Go Ahead Peak Gets Early Access Forum

Progressive thinking at the Peak Park Authority means that the Peak District is one of the first areas to have its own Access Forum aimed at smoothing the introduction of new rights of way legislation. The first meeting was held last Saturday just days after the Act was passed.

The forum is a statutory part of the new Countryside Act and exists independently of the Park Authority as a means of bringing together outdoor users such as walkers, climbers, mountain bikers and horse rides with landowners, farmers, local residents, businesses and other interested parties.

The idea is that consultation will help to reconcile apparently conflicting interests and help to open up the countryside to all. Lynn Crowe, Chair of the National Park's Park Management Committee, said:

"The freedom to roam debate is often presented in terms of conflict and strife but while there may have been difficulties, there have also been lots of examples of people coming together to successfully open up the countryside.

"Nowhere can those successes be better seen than here in the Peak District. By creating one of the country's first access forums we hope to continue the proud tradition of bringing town and country together in a way that is beneficial to everyone."

More information at the Peak District Park Authority web site which will eventually house pages dedicated to the Access Forum.