Paths around the water 10:00 Geoff Atkins, November 2007

Part of our heritage For hunting For visiting For burial For crossing water For working For communicating For celebrating

Where do people go now? Leisure day visits over a year (2002/3) 85% to town or city (90%) 61% to countryside (60%) 52% to seaside and coast (49%) 36% to woods and forests (34%) 29% to water with boats (28%) 24% to water without boats (17%) Great Britain Day Visits Survey 2002-03

Current trends in recreation SNH target to improve public enjoyment of the countryside – by increased numbers Scottish recreation survey – 10 year programme Around 1,000 adults interviewed each month Upward trend since 2003 More going on close to where people live Less use of car?

Rights to roam Access rights to land, inland water (non-tidal) and the coast to cross for recreation and education For non-motorised craft Common law rights to sea, shore and inland waters to fish to navigate (including embarking and disembarking) for recreation

Core paths - statutory basis Duty of local authority to draw up plan for a system of paths. … authorities shall have regard to, Likelihood that people will use core paths Encouragement for people to use core paths Achieve balance with the interests of land owners Sufficient - “for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area”

Core paths - statutory basis Sections 17 – 20 of the Act S17 - Preparatory process, informal consultations S18 - Formal consultation > adoption S19 - Powers to run system S20 - Review and update of system in future and…Scottish Executive Guidance

What are ‘Core Paths’ ? General access off-path (across land, fields, hills and woods etc.) Wider path networks (all paths and tracks) Core paths (the basic framework of paths)

What are ‘Core Paths’ ? Characteristics: Signposted clearly - promoted Generally barrier-free Aim for multi-use Surfaces reflect level and type of use Close to where people live Can be used by visitors and tourists

Transport connections What are ‘Core Paths’ ? Transport connections Across the water - Ports Ferries Slipways Regional transport partnerships SPT Hitrans Around the water - Railways Roads Paths

What are ‘Core Paths’ ? Other Factors - Assist with land management Resources and sustainability ….’people’s choice’ – but how good is the consultation? Expectations raised Authorities have powers not duties

What are ‘Core Paths’ ? Links through urban areas Access to water Decisions…decisions… Links through urban areas Access to water Routes requiring development Use of roads On road cycle networks What is sufficient? Which paths can you use?

Process Informal consultations are ongoing (2 stages recommended) Draft plans should be ready by February 2008 Formal consultation = 12 weeks – LAF, SNH, people affected and ‘others’ Adoption process (possible PI) Plan comprises maps, list of core paths, supporting text…. Refer to Core Paths Plans - guide to good practice

Across the country 32 local authorities; 2 National Park authorities Unique planning activity Different starting points 8 authorities around the Firth of Clyde 4 have published their interim draft; 2 are very close Some authorities will not meet key date

Example: North Ayrshire Plans of routes collected through the consultation Key plan Selected core paths (proposed) Some text to explain the process and the type of paths Form for responses

How do you choose? Apply a method – criteria and weighting Opportunities for people to walk or cycle for journeys to school, work, community facilities or between settlements Opportunities for people of all ages and abilities Provide equitably for the requirements of different user groups Maximise the potential for access to the coast and hills Links to existing networks, local communities and wider networks Long distance opportunities and assist in developing North Ayrshire as a quality destination for outdoor access Safeguard and enhance the natural, built and cultural heritage

Example: North Ayrshire Interim draft Plan out for consultation – reply by 23 November Assess issues and report back to Local Access Forum Update sessions with Council staff and Arran groups Revise draft CPP and get planning committee to ratify early in New Year Start formal consultation early in 2008 – 12 weeks

Example: Inverclyde Draft plan out for informal consultation – closing date 7 December

SNH role Supporting the process Helping Government monitor progress Consultee on draft Plans “Sufficiency” of the proposed plan Potential effects on the natural heritage Opportunities to enhance biodiversity Consultee on Strategic Environmental Assessment

Benefits of path networks Physical health Mental health Access for all Tourism Local enterprise Local economy Active travel Enjoyment of the natural heritage

Leisure day visits within Scotland 81 million visits to the countryside 42 million visits to the seaside and coast Value - £1 billion Spend per trip - £13.60 (all leisure day visits) Tourism trips about 21% of total Spend per trip - £25.30 (tourism day visits) Great Britain Day Visits Survey 2002-03

Opportunities Local authority duties and powers Signing and promotion Community action Core paths and development Local businesses Land management Funding The wider network

Know the Code before you go Respect the interests of other people Care for the environment Take responsibility for your own actions www.outdooraccess-scotland.com