The forum was set up to improve access in the Yorkshire Dales

A national park authority is looking for new members for a panel that looks at improving and managing public access for outdoor recreation.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has eight vacancies on its local access forum which advises and guides members on improving access within the national park.

The forums were set up under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act and the Yorkshire Dales Access Forum currently has members with interests ranging from land management and agriculture to local business and outdoor recreation.

Meghann Hull, the access development officer for the national park authority, said: “The forum has the job of working with individuals and organisations that use the 680 sq miles [1,761 sq km] of the national park for leisure and enjoyment, and advising on ways to improve their visits to this special place.

“This can be anything from suggesting the upgrade of a specific footpath to looking at mobility issues. The members also take part in consultation on a range of documents and strategies issued at local and national level.”

The forum meets three times a year, although members also sit on a variety of advisory groups that meet more frequently.

Malcolm Petyt, the YDNPA member champion for recreation management, said: “Access forums were set up to improve access in the countryside and to help avoid conflict between those who own and work the land and those who use it for recreation.

“So it is important that the forum has people with a range of interests.”

The deadline for applications is 2 December.

Anyone interested is asked to contact Meghann Hull on 01969 652363 or email her.