Calderdale Council is seeking to recruit members for the newly formed Calderdale Local Access Forum.

The forum will provide advice and guidance on how best to improve access for open air recreation on Open Access land and Public Rights of Way in the area. The group, on occasion, will also assist with updating the Rights of Way Improvement Plan and act as consultees on the Local Transport Plan.  Applications are sought from anyone who is genuinely interested in, and aware of, countryside and urban access and recreational issues including recreational use such as cycling and walking; or other interests such as conservation, health and wellbeing, education, access for all and tourism. Individuals represent the interest rather than any specific organisation they may be a member of.  We are also keen to recruit landowners and managers, particularly those who have public rights of way or open access rights on their land. We are looking for people to represent both users and landowners who have a common desire to share their love of the countryside to a wide audience in a way which doesn’t impact on the needs of the people who own and manage the land or its biodiversity.

The forum is a statutory role which arose from the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) for which membership is on a voluntary basis (expenses can be claimed for production of receipts). Membership is for a minimum of 1 year up to a maximum of 3 years.  The forum can have between 10 and 20 members (of whom up to two can be Local Authority representatives for forums with up to 16 members or up to 3 for forums with 17+ members) who represent a wide range of interests including those of landowners, horse riders, mountain bikers, people with an interest in heritage, people with disabilities and young people, to name but a few. Care will be taken at the recruitment stage to ensure no one interest group dominates the forum. The forum will meet a minimum of four times per year at times and locations and times to be decided by members.

Membership of the forum will be decided by a simple application form and interview process and further details on the forum, application form, member role specification and description are attached.

If you’re interested in finding out more information contact Julie Swift on 01422 284415 or Mary Seaton 01422 284417.