People who are passionate about the countryside are needed to join a brand new Rutland Countryside Access Forum (RCAF).

Countryside Access Forums are groups of volunteers who provide independent advice on ways to improve public access to land. This can range from issues like public access to private land and disability routes, through to environmental initiatives and planning applications that affect parks and open spaces.

Rutland County Council has previously been part of a joint forum with South Lincolnshire but is now creating its own group.

The council is keen to make sure the new forum has a good cross section of members from across the local area and is particularly interested to hear from farmers, landowners and people with disabilities.

Councillor Lucy Stephenson, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Rutland County Council, said: "Countryside Access Forums have a really important role to play in protecting and promoting access to countryside areas. Whilst working with Lincolnshire we were able to influence a number of decisions around things like use of open spaces, disabled access and access to woodland. We hope our new group can make sure this kind of good work continues."

She added: "CAFs are often approached by Natural England, The Forestry Commission and even utilities companies who need to consult on changes that may affect the countryside. We need at least 10 members to form the group, which will meet a couple of times each year and receive administrative support from council officers. If you think you might be interested, please do get in touch."

Members of the new RCAF will need to attend at least two meetings a year, to be held at the Council's offices in Oakham. They should have a good knowledge of countryside issues in Rutland and be able to discuss possible solutions to problems.

It's hoped that enough new members can be recruited in time to hold a first meeting of the RCAF in February.

Anyone interested in joining the new RCAF should email: [email protected] or calling: 01572 722 577.