Agenda item

It is 20 years since the introduction of the CROW act, where long term directions were issued to balance landowner needs and  Access requirements.  There is a statutory responsibility for National Parks to deal with applications for long-term directions.  A six week consultation has started, with a deadline of 5 April 2024, relating to the rifle rights at Deer Hilll, Diggle and West Nab.

The activity at these sites is ad hoc, with participants turning up with minimum notice.  The applications include a modification of the boundary to allow for climbing, and a repositioning of the rifle ranges allowing for continuity of access.

Sue will take any views or comments made by LAF members to the landowners and applicants as part of the consultation process.

John Towe queried if there is a requirement for red flags to be flown when shooting is taking place.

Sue advised that there is a requirement.  It hasn’t been included in the outline direction as due to the topography of the site, red flags aren’t always visible.

Martin Bennett asked in relation to Deer Hill, if it is OK to use footpaths around the site, why restrict the access when people can shoot over footpaths.

Sue responded that shooting stops if people are on a ROW, but on Access land, sight lines are not as clear.

Jez Kenyon questioned whether the site needs this level of restriction as the incidence of shooters and walkers being in the area at the same time is rare.

Sue responded that the possible fall of shots is based on a plan which doesn’t have regard to topography.  This is a requirement for insurance purposes where misfires are part of the risk assessment.  The Rifle Association requirements are that the risks are identified.  PDNP can ask about the risk assessment, but public safety is paramount.  There will still be access around the site, and guided walks can still take place.

Action:

Details to be circulated to collect the comments from LAF members.

Sue briefly went on to highlight this year’s thank you certificate for the Access Fund, which is coming up to it’s tenth year.  There are some books available for members to take away if they would like to make a donation to the Fund.

There will be a lunchtime event with Cultural Heritage volunteers speaking to LAF members about digital imaging work at Thor’s Cave regarding changing  the access, and linking into the access work taking place through FiPL.