Wider Access to the Countryside

Draft Report to the Countryside Agency on use of "Increasing Access to the Countryside for Disabled People: Draft Guidance for Countryside Managers"

Lancashire County Council is working with the Countryside Agency to trail a new approach to tackling access to the wider countryside for people with disabilities. The Countryside Agency have recently produced a document entitled "Increasing access to the wider countryside for disabled people: Draft Guidance for Countryside Managers". These proposals build upon work carried out by the Fieldfare Trust in their "BT Countryside for All document".

This project aims to put this guidance document to the test. Over the next few months we shall be undertaking:

• Policy
• Audit
• Information
• Improvements
• Evaluation

1. A policy review which will include;
   A stake holder survey to identify who has an interest in this area of work and what their hopes and aspirations are.
   Proposals, we will formulate clear proposals (after undertaking a review of current policy and examples of good practice) and publish these in draft.
   Consultation, with all the relevant stakeholders.
   Finalize, publish and circulate polices.
2. Supply Audit we will:
   Review the existing network, identifying routes, which need upgrading.
   Trail the field guide, which has been produced to encourage the least restrictive approach to countryside furniture (gates, stiles etc.).
3. Develop an Information package:
   Identify the different formats in which information should be made available.
   Develop a mechanism for gathering and distributing this information on a countywide basis.
4. Develop a strategy for improvement:
   Set targets which enable us to fulfill our policy commitments.
   Produce an action plan to assist us in meeting these targets.
5. Evaluate the whole process:
   An evaluation will be carried out in to the effectiveness of this style of approach.

Because of the nature of this type of work this project is likely to be ongoing and there will always be opportunities to improve access for all. Many of the issues raised by this project will be applicable to a wide cross-section of people, not just those who are considered to have disability. People with young families require pushchair friendly routes; the elderly and those who are new to using the countryside need to be presented with as few barriers to using the countryside as possible. We do however aim to complete this particular project by Autumn 2002.

We would welcome ideas and input in to the project from all sections of the community.

THIS MEANS YOU!
If you have any thoughts, suggestions or ideas about we can improve access to the countryside please do not hesitate to contact Tony Lund on 01772 534709.

tony.lund@env.lancscc.gov.uk

The Lancashire Local Countryside Access Forum

Is the statutory advisory body set up to advise the County Council, Blackburn-with-Darwen Borough Council and the Countryside Agency on improving access to the countryside in Lancashire.

Membership includes farmers, estate managers, walkers, horse riders, trail riders, conservationists and independent members who feel they can represent the best interest of the public.

 

Meetings of the Lancashire Local Access Forum are open to the public, details can be found on this website or please telephone 01772 534709.

Usefull Links

http://www.walkswithbuggies.com*
http://www.walkswithwheelchairs.com *

 

*External Site - See Terms