EAST RIDING OF AND Joint Local Access Forum

10th Annual Report 2013 - 2014 WELCOME TO THE TENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AND KINGSTON UPON HULL JOINT LOCAL ACCESS FORUM

Chairman’s Summary

This is my second and final report as Chair of the promoting the ideas of access and positive dialogue Joint Local Access Forum. It has been a most enjoyable published in the Country Land and Business Association “task” for the reasons that the Secretariat has been magazine. Drawing on his keen interest in conservation gently supportive and for the members’ tolerance of my and access as well as his farming experience, this was an style of chairmanship. excellent way of promoting our aims, as well as that of membership of a LAF, to the landowning community. It has indeed been an interesting year and next year will hold many challenges. Creative thinking will be needed We have strengthened links with the Hull and East in a changing financial environment. Defra is changing Yorkshire Local Nature Partnership (LNP) and welcome the manner in which funding is provided and one result and support their ongoing work to develop a “Green is that Natural , the body to which local access Infrastructure Framework” for our area. We look forward forums report, is losing funding. We sincerely hope this to contributing further from our own particular aspect. will not affect their commitment to access matters. Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are likely to be We also continue to be actively represented on the future sources of funding for “green infrastructure” LEADER Local Action Group for our area. Looking activities, which we welcome. The prime focus of LEPs is forward, Defra is keen that LAFs should engage on economic growth and job creation, but accessing and with Health and Wellbeing Boards and public health enjoying green space of course forms a very important professionals in our area, and also with Local Enterprise part of the visitor and tourism economy in our area. Partnerships. This will be interesting and forms part of our forward work programme. In the past year we have had input into the Draft East Riding Access to the Countryside Strategy, the Draft Natural England`s “Monitor of Engagement with the East Riding Local Plan and the new management plans Natural Environment” (MENE) research data (2013) for the Hudson Way and the Hull to Rail importantly highlighted the value of having accessible Trail. Currently we are engaged with the East Riding green space close to our homes. The value of the of Yorkshire Council in developing a policy for the rights of way network as a “free” resource for exercise management of “unmetalled” highways and byways open and wellbeing on our doorsteps cannot be over- to all traffic (BOATs), sometimes referred to as “green stated. We also believe there is genuine potential for lanes”. Their maintenance and signage are frequently more “recreational/nature” tourism in Hull and East raised issues for the LAF. The draft policy is a very Riding. This is particularly true with the opportunities positive result of engagement between the Council, the that will be presented by the City`s “Green Port” LAF and a wide range of user groups. I hope its formal announcement, the Castle Street development and, of approval is progressed rapidly, in order to ensure the course, the “City of Culture” award. It is an exciting sustainable maintenance of these valuable assets. time for many organisations, including ours!

A LAF working group providing advice on the Our Annual Report includes updates from both improvement of highway verges for safer public access Appointing Authorities on their progress with Rights previously made a recommendation to East Riding of Way Improvement Plans (ROWIPs) since last year. I of Yorkshire Council for three verge improvement would urge both East Riding and Hull City Councils to schemes. Although not simple to progress in the continue to resource the management of public rights current climate, it is pleasing to report that one of these of way and countryside access activities in these difficult schemes, a new verge ‘trod’, has been completed on Dale financial times and to continue to recognise and value Road, , thanks to the hard work and dedication the range of public benefits they provide. of Swanland Council supported by East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Most recently, safety concerns regarding verge access on part of the “ 20” have I plan to stand down from the position of Chair in June been raised with the LAF and we are providing advice to 2014, so I would like to end by thanking the members of Parish Council on possible options for the the Forum for all of their support and input over the last improvement of this well-used route. two years, and to wish my successor well.

Positive engagement with landowners to promote the Clive Bolton benefits of access, whilst recognising the challenges Chairman they face, is one of our priorities. Our two farming The East Riding of Yorkshire and Kingston upon Hull members, Messers Gatenby and Hawcroft, continue to Joint Local Access Forum do sterling work in this field (excusing the unintended May 2014 pun!). Gordon Hawcroft recently had an article

2 Membership of the Joint Local Access Forum

The Forum is constituted to provide a balance of views representing: • Different recreational user interests • Landowners and land managers • Other relevant interests There are currently nineteen members of the Forum.

Name Interests Represented *Clive Bolton (Chair) Walking and Dog Walking *Hazel Armstrong (Vice Chair) Equestrianism, Social Inclusion and Health Peter Ayling Walking and Conservation Michael Butler Rural Business John Gatenby Conservation and Farming John Nicholson Waterways, Transport, Walking and Cycling Stephen Richardson Country Sports, Conservation and Business **Rosemary Stanley Walking and Conservation Brian Witty Cycling and Sustainable Transport Michael Benson Cycling and Canoeing Michael Brookes Walking, Conservation and Heritage Gordon Hawcroft Farming, Rural Tourism and Conservation John Jessop Walking, Horse Riding and Social Inclusion Stephen King Walking and Rural Business Magnus Roche Trail Riding, 4x4 User and Business Matthew Williams Walking, Orienteering and Youth Groups Councillor Arthur Hodgson (East Riding of Yorkshire Council) Elected Member Representative Councillor Bryan Pearson (East Riding of Yorkshire Council) Elected Member Representative Councillor Martin Mancey (Hull City Council) Elected Member Representative

• * The Chair and Vice Chair will step down in June 2014 and a new Chair and Vice Chair will be appointed at the June 2014 AGM • ** R Stanley – renewal of membership due June 2014

3 Summary of Achievements in the 2013-14 Year Forum Meetings Four formal meetings of the Local Access Forum were held during the year:

No. of forum No. of members No. of invited Date Venue members of public in officers attending attendance attending

19 June 2013 - AGM The Guildhall, Hull 16 4 9

18 September 2013 The Floral Hall, Hornsea 13 5 7

18 December 2013 County Hall, Beverley 16 5 9

19 March 2014 The Shire Hall, 14 4 6

Other Meetings, Events and Sub-Groups April 2013 – Unmetalled Highways and BOATs Sub-Group July 2013 – Show July 2013 – East Riding of Yorkshire Cycling Strategy Scoping Workshop July 2013 – East Riding of Yorkshire Health and Wellbeing Obesity Summit September 2013 – Local Access Forum Regional Meeting October 2013 – East Riding of Yorkshire Community Transport Strategy Launch November 2013 - East Riding and North Yorkshire Waterways Partnership Waterways Conference December 2013 – East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside Access Strategy Sub-Group February 2014 – East Riding of Yorkshire Rail Trail Management Plans – Sub-Group March 2014 - Local Access Forum National Conference March 2014 – Countryside Recreation Network Conference March 2014 – Local Access Forum Regional Meeting

Individual members also represented the Local Access Forum on external bodies, including the East Riding of Yorkshire Rural Partnership, East Riding of Yorkshire Public Rights of Way Joint Liaison Group, East Yorkshire Transport Partnership, East Riding Cultural Partnership, The ‘Coast, Wolds, Wetlands and Waterways’ LEADER Local Action Group, East Riding and North Yorkshire Waterways Partnership.

4 Consultation Responses and Advice Issued Members of the Forum responded to the following consultations during the year:

Organisation Consultation Document(s)

• Access to the Countryside Strategy 2013-2018 • Hull to Hornsea Rail Trail Management Plan 2014-2024 and Hudson Way Rail Trail Management Plan 2014-2024 • Policy for Managing the Use and Maintenance of Unmetalled Highways and East Riding of Yorkshire Council Byways Open to All Traffic • 10 Public Path Orders and/or Definitive Map Modification Orders • One Gating Order - Sylvester Lane, Beverley • One Stopping Up Application -

Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs • CAP Reform Consultation Draft (DEFRA)

• 3rd Stage Consultation on the Yorkshire and the Carbon Capture National Grid Storage Cross Country Pipeline

Other Reports and Articles The Secretariat prepared a review of the LAF Operating Year and Forward Work Plan for 2013/14 – Appendix 1 Article published in the Country Landowners and Business Association monthly publication focusing on access and land use. – Appendix 2 An annual update report prepared by the Secretariat for East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Cabinet and Corporate Management Team and Hull City Council officers.

Other Business Discussed at Forum Meetings A broad range of topics were discussed at forum meetings during the year, including: Paths for Communities programme; Huddle; East Riding of Yorkshire Rural Strategy; Land-locked access on access land; Customer Service Standards for countryside access; Temporary closure order procedures; Coastal Path in the East Riding of Yorkshire; Neighbourhood Development Plans; Better engagement with landowners and permissive access issues; The health and wellbeing agenda; Engagement with the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Nature Partnership; Canal and Action Plan; Progress on Schedule 14 applications. During the general operating year specific questions were raised by members of the public attending meetings on the following issues: • Management of Unmetalled Highways - June and December 2013 • Definitive Map Order - Swanland Footpath No3 - June 2013 • Width of the Beverley to Cycle/Footway - June 2013 • Hull to Hornsea Rail Trail - September, December 2013 and March 2014 • Beverley 20 Route - Safety on the Verge - March 2014

5 Invited Officers and Observers

Members of the Forum would like to thank the following officers for their regular attendance at forum meetings and for their ongoing support and advice: • Allan Davidson - Sustainable Travel Officer, Hull City Council • Michael Ibbotson - Transport Policy Manager, Hull City Council • Mark Jessop - Principal Transport Policy Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Judith Rockliff - Engineer, Definitive Map Team, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Gordon Scaife - Principal Leisure, Tourism and Culture Policy Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Patrick Wharam - Countryside Access Manager, East Riding of Yorkshire Council The following officers and external contacts also provided reports, updates or information to the Forum during the year, and their help and assistance is appreciated: • Richard Alderson Principal Engineer, Strategic Asset Management - Transport, Highways and Flood Risk, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Gordon Grimley - Assistant Engineer (Definitive Map Team), East Riding of Yorkshire Council • John Hannah - Area Engineer, Highways Maintenance Services, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Nadine Senior - Local Nature Partnership Development Officer, East Riding of Yorkshire Council • Mohammed Dhalech - Access Development Officer - Yorkshire Dales NPA (Regional LAF) • Philip Robinson - Lead Advisor People and Partnerships Team (North and Midlands), Natural England • John Richardson - Land Access and Recreation Association (LARA) Forum Secretariat East Riding of Yorkshire Council provides the Secretariat to the Forum. The following officers are thanked for their support during the year: • Elizabeth Russell, Committee Manager • Steve Howdle, Rural Development Officer • Helen Reynolds, Rural Officer

Objectives for 2014-15 The Local Access Forum has set the following broad objectives for the next twelve-month period: • Green Infrastructure – Provide strategic advice on the planning and management of key recreational green infrastructure assets in the East Riding and Hull. • Continue to strengthen and develop links with; o Health and Wellbeing Boards/Public Health o Hull and East Yorkshire Local Nature Partnership o Local Enterprise Partnerships • Respond to local and national consultation documents on important access and rights of way matters. • Help promote progress against the Kingston upon Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire ROWIPs. • Continue to support and actively participate in regional and national LAF activities.

The Forum remains committed to working closely with East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council, and providing constructive advice to both councils and other section 94(4) bodies. The Forum will develop and progress a detailed work programme during the next year.

6 East Riding of Yorkshire Rights of Way Improvement Plan (2008 - 2018) – Progress Update

Statement of Action 1 – Education and Promotion Statement 4 – Route Maintenance and Improvement 1a) Continue to monitor use of the ‘Walking the Riding’ website. Random sample surveys data indicates that 63% of the network is The site had 59,722 hits between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014, an open and available to use. increase of 17% on the previous 12 month period. 4a) Improve the maintenance programme in relation to undergrowth 1b) Publicise information on PROW in a variety of locations. and overgrowth. To date it is difficult to measure the number of The Council continues to provide information on walks and cycle defects submitted, relative to the number resolved. Progress to utilise rides via Tourist Information Centres, Leisure Centres and Libraries, the Confirm system is being made but it is recognised that this is slow. via the Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) and East Riding of However, customers should be assured that important issues on key Yorkshire Council ‘Walking the Riding’ web site, and by attending routes are resolved, and the network condition is in good condition, events and shows. but recognising that there is still room for improvement. Evidence from officers is that a small number of defects remain unresolved by 1c) Promote the use of PROW and associated health benefits to all. the end of the financial year. More effective use of a new framework The Council continues to work alongside partners to develop circuits, contract for vegetation clearance and construction will hopefully lead healthy walking and support for the Walkers Welcome accreditation to improvements for customers of the service. scheme. Driffield has now achieved Walkers Welcome accreditation alongside Market Weighton, , Beverley and and 4b) Improve signage. The PROW team have established a new target Cowick. Health and wellbeing is an important part of the Access to for signposting routes where they leave a metalled road and will be the Countryside Strategy due for publication in 2014 reporting progress against this in future years. The target endorsed by the LAF is 90%. Statement of Action 2 – Network Connectivity Between 1 April 2013 and the end of March 2014 the public rights of way 4c) Reduce unauthorised use of public rights of way. Work network has been increased by 20.39km. needs to take place to formalise procedures, improve awareness, develop codes of conduct, network with users, and enforce 2a) Improve connectivity of the network for horse riders and cyclists. where appropriate. Work has commenced to try and improve the A total of 24.64 km of bridleway was added to the network, 18.07km management of unmetalled highways and work with the Police to of which was achieved on council owned land by upgrading definitive reduce illegal use of routes. footpath to bridleway on the Rail Trail (14.16km) and the Hornsea Rail Trail (3.91km). The only section of rail trail still to be 4d) Promote the benefits of the ‘Local Paths Partnership’ and Parish upgraded to bridleway is from to Winestaead. Dedication and Town Councils to further develop the use of volunteers. agreements added 2.0 km of bridleway west from , 36 local work alongside the PROW team to keep their local providing a link to an existing circular route to the west (Hotham networks open. Volunteers from The Ramblers assist by contributing Carrs and ). 100 days of voluntary work to improve the network for the public.

2b) Improve the network by providing circular routes and linear links 4e) Improve public awareness regarding control of dogs and dog fouling. between current routes or to a place of public interest. Data from random sample surveys suggest that less than 1% of the Hornsea Footpath Nos. 16 and 29 were upgraded to bridleway by network is adversely affected by dog fouling. The PROW team work dedication agreement, giving bridleway access onto Hornsea Rail with the dog wardens to improve this issue at hotspot locations, and Trail from Hull Road and Hornsea Burton Road and adding 513m of work with landowners in locations where significant problems occur. bridleway to the network. A Creation Order has created 355m of bridleway in Easington, linking Bridleway 13 with Hull Road. Bridleway Statement 5 – Definitive Map and Statement 13 exits onto Dimlington Road where the noise from pipes under the 5a) Publish and update the digital PROW records on the ‘Walking the road had been spooking horses. Riding’ and council websites. Records have been updated as set out in 2c) Seek to provide off road links over land adjacent to the highway the ROWIP. or develop the use of wide highway verges to link routes. A 50m off 5b) Process Definitive Map Modification Orders in line with current road bridleway link was created by a dedication agreement to link the policy. The council accepted 2 applications made under Schedule eastern end of the rail trail with Bridleway No 3 and its 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. The council considered and bridleway links with and , avoiding having to rejected one earlier application and the appeal to this decision is with use the busy A614. the Secretary of State (SoS) awaiting determination. 4 Modification Orders were confirmed, one after a public inquiry and two with 2d) Work within the planning process to secure PROW improvements modifications after a Public Hearing. An interim decision proposing associated with development proposals. The council continues to modifications has been made by the SoS on another two Orders, work actively with the private sector to enhance the rights of way one after a Public Inquiry and one after written representations. network as opportunities arise as part of the planning process. Objections were raised to these modifications and are to be dealt with by written representations. Another Order where objections Statement 3 – Accessibility were raised is with the SoS awaiting determination by written 3a) Undertake accessibility audits and grade routes. To date, representations. One Order with outstanding objections is waiting little comprehensive work has been carried out on the costs and for referral to the Secretary of State. 9 other Schedule14 applications complexity of the work. More work needs to be undertaken at a are in progress. national and local level before routes can be assessed in a structured and measurable way. Positive work continues under 3b. 5c) Consolidate and republish the Definitive Map for the East Riding. 34 Legal Event Orders for old public path orders were made 3b) Remove physical barriers to routes and increase easy access. this year to bring the Definitive Map up to date and authority has Data from random sample surveys indicates that approximately been obtained to make a further 53. Work will continue on this as 90% of routes are stile free. The target is to have a stile free resources allow. network by 2020. 5d) Seek to resolve anomalies and missing links on the Definitive 3c) Improve accessibility for those with restricted mobility or visual Map through diversion, extinguishment, creation or modification impairment. The PROW team are working to achieve improvements orders. A Modification Order was confirmed to add a statement to in the physical condition of routes particularly close to settlements, the record for Footpath No.35. A further 6 Modification and work with partner organisations and local communities to identify Orders have been made to resolve anomalies, such as loss of path by appropriate routes. coastal erosion and missing statements.

7 Hull City Council Rights of Way Improvement Plan (2009-2019) – Progress Update

Statement of Action 1 - Ensure public rights of way are clear Statement of Action 5 - Improve accessibility through of obstruction and well-maintained. improved surfaces, safer crossings. The City Council’s Highways Network Management Team currently Subject to resources, an accessibility audit of all PROWs will be conducts an annual inspection regime. Bi-annual inspection of the undertaken with the assistance of the Equalities Access officer and entire access network remains an aspiration, but budget and other relevant user groups. A significant level of work has been undertaken resource constraints, presently, restrict this activity. All routes were along Humber Foreshore on route 28 to redefine and reinstate the inspected in 2013 and cleared where required with effective use made path surface west of St Andrews Quay. of volunteer groups to ground clear, litter pick and repair paths, Statement of Action 6 - Improve connectivity within the including the Greener Neighbourhoods Hull/Minerva Project which network. provided 835 man hours on routes 2, 6, 8, 26 and 28, The Conservation The City Council is currently working with ERYC to review/upgrade Volunteers provided almost 1200 man hours on 10 routes and the the status of disused rail lines to become bridleway and link into the Community Payback Team supervised by Humberside Probation City. In conjunction with this, a list of potential new path locations Service have delivered in excess of 1300 man hours on various areas in and existing routes which need to be upgraded will be prepared, giving Hull including some work on PROWs. Friends of the Earth & Sustrans priority to routes that lead to schools, bus stops and other public rangers have carried out 2 cleanup days along route 28 following transport connection points. the flooding in December 2013. The City Council are continuing to address access issues, particularly along the and the Humber Statement of Action 7 - Review of Definitive Map and Foreshore on routes 11, 22, 26, 27 and 28 where some sections have Statement. been closed off without appropriate diversions in place. Minor repair It is still intended that resources will be allocated to a regular works have been undertaken along with significant reinstatement of a working group to help review the definitive map. The diversion section of route 2 after erosion of the west bank of the River Hull. route for PROW no. 22 Alexandra Dock, in relation to the Siemens Development, has still to be progressed, following the recent Statement of Action 2 - Ensure public rights of way are development decision. (Details are on the Council’s web site). correctly signposted. Statement of Action 8 - Clearly identified processes The 2012 annual inspection identified all signs, poles, wording and regarding implementing and modifying public rights of way. condition. A full signing schedule has been prepared and mapped. A draft ‘easy read’ guide/leaflet will be produced – the final version Inconsistencies were evident with some damaged. The replacement will be uploaded onto the City Council’s website when resources of the worst ones, comprising some 20 signs and poles was completed become available. during 2013. Waymarking continues to be required on some routes, such as route 8. Statement of Action 9 - Council website and publications utilised more effectively. Statement of Action 3 - Improve awareness of public rights of way through production of map(s). The inclusion of existing PROWs within the ‘Walking the Riding’ website has been undertaken to encourage better cross boundary Local travel maps (East, North and West) showing sustainable travel access. The City Council is working with NHS Hull, Sustrans, modes, including PROWs, have been reproduced and published for University of Hull, Sports Development, Ramblers, Trans Pennine distribution. A draft ‘easy read’ guide/leaflet is still to be produced. Trail (TPT) and other organisations to better promote local walks and Subject to resources, it is hoped that a PROW exhibition will be held PROW. TPT launched a new website with a mapped section of the in the History Centre in the future. route in Hull, parts of which include various PROWs. Events on the PROW network are actively promoted through social media including Statement of Action 4 - Promote benefits of public rights of way. Facebook and Twitter. Local Rights of Way are displayed on the City Council’s web site under the GIS mapping facility on the home/ front page and East Statement of Action 10 - More interpretation on selected Riding of Yorkshire Council’s ‘Walking the Riding’ website. Sports routes. Development have incorporated several Rights of Ways into local Improved interpretation will be provided on one identified path each walking routes that can be found at www.walk4life.info. The City year, including PROW No. 22 diversion at Alexandra Dock. There Council continues to work with NHS Hull, Sports Development, has been no progress to date in working with the History Centre and Ramblers, Sustrans working in partnership with University of Hull etc user groups to create a priority list for interpretation on other signifi- to promote health and environmental benefits of walking. cant routes, but this remains a ROWIP commitment.

8 APPENDIX 1

Review of the LAF Operating Year and Forward Work Programme 2013/14

Objective Update Year to Date

• Provide advice on the development • Comments provided at June LAF meeting to inform further development of the draft and delivery of a new Countryside strategy Access Strategy for the East Riding of Yorkshire. • Sub-Group meeting was held Dec 13 to provide feedback and endorse the updated draft

• Establish LAF sub group to inform development of policy • Provide advice on the management of unmetalled ‘green’ lanes and • Used regional LAF contacts to strengthen policy development – eg LARA contribute to the development of an • Contributed to three drafts of the proposed policy appropriate policy. • LAF members provided endorsement at December 2013 meeting

• Attendance and contribution at Dogger Bank/Creyke Beck Community Forum This forum has now ceased pending the planning application process due early 2014 • Attend Cycling Strategy scoping workshop July 2013 • Attendance and contribution at Obesity Summit July 2013 • Attendance at meetings and on-going contribution to the Market Weighton and River Foulness Action Plan June 2013 • Attendance at meetings and on-going contribution to the East Riding of Yorkshire Access to the Countryside Strategy 2013 - 2018 • Sub-group created to respond the draft Local Plan consultation for the East • Respond to important local and Riding April 2013. June 2013 sub group update on the Local Plan was endorsed national consultations relevant to by members access and right of way. • Chair’s response submitted on behalf of the LAF (Oct 2013) to the Yorkshire and Humber Carbon Capture Storage Cross Country Pipeline Consultation by National Grid • Chair’s response to Parish Council Neighbourhood Development Plan to offer advice on access issue as appropriate. Oct 2013 • Chair’s response – Nov 2013 to Defra on consultation on CAP Reform • Sub-group was created to look at the Rail Trail Management Plans for East Riding - Hull to Hornsea and Beverley to Market Weighton – Feb 2014 • Members have responded to ten Definitive Map Consultations, one gating order and one stopping up application since June 2013

• Stand at Driffield Show July 2013 • Production of the 2012/13 LAF Annual Report with ROWIP update • Help to promote local authority • Distribution of annual report including online (both Council websites and Huddle) progress against the Kingston upon Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire • Preparation of the NE LAF Annual Review Form ROWIPs. • Article published in CLA magazine by forum members focusing on Access and Land Management aim to work in engagement with landowners and recreational users • LAF Engagement Plan – draft plan circulated to forum members Q1 of 2014

• Attendance at Regional LAF meetings and Annual LAF Conference by Chair and Vice Chair • Continue to actively participate in • Attendance at other group meetings eg LEADER Local Action Group regional and national LAF activities. • Attendance by LAF forum members at Countryside Recreation Network (CRN) Conference - March 2014

9 APPENDIX 2 Back to nature Access and the environment don’t have to be a problem for farmers and landowners, argues CLA member Gordon Hawcroft

I am a CLA member in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Following the In the 1930s popular interest grew in the countryside and it was felt disasterous foot and mouth outbreak in 2001, I took a new look the public should have greater access, but this was seldom accepted at how I ran my farm and decided, among other things, that our by private landowners who were slow to recognise that the vast and traditional brick buildings could be renovated, greatly increasing the ancient network of paths were here long before the enclosures. value of the farm. In 1949 the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act set We’d only just got on with this when DEFRA announced Higher Level up the National Parks and local authorities were given the task of Stewardship (HLS). This fitted our circumstances well, as our farm had surveying, recording and mapping rights of public access. In recent been brutalised by hedgerow removal. We managed to have our bid times Parliament has extended public access and transformed how accepted and got on with putting the scheme in place. it is cared for and the Government’s recent White Paper on the National Environment has set out plans to help reconnect more It has always surprised me that some farmers are dissatisfied with people with nature. their role of countryside stewards, oblivious to beauty and wildlife. In the Parish of Holme on there are around 3,000 They seem to be forever trying to expand while being reluctant to people. It’s the biggest parish in the East Riding. In the years after plant even a single tree, denying the undeniable peril our wildlife faces. World War Two, more than 100 farms employed countless men, women and children. Today there are fewer than 25 farms and much Many other farmers have embraced HLS and found an unexpected agriculture is controlled from outside the village. These numbers pleasure in what they had previously ignored. I am one of these. I follow the national pattern where farmers make up a fraction of one approached HLS as a new enterprise. percent of the population yet occupy 90 percent of the countryside. I met many forward-thinking farmers on the HLS journey and, Our role is crucial. surprisingly, many were hoping to diversify with HLS as a starting It is natural that people will want to venture along the footpaths and point. Shooting, fishing, tourism, property, food, drink and many more bridleways; we need to accept that this is unstoppable. If we become natural extensions to our trade, all having the common theme of proactive we will be able to help and guide this access.; if we are recognising the treasure of the East Riding itself. Canute-like we will have change forced upon us. As a result of my work with rural tourism I was asked to sit on the steering committee of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) Nature As landowners we must step up and match these new expectations. Triangle to offer a farmer’s perspective. This body has made enough They should be our expectations too. We can be a major force in a noise and rattled enough cages for there to be some spin-offs: fruitful process. tourists like to walk and ride and the connection with the East Riding Countryside Access team was made. It soon became obvious that This article has been reproduced with kind permission of the Country Land and Business Association they have a massive job to do with 1,592 kilometres of public rights of way (PROW) to look after. It was evident to me that this work could be greatly hampered by the obstructive attitude of a few landowners.

I was asked if I would represent farming interests on the Joint Local Access Forum for the East Riding of Yorkshire and Kingston Upon Hull (JLAF), and was appointed in 2012.

There are roughly 80 Local Access Forums in the country and they were created under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Their statutory role is to provide independent advice to a range of local bodies, including local authorities, on issues affecting countryside access and public rights of way. Forums have an influential role to play, and the public bodies we advise must have due regard to the advice we give them.

It wasn’t until I joined JLAF that I realised how little I knew about local access, an issue that seems to worry us landowners. Since I joined JLAF, I have found that working with walkers, riders, cyclists and other members with various rural interests has been a fascinating experience. The forum is full of wisdom and knowledge and love of the East Riding countryside and I have learned much. JLAF has given me an ideal platform to put the views of landowners accross, helping to strengthen mutual understanding and respect.

10 East Riding of Yorkshire and Kingston upon Hull Joint Local Access Forum

The Local Access Forum is a statutory advisory body, independent of but administered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council in partnership with Hull City Council. The Forum meets on a quarterly basis and consists of unpaid volunteers representing a range of countryside and access interests. Elected Member representatives from both Councils also sit on the Forum.

Local Access Forums were established under section 94 of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 and operate in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Local Access Forums (England) Regulations 2007.

The Forum has the statutory authority to provide advice to appropriate ‘section 94(4) bodies’, including East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Hull City Council and relevant central government departments and agencies, in the following areas of interest:

• Improvement of public access to land in the area (whether on foot or by horse, cycle, canoe, mechanically propelled vehicle or any other lawful means) for the purposes of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the area. • Public access to land in the area for any other lawful purpose, whether on foot, horse, cycle, canoe or by any means other than by mechanically propelled vehicle. • Public access to land in the area by means of a mechanically propelled vehicle for any other lawful purpose, but only insofar as the access relates to byways open to all traffic (BOAT).

Section 94(4) bodies are statutorily required ‘to have regard, in carrying out their functions, to any relevant advice given to them’ by Local Access Forums.

Quarterly meetings of the Local Access Forum, and the Annual General Meeting, are held in public and minutes of the meetings are available online or by request from the Secretariat.

Useful links Photography credits www.hullcc.gov.uk M Benson www.naturalengland.org.uk East Riding of Yorkshire Council www.walkingtheriding.eastriding.gov.uk Hull City Council www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY)

11 This report is also available in electronic format. For further information please contact: East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Rural Policy & Partnerships Team, County Hall, Beverley HU17 9BA

Tel: (01482) 391691 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.eastriding.gov.uk

East Riding of Yorkshire Council will, on request, provide this document in Braille, audio or Large Print Format. If English is not your first language, please telephone (01482) 393939.