Both North Yorkshire County Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority are in need of volunteers with an interest in the countryside and rights of way to join their Local Access Forums. Forum members can help influence recreation and leisure in the countryside and deal with issues such as dogs off the lead, the use of drones, and clear signing of footpaths. Lesley Tate reports.

WITH ever increasing numbers of people enjoying the countryside, whether it’s to walk, run, cycle, or ride horses, there has never been a better time to become part of a local access forum.

But, with the increasing popularity comes increasing flash points - the walking of dogs off the lead, the potential conflict of mountain bike riders, walkers and horse riders and the use of drones, not to mention the clear signing of rights of way, and the correct way to behave around livestock, not only for people with dogs, but anyone faced with walking through a field full of ‘curious cattle’.

Both North Yorkshire County Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority are appealing for new members to join their own, separate local access groups and are looking for people with a keen interest in the countryside where they live, or work.

Forums are independent, official bodies, set up as a result of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act of 2000. Their function is to represent the interests of everyone concerned with public rights of way - such as footpaths, bridlepaths and byways - and access to the countryside.

Their main role is to advise all levels of local government, national government and other agencies by commenting officially on policy proposals and any other access issues.

North Yorkshire County Council, responsible for rights of way in those parts of Craven, outside the national park, says the volunteer forum members focus on improving public access land for outdoor recreation, and the encouraging of enjoyment and understanding of the countryside.

Members also consider the need and concerns of those who manage the land, such as farmer owners and tenants, and landowners.

They will also work at enhancing and conserving the natural environment, and develop the rights of way network, working through the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP), and also consider how to broaden opportunities for those who might feel currently excluded.

Forum members are expected to develop a constructive and inclusive approach to the improvement of recreational access to the countryside, respect local circumstance and different interests, follow national guidance and act as a bridge between different interest groups and seeking a consensus wherever possible.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said: “North Yorkshire has some of the most beautiful countryside in the country. It is a real asset and the use of it for business and recreation and as a place to live has numerous benefits. That is why we must ensure that it remains open and accessible in a way that ensures its long-term preservation.

“The forum we have had in place for the past three years has worked really hard to promote countryside access and balance the needs of all those people who live, work and spend time in the county’s green spaces. We are looking forward to recruiting some more volunteer members to the forum who will bring new perspectives, challenge and ideas to the fore.

“If you are interested in this great opportunity, then we would love to hear from you.”

The Yorkshire Dales Access Forum, which meets three times a year in Bainbridge, needs five new members.

Members are not paid, and are appointed for a term of three years.

The national park says it is looking for people who own and work the land, and from people who use it for recreation or a variety of other interests -it s current members include farmers and landowners, people in the tourism trade, as well as keen walkers, cyclists and recreational motor enthusiasts.

Rachel Briggs, the park authority’s access and recreation officer, said: “The access forum has an important role to play in addressing the challenges that regularly crop up regarding public rights of way and open access land. At a recent meeting, for instance, the forum was debating the tensions caused by unlicensed camera drone operators and by people inappropriately letting dogs off the lead. “

She added: “Forum members can put forward ideas for improving open air recreation. People can make a positive contribution to the Yorkshire Dales by joining the forum.”

The deadline to apply for a place on North Yorkshire County Council’s Local Access Forum is October 29, with interviews due to take place on November 12. To find out more, go to:northyorks.gov.uk/rights-way-information-and-advice#laf

The deadline for applications to join the Yorkshire Dales Access Forum is November 16. To find out more, contact Rachel Briggs by phone, 01969 652363, or by email at Rachel.briggs@yorkshiredales.org.uk.