Agenda item

Any other items which the Chair agrees should be considered as a matter of urgency because of special circumstances

Judith Hooper had earlier informed Members about the five pilot Community Partnership schemes in North Yorkshire.  The Community Partnership she was involved with, Uredale, was established in 2024 and had wide representation with several working groups, including one focused on culture, green spaces, and the environment.  Dr Hooper asked where the other four Community Partnerships were located and whether the LAF could approach them to offer support and advice on access matters.  The Chair asked Dr Hooper to raise this with her local group to gauge their views and, if appropriate, to identify the remaining partnerships so that the LAF could make contact.

Will reminded Members that the next meeting in May would include the election of a Chair and Vice‑Chair.  He confirmed that he was willing to stand again as Chair, but that Pat Coulson would not be standing and hoped that this advance notice would give Members time to consider whether they might wish to take on a role.  The secretary was asked to notify those Members who were not present at the meeting.

The Chair informed Members that he had received an email from the Government regarding the Environmental Improvement Plan, launched in December 2025 and comprising 181 pages. The Plan included a section specifically on access to nature, and he advised Members that elements of it may be of interest to the LAF. He queried whether the Council was aware of the Plan and what implications it might have for them, noting that some actions may arise for the LAF in due course. The Plan also referenced potential funding opportunities linked to its delivery.

Mark Cunliffe‑Lister asked how signage and waymarking were managed.  Mr Kelly explained that the CAS had previously brought a Waymarking Principles document to the LAF, outlining the Council’s position. He noted that waymarking was not a statutory duty and practices varied between organisations.  The Chair recalled that a Sub‑Group had been established on the topic at the time.  Mr Kelly confirmed that he would share the document with Mr Cunliffe‑Lister via the Secretary.

Roma Haigh asked for an update on the volunteering group, noting that volunteers often assisted with putting up signs.  Mr Kelly reported that the group was doing very well and that a new co‑ordinator had been appointed, who was actively working to expand volunteer groups and was currently talking with Hampsthwaite Parish Council to see how they could engage.  He confirmed that there were still over 100 active volunteers.  Mrs Haigh asked whether any volunteers operated in the Killinghall area, and Mr Kelly confirmed that they did, adding that the work of the volunteers would be covered in the annual report.  Mrs Haigh advised Mr Dunn that he may wish to contact the CAS team regarding support in Killinghall.

Resolved

i)               That Dr Hooper make Uredale Community Partnership aware of the LAF and gauge their views on the Forum offering support and advice on access matters and, if appropriate, to identify the remaining partnerships so that the LAF could make contact.

ii)              That the secretary would inform Members not present at the meeting, that the agenda for the meeting in May 2026 would include the election of a Chair and Vice‑Chair. 

iii)             That Mr Kelly would share the Waymarking Principles document with Mr Cunliffe‑Lister, via the secretary.