National Access Forum - 5 June 2024

National Access Forum – 63rd meeting on Wednesday 5th June 2024, 10:30 – 13:00

Hybrid meeting – In-person at Battleby and Virtual via MS Teams

1. Welcome, introductions and apologies – Don Milton – 10:30 – 10:45
    
2. Minutes of previous meetings, action – Don Milton – 10:45 – 11:00
   points and matters arising    

AP 56/5: NatureScot to investigate the legal position on liability for third party promotion of paths – discharged

AP 62/1: Scotways to contact NatureScot to discuss issue of some public bodies not working in the spirit of LR(S)A – discharged

AP 62/2: NatureScot to look into better ways of sharing access related knowledge and experience at a local level – on-going

AP 62/3: NAFSec to set up meeting of sub-group within next two months – discharged

AP 62/4: NAF members to provide any feedback to Caroline Fyfe on updated guidance (Guidance on managing public access in areas of wildlife sensitivity in Scotland) by end of Feb, and to continue promoting the guidance within their organisations – discharged

AP 62/5: NAFSec to send link to Managing Access in Areas of Wildlife Sensitivity guidance out to NAF members – discharged

AP 62/6: Bridget Jones to compile a “Terms of Reference” for the fires and access rights guidance sub-group and NAFSec to disseminate and organise first meeting – discharged

3. New NAF Convenor – September Meeting – Don Milton – 11:00 – 11:10
    
4. NAF/LAF feedback – Don Milton – 11:10 – 11:40

Comfort break – 11:40 – 11:50

5. Resources for access update – Ali Tait – 11:50 – 12:00
    
6. VMS/NAF Fires guidance update – Bridget Jones – 12:10 – 12:20
    
7. SOAC Education Pack – Elli Carlisle – 12:20 – 12:40
    
8. Forthcoming meetings and agenda items – Don Milton – 12:40 – 12:50
    
9. A.O.B. – 12:50 – 13:00

• Outdoor Ambassadors – Ali Tait

Close – 13:00

 

The Role

The role of the Convenor is to:

• provide leadership to the National Access Forum and its work
• work closely with the Secretary to agree agendas, advise on papers and comment on draft minutes
• chair meetings and ensure that representatives are able to have a full and equal say on the issues being raised and discussed
• encourage member bodies and their representatives to reach collective views on issues and how best to address them
• represent the National Access Forum externally, including contact with the media as required.

The forum meets 3 to 4 times a year and conducts most of its work through a number of sub-groups. The average time commitment required for the role will be a minimum of one day per month, although the periods prior to and after meetings will require more than the average commitment. NatureScot will meet all travel and accommodation expenses reasonably incurred by the Convenor in the course of this work.

The Person

It is essential that the Convenor can command the respect of all the main interests on the Forum through a combination of his/her experience and interest in and understanding of recreation and land management. The ideal Convenor would have:

• experience of chairing multi-interest forums or groups
• a proven track record of encouraging consensus amongst differing interests
• excellent communication and advocacy skills
• a good understanding of the access provisions in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and a strong commitment to making these work on the ground
• a good understanding of the needs and interests of those taking part in outdoor recreation and of land managers
• a good understanding of the work of public bodies and how best to engage with them and influence their work

NatureScot
May 2024

Purpose

To prepare for the nomination of candidates and the election at the September forum meeting of the Convenor of the forum for the period 2025-27.  

Action

Members are invited to:

• note the terms of the Operating Principles regarding the Convenorship arrangements
• discuss and approve arrangements for nominations for the position

Operating Principles 

The Operating Principles state:

B4. The forum will be chaired by an independent Convenor. The Secretary will invite nominations for this role from all full and corresponding members, accompanied by a short summary of the candidate’s background and confirmation of their willingness to stand. The Convenor will be elected by the full members of the Forum using the Alternative Vote (AV) system.

B5. If no nominations are received, the forum could discuss the issue in closed session to identify potential candidates (including a chair from within its own membership), or NatureScot could nominate an interim chair pending the identification of a suitable alternative.

B6. The Convenor’s term will run for two years, subject to review, with the possibility of extension for a further two years. The forum should provide constructive feedback to assist the Convenor, which could be based on an annual appraisal and/or informal guidance. The review of the Convenor after the first two years of the appointment should be considered by discussion in closed session, and the chairing role should pass to another forum member for this purpose.

Don Milton has served as the Convenor to the forum 2021-2025, since his election in September 2020, with his initial appointment lasting from 2012-23, and an extension from 2023-25. Don’s extended term is therefore due to conclude at the end of calendar year 2024.   

It is proposed that the next convenor will be elected at the NAF meeting 18th September 2024 before taking on the role from Jan 2025. The election will be carried out through voting by all full members, their deputies, or agreed representative, attending that meeting, in a session to be chaired by a NatureScot representative.

Nominations for the position are therefore invited from full and corresponding member organisations. Nominations should be submitted to the Secretary and be received at the latest by Wednesday 21st August 2024. 

The nomination form fields (below) can be copied for submission by email.

Nomination for the role of Convenor, National Access Forum

Nominating body and proposer
This must either be a full or corresponding member of the forum

Name of nominee

Address of nominee
Please include an e-mail address and/or daytime phone number

Email:

Phone:

Summary of the skills and experience of the nominee
Please relate this to the job description and do not exceed 400 words

Statement in support of the nomination by proposer
This can be provided by either the nominating body or the proposer. Please do not exceed 400 words.

Statement from the nominee 
Please do not exceed 400 words.

I agree to be nominated for the role of Convenor of the National Access Forum

Print name:

Signed:                       

Date:

Election of the next Convenor will take place at the Forum meeting on Wednesday 18th September 2024; it would be helpful if nominees could keep this date free in their diaries.

Please return this form to: Ali Tait - National Access Forum, [email protected] by Wednesday 21st August 2024.

If you have any queries, please contact Ali Tait - [email protected] or 01463 701662.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code Education Resource Pack produced in the form of a ‘Sway’ has been viewed more than 13,100 times since it went on line in the Spring of 2022.

It was developed and designed with the support of teachers and countryside rangers as well as with advice from Education Scotland, National Access Forum members, Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education members and members of the Scottish Outdoor Access network amongst others.

In the Autumn of 2023 the posters and text used in pack activities were updated to be more inclusive and to cover elements not around in the time of the original code such as Stand Up Paddleboards, drones and E-bikes.

Promotion

The pack has been regularly promoted by NatureScot through Social media, direct to teacher and countryside ranger networks as well as through NAF, SAPOE, SOAN and newsletters produced by a variety of organisations including TCV and LfS.¹

Pilot workshops

Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (Catherine Leatherland) assisted in the design and delivery of two pilot workshops at the end of 2022 in Perth using the pack activities. 

This resulted in a 1.5 hour after school/twilight workshop session for teachers and community learning staff.

In 2022-2023 The workshop was delivered a further 4 times as part of the pilot with support from ranger services in Cairngorms National Park, Aberdeenshire and Highland.

The evaluations completed at these activity based workshops resulted in some tweaking of the delivery and the workshop programme was circulated to ranger services to encourage them to deliver these to teachers in their area.

During 2023-2024 a further 6 workshops were delivered.

Examples from evaluation questionnaire:

Q3. Has your understanding of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code been improved through the workshop? 
100% of participants said Yes.

Q4. Would you feel confident to deliver a session about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to the young people you work with? 
100% said yes, a couple of people mentioned the adaptability of the activities

8. Do you have a good understanding of the education pack, and how to access it in future?
95% said yes. 1 did not answer, 2 felt they had to look again to develop their understanding.

Additional comments:
I'll definitely use it and will be using it with my whole school in science week next month
Would be good to get this on GLOW

9. Would you recommend this workshop to your colleagues?
97% said yes, 1 did not complete this and 1 worked in *libraries and felt the outdoor nature of the workshop was unsuitable for her colleagues.

In Highland Region, following the workshop in Inverness, Highlife Highland created two boxes of workshop resources to be made available to schools via the *library service and promoted via the ranger service.

At Kingussie High school the Nat4 geography course has been revamped to include the SOAC resources from the pack.

SOAC Access Education - Leading Edge Workshop - Battleby 28th April 2023

A face to face sharing good practice workshop day based on the pack and additional sharing of similar activities was run in partnership with the Scottish Countryside Rangers Association (SCRA). 44 attendees (of 50 booked, that was the maximum allowed at Battleby at this time) participated representing 28 ranger services. Cairngorms National Park ranger service and East Lothian ranger service voluntarily contributed on the day. Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust were also contributors.

The event was well received with many positive comments left as part of the evaluation.

Following the event the presentations and links to the SWAY were circulated alongside a plea to the ranger services to deliver the workshops for teachers.

On line workshop - 17th May 2023

A 40 minute on line workshop in partnership with Education Scotland for teachers and community learning and development workers based on the pack was delivered as an after school session on 17th May 2023.

Although 30 people had booked on this workshop there were only 6 attendees which was extremely disappointing, however, the session was recorded and after editing will be promoted as part of CPD – a requirement for staff. (Education Scotland noted that the drop in attendees is a common occurrence).

The participants showed through their evaluation that their confidence in delivering SOAC related learning had increased during the workshop.

SAGT

The pack was promoted at a stall at the Scottish Association of Geography Teachers conference and 8 teachers requested information about future workshops. Their details were passed on to the relevant ranger services and/or invited to the workshops noted above.

Future plans

The pack is continually being updated with new ideas and links to other resources such as the Calum McLean short films.
Promotion will continue through Education Scotland, NatureScot and Ranger services.

Susan Webster, Access Education Officer, May 2024

This work will pass on to [email protected] after 27th June 2024

¹National Access Forum, Scottish Advisory Panel for Outdoor Education, Scottish Outdoor Access Network, Trust for Conservation Volunteers, Learning for Sustainability Scotland.

²These workshops were to facilitate handover to Elli Carlisle who takes over this work from 27th June when Susan Webster retires.

Online meeting: 5^th June 2024

Present:

Item 1. Welcome, introductions and apologies

1. The Convenor welcomed everyone to the 63rd meeting of the National Access Forum.

Apologies – Colin Mair (NFUS), Eileen Stuart (NatureScot), Simon Ovenden (SLE), Davie Black (Mountaineering Scotland), Stephan Hennig (ScotWays), Andrew Hopetoun (Historic Houses Scotland)

2. As only two members of the forum were able to attend the meeting in-person, it was decided that the meeting would be held online.
    
3. The Convenor acknowledged the recent news of Rona Gibb’s departure from Paths for All; he highlighted her many years of tremendous service, not just for Paths for All but for the entire access community in Scotland. This is a great loss for the NAF as Rona has been a very proactive member and often the lead for sub-groups and other NAF initiatives. Her list of contacts is legendary both in the specific access world and in the Scottish Government of both politicians and staff and she will not be easily replaced. Rona has worked tirelessly promoting access and, for those who needed, education, support and an understanding of the history of access in the Scottish context. Personally, and on behalf of the NAF, the Convenor thanked her for all that she has done and wished her the very best for the future.
    
4. The Convenor also announced that Paul Timms will be standing down as the Cycling UK representative at the end of this meeting. Paul has always been a most enthusiastic and engaged member who is always willing to get stuck into whatever issue is presented. His engagement in all aspects of access has been very much appreciated by all. He has always been forthcoming with highly valued knowledge, experience and common sense and his departure will be a great loss to the NAF. The forum is very pleased that Paul is not totally leaving the access arena and will remain as the Chair of the Stirling LAF from which your input to LAF issues has been highly valued. LAFs are an area that needs as many energetic proponents as possible, and Paul is certainly that. Personally, and on behalf of the NAF, the Convenor wished Paul every success in his ongoing activities and expressed his hope that we may see Paul at next year’s NAF/LAF.
    
5. Paul is being replaced by Jim Densham, the Policy Manager for Cycling UK, who attended the meeting as an observer to get an idea of NAF activities before taking over.
    
6. After a gap in LA representation, the Convenor was pleased to report that Phil Waite of Highland Council has volunteered to be the new representative. We appreciate his volunteering to represent such an important element of access.
    
7. The Convenor also welcomed Brendan Paddy (Director of Ramblers Scotland) and Helen Todd’s replacement (Gavin Corbett) who attended as an observer.
    
8. The Convenor also welcomed Robin Grant - who attended as an observer - representing the newest corresponding member, UK MTB Trail Alliance.
    
9. Finally, the Convenor welcomed Adam Burns who also attended as an observer for PaddleScotland.

Item 2. Minutes of previous meetings, action points and matters arising

10. The minutes from the 62nd meeting were confirmed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

AP 56/5: NatureScot to investigate the legal position on liability for third party promotion of paths - Bridget reported that Harper McLeod (solicitor) have given a written response to this query (whether there is increased landowner liability on routes that are promoted by a third-party). The response concluded that there is no increased land-owner liability - discharged.

AP 63/1: NAFSec to circulate Harper McLeod response to NAF members.

AP 62/1: Scotways to contact NatureScot to discuss issue of some public bodies not working in the spirit of LR(S)A - An initial meeting has taken place. Follow-up meeting scheduled between Scotways and NatureScot in July 2024 - discharged.

AP 62/2: NatureScot to look into better ways of sharing access related knowledge and experience at a local level – on-going.

AP 62/3: NAFSec to set up meeting of Resources for Access sub-group within next two months – discharged.

AP 62/4: NAF members to provide any feedback to Caroline Fyfe on updated guidance (Guidance on managing public access in areas of wildlife sensitivity in Scotland) by end of Feb, and to continue promoting the guidance within their organisations – discharged. The Convenor asked that member organisations keep promoting this guidance within their memberships.

AP 62/5: NAFSec to send link to Managing Access in Areas of Wildlife Sensitivity guidance out to NAF members – discharged.

AP 62/6: Bridget Jones to compile a “Terms of Reference” for the fires and access rights guidance sub-group and NAFSec to disseminate and organise first meeting – discharged.

AP 62/7: NAFSec to send out details of NAF Convenor role - discharged.

AP 62/8: NAF members to e-mail NAFSec with any potential convenor candidates – ongoing.

AP 62/9: NAF members to get in touch with NAFSec if they have any suggestions regarding issue raised by John Urquhart – discharged.

11. Bridget gave a short update following Francesca Osowska’s (NatureScot CEO) attendance at the 62nd forum meeting in Feb 2024. Francesca asked Eileen Stuart to meet with Scottish Government following the 62nd forum meeting. An initial meeting has taken place, and Bridget Jones (NatureScot) and Malcolm Duce (Scottish Government) have been asked to meet with COSLA about monitoring.
     
12. Bridget has also had a chance to meet the new NatureScot chair, Colin Galbraith, who would like to attend a future NAF meeting. Don asked the forum to consider whether they would like to have the NatureScot Chair/CEO attend forum meetings more regularly in the future e.g. every 18 months or annually and should the NatureScot and the CEO attend the same meeting? It was agreed that more regular attendance would be beneficial and that attending separate meetings was a better option.

AP 63/2: NatureScot reps to discuss format options with NatureScot CEO/Chair for input and agreement.

13. Steve Jenkinson highlighted point 29 from the minutes of the 62nd meeting, which relates to access issues at Calanais. Steve would like this to be kept on the agenda as it potentially has wider implications. He also requested a steer from NatureScot and/or Scottish Government and for public bodies to keep discussing this issue. Bridget will feed this into the meeting with Scotways. Discussion was had about whether access authority was involved (Phil Waite highlighted that there is no Access Officer for the western isles) in this issue and Malcolm Duce asked Steve to clarify what he sees SGs role as being. Steve to get in touch with Malcolm for further discussion, including Bridget Jones, Nick Cole and Brendan Paddy.
     
14. Cameron (SLE) asked whether there has been any discussion about opportunities to input into the Agriculture Bill schedules? 

AP 63/3: NAFSec to send Cameron copy of Helen Todd’s NAF response to Agriculture Bill.

Item 3. New NAF Convenor – September meeting

15. NAFSec has sent out the relevant information and forms necessary for members to make a nomination. Nominations must be with NAFSec no later than Wednesday 21st August.

Item 4. NAF/LAF feedback

16. The Convenor gave feedback on the event, gathered via feedback form and emails. The event was seen to be better balanced than previously, and one statement was that it was “probably the best NAF/LAF that I have attended.” This was achieved by listening to feedback and modifying the structure as far as possible to meet LAF wishes. This does not mean that we should be complacent as continuous improvement must be the goal. The Convenor thanked everyone who contributed to the event.
     
17. The meeting was considered to be well organised and conducted. Presentations and breakouts were generally thought to be about the correct length with presentations being relevant, informative and to the point. Leaving the breakout reports to post-meeting feedback was believed to be correct and allowed more discussion time.
     
18. For the day of the week and time of the event, as expected, there were mixed responses. Access professionals favoured working hours on weekdays, LAF members largely went for outside working hours and for the self-employed/retired the expressed views were variable. 70% preferred a virtual event, or had no preference, and 30% went for hybrid. Challenges with in-person/hybrid meetings were recognised including for a proposal that the NAF/LAF should be a peripatetic event where cost and suitable venues might prove difficult.
     
19. The event had three main themes: communication, forestry and training.
     
20. Communication – the challenges of maintaining a LAF public profile, communications within and between LAFs and between LAFs and LAs/Councillors were recognised along with resource issues at all levels. LAF to LAF meetings would be welcomed but there were concerns about attendance levels and how to organise the meetings. More support/resource for LAFs was desired with, ideally, a dedicated individual to liaise between LAFs and make arrangements on behalf of LAFs. Other requests included possibility of webpage on SOAC website containing links to useful documents, webpages and information that could be beneficial to (but not limited to) new LAF members and an online list of LAFs with contacts, helpful documentation links and general information.
     
21. Ali Tait reported on progress made by NatureScot following the NAF/LAF meeting - one of the asks that came out of NAF/LAF from several people, was for a central point or a “library” of useful documents for new LAF members. NatureScot has taken this away and are working with SOAC comms colleague Rhiannon Law, to scope what can be provided. What is being developed is a webpage with useful documents and guidance for new LAF members (but really aimed at anyone who is entering into the world of access). NatureScot will be scoping this out over the summer, as it has been identified that the SOAC website itself could do with some re-arranging to make it more streamlined/user-friendly.
     
22. Once the page is up and running it would be good to have links to other organisations and their access information, and anyone pre-recorded training videos etc.
     
23. Another idea that was flagged is a central place online which holds the contact details of all the LAFs – GDPR is a potential obstacle to this. Ali is going to look into whether details can be added to the Access Officer contact page, and if we can post any contact details which already exist on council webpages. 
     
24. Nick Cole was asked (after the NAF/LAF meeting) to canvas LAFs to determine whether an individual with sufficient available time and background knowledge to act as a liaison between LAFs might be available within the LAF body to undertake this role on a voluntary, LAF self-help basis, with advice and guidance being available from a number of sources. Nick is progressing this.
     
25. Forestry - Hugh McNish’s presentation on Forestry was reported as being a well-received summation and collation of what is happening in Forestry and how it impacts on access. Feedback confirmed that LAFs are aware of the access challenges presented by demanding Government goals for increasing the % of forested land in Scotland and access impacting operations throughout the forestry life cycle. There were no specific actions requested in this area.
     
26. Training - LAF members expressed concern over their understanding of their role, their lack of “qualifications” to fulfil the role, limited or no induction or training being provided, no awareness of where to get guidance and training, limitations in being able to coordinate with other LAFs to share training, mentoring or experience.
     
27. Following the NAF/LAF meeting, the NAF Convenor canvassed NAF members to find out if there were any training opportunities that could be opened up to LAF members. The BHS responded immediately and has very kindly offered to open their access training to LAF members at no cost to attendees. Virtual modules and courses already exist, and it is planned to have some of the training recorded and stored on the web to allow access at any time and not just through online presentations. While broadly based access training, attendance at any of the modules will also help LAF members understand the specific issues encountered by equestrians and the basic point that if a horse can make use of access rights in a particular location, then it will almost certainly be accessible for most other access users. The Convenor thanked BHS for so promptly and positively responding.

AP 63/4: NAFSec to distribute BHS training dates when available.

28. SOAN is developing online training modules on Scottish Access Rights and SOAC which is likely to be available next year.
     
29. Although Local Access Forums: A Guide to good practice, available online, has now been around for quite a long time, it still contains a lot of relevant information and guidance. An update is planned, and it is anticipated that it will be worked on by NatureScot this coming winter on completion of current, ongoing work.
     
30. The Convenor also highlighted the Part 1 Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003: Guidance for Local Authorities and National Park Authorities. Bridget reported that it will be on the agenda for future discussion with SG; Malcolm Duce reported that there are no further plans for this guidance from Scottish Government.
     
31. The Convenor reported that resources for access is a perennial issue, and which has been raised in the NAF on many occasions. LAs are generally short of cash and government money for access is not ring fenced with neither side appearing to have any current desire to change that. Grants are now less than previously available. The NAF has recognised this, and the Resources for Access sub-group was instigated to promote better funding and resource in the round. Agenda Item 5 has feedback from the sub-group and one intended event has been for a small group of NAF members to meet with a Minister in an outdoors, access related area and provide informed knowledge from specialists. Previous meetings agreed that the NAF would select a number of key topics to present to the Minister and support, or specifically lack of support, for LAFs could be one of them should members wish. This will be further touched upon under Agenda Item 5.

Item 5. Resources for access update

32. NAFSec gave an update on the progress of the sub-group since the February NAF meeting. The group has been struggling over the last few months, mainly due to a lack of capacity. Helen Todd and Rona Gibb are no longer on the sub-group, both of whom were key members. We did have two new reps at our last meeting – Rhianna Montgomery from NFUS and Brendan Paddy from Ramblers. NAFSec asked that if any NAF members think they have the time and motivation to be involved in the sub-group, please get in touch.

AP63/5: NAF members to get in touch with NAFSec if they wish to be part of the Resources for Access sub-group.

33. There isn’t much to report since the last NAF meeting in February; the group met once at the end of April/start of May. There were plans to organise a ministerial visit, with about six representatives from the NAF to highlight key access issues and the need for adequate resourcing. There was an acknowledgement of this last year in November, but as Rona Gibb was the lead/contact on this, we will need to have a think about how to progress this.
     
34. The Convenor proposed that he write to the CabSec on behalf of the NAF to highlight the importance of resourcing access, which the NAF approved.

AP 63/6: NAF members to send any specific topics to Don to include in letter to CabSec/Ministers.

Item 6. VMS/NAF fires guidance update

35. Bridget Jones updated the NAF on the progress of the sub-group. The sub-group has been set up with members of the NAF and the VMS Co-Ordination group. The first meeting was on the 24th April, where the terms of reference were agreed. The group has discussed some of the main themes on which to focus; communications came through strongly as well as provisioning for responsible fires where possible. The guidance will be produced in a PDF document and formatted to be included on the SOAC webpages. The group is aiming to have a draft ready for the September NAF meeting. Also looking to include reference/links to other fire events coming up e.g. UK NERC FDRS event, 6th August.  
     
36. Adam Streeter-Smith raised the need for the guidance to highlight the need for consistency around high fire risk messaging. Depending on what comes out of the UK system, the guidance may need to be quickly updated.

Item 7. SOAC education pack

37. The Convenor introduced this section and highlighted Susan Webster’s (NatureScot) retiral. Many NAF members will know Susan Webster as a long serving and very valued member of the NatureScot team since 1993 and who previously would have covered this topic. Susan is probably most famed for her time running the Sharing Good Practice Programme and filling numerous roles including in what was then called Awareness & Involvement Unit, the Peatland ACTION team, the Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund and recently as Scottish Outdoor Access Education Officer. The Convenor wished Susan well in her future activities.
     
38. The Code area of her work has been taken over by Elli Carlisle. Elli reported that three SOAC workshops have been held in the few weeks prior to the NAF meeting. The plan for the next period of time is to keep going with the workshops and identify how they can be developed further. Elli will be working with local nursery teachers to create some case studies of the pack in action. She is also looking for opportunities to engage with young people and create opportunities for the pack to be delivered by them as mentors e.g. Scouts/Guides.
     
39. Adam Streeter-Smith highlighted that there is an annual gathering for Duke of Edinburgh expedition leaders – will send Elli details. Willie White is also happy to facilitate meetings with SAPOE and other LAs and organisations based south of the border also. Frank Spencer-Nairn also suggested the Shieling Project in Strathglass.
     
40. Elli will keep the forum updated as things develop and progress.

AP 63/7: NAFSec to send to education pack to NAF members.

AP 63/8: NAF members to disseminate info on SOAC education pack and any ideas/feedback send back to Elli via NAFSec.

Item 8. Forthcoming meetings and agenda items

• NAF meeting - 18th September 2024, hybrid
• NAF meeting - 5th February 2025, hybrid
• NAF meeting - 4th June 2025, hybrid
• NAF meeting - 24th September 2025, hybrid
• Agenda item - Core paths and rail crossings
• Agenda item - Charging for access

AOB

41. Ali Tait – Outdoor Ambassadors: This year, NatureScot launched its #OutdoorAmbassadors campaign, which will use NatureScot social media channels to increase the reach of positive stories and examples of people following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Research on responsible camping found that, although often lacking knowledge and experience, most people wanted to do the right thing in the Scottish countryside. The #OutdoorAmbassadors campaign aims to harness this desire by positively reinforcing the desired behaviours and involving users to generate a sense of joint ownership – of both the issue and solution. This is an opportunity to develop awareness, understanding, and trust. Throughout this ongoing campaign, NatureScot wants to amplify both the trusted and respected voices of our colleagues and partners, but mainly those of the visitors to Scotland’s outdoors who behave responsibly. This will provide an example to others.
     
42. How you (the public) can help - Please post your positive stories about how you and your friends follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code on your favourite social media channel using the #OutdoorAmbassadors hashtag and, where possible, tag the official NatureScot accounts:
    • X: @NatureScot
    • Facebook: Facebook.com/NatureScot
    • Instagram: @naturescot

Some examples of the types of social media posts that we want to amplify:

• A photo of you walking your dog on a lead in an area where signs ask you to do this for the benefit of wildlife.
• Before and after photos of a campsite where you have left no trace.
• An Instagram story showing a video of your food on a stove, to show you are cooking responsibly when camping.
   

43. Ali asked NAF members to share this campaign within their organisations/memberships. 

AP 63/1: NAFSec to circulate Harper McLeod response to NAF members.

AP 63/2: NatureScot reps to discuss format options with NatureScot CEO/Chair for input and agreement.

AP 63/3: NAFSec to send Cameron copy of Helen Todd’s NAF response to the Agriculture Bill.

AP 63/4: NAFSec to distribute BHS training dates when available.

AP63/5: NAF members to get in touch with NAFSec if they wish to be part of the Resources for Access sub-group.

AP 63/6: NAF members to send any specific topics to Don to include in letter to CabSec/Ministers.

AP 63/7: NAFSec to send to education pack to NAF members.

AP 63/8: NAF members to disseminate info on SOAC education pack and any ideas/feedback send back to Elli via NAFSec.

Phil Waite raised an issue relating to core paths and private level-crossings (PLCs); this relates to a historic issue which has also included rights of way and PLC’s. Phil will update at the September meeting of the forum. THC and Scotways would like to see the legal advice being referred to by Network Rail in relation to core paths and PLCs. Nick Cole has a list of level-crossings in Scotland and will send it to Eleisha. He also raised a point that the forum should not get too focussed on the fact that this issue specifically impacts core paths and rights of way, they can be seen as a barrier to access in a wider sense also. Following this discussion, Steve Jenkinson raised concerns about access related research being undertaken on behalf of or supported by Scottish Government and the importance of allowing for input from the NAF and NatureScot. Steve to e-mail Bridget and Malcom with more info on specific research carried out by SRUC relating to dogs and live-stock worrying.