Public Access Strategy - Review and Analysis Supply Audit

 This part of the review draws together available information on the existing and proposed path network in order to build up a picture of path provision.  The review incorporates extensive mapping work already undertaken for the SNH Local Authority Pilot Project across North Lanarkshire. In addition, we have included routes that have been identified subsequently.

The main components of the supply audit were drawn from the following data sources:

• the catalogue of Rights of Way and additional information held by the Scottish Rights of Way Society;
• local authority databases of rights of way and other known paths;
• additional paths created as a result of agri-environment or forestry grants;
• paths created by local authority access projects or environment organisations;
• long distance paths or cycle route projects;
• further routes identified by user groups such as cyclists or horse riders;
• information drawn from land manager and community consultation already undertaken in the area;
• potential routes, in particular which could become available under the terms of the proposed access legislation.

It is critical that the public access strategy is based on a good understanding of the situation in North Lanarkshire as it currently exists. Given that the supply audit has drawn from a wide range of sources, and recognising that access provision is often subject to change, it is unlikely that any database of routes provides a definitive picture of routes. However, this review does allow us to gain insights into levels of provision at a strategic level.  In particular, the review has allowed us to gain an overview of:

• areas which are well served by the existing network;
• areas which are poorly served by the existing network;
• variations in the type of provision (e.g. paths, woodlands, farm tracks etc.)
• relationship between the path network and long distance routes, settlements etc.