Wiltshire and Swindon local access forum
About this service
The remit of the Wiltshire and Swindon Countryside Access Forum (W&SCAF) is to provide strategic advice to the Councils and to Natural England about the management and improvement of public access to the countryside, with specific regard to Access Land and the Rights of Way Improvement Plan.
How we manage
The W&SCAF has up to 22 members who have been appointed in a voluntary capacity to represent the wide range of interests involved in the management and use of countryside access. They include walkers, horse-riders, cyclists, vehicular users, disabled users, landowners and managers, nature and heritage conservationists, tourism experts, parish council representatives and elected members of the two councils.
The main issues the W&SCAF must consider and advise upon are:
- How to make the countryside more accessible and enjoyable
- How to do so in ways which address environmental, social and economic issues
- How to encourage and assist local access provision
- Issues of local importance
The W&SCAF must have regard to the needs of land management, the desirability of conserving natural beauty (including flora, fauna and geology) and any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.
The main areas of the W&SCAF’s involvement are:
- To advise Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council on the improvement of public access to land for the purpose of open-air recreation and enjoyment of the area
- The Rights of Way Improvement Plan
- Access to Open Country and Registered Common Land (Access Land) including commenting on the draft maps and consulted on proposed restrictions, relaxations and exclusions from access.
Legal framework
The Wiltshire and W&SCAF is a statutory body set up by Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council as a requirement of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
More detailed information about the W&SCAF and its work is available from the Wiltshire Countryside Access Forum website.
Contact Details
Email: rightsofway@wiltshire.gov.uk
Telephone: 01225 756178
Fax: 01225 713400
Postal Address:
The Rights of Way Officer
Wiltshire
Council
County Hall
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14
8JD
Related Documents:
Rights of Way Improvement Plan 3mb - Rights
of Way Improvement Plan - Appendix 3mb
- Wiltshire Wayfarer Winter 2009/2010
- Wiltshire Wayfarer Spring/Summer
2009 3mb
- A
Tramp around Salisbury Plain 899kb
Related Links:
- The Institute of Public Rights of Way Officers
- The Ridgeway National Trail
- The Thames Path National Trail
- Countryside Agency
- Swindon and Wiltshire Local Access Forum
Last updated: 12 August 2009