Dartmoor local access forum

Dartmoor Access Forum Members Application

Could you contribute to the development of countryside access within Dartmoor National Park?

Do you have the passion, skills and knowledge to help people make the most of the many opportunities for enjoying Dartmoor?

Dartmoor National Park Authority is currently seeking four new members to appoint to the Dartmoor Access Forum. The Forum provides independent advice to the National Park Authority and provides an exciting opportunity for the public to make an important contribution to improving public access within a protected landscape.

The Authority would particularly welcome applications from people with knowledge and experience in any of the following areas of interest:

Users of public rights of way and/or Access Land
Tourism or associated rural business
Transport, nature conservation or other areas which have an impact on, or are affected by, rights of way and access
Farmers or land managers with Access Land and/or land crossed by public rights of way

The Forum meets formally twice a year, and the Authority can reimburse reasonable travel expenses and childcare costs.

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Friday 27 November 2026

Dartmoor Access Forum Membership Application form 2026

Dartmoor Access Forum Terms of Reference

Please return completed forms to: Access and Recreation Team, Parke, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 9JQ

Or email an electronic copy to recreation@dartmoor.gov.uk

The Dartmoor Local Access Forum is the statutory, independent body established under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The Forum advises the Authority, and other organisations, at a strategic level on how to make Dartmoor more accessible and enjoyable in ways which address environmental, social and economic interests.

The Forum provides advice on a range of issues including:

Improving rights of way and making them accessible to more people
Access Land Management
Visitor Management
National Park Management Plans and Recreation Strategies

All members of the Forum are appointed in a voluntary capacity representing a wide range of interests including farming and land management, users of rights of way and Access Land, health, social inclusion, tourism and business. Members may claim reasonable travel expenses to attend meetings and child care costs. Member appointments are made for up to three years.

See guidance on the role of Local Access Forums available from Natural England.

Dartmoor Local Access Forum is an independent advisory body established in 2002.

Meetings

Forum meetings are open to the public and the agenda for each meeting is available here one week before the meeting. A printed copy can be viewed at the National Park Headquarters at Parke, Bovey Tracey.

Meetings are normally held at Parke. The Forum meets formally twice a year (additional meetings and training days are arranged as required).

The next meeting of the Dartmoor Access Forum will be held on Tuesday 3 November 2026.

Agenda for meeting on 03 November 2026

Draft Minutes (To be approved at the next Meeting)

Minutes of Meeting held on 03 November 2026

Summary – Dartmoor Access Forum Meeting (23 April 2026)

Key Outcomes

Major Funding Secured: £200,000 allocated for design work to improve public access at Princetown Railway and Postbridge, including safety audits for the Two Moors Way and a new DNPA website launching in 2026.
Access and Infrastructure Improvements:
- Upgrades at Postbridge (Tramper Trail and additional Tramper for disabled access).
- Replacement of difficult stiles with accessible gates (e.g., Wistman’s Wood).
- Improved toilet facilities at Meldon and plans for a Changing Places facility at Haytor Visitor Centre.
- Ongoing improvements at Dartmeet and Avon Dam.
Farming in Protected Landscapes(FiPL):
- Scheme extended to March 2029, with over £3 million supporting 64 projects since June 2025.
- Projects include wildfire management, nature recovery, and access enhancements (e.g., boardwalks, picnic areas, educational farm visits).
Inclusive Access and Cycling:
- Emphasis on accessible cycling routes (e.g., Granite Way) and potential for expanded multi-user trails.
Path and Signage Enhancements:
- Draft signage policy to standardise and improve waymarking across the park.
Volunteering Initiative:
- Plan to establish a sub-group to recruit and coordinate volunteers, including students and young people, for conservation and educational activities.