THE search is on for volunteers to join a forum which provides advice to Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils on improving access to the countryside. The Hampshire Countryside Access Forum (HCAF) comprises members from a cross-section of interest groups, from landowners, farmers, councillors and rural business owners to walkers, horse riders, cyclists and vehicle users – ensuring that the needs of all groups are taken into account when policies on access to the countryside are developed. Forum members contribute to lively and stimulating discussion and collaborative work, as well as establishing new and successful initiatives. The forum has been operating successfully for four years, and while many members wish to stay on, new recruits are needed. Three vacancies need to be filled and, to ensure fair representation on the forum, applicants should have a background in conservation and land management, equestrian interests including carriage-driving, or the work of parish councils. Over a two-year membership, forum members are expected actively to seek the views of the interest group they represent and will attend four meetings a year. They will also need an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a least one countryside viewpoint, but must be able to recognise the validity of other people's views. Existing members have played an invaluable role in advising the three local authorities on a range of countryside access issues. Forum discussions have highlighted how best to respond to duties to make certain types of land accessible under the new "right to open country" laws. The forum has also worked with Hampshire County Council to develop a policy for prioritising the Countryside Service's work, such as clearing blocked paths and repairing stiles – ensuring that the work which brings the greatest benefit to local communities is completed first. Local authorities have received advice from the HCAF on developing a robust process for researching and recording people's demands for improved access – and the forum will now be involved in implementing these "countryside access plans". To discuss forum membership, contact Cath Hart on 01962 847221, or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]. The closing date for applications is January 11. Margaret Snaith, the executive member for recreation and heritage, said: "The Hampshire Countryside Access Forum has made a considerable contribution to our work to improve access to the county's countryside, and it has proved an effective way of taking the needs of different countryside- user groups into account." The Hampshire Countryside Access Forum is a requirement under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
