, seminar or conference) to disseminate its work to a wide audience.

Background 

2. The Government has given the Countryside Agency a number of tasks to help it to deliver the policies outlined in the 'Framework for action on access to the countryside', published on 8 March 1999.

3. The first year programme of work for the Forum is driven by the need to make early progress on many of the tasks which the Government has assigned to the Agency.

4. The proposed timing, frequency and agenda of the meetings in the programme will ensure that the Agency draws on the expertise of the Forum on particular issues at the right time.

5. The Countryside Agency is keen to ensure that the work of the NCAF is disseminated openly and widely. Communication will be a subject for detailed discussion at the second meeting in September, but the Forum is asked to give some thought as to the best channels for it. 

Annex 1

DRAFT FIRST YEAR PROGRAMME OF WORK

July 1999

(lndependent members will not have been appointed by this date)

1. Terms of reference

  • to discuss and agree  

2. Progress on access work

  • update on Agency access programme  

3. Draft first year programme of work

  • to discuss and agree  

4. Access to 'other' land

  • update on Agency research
  • case and scope for extending access to additional categories  

5. Mapping open access land

  • update on Agency research
  • process and timetable for mapping  

September 1999

1. DETR rights of way consultation

  • issues arising from DETR consultation paper  

2. Communication

  • publicising the work of the Forum
  • involving groups outside the Forum - workshops, seminars, conference  

3. Access to 'other' land

  • consultants advice to the Agency
  • advice to Agency Board  

4. Mapping open countryside

  • advice on the existence and characteristics of existing datasets; and methodologies for mapping open countryside using these datasets.  

5. Local Access Forums

  • Agency paper on role, membership and operation  

December 1999

1. Closure or restriction regimes

  • Agency advice to Government  

2. Mapping open countryside

  • discussion of Stage 2 of the work  

3. Local Access Forums

  • draft code of practice on role, membership and operation  

4. Codes of Practice

  • development of 3 codes of practice for land managers, visitors and local forums and authorities  

5. National Access Register

  • feasibility study  

March 2000

1. Second year programme of work

  • discuss and agree  

2. Closure to restriction arrangements

3. Mapping open countryside

  • on mapping beyond pilot areas  

4. Local Access Forums

  • code of practice on role, membership and operation  

5. Codes of Practice

  • draft codes of practice for land managers and visitors  

June 2000 (Possible workshop, seminar or conference on Forum's work)