British Horse Society-Scotland Developing Falkirk s Access Network- In the Hoof Prints of the Kelpies! Angus Duncan Outdoor Access Team Leader - Falkirk Council
Facts about Falkirk Local Authority Area: 297 square miles Urban, semi-urban and rural settings Population: 158,460 (2015 mid term figure) Households: 68,974 (2011 Census figure) Outdoor Access Team - 3 members of staff Off Road Access Network: >600km (2017) Falkirk Council Development Services
Role of the Outdoor Access Team Fulfil the Council s Statutory Duties under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Countryside (Scotland) Act 1967. To develop and deliver the implementation of the Councils Outdoor Access (Green Network) Strategy and Core Paths Plan, improving local access opportunities for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and the less-able within the Council area. Act as the lead in the council ensuring compliance with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 towards fulfilment of the councils statutory duties to uphold access rights and exercise of statutory powers.
Falkirk Council Development Services Developing the path network
Community and landowner consultation
Falkirk Council Core Paths Network
1996-2018 Delivering the Network
The Partnership Involved SUSTRANS Scotland Scottish Natural Heritage Sport Scotland Central Scotland Green Network Trust Forestry Commission Scotland Scottish Canals Callendar Estate Falkirk Environment Trust Falkirk Area Rider Access Group Riding for the Disabled Association British Horse Society Scotland Scottish Cycling Cycling Scotland Community Councils and community user groups Paths for All Partnership Forth Valley LEADER The Conservation Volunteers Volunteer Path Wardens Private landowners & developers
Project delivery mechanisms Local Authority led and delivered projects Projects developed and implemented in partnership Landowner led and delivered projects Community and user group led projects and initiatives Developer led and delivered projects
Working with landowners
Roughcastle Access Network Fishers Brae Access Network Burnside Access Network Lionthorn Access Network
Scottish Canals: In and around the Falkirk Wheel, Union Canal and The Forth & Clyde Canal
Historic Environment Scotland: Improving access to and around the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site
Working with developers to deliver and fund provision on the ground.
The Helix & Kelpies Paths and access a major focus
current projects Abbotshaugh Bridge and Access Network
Abbotshaugh Bridge Designed with horses in mind
Dorrattor Bridge Designed with horses in mind
Lodge Farm Delivered for equestrian use
Project delivery outcomes 1996-2018 Partnership project investment in access is 28.1m* (average c. 1.27m per annum) Over 400km of off road paths created, upgraded, inspected and regularly maintained (ETU, Ranger Service and Volunteer Path Wardens) A Core Path Network of 387km within a full (current) off road access network of 617km (32km more planned before Summer 2019) Provided over 59,000 employment days (25 full time equivalents) *figures exclude the Helix Project where over 16m has been spent on access and access related infrastructure to date
Falkirk Council Development Services Challenges!
First Local Authority in Scotland to use Section 16 Powers Acquisition by local authority of land to enable or facilitate exercise of access rights
Falkirk Council Development Services Where next for?
Falkirk Council Core Paths Review: Network Expansion?
..with a continued focus on: Inspection, management, maintenance, signage and interpretation of the network. Falkirk Council Development Services
As well as help getting into it signs, leaflets, web, social media community events, Ranger Service interaction FALKIRK EXPLORED
Falkirk Council Development Services SERC Blueridge 2017 & 2018
Thank you! with Questions?