Issue - meetings

• Update on LAF meetings/ conferences
• Path for Communities Fund
• Huddle
• DEFRA Access Newsletter, February 2013
• NE Access and Engagement Evidence
• Government response to the Independent Panel on Forestry

There had been a national conference in Sheffield for Local Countryside Access Forum (LCAF) Members but not officers, and no one had been able to attend this year from the Bracknell Forest LCAF, in part due to the distance to the location. The summary and notes from talks and speakers were awaited but it was noted that the event had been successful. Feedback from the event would be given at the next LCAF meeting. There had also been a Regional Officers meeting.

Natural England had a selection of sources of evidence on the importance of the Natural Environment and the benefits that people received when accessing it. There were match funding projects and authorities had round table reports. There were a number of websites from which to gain information, listed on page 12 of the agenda papers and including http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/research/mene.aspx .

There was no definitive guidance regarding the mid-term review as Bracknell Forest were one of the first local authorities to produce their Rights of Way Improvement Plan, and so the first to review it. A questionnaire had been completed from Defra and Natural England and it was queried whether LCAF members would benefit from training.

It was queried whether a route via Billingbear Park was a permitted route but it was thought that the route was not a public right of way and it was not present on the definitive map. The land had changed ownership a few times over the years. This would be investigated further.

(Action: Graham Pockett)

Dates regarding the annual regional LAF conference would be circulated when known. Forum Members considered an Access Newsletter of 18 February 2013 from Defra. There had been concern regarding professional fungi pickers, and the West Surrey Badger Group were concerned regarding the effect on the environment and local wildlife of young people biking or building trails in forests and green areas.

The Forum considered the government response to the Independent Panel on Forestry released by Defra http://www.defra.gov.uk/publications/2013/01/31/pb13871-forestry-policy-statement/ . There was a new body to hold land in trust and to work alongside the Forestry Commission to advise and support.