West Sussex County Council: Countryside Access Forum for West Sussex (CAFWS)

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Welcome to the website of the Countryside Access Forum for West Sussex (CAFWS). The Forum aims to improve countryside access for all across the county.  It is an independent, advisory body operating on a statutory basis.

CAFWS was established in 2003 as required by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act), which placed a duty on each County Council, Unitary Authority and National Park to set up a Local Access Forum (in West Sussex this is CAFWS).

Members of the Forum are local volunteers who have been appointed for their range of experience and interests relating to countryside access. Membership is balanced between those who use the countryside for recreation, those who manage and own the land and those with other interests, such as wildlife conservation, the landscape and working for the disabled. The Forum has a maximum of 22 members, who are appointed by West Sussex County Council. Members work together to seek improved access to the countryside for all users while ensuring this access does not have a detrimental effect on land management and wildlife.

CAFWS is supported by four Sub-Forums, covering the Coastal Plain, Low Weald, High Weald and South Downs areas of West Sussex and by Working Groups covering a variety of topics.

The Forum meets 4 times per year at venues across the county. The Sub-Forums meet when necessary. All meetings are open to the public, however, if you wish to speak this must be agreed with the Secretary 10 days in advance of the meeting.

For further information please contact: