Members of the forum will advise on access matters in the Lake District

An appeal has gone out for new members of an influential group advising on access in a national park.

New recruits to the Lake District national park’s local access forum will need sound countryside knowledge and good communication skills.

The national park authority is looking for 10 members of the forum, which has a leading role advising the Lake District national park on how best to manage rights of way and other access areas.

The forums were set up following the introduction of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, which gave the public the right to walk in areas that had been out of bounds.

The authority said members are chosen for their expertise in areas such as land management, conservation, access for all, transport, tourism, business, water-based activities and education.

Lake District national park access and recreation developer David Robinson: “We would particularly like to appeal to anyone prepared to devote some time to making this outstanding landscape more accessible and enjoyable for all. The contributions made by the forum are tremendous.

“Access to the Lake District is not just about footpaths and bridleways, it’s about how people from all walks of life and of all abilities actually get here and get around.

“So if anyone with expertise in health and wellbeing, education, sustainable transport, limited mobility or any other related field is interested, please get in touch.

“This is an exciting opportunity to influence the management of countryside access across the Lake District, including lakes, rivers and coastlines. We are looking for landowners, land managers, lake users and conservationists to work together to advise us on how we can improve on what we already do.”

Closing date of applications is 23 February.

More details are available from David Robinson on 01539 792698 extension 2735 or on the Lake District National Park Authority website.