The area access officer is responsible for issues relating to land which has been mapped as access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (in our area this is common land, heath, and downland).  Every so often we are consulted by Natural England about long-term restrictions on this land, and we need to provide a response.  For instance, in 2021 we advised on the proposed renewal of the access restrictions at Chawley Manor, near Bledlow Ridge, and were pleased when the restrictions were relaxed.

Government is required to review the access maps, and area access officers will be consulted about this when the process gets going. Photo: Kate Ashbrook - Access land at Chawley Manor, Bledlow Ridge.

In addition the Area Access Officer represents the interest of walkers generally on the Buckingham Local Access Forum.   This covers topic such as

• Buckinghamshire Council rights of way staffing  
• HS2 impact on rights of way
• East West Rail impact of rights of way
• Natural Environment Partnership which aims to improve the local environment in conjunction with a local transport plan.
• Definitive statement of paths by local authorities