The Devon Countryside Access Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday, 20 April 2026, to discuss a range of topics concerning public access and rights of way across Devon. Key discussions are expected to include the use of volunteers in maintaining public rights of way, the development of multi-use trails, and responses to various public consultations.

Use of Volunteers in Public Rights of Way Maintenance

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on the use of volunteers in the maintenance and improvement of public rights of way. The report pack includes a background paper examining how voluntary help is currently used and could be expanded in the future. This is particularly relevant given the increasing impacts of climate change on rights of way and budgetary pressures on the local highway authority. The paper highlights the success of Devon's Parish Paths Partnership (P3) scheme, which provides grants to parish councils for rights of way work, and explores other models of volunteer involvement from authorities such as Worcestershire County Council, Essex County Council, and Somerset Council. The discussion aims to explore new and different opportunities for engaging volunteers and to consider how potential obstacles and constraints could be overcome.

Multi-use Trails and Access

The Forum is set to discuss the multi-use of trails and how these can be improved to incorporate additional user groups and expand connectivity. A detailed advice note to the local authority on Multi-use is scheduled for discussion, building on previous guidance provided in 2005. This document outlines the rights on different types of public rights of way and wider networks, and provides advice on the use of terms like multi-use and shared use, the importance of low-cost alternatives for improving access, delivery costs and prioritisation, standards for rural multi-use trails, surfacing, and overall accessibility. The advice also covers trail grading, potential upgrades, the necessity of consultation with landowners, and the importance of linkages between routes. The report pack also includes a position statement on liaison with landowners and land managers, which has been updated following the withdrawal of the Basic Payment Scheme.

Responses to Consultations and Submissions

The meeting agenda includes several items related to public consultations and submissions. The Forum is expected to note and potentially approve responses to:

• Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension (Area B): A detailed response from the Devon Countryside Access Forum to Mid Devon District Council regarding this planning application is included. The Forum has raised concerns about recreational access, sustainable travel, traffic volumes, and the management of the proposed countryside park.
• Okement Woods, Okehampton: The Forum's comments on the proposal for new woodland, noting that it will be dedicated for public access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, are scheduled for discussion.
• Reviewing the Law for Powered Mobility Devices: The Forum's response to a Department for Transport consultation on changing the rules for using powered mobility devices on public roads and pavements will be reviewed. The Forum has expressed strong agreement with the proposed objectives of the reform, focusing on allowing people to use their mobility devices, greater choice, and protecting people's safety and perceptions of safety.

Other Matters for Discussion

Other topics scheduled for discussion include:

• Access for All funding in National Landscapes: An update on funding for projects aimed at improving accessibility in National Landscapes is anticipated.
• East Devon Local Plan: The Forum is expected to note a response regarding revisions to the East Devon Local Plan.
• Liaison with landowners and land managers: A revised position statement on this topic is to be noted.
• Correspondence log: This will include noting the approval of the Mosshayne to Cranbrook Phase 2 Section of the Exeter to Cranbrook Cycle Route by Devon County Council's Cabinet.
• Meetings and events attended by DCAF members: Updates are expected on participation in events such as Definitive Map training, the Heaths to Sea, Landscape Recovery Project, and the Restoring Stover Park final project event.
• New Forum Officer update and discussion on DCAF functions: The role and functions of the Forum are to be discussed.
• Minutes of the Public Rights of Way meeting: The minutes from a previous meeting of the Public Rights of Way committee will be reviewed.
• Public rights of way update: An update on public rights of way matters is scheduled.
• South Devon National Landscape Management Plan: The Forum is expected to note this consultation.
• Work Plan 2026-2027: The Forum will discuss and agree its work plan for the forthcoming year.
• Annual Report 2025-2026: The draft annual report is to be approved.
• Training Day 2026: This will be discussed.