Local Countryside Access Forum - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Local Countryside Access Forum?
- What will the access forum do?
- What do you mean by 'Access'
- Who will the forum members be?
- What is meant by 'land managers'?
- What is meant by 'recreational users'?
- What is meant by 'other interests'?
- How are the forum members chosen?
- How much experience or knowledge do I have to have?
- How long will forum membership last?
- When will the forum meet?
- Are meetings open to the general public?
- Will I get paid to attend meetings?
- Other questions...
What is a Local Countryside Access Forum?
The Countryside Access Forum is a new statutory body that Highway Authorities are required to set up under Sections 94 and 95 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
What will the access forum do?
The forum will advise the Council on securing more and better access to the countryside for open-air recreation.
What do you mean by 'Access'
'Access' refers to the ability of all people to get to and make use of resources - in this case, the countryside and its facilities, open spaces and rights of way.
Who will the forum members be?
The Bracknell Forest Local Countryside Access Forum will consist of up to 22 local people, including two or three councillors, chosen to represent land managers, recreational users and other interests in the Borough.
What is meant by 'land managers'?
These might include the owners, occupiers or tenants of land in the Borough that is or can be used for recreation.
What is meant by 'recreational users'?
This can include anyone who uses the countryside for leisure and recreational purposes, ranging from walkers, cyclists and horse-riders to disabled users, canoeists, fishermen and 4x4 vehicle users.
What is meant by 'other interests'?
This includes anyone with an interest in countryside access who does not necessarily fall into the other two groups. This might include those involved with business, transport, tourism, nature conservation, heritage or health.
How are the forum members chosen?
Anyone who meets the Person Specification can apply to become a forum member, with membership lasting for three years. Forum members are chosen by a panel of Borough Council officers.
How much experience or knowledge do I have to have?
Although experience of formal public meetings and strategic issues would be an advantage, anyone with an interest in or awareness of countryside access issues is encouraged to apply for forum membership. It is vital that a wide range of people and interests are represented by the forum, including the young, old, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities etc. If you feel you could make a valuable contribution to these issues, apply.
How long will forum membership last?
Membership is likely to last for three years in the first instance.
When will the forum meet?
There will be at least two forum meetings per year, with more if the members deem this necessary. Meetings will take place in the evenings to avoid as many work conflicts as possible.
Are meetings open to the general public?
Yes, LCAF meetings are open for anyone to attend and a 10 minute public question time is set aside at every meeting.
Will I get paid to attend meetings?
Forum membership is a voluntary role, although the Council will reimburse the travelling and childcare costs of forum members.
Other questions...
If you have any other questions which are not answered on this website or would like to request an application pack, please contact us using the details on the right.
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