Meeting of the Yorkshire Dales Access Forum To be held on Tuesday 20 June 2017 1.15pm at Yoredale, Bainbridge

Meeting to Commence at 1.15pm

1. Welcome and introductions 2. Apologies 3. Approval of minutes, and matters arising (not on the agenda) 4. Public Question time – three minutes per speaker (those wishing to speak should make themselves known to the Secretary at the start of the meeting or in advance of the meeting) 5. Future Forum Meetings - Agenda Items - Dates 6. Report back from Advisory Groups: • Bridleways and Restricted Byways • Cave and Crag Access Advisory Group 7. Presentation from Cycling UK

8. Draft Annual Rights of Way Maintenance Report

9. Yorkshire Dales Management Plan

10. Officer’s Report (items for note and consideration by Forum Members)

11. Update on members’ activities (brief reports of activities relating to the Forum)

Yorkshire Dales Local Access Forum Annual General Meeting Tuesday 7 February 2017 Yoredale, Bainbridge

Present: Jon Beavan (JB), Peter Charlesworth (PC), Mark Corner (MC), Ken Humphris (KH), Alex Law (AL), Stuart Monk (SM), Debbie North (DN) Jerry Pearlman (JP), Malcolm Petyt (MPet), John Richardson (JR), Jonathan Smith (JS), Heather Thomas-Smith (HTS), Alistair Thompson (AT) Richard Toon (RT).

YDNPA Officers present: Mark Allum (MA), Alan Hulme (AH), Julie Payne (JPa)

The meeting started at 1.15pm.

1. Election of Chair

SM nominated AT. No further nominations were received.

AT elected Chair of the Yorkshire Dales Access Forum for a year.

2. Election of Vice Chair

AT asked for nominations for Vice Chair.

JB nominated JR. No further nominations were received.

JR elected Vice Chair of the Yorkshire Dales Access Forum for a year.

3. Welcome

AT welcomed Peter Charlesworth (PC) and Debbie North (DN) to the meeting, as new members of the YDAF.

PC and DN introduced themselves to members of the YDAF.

1 4. Apologies

Apologies were received from Nick Cotton (NC), Jocelyn Manners-Armstrong (JMA) and Neil Heseltine (NH). AT noted that this meant there was no YDNPA member present amongst the LAF members at the meeting.

5. Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as a true record of the meeting.

Matters arising from the minutes

Drones JR has circulated a number of guidance documents on the use of drones. MA said that more publicity around issues using them was becoming evident, but that there were still weaknesses around seeking landowners’ permissions and disturbance caused. JR agreed that any guidance at the moment is mainly aimed at professional users. KH felt that the issue of drones was of wider concern and that there could potentially be interest in a regional meeting to include LDNPA LAF too.

It was agreed to put drones as a future agenda item, for discussion when more details are available.

Boundary Extension It was agreed that the joint meeting between Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria and Lancashire LAFs had been very useful.

6. Public Question Time

There were no public questions.

7. Officer’s Report and Future Forum Meetings

These two items to be taken as one today and at future meetings, and moved to this stage of the agenda.

Dates of meetings

Authority Meeting Dates and Venues for 2017

Date Venue Time 28 March 2017 Yoredale, Bainbridge 1.00pm 27 June 2017 Yoredale, Bainbridge 10.30am 26 September 2017 Yoredale, Bainbridge 1.00pm

Meetings of the YDAF during 2017

Tuesday 20 June 2017, 1.15 pm @ Yoredale, Bainbridge Tuesday 3 October 2017, 1.15 pm @ Yoredale, Bainbridge

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Northern Upland Chain Local Nature Partnership (NUCLNP) A request has been received from NUCLNP in response to the reply sent earlier this year. AT to formulate response reflecting the comments made during the discussion, querying whether there are any potential conflicts between Local Nature Partnerships’ (LNPs’) objectives and LAFs’; specifically with regard to dogs, erosion etc. and stressing that the LAF have no funds so would not be able to make any financial contribution.

Green lanes in the new area of the Yorkshire Dales National Park MA explained that we are in the process of collecting information on key routes in the new area of the National Park and that four vehicle loggers have been placed on the most sensitive routes. A voluntary restraint agreement has been placed by LARA/GLASS/TRF on the Ravenstonedale Moor route since the last meeting: north of the A685, Newbiggin- on-Lune to Sunbiggin Tarn.

MPet would like clarification on sensitive routes. MA to supply

Swale Trail update MA advised that external funding bids are now being submitted for work to go ahead in 2017/18 if they are successful. DN confirmed that she had already used some of the route and that the work planned would be very welcome.

Suggested agenda items for future meetings of the YDAF

Agenda Item First suggested? Suggested by whom? Drones 7 February 2017 Shooting and shooting 7 February 2017 Jon Beavan syndicates Cycling – pressure for 7 February 2017 Jerry Pearlman increased access Large organised events 7 February 2017 Alex Law RoW Annual Report Alan Hulme – will come to June meeting for verbal comments from LAF

8. Review of nominated LAF members on groups linked to the Forum

AT went through each of the groups listed in the report and the YDAF reviewed the representatives for each group in turn.

Access on Foot Advisory Group AT has withdrawn from the Access on Foot Advisory Group, to be replaced by PC.

MC, PC, KH, HTS to represent the YDAF on the Access on Foot Advisory Group.

Access for All Advisory Group DN, already a member of this group in another capacity, will also represent the YDAF at future meetings.

DN, JS and HTS to represent the YDAF on the Access for All Advisory Group.

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Bridleways and Restricted Byways Advisory Group KH to join group as additional member.

NC, KH and AL to represent the YDAF on the Bridleways and Restricted Byways Advisory Group.

Air Sports and Water Sports Advisory Groups It was agreed that all members would be informed if an issue arises for each of these advisory groups and that attendance would be agreed if a meeting were to convene.

Cave and Crag Access Advisory Group

JB and MC to continue to represent the YDAF on the Cave and Crag Access Advisory Group.

Yorkshire Dales Green Lanes Advisory Group David Gibson has now stepped down from YDAF so is replaced by MPet.

JB, SM and MPet to represent the YDAF on the Yorkshire Dales Green Lanes Advisory Group.

Dales Tourism Steering Group JB reminded the YDAF that both he and JS attend the Destination Dales Group, (tourism meetings) organised by the YDNPA (not to represent the YDAF).

9. Report back from the Yorkshire Dales Advisory Groups

Access on Foot Advisory Group

The next meeting of the Access on Foot Advisory Group has yet to be confirmed.

Access for All Advisory Group

The next meeting of the Access for All Advisory Group will be on 16 February 2017.

Bridleways and Restricted Byways Advisory Group

The next meeting of the Bridleways and Restricted Byways Advisory Group has yet to be confirmed.

Cave and Crag Access Advisory Group

The next meeting of the Cave and Crag Advisory Group will be on 21 March 2017.

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Yorkshire Dales Green Lanes Advisory Group

SM updated members on the discussions of the Yorkshire Dales Green Lanes Advisory Group:

Lickber Lane, Coverdale Lickber Lane was discussed again. AH stated that work may have been started by NYCC on clearing the lower part of the Lane – he will try to get clarification on this for the next meeting of YDAF.

Turbary Road The NYCC TRO on the Yordas end of the Turbary Road has been advertised, but unsure whether signs have been placed.

Deadman’s Hill SM said that NYCC are evaluating the repair works needed on the route. User groups will look at raising funding for this work. Deadmans Hill is currently subject to a TTRO until October 2017.

SM will report to YDAF on the annual report of the Green Lanes Advisory Group at the next meeting in June 2017.

10. Open Access fire restrictions consultation and management

AH gave a presentation and update regarding open access fire restrictions and the consultation currently underway on this in the new Park area.

It was agreed that the YDAF generally supports the approach being taken by the Authority and agrees that the 4 new ‘parcels’ should be managed in the same way as the rest of the Park. This response to be incorporated in the YDNPA’s response to Natural England.

The YDAF agrees that the 4 new ‘parcels’ in the new area of the National Park should be managed in the same way as the rest of the Park.

11. Public Transport – in relation to access

MC explained the background to his paper and sought members’ views as to what to do next. After a wide ranging discussion during which all members expressed concern over the state of public transport in the wider area generally and specifically within the Park, all members agreed that the LAF should get involved in this issue. MPet stressed that public transport is a park-wide problem and the timing of this also coincides with the beginning of the process of producing an updated National Park Management Plan for 2018-23, which is a park-wide document. PC suggested that the YDAF sends a letter to the Authority to ask it to consider public transport as an agenda item at a future meeting. It was agreed that:

• AT will write a letter to the Authority to advise them of YDAF member concerns about public transport in relation to access, and indicate how the YDAF would like to help with this issue; 5

• YDAF will form a group of members (MC, PC, DN and JS) to concentrate on this issue, to be led by MC who will produce some Terms of Reference and a mini action plan to show what the group hopes to do. It will initially assess what services are already running and MA will assist by finding out what information is already available on the Authority’s website and its other publications, regarding information on public transport within the Park;

• Chairs of existing sub-groups to inform their groups about the new sub-group and to ask if they have any suitable (external) members who would be willing to join the group.

The YDAF to set up a public transport access group.

12. Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority staff reorganisation

AH and MA brought members up-to-date with the staff reorganisation and the changes to Ranger areas and personnel.

13. Update on Members’ activities/other items

JB suggested that the Cave & Crag group and/or YDAF write to slackliners at Malham to thank them for their co-operation. JR advised that the regional LAF will meet on Wednesday 8 March in Scunthorpe. NYCC has published position statements on RoW and List of Streets. There had been a presentation at NYMNPA LAF on white roads and other routes which may disappear after 2026 if they aren’t listed on List of Streets/Street Gazetteer. It is thought that there are very few such routes in the YDNP but this will need to be reviewed. MC asked if YDAF need to see Defra’s 25 year plan – AH will distribute when it is received. MPet will stay on the combined Cumbria/Lake District LAF for the next 2 years. Kendal ramblers are looking at loss of routes, some of which may be in YD area now. AT noted that offer of representation from Cumbria and Lakes LAF on YDAF had not been taken up. DN advised that she works regularly with Julia Bradbury and following the programme in which she featured with her on Pen-y-Ghent, there has been lots of feedback/queries.

The meeting closed at 3.55pm

6 Item No. 6

Yorkshire Dales Access Forum – 20 June 2017

Report Back from Yorkshire Dales Advisory Groups

Advisory Group Meetings

At the May 2007 meeting of the Yorkshire Dales Access Forum, a paper was presented on the establishment of advisory groups to look at individual recreational activities. The remit of these groups is to:

• exchange information, and provide a formal mechanism for communication and raising issues of concern amongst users, the YDAF, and other interests; • advise on the management of specific matters.

The following arrangements have been made for the meetings of the groups:

Access on Foot Advisory Group

The last meeting of the Access on Foot Advisory Group was on 25 July 2016. The next meeting of the Access for on Foot Advisory Group has yet to be confirmed.

Access for All Advisory Group

The last meeting of the Access for all Advisory Group was on 16 February 2017. The next meeting of the Access for All Advisory Group has yet to be confirmed.

Bridleways and Restricted Byways Advisory Group

The last meeting of the Bridleways and Restricted Byways Advisory Group was 17 May 2017 . The unapproved minutes are in Appendix 1. The next meeting of the Bridleways and Restricted Byways Advisory Group has yet to be confirmed.

Cave and Crag Access Advisory Group

The last meeting of the Cave and Crag Advisory Group was on 21 March 2017 . The unapproved minutes are in Appendix 2. The next meeting of the Cave and Crag Access Advisory Group has yet to be confirmed.

1 Yorkshire Dales Green Lanes Advisory Group

The last meeting of the Yorkshire Dales Green Lanes Advisory Group was on 24 October 2016. The next meeting of the Yorkshire Dales Green Lanes Advisory Group has yet to be confirmed.

Air Sports Advisory Group

The next meeting of the Air Sports Advisory Group will convene when a matter arises.

Water Sports Advisory Group

The next meeting of the Water Sports Advisory Group will convene when a matter arises.

Rachel Briggs Access and Recreation Officer June 2017

2 Appendix 1

Minutes of Meeting of Bridleways and Restricted Byways Advisory Group Held on Wednesday 17 May 2017 Yoredale, Bainbridge

Present: Alex Law (AL) - Chair Yorkshire Dales Access Forum Ken Miller (KM) British Horse Society Stuart Price (SP) Dales Mountain Biking David Calvert (DC) Carriage driver Jean Calvert (JC) Carriage driver Mark Allum (MA) Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Rachel Briggs (RB) Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

1. Welcome and Apologies

Apologies were received from Nick Cotton (NC), Jane Baker (JB) and Ken Humphris (KH).

2. Approval of the Minutes

The minutes were approved.

Marrick Priory KM informed members that a definitive map modification order (DMMO) had been submitted to North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) but that it wasn’t high on their list of priorities.

Lickber Lane KM said that some work had been done on the bottom end of Lickber Lane. He suggested that some vegetation clearance be carried out on Sleight Lane as this was an extension to Lickber Lane. MA said he would speak to the Ranger.

MA to speak to the Ranger regarding vegetation clearance on Sleight Lane.

3. Planned projects 2017/18

RB informed members of the main bridleway projects for 2017/18. There were no further suggestions from the group.

4. Swale Trail

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MA updated members on the Swale Trail and the potential funding bids. Some funding has been received from Richmondshire District Council, National Trails and the YDNPA. A further bid has been put in to LEADER for the majority of the money. The results of this bid will be released later in the week. Once funding has been received, work on the route will commence as soon as possible.

SP suggested doing some work on the stepping stones at Healaugh where there is a huge amount of bank erosion. He thought that turning them round may ease the pressure of water. RB said she would pass this suggestion on to the Ranger.

RB to speak to the Ranger with regards to the stepping stones at Healaugh. n.b. On 25 May funding from LEADER was confirmed for the Swale Trail.

5. Extension of the bridleway network

SP suggested the group begin to look more proactively at the bridleway and restricted byway network and make suggests to the YDNPA to extend it. He thought that the group should begin by identifying a number of projects and setting some realistic targets.

MA said this was the ideal time to make suggestions. The Yorkshire Dales Access Forum (YDAF) have discussed cycling at previous meetings and Cycling UK are attending the next meeting of the YDAF on 20 June to make a presentation. MA added that the review of the National Park Management Plan for 2018-2023 (NPMP) was also underway and that this was an opportunity to get cycling within the plan.

AL said he had a concern about the number of shooting tracks appearing in Swaledale and asked if they could be dedicated as bridleways. MA said that Michael Briggs (Area Ranger for Swaledale and Arekengarthdale) had asked Reeth Estate but they were not interested.

There was a discussion about the Ard Rock Enduro cycling event that takes place in August in Swaledale. AL said that competitors have begun to cycle the special stages, which are on private land, before and after the event. He also had concerns about the state of the route after the event. SP agreed to talk to AL about this.

6. Yorkshire Dales National Park boundary extension

MA confirmed that YDNPA now has delegated powers for public rights of way for the Cumbria area of the National Park.

RB said she would send maps of the new ranger areas to all members.

RB to send maps of the Ranger areas to all members.

4 7. Any other business

DC asked whether officers are ever approached about getting routes diverted. MA explained the legal process of route diversion and the costs associated with it.

8. Date of next meeting

The next meeting will be in 2018. RB will send a date round nearer the time.

5 Appendix 2

Unapproved minutes of the Cave and Crag Access Advisory Group Tuesday 21 March 2017, 10.00am, Colvend, Grassington

Nigel Baker (NB) British Mountaineering Council (BMC) Rob Dyer (RD) British Mountaineering Council (BMC) Doug Simspon (DS) Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union Pat Halliwell (PH) Craven Pothole Club Ric Halliwell (RH) Craven Pothole Club Tim Allen (TA) Access Officer CNCC Ian Court (IC) Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) Mark Allum (MA) Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA)

1. Welcome and apologies

Apologies: Jon Beavan (JB) - Chair Yorkshire Dales Access Forum (YDAF) Andrew Hinde (AHi) Natural England (NE) Colin Newlands (CN) Natural England (NE)

As JB was unable to attend, MA chaired this meeting.

2. Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

The minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting.

Matters arising: • Malham restriction signage was revised. RD suggested using a photo topo. IC confirmed we have these as they were produced by Dave Musgrove. • RD had written an article for the BMC on the purpose of the voluntary restrictions. • IC has been in touch with John Altringham but did not invite him to the meeting. • A site visit with high lining representatives was held at Malham Cove. This was very positive and they are following a voluntary restraint system.

Actions: IC to email photo topos to RD IC to contact John Altringham about feeding into the Cave & Crag group regarding whether there is any conservation issues around bats and caving.

3. Review of bird breeding season 2016

IC provided an update on the season for relevant breeding birds (attached).

6 4. Bird nesting restrictions 2017

Restrictions have been agreed for 2017. Malham peregrine watch starts on 1 April so there should be an indication about which side of the Cove will be affected soon.

The restriction for high lining at Malham will be in place from 1 March to 31 July. This is longer than the climbing restriction because the nature of the activity is more likely to cause disturbance.

5. Recreational drone use

This matter was discussed at a full YDAF meeting. A government consultation on drone use has recently closed. A number of National Parks responded to emphasise that landowner consent should be gained before flying and that potential disturbance of wildlife and other peoples’ quiet enjoyment should be considered. There is a public awareness campaign taking place called ‘drone aware’ but these factors are not considered as part of this.

6. Climbing

• Gritstone bouldering continues to be very popular. • Kilnsey Crag. There were some issues with parking in 2016 due to the popularity of the crag. Additional advice was given and the problems seem to have resolved themselves. • Threshfield Quarry. Access has stalled at senior levels within Tarmac. • Foredale Quarry. Access situation remains unchanged. • Blue Scar. Access situation unchanged although some climbers not getting a response to requests for access. • Giggleswick Quarry. Currently up for sale.

7. Caving

Eurospeleo was a tremendous success with very positive feedback from participants from other parts of the UK and Europe. The focus of the event was about getting out caving and there was a high volume of trips during the week. No conservation issues were reported, although car parking was at capacity at times even with car sharing arrangements in place.

The national campaign to establish caving as permitted under the CRoW Act continues. Locally, negotiation is on-going with a number of the large estates to improve access arrangements.

Braida Garth Farm in Kingsdale is up for sale. Some uncertainty about whether the current good access will be retained under new owners.

7 Action: MA to look into how caving access can be fed into the National Park Management Plan process.

8. Any other business

The frequency of meetings was discussed. The group felt an annual meeting was sufficient with the proviso that additional meetings can be arranged if significant issues arise.

The date of the next meeting will be in February 2018 with a 11.00 start time.

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A Summary of Breeding Peregrine and Raven in the Yorkshire Dales National Park 2015.

Peregrine The following table includes a summary of the peregrine breeding records within the Yorkshire area of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The number of peregrine territories that were checked, occupied and fledged young in the YDNP up to 2016 are shown below.

Year No Sites No sites No. Young No. Sites Checked Occupied Fledged Successful 2006 21 10 10 5 2007 19 9 14 6 2008 20 9 13 6 2009 18 7 10 4 2010 22 8 8 4 2011 19 7 10 4 2012 14 5 6 2 2013 18 5 8 3 2014 27 6 10 4 2015 18 7 3 1 2016 20 6 9 5

It was a much better year than 2015 with five successful sites however productivity was relatively low.

Blue Scar – fledged one chick. Langcliffe- did not breed; presumed same pair in Giggleswick Quarry. Malham Cove – fledged two. Giggleswick Quarry – fledged two. Yew Cougar – not occupied.

9 Raven The following table includes a summary of the raven breeding records within the Yorkshire area of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The number of raven territories that were checked, occupied and fledged young in the YDNP up to 2016 are shown below.

No. Sites No. Sites No No. sites Checked Occupied young successful fledged 2006 14 7 17 5 2007 17 7 16 4 2008 21 9 23 7 2009 20 9 20 6 2010 24 9 18 6 2011 23 10 29 9 2012 20 9 31 9 2013 23 9 18 7 2014 23 10 19 7 2015 21 11 29 10 2016 25 9 20 6

A poor year by recent standards.

Yew Cougar – not occupied. High Stony Bank – nest building but not completed, no further evidence of any breeding. Gordale – pair displaying but evidence of any nesting attempt. Blue Scar – fledged three

10 Item No. 8

Yorkshire Dales Access Forum – 20 June 2017

Public Rights of Way Annual Report 2016/17

Purpose of the report

To receive comments from the Yorkshire Dales Access Forum (YDAF) on the Rights of Way Annual Report for the period April 2016 to March 2017, prior to submission to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. The covering proposed paper and annual report identifies progress made on public rights of way maintenance against our own targets under the delegation agreements.

Recommendation

YDAF Members to comment on the covering paper Appendix 1 and Rights of Way Annual report Appendix 2 before submission to the Authority.

Alan Hulme Head of Park Management

June 2017

YORKSHIRE DALES NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY ITEM

Date: 27 June 201 7

Report: PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY ANNUAL REPORT 2016/17

Purpose of the report

1. To provide Members’ with the opportunity to comment on the Rights of Way Annual Report for the period April 2016 to March 2017, prior to submission to Cumbria County Council (CCC) and North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC).

Recommendations

2. That the Rights of Way annual report in the Appendix is submitted to CCC and NYCC, subject to any comments from Members at the Authority meeting.

Strategic Planning Framework

3. The information and recommendation(s) contained in this report are consistent with the Authority’s statutory purposes and its approved strategic planning framework:

• Corporate Plan Objective Manage and improve the network of public rights of way so that: a) at least 90% are ‘easy to use’ by members of the public even though they may not follow the definitive line.

Background

4. The Authority has responsibility for rights of way maintenance functions, delegated from CCC and NYCC, because a well managed rights of way network is important for delivery of the National Park Authority’s statutory purposes. Many people use the rights of way network to enjoy the special qualities of the area. A network that can be used with confidence is beneficial to visitors, land managers and residents alike.

5. As part of the rights of way delegation agreements the Authority is required to submit a report to the county councils each year. The Rights of Way Annual Report (see Appendix ) explains what the Authority has delivered during 2016/17, under our delegated powers, and highlights achievements and progress against the delegation agreement and our own targets. It should be noted that this report covers the ‘old area’ of the National Park only, before designation on the 1st August 2016.

6. During 2016/17 discussions with CCC and Lancashire County Council (LCC) have taken place regarding maintenance for the additional rights of way in the new areas of

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Cumbria and Lancashire now in the National Park. A revised delegation agreement between CCC and the authority has now been signed and one with LCC is expected to follow soon.

Objectives and Actions

Corporate Plan target

7. The Authority’s objective for Rights of Way maintenance is: • Maintain and promote the network of public rights of way so that, on average, 90% are ‘easy to use’ by members of the public (by 2018). In considering this report Members should note the ‘ease of use’ result for 2016/17 was 88%. This is the same as the 2015/16 figure. Taking into account the last 4 years the average is 90% - in line with the objective. The diagram below shows the results:

8. This year’s result, while slightly disappointing, is not altogether surprising. The ease of use indicator measures a 5% random sample of rights of way across the network. A great deal of 2016/17 has been spent on larger rights of way projects on individual routes including flood recovery work organising and building bridges, such as Birks Bridge and schemes that have generated income for the Authority eg the Pennine Way on Pen y Ghent which was undertaken in-house. In addition, the Ranger Service has been down one member of staff, for much of the year, with a vacant post being held open pending the staff reorganisation.

9. This vacant post provided an opportunity for us to look at the Access Ranger areas as a whole, as part of the reorganisation. The outcome was an increase in the number of access ranger posts for the Cumbria area of the Park from 1 FTE to 2.4FTE to take account of the new, larger, Cumbrian National Park area.

10. Of course Members will recognise that the present performance isn’t static. There will be significant changes, next year, when the rights of way survey includes the new Cumbria and Lancashire areas of the National Park and the results are incorporated into the ‘ease of use’ statistics.

11. An initial ‘ease of use’ survey conducted for the new areas indicates a figure of 67% in relation to the additional 478km the Authority will be responsible for. When combined

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with the current ‘ease of use’ figure for the existing 2,142km, this gives an indicative figure for the whole National Park of 84%.

12. Based on the current resources available and the additional £150k secured from CCC as part of the new delegation agreement we will aim to have the ‘ease of use’ figure for the National Park back up to 90% in 5 year’s time.

Pennine National Trails Partnership

13. The Authority continues to perform the ‘lead partner’ role for management of the Pennine National Trails Partnership, which oversees the management of the Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway. Functions of the lead partner include to:

• Accept the grant offer from Natural England and claim and receive payments; • Have an oversight of delivery and report to Natural England about how our financial support has been used by the Partnership and what has been achieved; • Ensure that partners have the opportunity to participate in the management and development of the maintenance of the trails.

14. During the past year that the Authority has performed this role the partnership has worked well and has:

• Met on 2 occasions between April 2016 to Mar 2017; • Distributed grants totalling £358k to12 different partner bodies; • Collated a total of £197k (36%, where Natural England expect a minimum of 25%) in match funding; • Secured an additional grant of £42k from Natural England for a further 8 projects to improve the trails.

Volunteers

15. During the last year the Authority also reorganised the Dales Volunteers Service. This has resulted in the previous four area teams becoming three, in line with the area Ranger Teams (Western Dales, Northern Dales and Southern Dales). Volunteers continue to assist with both practical works (1,559 volunteer days), and the surveying of the Public Rights of Way network (713 volunteer days) over the last year. This included:

• Conducting both ‘ease of use surveys and Parish Path surveys of the entire 480km network of the new National Park area in six weeks (between April and May 2016) to inform negotiations with CCC; • The entire network in the old National Park area being surveyed for both ‘ease of use’ and Parish Paths Surveys; • A visual inspection and report on each bridge in the National Park; • Inputting all survey information into Authority’s IT database;

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16. For the 3 years up to December 2015, in relation to rights of way work, the Authority averaged 1,520 days of volunteering each year. This equated to approximately 7 full time equivalent members of staff. However, over the past two years there has been a step change. In both 2015/16 and 2016/17 over 2000 days were completed (total 2,128 and 2,272 respectively) comparable to 11 full time equivalent members of staff.

Funding

17. The Public Rights of Way programme continues to provide opportunities to tap into income streams to resource this area of work. During 2016/17 the Authority was successful in bringing in £243.5k of external funding and in-kind contributions (see Appendix for further details). In addition, we have already identified a number of opportunities for securing funding for works in 2017/18.

Yorkshire Dales Access Forum

18. Ahead of consideration by Members a draft of this report has been considered by the Yorkshire Dales Access Forum (YDAF) at their meeting on 20 June 2017 – in their role as statutory advisor to the Authority on opportunities for open-air recreation. Their comments will be given in an oral update at the Authority meeting.

Conclusion

19. Rights of way maintenance and volunteering continue to make an important contribution to the work of the Authority. The Authority helps farmers and landowners maintain their stiles and gates, whilst users of the network (both visitors and residents) have certainty about where they can go, and have an enjoyable experience of the area. Businesses benefit because access to the area’s special qualities, through the rights of way network, underpins the visitor economy.

20. In 2017/18 a further 478km (463km CCC and 15km LCC) will be added to the rights of way making a total of 2,620km of Public Rights of Way in the National Park. The importance placed on rights of way maintenance is often cited as one of the advantages of being in a National Park. Whilst all National Park Authorities undertake this work, to a greater or lesser extent, we strive to ensure the Yorkshire Dales National Park has one of the best maintained rights of way networks in the country as befits the priority given to it by Members. This work is undertaken on behalf of the County Councils who retain the statutory responsibility.

Alan Hulme Head of Ranger Service

Background documents None 24 May 2017

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APPENDIX

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

Public Rights of Way Delegated Highway Authority

Annual Report 2016/17

MAY 2017

1

Introduction

1. For the period of this report, April 20016 to March 2017, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (the Authority) had delegated Highway Authority responsibilities for 2,142km of Public Rights of Way (footpaths, bridleways, byways open to all traffic, and restricted byways) within the ‘old’ National Park area. The Delegation Agreements were with North Yorkshire County Council (1896km) and Cumbria County Council (246km).

2. These Delegation Agreements cover a broad range of functions that allow for the management of public paths on the ground. These functions can be summarised as:

• Signposting of public paths • The maintenance and improvement of public paths • The maintenance of river crossings • Traffic Regulation Orders and Temporary Closure Orders • Enforcement and protection of public rights.

3. The Authority has taken on these responsibilities because it recognises that a well- maintained rights of way network is fundamental to the achievement of its statutory purposes, particularly its second purpose - promoting the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park.

4. It should be noted that the responsibility for keeping the Definitive Map under continuous review was returned to the County Councils in 2013. Also, the Authority minimised its financial burdens in relation to highways out of repair and obstructions to public rights of way when revised delegation schemes were agreed at that time. In addition, the maintenance responsibility for larger bridges in the two County Council areas was clarified – it rests with the County Councils.

Yorkshire Dales National Park Management Plan

5. The importance of the Public Rights of Way network to recreational users and local communities is recognised in the National Park Management Plan 2013/18:

B2 Maintain and promote the network of public rights of way - including the Pennine Way, Pennine Bridleway and other recognised regional routes and trails – so that, on average, 90% are ‘easy to use’ each year.

About this Report

6. This report identifies the key achievements for the year 2016/17. Then it goes on to considers, in detail, the Authority’s corporate actions and targets and progress relating to the following areas of work: • General maintenance • River crossings • Major projects • Path Orders and Definitive Map • Pennine National Trails Partnership Management

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Key Achievements 2016/17

Public Rights of Way Maintenance

7. During 2016/17 the following maintenance work was undertaken:

• 710 improvements to public rights of way infrastructure: stiles, gates and signposts; • 35 river crossings maintained or replaced (32 bridges, 1 set of stepping stones and 2 fords); • 4.9km of engineered paths maintained (including Pennine Bridleway or Pennine Way works); • 505m of new engineered paths created (including works at Grimwith Reservoir).

8. A total of £243,538 of external funding was secured for rights of way projects including £24,860 of contributions in kind as follows:

£60,349 National Trails Partnership Manager and Lead Role; £60,279 Pennine Way; £21,596 Pennine Bridleway; £17,042 British Mountaineering Council, Swinetail Project, Ingleborough; £ 9,903 Individual donations, Swinetail Project, Ingleborough; £ 276 individual donations; £ 1,390 donations from events for works in Swaledale; £28,658 Three Peaks Project (Friends Scheme, Merchandise and Donations); £ 3,761 various income from Path Orders £11,484 Nidderdale (delivering HLF PRoW project in AONB) £ 500 Sedbergh Parish Council (Birks Mill Bridge) £ 500 Dales Way Association (Birks Mill Bridge) £ 5,000 Friends of the Lake District (Birks Mill Bridge) £ 5,000 HF Holidays (Birks Mill Bridge) £ 500 Lancaster Group of the Ramblers Association (Birks Mill Bridge)

£10,000 Tesco and Arts Council Coast to Coast Project (permissive route) £ 7,300 Gayle Lane (Unclassified Country Road)

Contributions in kind:

Value Description £ 3,500 JD Pipes supplied 120m twinwall perforated pipe, couplings, catch pit, cover, for the Brackenbottom Pasture drainage project; £21,360 Birks Mill bridge structure.

Pennine Way

9. Total funding secured for the Pennine Way, for 2016/17, was £60,279:

• £26,201 for Pennine Way Ranger post, including general maintenance works to stiles, gates and river crossings; • £34,078 for works on Pen Y Ghent summit.

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Pennine Bridleway

10. Total funding secured for the Pennine Bridleway, for 2016/17, was £21,596:

• £21,596 for Pennine Bridleway Officer post including general maintenance works to stiles, gates and river crossings.

Pennine National Trails Partnership

11. During 2016/17, the Authority was the Lead Partner for the Pennine National Trails partnership and will continue performing the role for the foreseeable future.

12. Functions of the Lead Partner include to: • Accept the grant offer from Natural England and claim and receive payments;

• Have an oversight of delivery and report to Natural England about how our financial support has been used by the Partnerships and what has been; achieved

• Ensure that partners have the opportunity to participate in the management and development of the maintenance of the trails.

13. Over the last year the Authority through the partnership has: • Met on 2 occasions between April 2016 to March 2017;

• Distributed 17 grants totalling £358,000 to 12 different partner bodies;

• Collated a total of £197,000 (36%), where Natural England expect a minimum of 25%) in match funding;

• Secured an additional grant of £42,127 from Natural England for a further 8 projects to improve the Trail. The Authority received £45,349 for the Partnership Manager and £15,000 in relation to acting as Lead Partner and hosting of the Partnership Manager.

Three Peaks

14. During 2016/17 implementation of the 3 Peaks Project included:

• Swinetail, Ingleborough. 375m replacement of cobbles/ pitching with stone flags • Brackenbottom Pasture, Pen Y Ghent, 120m footpath repaired and improved.

15. The numbers of Friends (386) and Corporate Members (115) have remained constant during the year. The project brought in sufficient income to cover the cost of the Three Peaks Ranger plus funding for additional works:

• £ 28,658 was raised to fund the 3 Peaks Project Ranger; • £17,042 funding from BMC ’Mend our Mountains’ Campaign for a project on Ingleborough;

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• £9,903 in individual anonymous donations, attracted directly through the ’Mend our Mountains’ Campaign.

Path Orders and Definitive Map

16. During 2016/17 progress has continued on Public Path Orders. The following Orders were completed by the Authority:

Public Path Orders:

North Yorkshire Order Process Date Swaletrail, Reeth Diversion Order On-going Cumbria Cow Gill Barn, Dent, Diversion Order Confirmed 2016/17 Burton Hill, Dent, Diversion Order Confirmed 2016/17

Creation Agreements

North Yorkshire Order Process Date Permissive Agreement Gearstones Consultation On-going Helwith Bridge Railhead Creation Agreement Consultation On-going

Temporary and Emergency Closure Orders

North Yorkshire Order Process Date Arcow Quarry Horton Completed 2016/17 Arkengarthdale, Bridleway Completed 2016/17 Priory Bridge, Bolton Abbey Completed 2016/17 Garth’s Lane, Aysgarth Completed 2016/17

Cumbria (Flood Damage) Birks Mill Bridge extension Completed 2016/17

Corporate Plan 2015/16

17. The National Park Authority’s Corporate Plan, 2016/17, sets out a programme of works and measures to assist in achieving the aims of the National Park Management Plan. Specific performance indicators were identified for 2016/17:

Performance Indicators 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 16/17 Actual Actual Actual Actual Target Actual % of public rights of way that are 97.9% 98.2% 98.1% 98.2% 98% 96.2% signposted where they leave a metalled road % of rights of way that are easy to use 90% 92% 88% 88% 90% 88% but may not follow the definitive line

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18. Specific Corporate Plan actions for 2016/17 were:

Action NYCC CCC Total Achieved In the In the park park Maintain at 98% the number of places where a right of way is signposted from a metalled road. 96% 97% 96% No Carry out engineering works to 500m of eroded routes, including new surfacing at Burnsall. 475m 30m 505m Yes

Repair 3.9km of previously engineered routes, including significant works on the Three Peaks route 3.3km 1.6km 4.9km Yes and the paths on Ingleborough allotment. Lead the new Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway National Trails Partnership and administer the grant Yes system. Maintain river crossings so that 90% remain in condition 1. 89% 92% 90% Yes Repair stiles and gates in areas highlighted through the parish path surveys to maintain the rights of way 92% 94% 92% No infrastructure so that 94% remain in condition 1. Complete two public path creation agreements, which extend the rights of way network. Yes

Performance Indicators by area

19. The table below breaks down the performance indicators further. The individual county figures are given in relation to the network of rights of way within each individual area. (Results are taken from the Yorkshire Dales Access Recording Database, rather than field survey, unless stated).

Performance Indicator Target NYCC CCC YDNPA In the park In the park % of Rights of Way that are Easy to Use by members of 90% 90% 84% 88% the public (but may not follow the definitive line) (Field Survey) % of Rights of Way that are signposted where they leave 98% 96% 97% 96% a road % of infrastructure - stiles gates and signs in ‘condition 1’ 94% 92% 94% 92%

% of River Crossings in ‘condition 1’ ( that is in good 90% 89% 92% 90% order and will last up to three years % of Rights of Way accessible for wheelchairs 0.6% 0.7%

% of rights of way that are accessible for people with 170km 168km limited ability 7.8%

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Resources

20. In 2016/17 there were 7.2 full time equivalent (FTE) members of staff working on rights of way maintenance, and 1 Rights of Way Officer undertaking Path Orders. This is 1 full time equivalent below that of previous year due to the position of an Access Ranger remaining vacant through most of 2016/17, (to allow some flexibility as part of the organisational restructure to take account of the new area of the National Park). The Authority’s rights of way maintenance budget was £134k.

21. In addition, there were a further 2.4 FTE externally funded posts. These were:

Pennine Way Ranger The Authority received 75% funding from Natural England for the Pennine Way Ranger.

Pennine Bridleway Project Officer (0.6 FTE) The Authority received 75% funding for their maintenance role.

Three Peaks Ranger (0.8 FTE) The Three Peaks Ranger post during 2016/17 became a 0.8 part-time post. This post was funded through income and donations generated by the project during 2016/17 with £28,628 collected through the Friends and Corporate Members, Merchandise and Event Donations.

22. The Authority also supports the:

Dales Volunteers and other volunteers In total 1,559 days of practical work and 713 days of surveying were undertaken on the rights of way network, by Volunteers, this year. This equates to approximately 11 full time staff equivalents; this is a similar number of volunteer days to the previous year.

Ease of Use results

Target Maintain and promote the network of public rights of way so that, on average, 90% are ‘easy to use’ by members of the public (by 2018).

23. In 2013 the English National Park Authorities Joint Improvement Group (JIG) agreed to collect one indicator, across all the English National Parks. The indicator for ‘Ease of Use’ for the English National Parks is:

• % Percentage of rights of way that are ‘Easy to Use’ but may not follow the exact definitive line.

24. Each year’s survey selects, randomly, a number of paths making up 5% of the overall network. In total, approximately 106km were surveyed (82km NYCC and 24km CCC) in the National Park in 2016. The ‘Ease of Use’ figure is then calculated from the length of routes which pass the ‘Ease of Use’ definitions as agreed by the English National Parks Joint Improvement Group.

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201 6 Ease of Use Res ults NYCC CCC YDNPA In the In the Park Park % Percentage of rights of way that are ‘Easy to Use’ but 90% 84% 88 % may not follow the exact definitive line

Signing

Target. Maintain at 98% the proportion of public rights of way that are signposted where they leave a metalled road in 2016/17.

25. The Access Recording System indicates that there were 2,289 places in the National Park requiring a signpost at the roadside. There were 2,201(96%) actually in situ with 88 (4%) missing.

26. During 2016/17, 96 directional signs were replaced or repaired where they leave metalled roads, indicating designation (footpath/bridleway), distance and destination.

27. In addition, 111 signposts have been replaced or repaired indicting direction, distance or status along public rights of way in the National Park.

Signposts from a Metalled Road

Yorkshire Dales National Park Access Recording System

Total Present Missing % in situ YDNPA 2289 2201 88 96% NYCC 2034 1953 81 95% CCC 255 248 7 97%

General Maintenance

28. The following section provides a brief breakdown of the main areas of works carried out, during 2016/17, in relation to the maintenance of stiles, gates and signage along the rights of way network.

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Infrastructure

Total improved Type 2016/17 Ladder Stile 11 Timber Step Stile 50 Stone Step Stile 75 Stone Squeeze Stile 158 Fieldgate > 5ft 119

Handgate < 5ft 74

Kissing Gate 11 Boardwalk 11 Signpost (directional on route) 121 Waymarker post 27 Information Sign 5 Roadside Signpost Present 96 Steps 14 Culvert 12 Total 784

River Crossings (includes bridges and stepping stones)

TYPE Cumbria CC NYCC YDNPA

repair/replaced/ repair/replaced/ Total Total erected erected improved in park Bridges 9 9 9 709 Stepping Stones 6 6 22 Fords 2 2 92 Total 17 840

Miles without Stiles (access for those with limited ability)

29. During 2016/17 the Access for All programme became one where the Authority has said it will make ‘satisfactory’ rather than the ‘limited’ progress it had said previously. This still means for ‘miles without stiles’ routes it is important to secure additional funding through a partnership approach to achieve specific ‘limited mobility’ projects which are beyond routine maintenance.

30. Wherever an existing right of way is being maintained, every opportunity to replace difficult barriers with more accessible features will be considered, e.g. replacing a ladder stile with a gap or gate. The less remote a route, the more stringently this criterion will be applied.

31. We will also continue to measure the two ‘access for all’ indicators against very strict criteria as laid out by Natural England and based on the Countryside Agency ‘Zone A’ national standard which is equivalent to BT Access for All Standard 3, that is routes

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designed for wheelchair use (1st indicator) rather than more challenging routes capable of being used by wheelchair users with strong pusher (2 nd indicator).

32. There are, however, possibilities to review both indicators due to the change in the programme and extension of the National Park, which provides further opportunities for those visitors with limited mobility.

Major Projects

33. Under the Delegation Schemes the Authority has responsibility for the surface condition of rights of way. Each year projects are identified, by Rangers, for specific works which either improve ‘Ease of Use’ or enhance a route. The projects listed below are those with a capital expenditure greater than £1,000, and in most cases significantly more. Route Works Undertaken North Yorkshire County Council New Engineering Works Swine Tail, Ingleborough 100m stone flag footpath surfacing Brackenbottom Pasture 120m drainage and landscaping works Dalesway Burnsall 175m aggregate surfacing works Nappa Askrigg 30m stone flag footpath surfacing Aysgill Force, Gayle 25m stone flag footpath surfacing Snaizeholme 25m stone flag footpath surfacing Cumbria County Council New engineering Works Oaks Footpath 30m stone flag footpath surfacing Total 505 m

North Yorkshire County Council Maintain Previously Engineered Routes Janet’s Foss Footpath, Malham 800m aggregate re-surfacing works Swinetail, Ingleborough 175m replacing stonepitching with flags Rylsone Bridleway 630m aggregate re-surfacing works Stake road, BOAT, Stalling Busk 250m aggregate re-surfacing works Langthwaite Bridleway, Arkengarthdale 40m aggregate re-surfacing and revetment Reeth Bridge, Swaledale 85m aggregate and flag surfacing works Low Lane, Swaledale 40m aggregate re-surfacing works Freeholders Wood, Aysgarth 600m aggregate re-surfacing works Buckden Pike Bridleway 160m aggregate resurfacing works

Cumbria County Council Maintain Previously Engineered Routes Occupation Road, Dent 1,600m drainage and landscaping works Total 4,380m

North Yorkshire County Council Maintain Previously Engineered Routes Pennine Way, Dalehead, Pen Y ghent 150m aggregate surfacing Pennine Bridleway, Austwick 300m aggregate surfacing & drainage Pennine Bridleway, Gorbeck 100m aggregate surfacing & drainage Total 550m

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Conclusion

34. Rights of way maintenance and volunteering continue to be ‘priority programmes’ and areas of work where the Authority makes a clear visible difference to the National Park. We help farmers and landowners maintain their stiles and gates, whilst users of the network (both visitors and residents) have certainty about where they can go, and an enjoyable experience of the area. Businesses benefit because access to the area’s special qualities, through the rights of way network, underpins the local tourism economy.

35. This past year has been an excellent year in relation to securing external funding. A total of £268,398 has been secured from a number of different sources to support public rights of way work across the National Park. In addition, the work with Dales Volunteers and other volunteers goes from strength to strength with all surveying in the National Park being carried out now by volunteers.

Looking ahead to 2017/18

36. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority maintained 2,142km of public rights of way in 2016/17 on behalf of North Yorkshire and Cumbria County Councils. In 2017/18 this will increase to 2,620km (an increase of 22%) with a new Delegation Agreement signed with Cumbria County Council in April 2017 (463km) and Lancashire County Council (15km) delegation agreement to follow.

37. An initial survey conducted by volunteers indicates an ‘ease of use’ figure of 67% for the 478km in the new area of the National Park. When combined with the current ‘ease of use’ figure for the existing 2,142km, this gives an indicative figure for ‘ease of use’ for the new National Park of 84%. We have given ourselves five years, to ensure all of the rights of way are to the same standard across the whole National Park. The staff reorganisation gave an opportunity to review how the access rangers worked. As a result there are now 2.4 FTE Access Rangers, and a dedicated team of volunteers working specifically on maintenance of rights of way in the Cumbria area of the National Park.

Further Information

Further information regarding the report is available from: Alan Hulme, email Direct Line Head of Pak Management [email protected] 01756 751647 Colvend, Hebden Road Grassington BD23 5LB

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Item No. 9

Yorkshire Dales Access Forum – 20 June 2017

National Park Management Plan 2018 - 2023

Introduction

The National Park Management Plan is the single most important document for the National Park - it sets out the vision, key aims and aspirations over the longer term. It is a plan for the National Park - its communities, businesses, visitors and the many organisations that operate here. It requires all who have an interest in the National Park to work together to achieve its aspirations.

The Management Plan is produced and overseen by a partnership – the Management Plan Steering Group - which includes representatives from the district councils, the Dales Farmer Network, the Dales Rural Estates Network, tourism businesses, YDMT, Natural England, Forestry Commission and Environment Agency.

Process and timetable

The production of the new Management Plan is already underway with the start of a public consultation to identify the key themes and concerns that need to be addressed. The key dates for the process are:

May/June 2017 – first public consultation July 2017 – detailed evidence reports are produced August to December 2017 – the drafting of objectives February 2018 – public consultation on a full draft plan June 2018 – updated Management Plan adopted

The role of the Yorkshire Dales Access Forum

The YDAF will act as the drafting group for the objectives related to a range of areas: • Public rights of way • Long distance routes • Miles without stiles and access for people with a range of disabilities • Outreach, learning and engagement activities • Large scale recreational events • Recreational infrastructure • Management of green lanes • Promotion of recreation and access • Public transport in relation to visitors (Public and community transport are also being looked at by the Community Sustainability group).

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This means that you will need to: • examine the evidence both national and local where we have it; • Identify the challenges, opportunities and options available; • consider any consultation responses received so far; • recommend a preferred set of measureable objectives (no more than 10); • Agree a short report to the Steering Group setting out conclusions, highlighting the key issues and justifying the preferred objectives.

To start this process a draft evidence report has been produced which is Appendix A. The evidence report also includes the current Management Plan objectives.

The draft objectives agreed by YDAF will go forward to the Steering Group who make the final decision on what is included. They will need to resolve areas of duplication and conflict between objectives, as well as taking a view of what is realistic and achieveable.

The YDAF will also have the opportunity to input into the full draft plan as a consultee when this is produced in February next year.

What do you need to do now?

The YDAF have the meeting today and then the meeting in October to discuss and establish the draft objectives for inclusion in the Management Plan. At this meeting it is suggested that you need to: • Examine the draft evidence report and identify any areas where you would like further information; • Identify the areas where you think we need an objective; • Consider whether these should be ‘steady as it goes’ or whether we need to be proactive; • Agree how you want to work on the objectives between now and October.

Mark Allum Head of Access and Engagement

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Appendix - Access and Recreation evidence

A friendly, open and welcoming place with outstanding opportunities to enjoy its special qualities

Facts, figures and trends

− There are some 2,620 km of rights of way (footpaths, bridleways, byways open to all traffic, and restricted byways). In addition, there is a small network of unsurfaced, unclassified roads which provide complementary links – approximately 120 km 1.

− An average of 89% of rights of way are ‘easy to use’ (up from 77% in 2007/08). 94% of gates and stiles are in good condition. 92% of river crossings are in good condition 2.

− Around 95% of the National Park is in private ownership, with 60% designated as ‘open access’ land.

− The large karst areas, particularly in the south of the National Park include numerous and extensive cave systems, including the longest cave system in the UK and many of national/international importance. These include the Three Counties system, Kingsdale Master Cave and associated links, Gaping Gill system, Alum Pot/Diccan Pot and Pen-y- ghent Pot.

− Rock climbing crags are again found predominantly in the south of the National Park, on both gritstone edges and limestone. Many of the limestone crags include bolted ‘sport’ climbs. Some of the crags are of national and international quality – these include Malham, Gordale and Kilnsey.

− Sailing takes place at Grimwith and Embsay Reservoirs and Semerwater. Whilst there are no formal canoe access agreements on rivers in the Yorkshire Dales, many of the ‘white water’ rivers such as the Lune and Wharfe are regularly kayaked when they are in spate.

− The most popular activity is walking with around 80% of all visitors going a short or long walk during their trip. This is followed by cycling and mountain biking at around 6%. Other activities are at 1% or less. 3

− Many of the rivers in the Dales provide opportunities for fishing through private clubs or on a day ticket basis. Kilnsey Trout Farm and Bessy Beck at Newbiggin-on-Lune offer opportunities for all levels of anglers from beginners to experts and Malham Tarn also offers boat hire.

− The Dales provides a range of shooting opportunities of targets, clays and game shooting - pheasant, red grouse, partridge, wildfowl, as well as specific courses are available through a number of shoots and private estates.

− ‘Multi-day routes’ include two National Trails (Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway) and significant regional routes such as the ‘Dales Way’ and the ‘Coast-to-Coast’). Other

1 Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (2017) 2 Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (2012) 3 YDNPA Visitor surveys 2004, 2009 and 2013 3

waymarked routes are the Dales High Way, Pennine Journey and Ribble Way. The busiest sections of these routes (e.g. at Malham) are used by over 7,000 people per month at peak times. It is estimated that 5,000-7,000 people walk the whole of the Coast-to-Coast each year, with around 4,000 people completing the Dales Way.

− The National Park hosted the Grand Depart of the Tour de France in 2014 and there is anecdotal evidence of an increase in cycle use in the area which would tie up with evidence of increased cycling at a national level. The Way of the Roses long distance route is very popular with the counter between Austwick and Clapham recording over 11,000 passes.

− Whilst motor vehicles are legally allowed to use byways open to all traffic (62km) and have possible legal rights on unsurfaced unclassified roads (around 120km), use of motor vehicles on the 8 most sensitive routes is prevented by traffic regulation orders. Compliance with these orders overall is 98%4.

− The length of the rights of way network available for people with poor mobility or for wheelchair use has increased significantly but remains relatively restricted (7.8%) 5. However, much of the Park’s bridleway, byway and unsurfaced unclassified roads network is accessible by ‘tramper’ – or similar ‘all terrain’ mobility scooters. There has been a trend for people with mobility disabilities to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible over recent years.

− 72% of visitors to the National Park travel are over 45 years old, 75% are in A,B,C1 social grades and 96% are from a white background 6. Visitor numbers peak in August (562,550) and are lowest in December (104,830)7.

− 98 large scale events were recorded in the National Park in 2013 with over 25,000 participants including charity walks, cyclo-sportives and fell races. The Yorkshire Three Peaks continues to be very popular with a considerable number of smaller events in addition to a number of high profile challenge walks.

− There are now three Young Rangers groups in the National Park and Dales Volunteers contributed 6,249 days of work in 2016.

− 26% of people in the UK do less than 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week and 14% do 30 to 149 minutes a week 8. 27% of adults in England are obese and a further 36% are overweight. Rates of excess weight are highest in the North East and Yorkshire regions 9.

− On 1 August 2016 the National Park was extended by 24% taking in the Westmorland Dales, Mallerstang, northern Howgills and additional parts of the Lune Valley.

4 Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (2012) 5 Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (2017) 6 Visitor Survey 2013 7 STEAM , 2015 8 Active Lives Survey, Sport England 2016 9 House of Commons briefing 2017

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Policy context

Special Qualities, Special Experiences 2010 , YDNPA – sets out the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s policies and principles for access, recreation, diversity, visitor management and sustainable tourism in the National Park.

Management of the use of green lanes (unsealed routes) in the Yorkshire Dales National Park , YDNPA (2013) - considers the legislation and government guidance on the management of recreational motor vehicle use of unsealed routes, and what actions should be taken to implement the policies of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority

8 Point Plan for England’s National Parks, Defra 2016 Three aims are particularly relevant: 1. Connect young people with nature • Double the number of young people to experience a National Park as part of National Citizen Service by 2020. • A new package of teaching materials for schools based on National Parks. • National Park Authorities to engage directly with over 60,000 young people per year through schools visits by 2017/18. 6. Everyone’s National Parks • Encourage more diverse visitors to National Parks. • Promote volunteering in National Parks. 8. Health and wellbeing in National Parks • Promote innovative schemes for National Parks to serve national health. • Realise the immense potential for outdoor recreation in National Parks.

Equality Act 2010 – requires public bodies when making decisions of a strategic nature about how to exercise their functions to have due regard to the desirability of exercising them in a way that is designed to reduce the inequalities of outcome which result from socio- economic disadvantage.

Moving Cumbria Forward – Cumbria Transport Plan Strategy 2011-2026 , Cumbria County Council; and, North Yorkshire Local Transport Plan 2016-2045 , North Yorkshire Country Council - set out what the County Councils and their partners intend to do to address the transport related issues faced by people who live in, work in and visit Cumbria and North Yorkshire.

Consultation responses

NP staff (April 2017)

• Rights of Way - maintaining and improving to present standard. • Monitor 90% (PROW) - lower standard in new area; attracts visitors; reducing barriers / hurdles. • Promote / create opportunities for access in the NP – through PROW maintenance; open access infrastructure maintenance; provision of information, walks, etc. • Promoting the Dales as an activity destination – dark skies, caving and activities other than walking or cycling • Family friendly routes/trails particularly for cycling - better attractions; we don’t have anything; reduce barriers - disabilities, etc. for local people as well. • Parking and traffic, buses

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• Visitor management – to be more innovative; charging points for electric cars, better public transport; improve visitor understanding of the countryside and rural issues • Use Wensleydale and Settle Carlisle railways as alternative transport to assist reduction in road use. • Encourage more Young people –through outreach. • Tranquillity – effects of speed, noise, development, light pollution. Reduce speed limits (motorbikes);

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Key Issues

• Following the Comprehensive Government Spending Review during 2010 funding available to both County Councils and National Park Authorities has been significantly reduced. Amongst other services countryside access, highways and public transport have all seen significant cuts. In light of these reductions future management and maintenance has to reflect the new financial climate. Should the NPA be more proactive in encouraging high standards on important link routes? Or maintaining some of them?

• The challenge of completing the ‘Three Peaks’ continues to draw large number of individuals, small informal groups, and large-scale charity events. The Three Peaks Project has made great strides in maintaining the route. Is any further action necessary to maintain a complete, ‘sustainable’ route or in visitor management in Horton?

• The National Park has a number of key honey pot locations such as Malham. Should anything more be done to spread the load or manage these locations?

• Do we need to be proactive in closing some gaps in the rights of way network? Should we go against land owner wishes if needed?

• Should access for canoeing or caving, for example, be improved? Is this possible within current legislation and given land ownership in the National Park?

• There are a considerable number of large-scale events in the National Park, which are largely well managed and pass off with few problems. To what extent should these sort of events be encouraged as part of the promotion of the area as a destination for recreational challenge? Do we need to alter our management of these events?

• What more should be done to promote outdoor activities? Do we need to step up a gear, or be focussed on who we are promoting to – for instance target younger people? Do we need to be more welcoming? Are we making best use of digital media in our promotion work?

• What is likely to happen to numbers of people taking part in outdoor activities over the next few years? Will the activities they are taking part in change?

• Does the Park need a high profile facility such as a via ferrata, family friendly cycle route or mountain bike trail – and would it be possible given land ownership in the National Park?

• Considerable investment has been made in managing recreational motor vehicle use of the network of ‘green lanes’ (unsurfaced, unclassified roads), and the most sensitive routes are all now protected. Is the balance about right, could more be done?

• Should more be done to encourage people from disadvantaged backgrounds, non- traditional audiences and people with impairments and disabilities to visit? What scope is there now to further ‘open up’ routes to those with limited mobility?

• Potential climate change impacts on Access and Recreation in the National Park could include: increased visitor numbers, especially in the Summer; increased flooding and storms impacting on caving, hill walking and the opening of visitor attractions as well as the water logging and erosion of rights of way and causing access restrictions .

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• How can more visitors be encouraged to travel to the Park by public transport? What scope is there to help visitors to reduce their use of private cars to get round the National Park?

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Existing Access and recreation objectives (2013-2018)

Progress May 2017 Lead Body Achieved A5 Maintain the National Park as a place where a true sense of YDNPA V tranquillity, remoteness and solitude can be found, and, over the period of this Management Plan, implement a range of measures to enhance and promote enjoyment of its dark skies.

B2 Maintain and promote the network of public rights of way – including 88% Ease of Use for 2016 but on average YDNPA the Pennine Way, Pennine Bridleway and other recognised regional over the last 5 years is currently 89%. routes and trails − so that, on average, 90% are ‘easy to use’ each year. U

B3 Maintain and keep under review appropriate measures to manage 98% in 2016. 90% compliance reached in YDNPA the use of recreational motor vehicles on sensitive green lanes and each year of the NPMP. continue to work with enforcing agencies as required. V

B4 Work with the organisers of large-scale events to ensure they are £26k raised in 2016/17 plus £27k for Swine YDNPA well run, and provide benefits for local communities and businesses, and tail through Mend our Mountains campaign. establish a fund to cover the full cost of maintaining the Three Peaks V route.

B5 Carry out works to improve access on appropriate routes so that 168km (7.8%) of public rights of way are 170km (8%) of public rights of way are suitable for users of all ages and suitable for users of all ages and abilities. 12 abilities by 2018, and introduce five short, waymarked walks from km were improved in 2016/17. On course Aysgarth, Grassington, Hawes, Malham and Reeth. Three waymarked walks complete

B6 Make the Yorkshire Dales National Park accessible and relevant to a 306 session places provided in 2016/17. diverse range of groups, including providing 1,000 session places for local disadvantaged people by 2018. V

B7 Through the ‘Green Futures’ project, use educational and skill-based Green Futures has worked with 603 young Yorkshire activities to inspire up to 4,000 young people from in and around the people in the first year of the 4-year Dales National Park to discover, explore and enhance the environment by programme. Millennium On Trust course 2021.

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B8 Give people from all backgrounds an opportunity to enjoy and make 6,249 days provided. 1,098 days (17.5%) a difference to the National Park by providing at least 5,000 volunteer from under-represented groups. days per year, with 10% coming from under-represented groups by V 2018.

B9 Work with local people to deliver world class cycling events that Malham Tarn route completed. North showcase the National Park, and develop a range of new opportunities Swale Trail fully funded. Yorkshire On for people to explore the National Park by bicycle by creating three new County course Greenfield creation in progress. Council routes for family friendly cycling by 2018.

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Item No. 10

Yorkshire Dales Access Forum – 20 June 2017

Officer’s Report

Purpose of the Report

The following report brings together, in one place, a collection of items for Members consideration and information.

Authority Meetings

Any member of the Yorkshire Dales Access Forum can attend Authority Meetings as a member of the public. Please contact Rachel Briggs for a copy of the agenda and supporting papers. Please note, it is not a requirement for members of the YDAF to attend Authority meetings, so it is not an ‘approved duty’ and LAF members cannot claim expenses for attending such meetings.

Authority Meeting Dates and Venues for 2017:

Date Venue Time 27 June 2017 Yoredale, Bainbridge 10.30am 26 September 2017 Yoredale, Bainbridge 1.00pm

Meetings of the Yorkshire Dales Access Forum for 2017

YDAF during 2017:

Tuesday 3 October 2017, 1.15 pm @ Yoredale, Bainbridge

Consultations

Since the last meeting of the YDAF on 7 February 2017, members have been consulted on the following:

• Fencing on Cam End Common (See YDAF response in Appendix 1).

Yorkshire and Humberside Regional LAF

The last meeting of the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional LAF was held on 8 March 2017. The minutes from that meeting can be seen in Appendix 2.

1 Regional LAF conference

The next regional LAF conference will be held on 21 June in Birmingham. John Richardson and Debbie North are both attending to represent the YDAF.

Swale Trail update

The Swale Trail project is now fully funded with successful applications for support from: Yorkshire Dales LEADER, Richmondshire District Council Economic Growth Fund, National Trails Partnership, NYCC and the National Park Authority. This means that we can begin improvement works to the bridleways and unsurfaced unclassified roads involved and it is planned that the Trail is opened by Easter 2018. This will mean that there is a 20km long valley bottom trail with good surfaces between Keld and Reeth.

Greenfield Forest creation

As part of the forestry extraction agreement for Greenfield and Cam Woodlands a number of new bridleways will be created. The first of these is close to being available for use through a deed of dedication. This new bridleway will be 7km long and uses an existing track to the north of the road/restricted byway through the Forest, looping round to Low Greenfield (SD 8225 7841 to SD 8509 8022). Other creations will follow in due course. There is potential for parking to be an issue, especially along the road from Beckermonds. Publicity will look to discourage use of this road.

Rachel Briggs Access and Recreation Officer June 2017

2 Appendix 1

Adrian Shepherd Yorkshire Dales National Park

11 th April 2017

Dear Adrian,

Application for Fencing on Cam End Common

Thank you for submitting the above application to the Yorkshire Dales Access Forum (YDAF) for consultation.

A copy of the application has been sent to YDAF Members for comment and a number of responses have been received. The consolidated view of the Members, subject to formal ratification at the next full meeting of the YDAF, is to support the proposals. However, your attention is drawn to the general advice given in the YDAF Guiding Principles for Fencing of Registered Commons and Exchange of Registered Common Land, a copy of which is attached for information.

Members did, however, express particular concern about the use of barbed wire in the proposed fencing specification and also advised that :

• any top-wiring of fencing should be in plain wire rather than barbed wire • the location of the proposed fenced areas should be undertaken in conjunction with the local Ranger so as to have minimal visual or other impact on the landscape • any gates, stiles or other access furniture should be designed, located and installed in consultation with the local Ranger • the fencing should be removed at the earliest opportunity and no later than the end of the Countryside Stewardship Agreement (31 st December 2025) as specified in the application

The YDAF is a statutory body which provides advice to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (as the appointing authority) and any other public body on any issues affecting access in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The contents of this letter qualify as advice pursuant to Section 94 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to which the recipient is required to have regard in carrying out its functions.

Yours sincerely,

Alistair Thompson Chair, Yorkshire Dales Access Forum

Enc: YDAF Guiding Principles for Fencing of Registered Commons and Exchange of Registered Common Land

3 Appendix 2

MEETING TITLE: YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE REGIONAL ACCESS FORUM LOCATION: THE CIVIC CENTRE, ASHBY ROAD, SCUNTHORPE MINUTES Date : 8 th March 2017 Start Time: 10.15 am Finish Time: 3.30.pm Attendees: Jerry Pearlman Y & H RAF Chair Leeds Local Access Forum (JP) Yorkshire Dales National Park Local Access Forum Susan Booth (SB) Lead Adviser Natural England, Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire Area Team Didy Metcalf Y & H RAF Vice Bradford Local Access Forum (DMb) Chair (for 6 months) & Secretary Daniel Marsh Secretary North Lincolnshire Local Access Forum (DMnl) Fran Ross (FR) Vice Chair North Lincolnshire Local Access Forum Richard Alderson Chair North Lincolnshire Local Access Forum (RA) John Richardson Vice Chair Yorkshire Dales National Park Local (RJ) Access Forum Roma Haigh (RH) Chair North Yorkshire Local Access Forum Catriona Cook Chair North York Moors Local Access Forum (CC) Ted Mullins (TM) Chair Rotherham Local Access Forum Mike Willison Chair Leeds Local Access Forum (MW) John Nicholson East Riding & Hull Local Access Forum (JN) David Jeffels (DJ) County Councillor North Yorkshire North Yorkshire County Council Rupert Douglas Network Sustrans (RD) Development Manager (Yorkshire) England North Emily Ledder (EL) Coastal Access: Natural England Lead Advisor on the Skegness to Mablethorpe Section Steve Westwood Coastal Access: Natural England (SW) Lead Advisor, Coastal Access

Apologies: Hazel Armstrong Chair East Riding & Hull Local Access Forum

4 Julie Swift Secretary Calderdale Local Access Forum Sarah Whitley Chair Calderdale Local Access Forum Tony Hunt Chair Barnsley Local Access Forum Alistair Thompson Chair Yorkshire Dales National Park Local Access Forum Pan Allen Chair Bradford Local Access Forum Virginia Moulton Secretary Barnsley Local Access Forum Jim Buckley Chair Barnsley Local Access Forum Terry Howard Chair Sheffield Local Access Forum

Action Points: Ref Actions Owner No 4 RD will send link to the Sustrans Design Manual. RD 4 RD will ask Lee Thompson to reply to JP letter. RD 4 RD will provide Signage Guidance RD 4 SB will provide RD with contact details for the Regional Forum SB 6 DMb will circulate the Transport Focus document “Cyclists, pedestrians DMb and equestrians: a summary of priorities for Highways England’s Network”. January 2017 7a Constituent LAFs lobby their MPs (in person or in writing) asking All for access to be provided in any new post Brexit Rural Payment schemes. 8a DMb to write to Lord Gardiner to enquire if there have been any DMb changes to funding that affect ROWIPs and LTPs. 9 DMB to update the email database and send it to SB & JP DMb

1. Election of Officers JP Opened the discussion by thanking Hazel Armstrong on behalf of the Forum. He said she had been on the Forum long before he had joined and put in an enormous amount of hard work. We are sorry to hear she is unwell. JP Said that he had chaired the Forum for about 4 years and now health problems make it difficult for him to continue. Also, additional burdens had fallen upon him that are proving too much. Firstly, the withdrawal of funding for our previous Secretary Rachel Briggs, who had dealt with a good deal of the administration. Then the departure of Phil Robinson our former NE Regional Lead Advisor who had a great working knowledge of the region. Our new Lead Advisor Susan Booth is not there to pick up on Rachel Brigg’s role, it is not in her remit. SB Had received a helpful suggestion via email from the Secretary of Calderdale LAF, Julie Swift. Their Chair, Susan Whitley had offered to host and chair our next meeting in Calderdale. However, she felt unable to extend her commitment beyond that.

Alistair Thompson Chair of YDNP LAF, had also offered a venue for our next meeting but regretted that he could not volunteer to take over as Chair owing to a busy year ahead. JR Noted that the venues that YDNP and NYMNP are able to offer in Bainbridge

5 and Helmsley could only be reached by car. CC Regretted that she should not take on any further roles as she feels her place is at the coal face working towards the cut-off date in 2026. There is an enormous amount of work to be done and she does not feel her energies should be diverted from that. She added that the Regional Forum has a vital lobbying part to play and we must keep reminding government that the funds do not follow. JP Suggested that in the absence of volunteers for the post of Chair, he may consider continuing for a short time, providing that he could be relieved of the letter writing; perhaps by the Vice Chair. DMnl Said that the Actions should be given to members to spread the work load MW Agreed they should be shared with members having the relevant knowledge of the issue concerned. JR He supported the idea that we share the workload. He said that we value JP’s expertise and hoped that we might persuade him to stay on. TM Agreed others must be responsible for the Action Points. DJ Said he would be glad to offer but wondered if that is appropriate for a local Councillor. DM b Offered to fill the post of Vice Chair for the next 6 months MW Seconded that suggestion JP Agreed to continue as Chair as he was keen that the Forum should not fail. Resolved: JP will continue as Chair assisted by DMb as Vice Chair. The Forum can review the situation 6 months’ time.

2. Introduction and Apologies The Chair welcomed guests and members to Scunthorpe Civic Centre. He explained that we would be taking Agenda items 4. & 5 next to allow our guest speakers to speak first. (The original order has been adhered to in the minutes).

3. Matters arising/Minutes of Last Meeting, (minutes accompanying agenda). Network Rail (NR) – Closure of Railway Crossings: see Item 7b below. Coastal Path: Following queries raised by HA at our last meeting, Steve Westwood and Emily Ledder of the Natural England Coastal Team are attending our meeting today. See Item 5 below. SWG for Motorised Vehicles: At our last meeting JP questioned whether the special SWG to look at provision for motorised vehicles promised during the passage of the Deregulation Bill was going ahead. JR Said that a meeting had been held in Crewe on 17th Nov, which he did not attend but he understands that a further meeting is to be held in London later this year, date unknown. SB Thought that there would be at least 1 further meeting. See Item 8c below. SB Deregulation Act 2015 – Regulations: See Item 8c below

4. Working Together. Rupert Douglas, Network Development Manager (Yorkshire) England North, Sustrans. JP Introduced Rupert Douglas explaining that our Regional Forum had expressed interest in exploring ways in which Local Access Forums could work more effectively with Sustrans to provide more inclusive, locally appropriate, access solutions.

6 RD Rupert had prepared a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate how Sustrans works. To summarise: it is charity relying on donations to achieve its aim of replacing motorised journeys with journeys on foot, bicycle and where appropriate, other means of non-motorised journey.

Its vision is to benefit health and the environment and its work includes: the creation of The National Cycle Network (NCN), promoting sustainable travel choices and the Coast to Coast route. There are now 14,000 miles of the cycle network across the UK and following a recent restructuring our region is now part of Sustrans, England, North.

Sustrans expands the network by building and maintaining new cycleways, based on guidance contained in the ‘Sustrans Design Manual’ i . Many are on the line of previously disused railways which require new bridges and it is now responsible for 4171 of these. Maintenance of the tracks relies on approximately 3,000 across the UK.

Some examples of success in our region are: • The ACTIVE GROUP, WAKEFIELD: who are volunteers building routes in their area. . They are using Toptrek to surface the tracks which is also suitable for use by horses. • CITY CONNECT: is delivering a high quality scheme known as the Leeds Bradford ii Super Highway. • ALEXANDRA DOCK & FERRY TERMINAL: where Sustrans is working with Hull City Council and Siemens to link the new development to the promenade and City Centre. This will transform the experience of visitors to Hull and benefit residents. • HUDDDERSFIELD NARROW CANAL: is another scheme currently being looked at which could be added to the NCN. Although the narrow width of the towpath initially seemed to be an obstacle, clearing the overgrown vegetation may provide the necessary width.

Surfacing: these are not all tarmac and can be selected to suit their location and use. A key priority is sustainability. Sustrans has published an advisory leaflet for Cycle Path Surface Options. iii There are also alternatives which are suitable for horses such as Toptrek and Multitrek iv .

Signage: Sustrans provides a range of distinctive easy to follow signs showing distance and destination, these can be adapted to suit any particular location.

Behaviour: Rupert acknowledged that there had been some complaints about incompatibility between users. Sustrans is now promoting a ‘Share, Respect and Enjoy’ initiative and installing notices to remind trails users. He noted that well designed routes of sufficient width were crucial factors in providing an enjoyable experience for everyone. A good example of this is the Fosse Island Cycleway in York.

Conferences in Utrecht and Ghent: Rupert told us that he had recently attended 2 inspiring conferences at which strong interest had been expressed

7 in the UK as a cycling destination. Particular interest has been expressed in visiting Yorkshire following our hosting the Tour de France in 2014, which represents a potentially significant opportunity to boost the local economy.

Electric Bikes: at the conferences he had also noted the growing popularity of these bikes. He noted that we are beginning to see this in the UK as well and their use will no doubt expand here. However, this may be accompanied by concerns about speed.

Greening Greenways: Sustrans has begun a new initiative to protect and enhance biodiversity along its traffic free sections v. Examples in Yorkshire are: vi • Fosse Island vii • Spen Valley

The Future: Sustrans now has a new Chief Executive and a new strategy is being developed. However, the NCN will remain at the heart of what it does. A new Strategic Improvement Plan (SIP) is being developed to assist funding bids at local and National Levels. JN Stressed that the sustainability of the type of surfacing used is important; they need to be resilient to use throughout the year. Some non-tarmacked routes were susceptible to developing pot holes and disturbance from tree routes. RD Agreed that tree roots pushing up through the surfaces cause regular problems, which tends to support the use of tarmac as the sustainable option. While crushed stone is good solution for equestrians; it is more costly and some councils are reluctant to take on the additional maintenance burden. Considering the specific location, gathering evidence and working with others, is the best way to provide sustainable solutions. RA Asked if there is a speed limit for electric bikes and suggested they may present a problem. RD Said he had heard of problems. Abroad, they are beginning to create separate lanes. TM Said there needs to be clear differentiation between ‘pedal assisted’ bikes which boost pedalling and ‘e-bikes’ that are propelled without pedalling. On the continent pedal assisted bikes are regulated to cut out at 15 mph. He has since circulated this guidance:

“Th ose which meet HM Government’s requirements are called ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPC’s). They can be 2-wheeled bicycles, tandems or tricycles.).

The requirements are: o the bike must have pedals that can be used to propel it o the electric motor shouldn’t be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph o the motor shouldn’t have a maximum power output of more than 250 watts”

JR Observed that many ordinary cyclists already go at speed: putting off other users.

8 RD Referred to the Cinder Trail from Scarborough to Whitby, where concerns had been expressed about high speeds. Sustrans had made improvements there but there is more work to do. Providing sufficient width and targeting behaviour are among the range of solutions. CC Noted that none of the slides showed horses using the trails. For example, the Cinder Trail is well used by horses, but, (as the local BHS representative), she is not aware that any consultation with horse riders had taken place. RD Said there had been good outcomes where Sustrans has worked with horse riders. For example: the Nidderdale Trail does have a separate strip for horses that works well. Sustrans is widening its consultation process to be more inclusive. JR Referring to the route from Malton to Pickering: he questioned the assumption that tarmac is best. He said it is not wanted by walkers, horse riders or mountain bikers and that work needs to be done on making the trail more inclusive. There had also been reports of aggressive, arrogant behaviour. RD Said that Sustrans is aware that some people are unhappy and are looking at solutions. MW Asked what the cost of using Toptrek or Altitrek was compared with tarmac. RD Was not sure about the comparative cost. The surfaces used need to be appropriate for location and the amount of use. Not all surfaces are suitable. On the City Connect canal towpath the surface had not been deep enough and had to be replaced. JP Said he had 5 questions to put: 1. RD had talked about the criteria for the NCN but hadn’t said what that was. RD The NCN Handbook contains the details of design best practice viii . The work of the SIP audit and review will provide further clarification. He will provide the Forum with that. JP 2. Said he had written Lee Thompson (Sustrans, South & West Yorkshire) and received a reply saying that he should refer the question to Leeds CC. Please could RD ask him to reply to him as this query is about a national issue? 3. Cycle Tracks Act. Under this Act when a public right of way is incorporated into the cycle network it ceases to be shown on the definitive map. Please could this cease; as the public need to see their network as a whole. RD 4. Is there signage guidance? JP Yes. I will send it to you. RD 5. Working with us (LAF). Are you doing this? Yes. In places. RA Asked if RD had contacts for all our LAFs so that he could work more inclusively with them. JJ We can ask SB to supply details to RD and we look forward to him coming back to us in a year’s time to let us know how Sustrans and LAFs are working together. FR Sustrans had worked with North Lincs LAF successfully on a foot and cycle path connecting south of Scunthorpe to Normanby Park that takes in 3 colleges, lots of schools and is a well-used route for people going to work in the town centre, Skippingdale and South Park industrial estates. She added that it is a shame it can only be used by cyclists and pedestrians. JN Said the quality of the Beverley to Willoughby cycleway was variable and not practical in places.

9 RD Replied: Sustrans had not been directly involved in that. It had been a Highways England project and Sustrans had only been involved in commenting on the bridge. JP Thanked Rupert for talking to us about Sustrans and its work and said he hoped we could work together effectively in the future.

5. Update on the Coastal Path development in Yorkshire and Humber. Steve Westwood and Emily Ledder, Natural England. SW & EL had prepared a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate how the duty for NE to create Coastal Access under the Marine and Coastal Act 2009 was being implemented. This covered the Delivery, the Process and Timescale’s and the Relevant legislation.

EL Explained that 2,400 miles of English Coastal Access will be open to the public by 2020. The methodology used is set out in the NE ‘Coastal Access’ guidance published in 2013 ix . NE works with the local authorities and statutory consultees to progress the development using 5 well defined stages: Prepare, Develop, Propose, Determine and Open.

In our region the process is manged by NE’s North East Hub. The coastline is divided into 10 ‘stretches’ (including the Humber Estuary from the Humber Bridge) which are being progressed separately and are therefore at different stages of development.

The stretches between North Gare and South Bents and Filey Brigg to Newport Bridge are now open. The stretch linking North Gare and Newport Bridge is expected to open this year. The remaining 7 stretches will open between 2018 and 2020.

The Skegness to Mablethorpe section is now ready to submit to the Secretary of State for approval; after which there will be an 8 week opportunity for stakeholders and owners to comment. Objections are dealt with by the local Planning Inspectorate and there is no compensation.

It takes 2 to 3 years to get a path open. NE funds all the establishment works and pay the LAs for their time. When the route are open they are designated as National Trails or Sustrans routes (where appropriate) and NE will fund 75% of the ongoing management costs. CC Asked where the Coastal Path is legally recorded? DMnl Commented that it is not on the Definitive Map as its Open Access Land. EL It is shown on the OS by the National Trails symbol. JJ Asked about the Coastal Strip in our area. EL There are 10 stretches of Coastal Strip. There are 7 legal advisors working on those. The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, gives NE a legal duty to provide those by 2020. The Act also gives NE discretion to include estuaries (up to the first bridge). The portion of the Humber Estuary to the Humber Bridge is included. SW There are national rules regulating the activities that may be carried on.

10 • No vehicles • No horses or cycles • No camping • Dogs must be kept under control CC Have landowners provided this access? SW We are not putting any stiles in, only gates. We aim to strike a balance between user experience and the land owner’s interests. It has not been difficult so far. The Trail itself is a 4 m wide strip. The Coastal margin extends to the mean low water line. Although there are a variety of elements that restrict access, such as ports, houses, gardens and MOD land. RA Commented that some of the landscape is sensitive to changes. For example flood defences: he suggested that maintenance of flood defences in the area between Mablethorpe and the Humber estuary were “guaranteed” after a plan by EA in 2008 to drastically reduce the level of maintenance in that length was abandoned. Ergo, that stretch of the Coastal Trail might benefit from long term security. SW The landward margin is usually marked by an existing structure such as a fence. Roll back due to erosion must automatically be taken into account. This is especially relevant on the East Coast which is eroding at approximately 2 m a year. The route automatically moves back without further approval needed from the Secretary of State.

RD The Environment Agency maintains it is illegal to cycle on flood banks. Do they give reasons for excluding cyclists? Dismissing the creation of a link from Hull to Spurn Point is a lost opportunity. EL Matched funding is required for higher rights. The timescale is tight and it all has to come together, which makes it more difficult. JN Funding: he objected to the maintenance falling on LAs. JP It is a National Trail but not a public right of way. Is that a funding matter? RA Commented that would mean there is no firm maintenance guarantee. Therefore, no guarantee of it being there in perpetuity. RD Asked if there interest in responding to cases where there are increased opportunities such and benefits. On establishment the trail partnerships are supposed to develop facilities eg village shops, pubs place to stay etc. EL It’s not part of Natural England’s role in establishing the trail up to the point where the access rights commence. However, it is something that local access authorities can be proactive about, either individually or as part of a Trail Partnership. For example ERoY is keen to encourage walkers using the ECP to visit points of interest and villages with facilities – they hope to achieve this by signing such locations from the trail.”

LUNCH 6. Walking and Cycling Strategy CC Transport for the North now has all-inclusive strategic remit to look at the effect of severance issues on all roads and rights of way. This must include all users DMb Said this may associated with a paper compiled by ‘Transport Focus’ x that

11 had been circulated to her but she did know what weight it carried as an advisory document. It would be interesting to know, as it contains valuable advice about avoiding severance of existing access roads and rights of way when planning new infrastructure projects. She will circulate it to members xi . JP Quoted the Paths for Communities guidance for walking and cycling., which was inclusive. Cycling UK (former CTC), is now campaigning for cyclists to be allowed to ride on footpaths where the width is good and disturbance is minimal. (NB. not footways by the side of roads) CC Said the BHS supports that. JP Added that Ramblers say that lots of paths are ideal for cycling. CC Some routes are used already and the public should take them as found. DMnl Cited some routes that are rarely used by pedestrians but are used by cyclists. RA Did not agree. He did not think this was a good idea. Cyclists on pathways tend to expect people to get out of the way. JR Noted that they were also campaigning to allow to race on bridleways. TM Does not think this should be allowed to slide into the Walking and Cycling Strategy. The principle of sail before steam should apply. JP Cycle Tracks Act now own 550 miles of the network. Has been making a study of the legal aspects of what cyclists are and are not allowed to do and how this has come about. He has compiled extracts of the law for the Ramblers. If anyone would like a copy please let him know.

7. Updates 7a Permissive Access CC Noted that Open Spaces already adopted the view that any new post Brexit Rural Payment schemes should include public access. BBT supported the inclusion of payments for access in land based schemes. Particularly for access links with a strategic gain. RA Said that the HLS schemes had set up some good access; they are still there and are being used, even though the HLS agreements have expired. JP Remarked that unfortunately that was not universally the case and cited paths near Scarborough and Ripon where access had been withdrawn. CC & Both made the point that it was a good time to lobby nationally for the access JP to be included in the new schemes. RA Suggested that members write to their MPs. MW Said they had had good results in Leeds. Their MP had promised to push for retention of access and has written to Lord Gardiner with a modicum of success. CC Asked SB if the environmental and access sections of NE were talking to each other effectively. She felt that people should been given access opportunities to the landscape on which so much money public money is being spent. SB Said NE is looking at a more holistic approach. JP At our next meeting LAFs should provide their letters and replies to their MPs RESOLVED: Constituent LAFs lobby their MPs asking for access to be provided in

12 any new schemes.

7b Network Rail Network Rail (NR) – Closure of Railway Crossings: at our last meeting Susan Bedford a representative of NR said that ADEPT and IPROW were in the process of preparing a ‘position statement’ about the best way to deal with public rights of way across railway lines that are threatened with closure or diversion. We asked for information about this; either informal notes or the final approved document. JP Reported that Susan Bedford had been in touch. His information was that ‘position statement’ had been abandoned. Questions raised by the Ramblers about the closure of various crossings had gone to the High Court. The Ramblers argue that it is possible to create new public rights of way over railway lines. TM Had attended a meeting about the blanket closures over lines in East Anglia. We need to find out how many we are expecting in our region and prepare options for diversions JP Said he had brought up the blanket closures in Essex under the Transport at Works Act. We need to find out about what is happening there and progress on discussions between the Ramblers and NR.

7c Northern Upland Chain Local Nature Partnership

JP Reported that he has been invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Northern Upland Chain Nature Partnership at Greta Bridge tomorrow. He had applied to put the question, ‘What about education?’

8. Reports 8a from Constituent LAFs Leeds LAF MW Were given a presentation of the proposed East Leeds Orbital Road, a 4 to 5 mile route from Red Hall (A58 Wetherby Road) to Thorpe Park (A63/M1 junction). This includes the provision of a segregated pedestrian and cycling route (tarmac) on the inner side and a more loopy leisure route on the outer side suitable for all non-motorised users (not tarmac - material still to be specified), using the Green Route model. A planning application for the route is expected to be submitted in the next few days. This includes a generous underpass for all non-motorised users.

In January MW and JP met members of the Highways Department to discuss the List of Streets / Local / National Street Gazetteer in relation to the 2026 cut-off date. Leeds is not yet submitting PROW data as it is not yet required to do so by Geoplace. It will require additional software, expected to be installed later in 2017, and additional HR. Added that under recommendations in the SWG’s ‘Stepping Forward’ report some of these roads could be excepted from the cut-of date 2026, but the wording is vague.

13

St Aidan’s land has been passed to Leeds City Council. The RSPB will be back on site again soon. Lack of protection has been a problem.

HS2: MW went to their drop in centre in Leeds and met Stephen Smith. He outlined a skeleton timetable. MW offered to circulate the contact details. They are: For LAFs in West and North Yorkshire, Stephen Smith: [email protected] For LAFs in South Yorkshire Marcus King: [email protected]

TM Wondered if anyone from HS2 had been in touch with LAFs. Rotherham will have to go through all the crossings affected. There will be a meeting in Barnsley

Bradford LAF DMb West Yorkshire Transport Strategy - Despite a well put together bid to get rights of way included in the latest update of the LTP; this was largely ignored. Bradford LAF is concerned that this not only affects our rights of way funding but also the other local authorities included in the West Yorkshire Transport Strategy.

ROWIP Review 2017 – Our Countryside and Rights Of Way Manager reported that there is no dedicated funding or sufficient staff to support the review of the ROWIP.

There is concern that this government may be stepping away from (or have JP possibly abandoned) the funding mechanism designed by the previous government, which had been the intention behind the introduction of these two Plans.

Suggested that she write to Lord Gardiner to ask if that was in fact the case.

Definitive Map Officer – The RoW Department are now in a position to appoint a dedicated Definitive Map Officer. They are just awaiting formal permission to go ahead with this.

Bradford’s unrecorded rights of way - Bradford has a large area (in the old Borough) in which very few paths are recorded on the Definitive Map. There are informal records of 266 KMs of rights of way in that area on Council maps from the 1960’s, which have been digitised. Four pilot programmes to research the paths are underway. Preliminary findings show that 160 Kms are a good match for viable rights of way that are in use today. It is hoped that non-contentious modification orders can be made for these.

Mountain Biking on Council owned land – some members of the public have complained about damage done to parts of our open spaces and woodland. Concerns have also been expressed about the potential safety

14 issues and danger to others, (although actual reported accidents are few). But 2 positive things have come out of it: 1) The Council has worked with mountain bikers to get controversial segments taken down from the STRAVA website. These may accumulate again but a constructive dialogue is now in place.

2) The Woodland Officer is working with Mountain Bike groups to minimise damage and reinstate areas where it has occurred.

Resolved: DMb to write to Lord Gardiner to enquire if there have been any changes to funding that affect ROWIPs and LTPs.

East Riding LAF JN Coastal Path: tit has been liaising with NE about this. Consultation: Has considered a diversion consultation associated with a large development in Hull. Permissive Access: Ros Stanley, an LAF member, has co-ordinated the review of permissive access schemes still active under HLS and identified 12 ‘priority routes’, 9 of which are still are still active. (Paper circulated) Beverley Bypass: opened on 1 st February. It has involved< shambolic diversions, numerous dissections of rights of way and has caused confusion. JP Suggested that the Open Spaces paper on Highway Verges has been republished. He thought it may be of assistance and would let him know how to access it xii .

North Lincs LAF FR Ironstone Walk: A site meeting has been arranged on the Ironstone Walk, with the aim of getting the long awaited signage installed. Permissive Path : Our MP opened a new permissive path on 14 th October. Castlethorpe to Ferriby : It is working on developing safe route as it is especially dangerous. Lost Ways Research: Members of LAF are taking on work on lost byways using the Archives. Some records are held in Lincoln, others in Doncaster as parts of the County were in the former West Riding.

DMnl Reported that they were pleased that some elected members were now attending meetings. The membership is up to 14 with 3 elected members (sometimes 4) In common with many LAFs they have had difficulty in recruiting younger members. A member of the Youth Council now attends who appears to be enjoying it.

Yorkshire Dales National Park LAF JR Has been busy focusing on reorganisation since parts of Cumbria and Lancashire joined the Park on 1 st August 2016. We hosted a LAF meeting in Kirkby Lonsdale with representation from Cumbria & Lancashire LAF members who would be involved in the revised boundaries to welcome them

15 to our group. A Lancashire member attended our last meeting but no-one from Cumbria so far. JR is not sure why this is but one of their members is also on the Cumbria LAF.

North Yorkshire County Council LAF RH Local Plans: Has been very busy working on several Local Plans that are being prepared which need their input. Volunteers: It is trying to attract volunteers to work with them effectively and have issued a consultation document. Bedale Bypass project: She was disappointed that the Bedale Bypass project had not agreed to the LAF’s suggestions. Get out and about (GOAT): It had been working on a proposal with a £5,000 budget to get children out and about – YYCC has not gone with this.

North York Moors National Park LAF CC NYCC Projects: The Council persists in setting staff on projects rather than doing statutory work. She said culture change is needed and gave the example of Devon CC who had worked with the TRF to open up their UCRs. Potash Mine: the Planning Department managed to negotiate a bridleway from east to west but failed to get one right round the circumference to avoid the busy road. The Mines company is to have a community fund and the LAF is discussing projects such as negotiating the maintenance and repair of all UURs, as they are so important as part of the network that will result in good safe access for all.

Rotherham LAF TM ROWIP: Is updating its ROWIP and the LAF is establishing a sub group to research lost ways. However, because RMBC inherited a large area of West Riding land it will probably mean visits to the archives in Wakefield to verify which of the footpaths that were logged during the 1974 regionalisation, were in actuality bridleways.

8b Update on minutes from other regions No minutes from other Regions were available for us to consider at this meeting. The North West Regional Access Forum minutes will be available for our next meeting.

8c Natural England update (accompanying agenda) SB Thanked North Lincolnshire CC for hosting us: particularly DMnl for making all the arrangements.

NE Reorganisation. Circulated a link to NE’s ‘Conservation 21 Strategy’ document which has been published since out last meeting.

Motoring SWG: A meeting had been convened by NE and DEFRA on 17th November 2016. What happens next is largely up to the group to decide. If it decided to carry on it would be as an independent group. NE suggested that a good way forward would be to produce a guidance/good practice document that could go before the Rights of Way Review Committee. A representative of Natural England will chair the meeting for the next 6 months; a decision will then be

16 made if this is to continue.

LAF Conference : will be held in Birmingham on 21 st June 2017 - everyone is invited to attend.

HUDDLE: following the departure of Rob Leek, NE is still seeking a replacement LAF Coordinator. When that post is filled, NE will resume the production of the annual LAF Report, newsletters and HUDDLE co-ordination.

Deregulation Act 2015 – Regulations: Preparation of these is still in progress and expected to be published in October 2017

9. AOB. Date and location of next meeting. SB The North West Regional AF will send their minutes for our next meeting and have asked for ours. DM Will update our email database and send it to JP & SB..

Date of Next Meeting: 26 th September 2017 at Bradford City Hall, Bradford.

i Link to ‘Sustrans Design Manual’ http://www.sustrans.org.uk/sites/default/files/file_content_type/sustrans_handbook_f or_cycle friendly_design_11_04_14.pdf ii Link to Cycle City Connect http://cyclecityconnect.co.uk/projects/cityconnect-cycle-superhighway/ iii Link to Sustrans guide to ‘Cycle Path Surface Options’ http://www.sustrans.org.uk/sites/default/files/images/files/migratedpdfs/Technical%2 0Note%208%20-%20Path%20surfaces(1).pdf iv Link to Toptrek leaflet http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0ahUK EwiKreuJ7MnSAhUlLMAKHVrxDyQQFgggMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pathsfor all.org.uk%2Fcomponent%2Foption%2Ccom_docman%2FItemid%2C69%2Fgid%2 C330%2Ftask%2Cdoc_download%2F&usg=AFQjCNENY5k8BPoAjG-JS2ZOJVHW- bfBNg&bvm=bv.149093890,d.ZGg v Link to Greening Greenways http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/walking-and-cycling-inspiration/routes-nature- lovers/sustrans-greener-greenways vi Link to Fosse Island Leaflet http://www.itravelyork.info/uploads/Map_7_Foss_Island.pdf vii Link to Spen Valley Greenway and Ringway http://www.sustrans.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/spen20valley.pdf viii Link to Sustrans Design Manual http://www.sustrans.org.uk/sites/default/files/file_content_type/sustrans_handbook_f or_cycle-friendly_design_11_04_14.pdf

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ix Link to HE Coastal Access Guidance 2013 http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/5327964912746496 x Link Transport Focus website https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/about/ xi Cyclists, Pedestrians and Equestrians: a summary of priorities for Highways England’s Network https://www.transportfocus.org.uk/research-publications/publications/cyclists-pedestrians- equestrians-summary-priorities-highways-englands-network/ xii Link to Open Spaces paper ‘Highway Verges’ http://www.oss.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/C11-Highway-Verges-Some- Practical-Points.pdf

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