What is the Devon Countryside Access Forum (DCAF)?
Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act), each highway authority is required to establish a local access forum to give independent advice on public access to land for the purposes of open-air recreation and enjoyment. The Devon Countryside Access Forum, established in spring 2003, covers the whole of Devon except for the National Parks and unitary authorities, and is financially supported by Devon County Council. The National Parks and unitary authorities are required to establish their own local access forum.
Who is on the Devon Countryside Access Forum?
The DCAF currently has eighteen members with wide-ranging experience and interests; two councillors and sixteen members of the public, recruited and appointed by Devon County Council following open advertising. Members represent landowners and managers; access users (such as walkers, horse-riders and cyclists) and those with other interests, for example tourism, conservation, disability issues and law. Members are expected to engage in debate and seek consensus wherever possible. Those on the forum give their time on a voluntary basis but mileage (at 45p per mile) and other expenses are paid.
What is the role of the Devon Countryside Access Forum?
The role of the DCAF is to provide independent advice on a wide range of issues relating to recreational and functional access in both rural and urban areas. Its remit is to advise the Council and other specified bodies:- district, borough, town and parish councils; the Secretary of State for any Government Department; Natural England; the Forestry Commission; English Heritage; Sport England and National Landscapes (formerly Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty). Its main purpose is to advise on how to make the countryside and other land more accessible and enjoyable for recreation whilst at the same time addressing environmental, social and economic interests.
The forum is primarily concerned with:
- the Rights of Way Improvement Plan;
- management of Public Rights of Way;
- improving recreation and access provision; and
- implementation of access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and coastal access under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan
The Rights of Way Improvement Plan was published by Devon County Council in 2005 and reviewed in 2012 and 2023. The DCAF provided advice on the latest Plan holding several working groups. It will continue to advise on strategic aspects of the Plan, funding and priorities. In addition, it may comment on the following:
- the opportunities provided by local rights of way for exercise and open-air recreation and enjoyment of the surrounding landscape;
- the accessibility of local rights of way to blind or partially sighted persons and others with mobility problems;
- the extent to which public rights of way meet present and likely future needs of the public; and
- new opportunities to access the countryside, particularly linear routes.
Access Land
The Forum will continue to be consulted on:
- byelaws made by the local highway authority which affect access land;
- the appointment of any wardens for access land;
- directions to restrict or exclude access from access land for greater than six months; and
- disseminating information and advising on how the public should be made aware of access opportunities and restrictions.
Other areas of advice
These may cover:
- providing advice on wider plans and strategies for landscape, recreation, transport, health, tourism and information, prepared by county, district and borough councils;
- • commenting on priorities for the public rights of way network;
- • commenting on the co-ordination of resources to enable integrated recreation and access;
- • considering the extent to which fair provision is made for current and potential users;
- • responding to national consultation documents affecting access which may be produced by Defra, Natural England, the Forestry Commission or other organisations; and
- • developing a proactive area of work where particular issues have been identified..
What does the Forum take account of when it makes its comments?
The DCAF, in providing advice, has to take account of:
- land management needs;
- conservation requirements;
- landscape value and public enjoyment;
- social, economic and educational interests; and
- statutory guidance.
When does it meet?
The DCAF usually holds public meetings three times a year, during the daytime. In addition, a training day and occasional working group meetings are held. There is some email business between meetings, usually to finalise consultation responses. Meetings are usually held in, or close to, Exeter.
How do I find out about the Devon Countryside Access Forum?
The DCAF has its own website, regularly updated to include agendas, minutes and other reports. It includes links to other relevant sites. The website is www.devon.gov.uk/dcaf
The forum gets support from Natural England and a Sharepoint site has been developed with the aim of providing useful information; a research and evidence base; links to new consultations; annual reports; LAF Guidance and a discussion board. The DCAF is legally required to submit its annual report to Natural England.