The Devon Countryside Access Forum met on Monday 28 September 2026 to discuss a range of issues concerning public rights of way and access to the countryside. Key topics included the impact of climate change on public rights of way, the use of volunteers in maintaining these routes, and updates on various public rights of way projects and consultations.

Climate Change and Public Rights of Way

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a draft process note on managing the impacts of climate change on public rights of way. This document, intended for consideration by the Public Rights of Way Committee, outlines tangible actions Devon County Council's public rights of way team can take in response to adverse weather events. It also addresses the potential for pre-emptive actions on high-risk routes and aims to manage public and landowner expectations regarding the feasibility of immediate repairs.

The report detailed potential issues arising from climate change, such as surface water run-off, flooding, river and coastal erosion, landslips, high winds, and increased vegetation growth due to longer growing seasons. It outlined three possible long-term resolutions for damaged paths: remedial works and reinstatement, the creation of a new alignment to bypass the damaged section, or the path becoming lost to erosion. The process note also detailed initial and interim actions to be taken following damage, including making paths safe, temporary closures, and commissioning specialist expertise for complex repairs.

The discussion also referenced the Devon Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) and the Highways Asset Management Plan (HAMP). The ROWIP's objective to ensure the public rights of way network is maintained to appropriate standards, with particular relevance to addressing climate change impacts, was highlighted. Similarly, the HAMP acknowledges the necessity of managing the network to reflect increased damage from severe weather.

Use of Volunteers in Public Rights of Way Maintenance

The meeting included an enthusiastic discussion on the use of volunteers in public rights of way maintenance. Consensus was reached on the value of encouraging and supporting volunteer groups and individuals. Points raised included the need for a single point of contact for volunteering, the potential of organisations like the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) and GLASS (Green Lane Association) with their volunteer bases and funding, and the untapped potential within Devon's older demographic.

Concerns were also voiced regarding the capacity of local authorities to manage volunteer involvement, stressing the need for better engagement and support through systems like training, skills development, and risk assessments. The success of volunteer day schemes run by organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage was noted as a potential model. Suggestions included tailoring volunteer working parties, making better use of private sector volunteering, and the potential for contracting out volunteer supervision to charities or CICs.

Richard Walton advised that a new officer within the Highway and Infrastructure Development service is supporting community involvement and reviewing the Parish Paths Partnership (P3) scheme. He also noted that Country Parks extensively involve volunteers, though acknowledged this is more straightforward on defined sites. The need for better promotion of existing volunteering opportunities and successes, including updating the Community Paths Guide, was emphasised.

Public Rights of Way Updates and Projects

Several updates on public rights of way projects and activities were provided. The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIII ECP) was formally open in Devon, with approximately £500,000 of grant money provided by Natural England for establishment works. Roll-back arrangements were used for the first time in Devon following storm damage at Beesands.

The steps down to Lighthouse Beach (Kingswear FP8) have been significantly undercut by erosion, leading to a temporary closure of the public right of way on safety grounds. Geo-technical assessment and design proposals are being produced for its reinstatement. River and coastal erosion was highlighted as a high-profile and increasing issue, with examples at Branscombe/Beer, Newton & Noss, Newton Abbot, and along the River Otter. Reinstatement and diversion projects are a high priority in these areas.

The Restoring Stover Park project was reported as complete, with thanks expressed to the project team and partners. The final grant drawdown claim has been submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Consultations and Other Matters

The meeting also covered responses to various consultations. The Devon Countryside Access Forum welcomed proposals from Forestry England to develop a new woodland, Fishleigh Wood, north of Hatherleigh, and submitted points for consideration, including the dedication of the wood for public access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, and recommendations for accessibility for people with disabilities, cyclists, horse riders, and those using mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

The Exeter Canal bridge scheme was discussed, with a query raised about whether the needs of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs had been considered for the proposed shared paths. The consultation on the South Devon National Landscape Plan was noted as not yet published.

The draft content for the Annual Report was approved. Discussions also took place regarding future training days, with possibilities including new sections of the Tarka Trail and potential use of Rewilding Coombeshead as a location.

Public Rights of Way Committee Matters

The report pack also included minutes from a Public Rights of Way Committee meeting held on 6 July 2026. This committee considered a Definitive Map Review for the Parish of Tiverton, resolving to make a Modification Order for the addition of a Restricted Byway along Withleigh Lane. They also considered a Schedule 14 application in the Parish of Petrockstowe, resolving to make a Modification Order to add a restricted byway and a footpath. The committee also noted decisions on public inquiries, informal hearings, and high court appeals, as well as various Definitive Map and Statement Modification Orders and Public Path Diversion Orders made under delegated powers.