The Devon Countryside Access Forum was scheduled to discuss a range of topics concerning public access and rights of way. Key agenda items included the continuation of the Access for All funding scheme, advice on multi-use trails, and responses to various consultations, including a significant urban extension in Tiverton. The forum was also set to review its work plan for the upcoming year and approve its annual report.

Access for All Funding in National Landscapes

The forum was scheduled to consider the continuation of the Access for All funding, a scheme that provides capital funding for National Landscapes, National Trails, and National Parks to improve accessibility. The report pack indicated that members had been impressed with the range of projects completed through this funding and intended to write to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) to encourage its continuation. The discussion was also expected to touch upon the challenges of planning ahead due to short budget timeframes and the need to factor in ongoing maintenance costs, which are not covered by the funding.

Multi-use Trails and Public Rights of Way

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the topic of multi-use trails. The forum was to consider advice notes submitted to Devon County Council regarding multi-use, with a focus on improving the clarity and consistency of terms like multi-use and shared use. The report pack highlighted the need for better signage and publicity to inform the public about the different types of routes available. Recommendations were expected to be made regarding low-cost alternatives for improving existing routes to accommodate a wider range of users, including horses and those with mobility devices. The discussion was also anticipated to cover the importance of reducing delivery costs for new routes, potentially through permissive bridleways, and the need for appropriate standards and surfacing for rural multi-use trails. The role of volunteers in public rights of way maintenance was also a scheduled topic, with a background paper examining how voluntary help is used and could be further utilised, particularly in light of increasing impacts from climate change and budgetary pressures.

Consultations and Responses

The forum was scheduled to review and potentially approve responses to several ongoing consultations. These included:

• Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension (Area B): A planning application by Mid Devon District Council for a significant urban development. The report pack indicated that the forum had previously provided detailed advice on this application, raising concerns about recreational access, sustainable travel infrastructure, traffic volumes, and the management of the proposed countryside park.
• Okement Woods, Okehampton: A proposal by the Forestry Commission for new woodland. The forum's feedback was expected to focus on the vagueness of the public access timeline and concerns about the lack of a public car park for a site not close to residential areas.
• Reviewing the Law for Powered Mobility Devices: A Department for Transport consultation. The forum's response was anticipated to express strong agreement with objectives to allow greater choice and protect safety, while also noting potential safety issues for cyclists if powered mobility devices were allowed in cycle lanes at higher speeds.

Work Plan and Annual Report

The forum was scheduled to discuss and agree its Work Plan for the 2026-2027 year. This plan was expected to outline key activities such as responding to consultations, proactive work on disability access and multi-use trails, and updates on various projects including the Exeter Valley Parks and landscape recovery initiatives. Additionally, the draft Annual Report for 2025-2026 was to be presented for approval.

Other Matters

Other items on the agenda included updates on public rights of way, minutes from previous meetings, and a discussion on the functions of the forum with a new Forum Officer. The forum was also to note events attended by its members, such as definitive map training and project events like the Restoring Stover Park final project event.

The meeting was scheduled to be held at Stover Country Park, Newton Abbot, and was open to the public.