The Bracknell Forest Local Countryside Access Forum is scheduled to meet on 7 October 2025 to discuss rights of way, access improvements, and updates from partner organisations. The forum is expected to discuss proposals for new and modified rights of way, the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, and Definitive Map Modification Order applications. Also on the agenda is an update from The Crown Estate, and discussion of rights of way and local development.

Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP)

The forum is expected to discuss the Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP). The existing RoWIP covers the period from 2017 to 2027, and the review process for the new RoWIP is starting now, with the goal of having the new plan in place by 2027. The review would highlight the successes achieved under the current plan and acknowledge the strengths of the borough's rights of way network.

The report pack states that the Local Countryside Access Forum (LCAF) has been identified as a key delivery partner in the RoWIP.

Members' help would be needed to review actions and provide updates. As part of the preparations underway, the council also requested an exchange of GIS rights of way data between neighbouring authorities. This will be useful when it comes to exploring cross-boundary issues and opportunities with our neighbours.

The report pack indicates that RoWIP review would be a standing agenda item in future meetings, with regular updates provided to LCAF members.

LCAF Proposals for New/Modified Rights of Way

The forum is scheduled to receive an update on proposals for new and modified rights of way. These proposals include dedicating the existing Mosses Path adjacent to the football club in Binfield as a public footpath on the definitive map. According to the report pack, the Football Club is supportive of the proposal after receiving assurances over the maintenance of the path and security of the football ground. The report pack also indicates that assurances have been provided that horse riders and cyclists would be able to continue using the path with permissive access.

Other proposals include:

• Proposed routes and links in Warfield
• Cabbage Hill path link – Footpath from Cabbage Hill SANG to Hazelwood Lane.
• Permissive cycling route on Bracknell Footpath 22.

Rights of way and local development

The forum is expected to receive updates on the opportunities for rights of way arising from local developments, including:

• Blue Mountain: The Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces (SANGs) at Blue Mountain are now managed by Trust Green, a grounds maintenance company.
• Amen Corner South: The council is in the process of liaising with developers regarding the planning permission, which was pending the completion of Section 106 agreements[^2].

Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) applications

The forum is scheduled to receive an update on Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO) applications, including an application to upgrade Sandhurst Footpath 12 to a bridleway. The report pack notes that as this crosses the boundary with Wokingham, there would need to be liaising with Wokingham Borough Council.

Update from the Crown Estate

Richard Everett, Chief Forester at The Crown Estate, is scheduled to provide an update to the forum. The previous update from The Crown Estate included information on a joint police operation that had taken place over Easter weekend, repair works and upgrades that had been completed to the mountain bike trails, and drainage work that had been completed along Blaine's Lane.

Access for all update

The forum is expected to receive an update on Access for All. The report pack indicates that Rose Wicks is scheduled to update the forum on the progress of a press release highlighting improvements in accessibility, particularly at Horseshoe Lake.

Definitive Map consolidation

The forum is scheduled to receive an update on Definitive Map consolidation work, which was ongoing. According to the report pack, this process involves incorporating all previous modification orders into a new, updated definitive map and statement of Bracknell Forest public rights of way.

LCAF annual report

The forum is expected to receive an update on the Local Countryside Access Forum annual report. The report pack states that Rose Wicks was in the process of drafting the annual report, which will cover the past four to five years.