The Buckinghamshire Local Access Forum met on Wednesday 4 March 2026 to discuss the progress of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, updates on promoted routes, and the implications of new legislation regarding dogs and livestock. The meeting also included discussions on access improvements and updates from the Rights of Way Group.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2020-2030 - Year 2-5 Report

A comprehensive report was presented on the progress of the Buckinghamshire Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) for the period of April 2021 to March 2025. The report detailed achievements in maintaining and improving the public rights of way network, including resolving map anomalies, expanding accessible infrastructure, and developing strategic walking and cycling routes like the Buckinghamshire Greenway and Misbourne Greenway. It also highlighted ongoing challenges such as increasing maintenance backlogs, the suspension of annual condition surveys, and a backlog of definitive map modification orders. The report outlined recommendations for strengthening contractor management, reinstating surveys, enhancing digital information, and supporting under-represented groups.

Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025

An overview was provided of the key changes introduced by the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, which came into effect on 18 March 2026. The Act modernises the original 1953 legislation to address increased dog ownership and public access to farmland. Key changes include an expanded definition of livestock to include alpacas and llamas, a broader definition of worrying to encompass stress alone, and extended offences to roads and public paths. The Act also revises owner liability and strengthens police powers, including dog seizure and evidence collection. The implications for access were highlighted, reinforcing the need for dog control near livestock on all access routes.

Promoted Route Update

An update was given on the progress of promoting walking and riding routes in Buckinghamshire. Official Buckinghamshire Council channels have been established on the Outdoor Active and All Trails platforms, with three promoted routes – The Cross Bucks Way, The Chiltern Link, and The Two Ridges Link – already published. Discussions were held regarding the potential for the council to host Outdoor Active on its official website, which could offer integrated features such as public transport timetables, LIDAR mapping, and walk previews. The cost-effectiveness of this option was to be assessed.

National Trust Access Improvements

Neil Harris, Countryside Manager for Hughenden, West Wycombe and central Chiltern's countryside, was scheduled to provide an update on access improvements undertaken by the National Trust.

Rights of Way Group Update

An update was provided by Claire Hudson, Jonathan Clark, and Joanne Taylor on various aspects of the Rights of Way network. This included detailed information on Definitive Map Modification applications, Public Path Orders, and Village Green applications, outlining the status of numerous cases across the county. Strategic Access updates were also presented, covering the Donate-a-Gate scheme, the Heathrow Expansion project, and progress on the East West Rail project, including potential impacts on rights of way. The update also touched upon revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework and feedback provided for Local Transport Plan 5. A summary of maintenance carried out by the Rights of Way Operations team between April 2023 and February 2026 was also included, detailing various types of work undertaken.