The North Yorkshire local access forum was created in 2003, under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
The main aim is to provide advice to Natural England and ourselves on how to make the countryside more accessible and enjoyable for open-air recreation. The forum meets three times a year with up to 12 members.
Local access forums set their own priorities depending on local issues. They also respond to consultations and draft policy documents. When making recommendations, local access forum members consider land use, as well as the need to conserve flora, fauna, geological and physical features.
Further information about local access forums can be found on the Defra website.
How to become a local access forum member
Members of local access forums are volunteers who bring a wide range of experience to the forum, including recreational use such as walking, riding and cycling, and land management.
Members include a range of people from the local community, including those with an interest in the land, nature conservation and heritage. Those with an interest in tourism, health, business and transport can also help to provide a rounded perspective on countryside access issues.
Forum members are not paid but can claim reasonable expenses for attending meetings. They need to commit to the forum and its work for a period of up to three years.
New members are appointed by the local authority or national park authority, known as the appointing authority or access authority.
If you would like to contact the North Yorkshire local access forum or register an interest in becoming a member in the future, please email the forum secretary at: melanie.carr1@northyorks.gov.uk