Cumbria and Lakes Joint Local Access Forum

walk in cumbria

The Forum’s main purpose is to advise on improving public access to the countryside in the former county of Cumbria (excluding the Yorkshire Dales National Park who have their own forum, see link below). The three appointing bodies are Cumberland Council, the Lake District National Park Authority and Westmorland and Furness Council. The Cumbria and Lakes Joint Local Access Forum (C&LLAF) is an independent statutory advisory body.

The Local Access Forum's role is to:

  • advise on matters relating to access to the countryside
  • improve opportunities for everyone to enjoy public rights of way network and open access land
  • advise on balancing recreational access to the countryside with farming, wildlife, landscape, conservation, cultural, heritage needs
  • consider the needs of residents, farmers, landowners, land managers and tourism operators
  • consider social, economic and educational factors
  • advise on issues concerning Open Access land (mountain, moorland, common, heath and down)
  • help steer and monitor countryside access policy.

Minutes and Meetings

Our next meeting with be on Thursday 13th February 2025, online. If you wish to join  please contact HQ@lakedistrict.gov.uk at least 48 hours before the meeting.

Attendance at meetings

Members of the public can attend meetings. They must contact the Local Access Forum (see contact details below) at least 3 days before the meeting date. The Chair is Carole Barr, the C&LJLAF should have between 10 and 22 members at all times.

Interesting in joining?

If you care about countryside access and are interested in influencing future policy, you may be interested in joining us. Members can represent recreational users or landowners. We want a balanced range of interests and experiences, so if you feel you can be involved, please get in touch for an informal discussion, before considering whether to apply.

FAQs

How often do you meet?

Four times a year, with other optional subgroups and site visits where needed.

Where do you meet?

We meet at locations around Cumbria including at National Park and Council offices, and village halls. Some of our meetings are held online or as hybrid. The members decide suitable locations and times for meetings to ensure as many people as possible are able to attend, and we ensure that all meeting venues are accessible. We also have site visits where required.

Do you pay expenses?

The role is voluntary but out of pocket expenses are paid for travel to meetings and site visits at the current LDNPA volunteer expense rate.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from everyone in the community. You do not have to live or work in the area covered but you should have a good knowledge or interest in the area. Please see member specification for details.

Member specification:

  • Good communication and interpersonal skills at all levels. Ability to work constructively with competing interests.
  • Knowledge of countryside issues. Interest in the interaction between recreation, land management, conservation and other interests.
  • Experience of at least one of the following: Recreation, Land Management, Nature Conservation, Heritage, Tourism, Health, Business, Trade Union Interests, or Transport. Experience of dealing with and discussing strategic issues. Experience of working in partnership / consensus and liaison with a variety of groups and interests.
  • Personal competencies: Confidence, diplomacy and team working. Availability and willingness to attend meetings and training sessions in person or online.

Contact Us

If you would like more information about the Cumbria and the Lakes Joint Local Access Forum, or would like your views to be heard, please contact us:

  • email: hq@lakedistrict.gov.uk
  • phone: 015394 724555
  • address: Cumbria and the Lakes Joint Local Access Forum, c/o Lake District National Park Authority, Murley Moss, Kendal, LA9 7RL.

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