Are you interested in public access, walking, riding and active travel in Nottingham? If you are, why not become a volunteer member of the Nottingham Local Access Forum (LAF)?

What is the Local Access Forum?

They are an independent advisory group who have been promoting and protecting public access and public rights of way across Nottingham since 2004. They:

• Improve / protect public access to and through Nottingham
• Influence development decisions to benefit public access, walking and riding
• Monitor the council’s delivery of its Rights of Way Improvement Plan
• Deliver improvements to the walking, riding and cycling network

What will I be doing?

The Nottingham LAF meet formally four times a year online or at Loxley House, Station Street and all reports, minutes and agendas are publicly available. Other work includes advising the council and other relevant bodies, attending regional and local meetings, and contributing to one or more of the LAF subgroups that meet outside formal meetings, as and when required.

The initial term of appointment of members will be between 1 and 3 years, depending on other commitments.

What areas can I volunteer in?

There are four different subgroups you can be a volunteer member for:

• Walking – promote self guided walks, organise guided walks, work with local organisations to promote walking and health
• Planning – Respond to planning applications where there are implications for walking and riding routes, comment on major developments affecting public access and open space
• Historic Public Rights of Way – Research local neighbourhoods to identify unrecorded historic public walking and riding routes
• E-scooter – Engage and influence decision / policy makers

You can read more about the Local Access Forum here.

What skills/knowledge do I need?

To become a member, you should have good knowledge of the Nottingham area and a commitment to help the Forum improve public access to and through Nottingham for commuting, improving health and wellbeing, access to open and green spaces, recreation and leisure. Other skills which would be valuable include:

• Good communication skills
• Computer literacy
• Ability to network, discuss and publicise information.

How do I apply?

Application forms and further details are available here (scroll down to Local Access Forum Recruitment) or by emailing [email protected].

 The closing date for applications is Friday 22^nd August 2025.