TYNEDALE residents are being encouraged to play a part in looking after the countryside by becoming a member of the Northumberland National Park & County Joint Local Access Forum.

Enjoying the countryside is a pleasure for lots of people, but issues such like maintaining paths, gating, rights of way, cycle routes and coastal access need to be considered.

As independent advisory bodies operating on a statutory basis, local access forums take on the role of formulating and challenging ideas on ways to improve public access and open-air recreation for the benefit of all.

And the county branch is currently looking for new volunteer members from all backgrounds, aged 18 or over with an interest in countryside and urban access issues, conservation, farming, tourism, and landowners and managers; particularly those who have public rights of way or open access rights on their land.

Members act in a voluntary capacity. There are four meetings a year around the county and travel expenses can be reimbursed.

Chairman, Amanda Earnshaw, said: “Personal experiences of walking, cycling and horseriding are a valuable addition to the collective understanding of ways to improve public access and open air recreation.

“I came from a background of working on major initiatives, such as national trails and open access, to improve access to the countryside. On a personal level, though, my use of rights of way has been determined by the needs of children, elderly relatives and dogs so circular routes with links to food outlets and toilets are close to my heart.”