South Downs Access Forum
The role of the South Downs Access Forum
Forum members hard at work
In the past, the South Downs Access Forum (SDAF) advised local authorities and other countryside organisations on strategic public access and recreation issues across the South Downs.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 saw the requirement of Access Authorities to establish Local Access Forums. The South Downs Access Forum was the first forum dedicated to an AONB in England and advises purely on access and recreation matters relating to the South Downs. Although non-statutory, the Forum was in a position to make a difference. The South Downs Access Forum made recommendations to the four Local Access Forums (LAFs) which cover the South Downs area (these are listed below). These four forums are collectively referred to as the Mother Fora. If in agreement, the Mother Fora pass the recommendations to their respective Access Authority. Over the years this positive partnership has made a considerable contribution to the way the South Downs is accessed by the public and used for recreation.
Click here for information on walking, cycling, horse riding in the South Downs.
NEWS FLASH:
At the SDAF Annual General Meeting in April 2010, the Access Forum agreed to disband. The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) will be the Access Authority and will be required to set up an Access Forum for the South Downs from 1st April 2011. Members of the old forum have been invited to sit in on a consultation group that will advise the SDNPA on setting up the new SDAF.
South Downs Access Forum Annual Reports
2004 Annual Report (Adobe Acrobat)
2005 Annual Report (Adobe Acrobat)
2006 Annual Report (Adobe Acrobat)
2006 Annual Report (large print) (Adobe Acrobat)
Links
- Best of Both Worlds (www.bobw.co.uk) is the website developed by Natural England to promote good practice in reconciling differences between those in the responsible pursuit of outdoor sports and recreation, and those who manage the sensitive environments in which they take place. It contains a wealth of information - why not have a look?
East Sussex Local Access Forum
Brighton and Hove Local Access Forum
Hampshire Countryside Access Forum
Countryside Access Forum (previously the West Sussex Local Access Forum)
