Vacancies
We are currently refreshing membership of the Forum.
There are 14 places to cover a range of countryside access interest areas. This doesn't include areas in which we have made recent appointments to the Forum. If there is no suitable candidate for a particular interest area we will make further appointments to other areas. We are particularly keen to recruit for equestrian and land ownership.
See more of our aims in the Norfolk Access Improvement Plan.
Our vacancies are in the following areas:
Cycling and walking
We want to continue developing our cycling and walking offer in Norfolk.
For example, we want to:
- Encourage cycling and provide cycle routes
- Continue to develop Norfolk's 2,400 miles of paths and trails
We welcome input on our strategies and schemes that help people to travel more actively and sustainably. For example, what more could we do to increase the number of people who cycle in Norfolk? What more could we do to increase the number of people who enjoy outdoor activity?
Read more about cycling and walking in Norfolk.
Equestrian (riding and/or carriage driving)
Horse riding is a growing activity in Norfolk, but the network of bridleways, restricted byways open to all traffic and unclassified county roads (UCRs) across Norfolk is scattered compared to the footpath network.
What more can to be done to create a local network of rideable and driveable routes for this user group?
Land ownership/management/farming
Landowners need to balance farming and business needs with their responsibilities as owners of land across which Public Rights of Way pass.
The NLAF needs representatives from the farming community, such as tenant farmers, landowners and land managers, to provide advice across many areas involving public access such as the development of permissive access schemes.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Getting out into green spaces is vital for our mental and physical health, but some groups use green spaces less frequently.
How can we address these social and cultural barriers to encourage more access to greenspace by infrequent users?
Green infrastructure and planning
Green infrastructure delivered through the planning process delivers many benefits such as new public access close to developments that alleviates visitor pressure on other sensitive nature sites.
Norfolk has an emerging Green Infrastructure and Recreation Avoidance Mitigation Strategy (GIRAMS). A representative is needed on the NLAF to become involved with opportunities to improve public access through planning.
Historic environment
Access to heritage from the public rights of way network and Norfolk Trails provides an extra dimension to exploring Norfolk on foot or by bike.
Providing well designed access to and information about heritage sites is needed to protect the historic site and ensure that visitors get the most from their visit.
What more needs to be considered?
Motorised vehicles (mechanically propelled vehicles)
Many of those who enjoy accessing the countryside in vehicles off-road do so responsibly.
How can we encourage good practice across the board to prevent misuse and damage to the county's unsurfaced byways?
Nature conservation
Access to nature conservation sites from the public rights of way network and Norfolk Trails provides an extra dimension to exploring Norfolk on foot or by bike.
Providing well designed access to (and information about) Norfolk's landscapes and biodiversity that can be reached from the access network is important to protect the natural environment and prevent detrimental recreational impact. What more needs to be considered?
Rural businesses/economy and tourism
Tourism is a key sector for the Norfolk economy and there is huge potential for economic benefit for local businesses associated with public rights of way and Norfolk Trails.
Norfolk County Council has developed a toolkit to help local businesses benefit from their proximity to Norfolk Trails and is also working through its flagship Experience project to explore sustainable and off-season tourism.
Do you have local rural business experience to help us as we further develop our ideas?
Sport and outdoor recreation
Physical inactivity directly contributes to deaths in the UK. Building walking and cycling into daily routines is an effective way to improve both physical and mental health.
Can you help with our thinking to encourage more people to get active on our public rights of way, Norfolk Trails and greenspace network in Norfolk?
Sustainable transport
Uptake of sustainable transport is critical to enable us to meet climate targets and NCC is working on many initiatives to do this.
Could you help us develop ideas to further encourage sustainable travel choices involving Norfolk's Public Rights of Way network?
Voluntary sector
As public funding reduces the role of communities in helping to manage their local access becomes more important.
Do you have an interest in community participation with local footpaths and countryside access and could input ideas as we develop support and coordination for local groups?
Applications
The closing date for application is 25 March 2022.
If you have any queries or would like a paper application form please email nlaf@norfolk.gov.uk.