The Ramblers’ Association campaigns to open up all public rights of way in England and Wales and to ensure that the existing rights of way network is protected, as part of our national heritage, and is available for everyone to use.

The most effective way to help the Ramblers to campaign on footpaths is to report any problems.  Within the Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council there are over 450 kilometres of public footpaths, bridleways and byways, ranging from completely urban to entirely rural. 

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 created a new statutory right of access to open countryside and common land.  Local Access Forums have been set up by councils across England and Wales.  They offer anyone who uses or enjoys the countryside the chance to contribute the discussion about protecting and improving this precious resource. 

Doncaster Council, who have responsibility for public rights of way, established a Local Access Forum in September 2003.  The purpose of a LAF is to provide advice to DMBC on the implementation of the Act and how to make the countryside more accessible and enjoyable.

The Ramblers’ Association Doncaster Group has a representative on the LAF.  Peter Haines, our Footpath Officer, is vice-chairman.

Anyone coming across a footpath problem is encouraged to report it directly to the DMBC Rights of Way Officer (01302 735613), and to Peter Haines (01302 866323).