3 minute read
Best foot forward – an access anniversary
We all need a LOCAL ACCESS FORUM
If you like being active outdoors then you’ll love a LAF (Local Access Forum). Did you know, the Peak District Local Access Forum has just turned twenty?
Miles Without Stiles is a guide to accessible routes in the Peak District available from National Park visitor centres and online shop. Possibly one of our least well known volunteer groups, the Local Access Forum deals with access and rights of way developments and improvements. It is the important link between people who actively enjoy the countryside and the National Park Authority and highways authorities, like Derbyshire County Council.
An independent advisory group, the Local Access Forum helps local authorities make better informed decisions about access to land, open air recreation and public rights of way, for everyone’s benefit.
Its 22 members are passionate about the many forms of public access in the Peak District, whether that is walking, biking, climbing, running, or access to water. Each brings to the table their specialist knowledge and experience. Some are land managers, some are farmers, some are in business, and some work for partner organisations. All are keen to ensure that opportunities are as well managed as possible and open to everyone. John Thompson, who chairs the Peak District Local Access Forum, says: “Without the Local Access Forum there would be little opportunity for people who are enjoying the National Park to engage with the people who are managing it – whether they be the authorities or landowners. The LAF provides
Clockwise from top: John Thompson, who chairs the Peak District Local Access Forum; horse riders can enjoy 400km of bridleways and trails in the National Park; Local Access Forum members are all volunteers committed to better public access; A ranger-led guided walk (pre-pandemic).
an opportunity that enables a better understanding on all sides of why things are managed as they are.
“The Local Access Forum has a crucial role in giving independent advice to the National Park Authority and county councils on improvements to public access for people’s open air recreation and enjoyment.
“Our approach is one of consensus and understanding, which helps us address issues of conflict and advise on ways to resolve these, whether it’s access issues such as motor vehicle recreation, mountainbiking or water-borne recreation, or land management concerns such as wildfire risk or control of dogs.”
The Local Access Forum usually meets every three months, in Bakewell, and the public are able to attend.
You can find out more at
www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/laf
• 2000 The Peak District Local Access
Forum was the first in England, set up by the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. • 2004 facilitated new access rights to open country. • 2005 dedications of Peak District
National Park Authority owned woodlands as open access. • 2006 hosted Local Access Forum regional event. • 2007 advised on Derbyshire County
Council’s Rights of Way Improvement
Plan. • 2008 implemented actions for recreational motorised vehicles. • 2009 reviewed long-term access restrictions. • 2010 contributed to the Peak District
National Park recreation strategy. • 2011 supported the re-opening of the
Monsal Trail tunnels and launched the
Black Harry Trails. • 2012 advised on the statement of action for Derbyshire County Council’s
Rights of Way Improvement Plan. • 2013 focused on work with volunteers. • 2014 celebrated Wild Side anniversary and launched the Access Fund for access improvements. • 2015 focused on disabled access issues. • 2016 input to Derbyshire Cycling Plan launch. • 2017 input to Derbyshire’s Key Cycle
Network and Derbyshire’s 2026 project on Lost Ways. • 2018 celebrated Access For All and the first twenty Miles Without Stiles routes. • 2019 key partner for the Peak District
Management Plan and Landscapes review. • 2020 Peak District Local Access Forum 20th anniversary.
