Firth of Clyde Forum Annual Conference 2007

Paths around the water

• Conference Home
• Conference Programmme
• Keynote Presentation
• Additional Presentations
  • The Growth Of Marine Leisure on The Firth of Clyde
  • Industry Initiatives
  • The Clyde’s Cool Seas: The Marine Conservation Society in Scotland
  • Paths Around the Water
  • Sailing in the Clyde Estuary
  • The Economy of the Coast
  • The Majestic Line
  • Marine Wildlife Watching on the Clyde: The Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code
• Speakers' Biographies
• Conference Exhibitors

Geoff Atkins from Scottish Natural Heritage described how our paths around the water are created.

Man has always created and used paths and routes over land and water for day-to-day living and establishing communities; these ways have evolved over time and many are part of our cultural heritage. Today’s population spends a lot of time working and living in towns and cities but opportunities for leisure and enjoyment of the outdoors are increasing.

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (the Act) has created a right of responsible access (non-motorised) to cross land and inland water, and for recreation and education. There are also common law rights (including passage by motorised craft) to the sea, shore and inland water to fish, navigate and for recreation. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has a target to improve public enjoyment of the countryside and this is monitored through the Scottish Recreation Survey covering a ten-year period from 2003. There is a clear upward trend and already more activity close to where people live.

Under the Act every access authority has a duty to draw up a system of core paths sufficient for the purpose of giving the public reasonable access throughout their area. People prefer to use paths if they are welcoming and usable. Core paths will form the basic framework of paths that give improved access to the wider path network and the countryside. It is expected that core paths will be promoted, generally free of barriers and cover a variety of surfaces including inland water; many will be close to where people live. Core paths will also contribute to sustainable transport for journeys to work and community facilities and assist with land management. The Firth of Clyde has many existing transport links for road, rail and sea travel and core paths will help to encourage integrated travel.

Each of the 34 access authorities across Scotland have worked towards a date of February 2008 for preparation of a draft core paths plan (the Plan) – a unique planning activity. The work will continue throughout 2008 as formal consultations take place on the proposals. Thereafter there will be a period of deliberation as each authority formally adopts their Plan. The Plan will comprise maps, a list of paths and supporting text.

Of the eight access authorities around the Firth of Clyde, 6 have published their interim drafts for informal consultation before deciding on the content of the draft maps for the formal phase. During the preparation of the early drafts there has been extensive local consultation with communities and organisations. Criteria for choosing core paths have been devised by each Local Access Forum based on local needs. The method of selection has to be open and transparent and provide the public with plenty of opportunity to comment.

SNH has supported the process through guidance and advice and is a statutory consultee on the draft Plans. The scope for comment covers ‘sufficiency’ and potential effects on the natural heritage. SNH is also a consultee on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) that accompanies the Plan.

Path networks can help deliver many benefits including improvements to physical and mental health and contributions to local enterprise, tourism, active travel and enjoyment of the natural heritage. Leisure visits within Scotland make a significant contribution to the national economy and outdoor recreation plays a key role. Core paths planning provides opportunities for better signing and promotion, community action, the involvement of local businesses and a contribution to land management. Access authorities have duties and powers to manage the network but land managers and other groups can play a part as well. The Firth of Clyde is clearly an area where many of these benefits can be realised.