HomeAbout Us
Members of the Cumbria Local Access Forum represent fields of interest rather than organisations. For example, users of rights of way and access land including people with disabilities, as well as land managers. Members of the Forum will also advise on balancing access to the countryside against the conservation, natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and the needs of residents, landowners, land managers, tourism operators and general country users.The primary purpose of the Cumbria Local Access Forum (Cumbria LAF) is to advise the County Council on improving access to the countryside of Cumbria (outside of the National Parks). Forum members will advise on issues relating to access to open country, improving the benefits of countryside recreation in Cumbria and the rights of way network.
The Forum operates in accordance with the Local Access Forums (England) Regulations 2007 and the Terms of Reference agreed by the Forum. It has been set up in accordance with Section 94 of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000, the legislation which established the rights of access to open country and the "Right to Roam".
Set up under the new Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and independent of the County Council, the Forum will:
- Advise on matters relating to access to the countryside, and to develop opportunities for everyone to enjoy the public rights of way network;
- Advise local authorities in Cumbria with regards to the improvement of public access to land for the purposes of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the area;
- Discuss, and comment on, improving the public rights of way network in Cumbria;
- Help steer and monitor County access and recreation policy;
- Address any other issues that may arise as a result of the above.
Meetings and Minutes
_tcm48-32247.gif)