The new right of access introduced under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000(CRoW) is managed at a local level by the Access Authorities who are advised by Local Access Forums
Local Access forums are statutory advisory bodies who give independent advice on improving public access to land in their areas for all types of open-air recreation. Forums are made up of volunteers from recreational users, landowners, and other local interests, such as conservation, tourism and business.
Access Authorities are obliged to take a forum's views into account when taking decisions on a number of issues such as:
- long-term restrictions on access land
- appointing wardens
- making byelaws
- rights of way improvement plans
If you are interested in the work of your local forum you should contact your local authority - county council, metropolitan borough or unitary authority - or the national park authority if you live in a national park. To find the nearest Local Access forum tp you take a look at our list of local access forums.
