Public Access Strategy - Key Principles Information, Education and Promotion

Types of Materials

Many of the problems in North Lanarkshire, as in many other areas, reflect the low level of information that is available about public access.  A key task will be to co-ordinate, through not necessarily provide, a range of information.  This should include:

• Improved signposting of routes in the area.  Signage is important in raising peoples' awareness of the path network, and can help to give them confidence to venture out of urban areas for the first time. Signage can also be used to encourage appropriate behaviour and achieve visitor education.  Specific efforts to link peoples' homes with the wider path network and to ensure local links from long distance routes are easy to follow might be particularly useful signage initiatives for the area.  While an authority-wide 'family' of signage might be developed, Local Access Groups should be instrumental in deciding how signs should be deployed.
• North Lanarkshire Council, where technically possible, should use its website to provide up to date information about access and the path network in the area.  Information for particular groups of users or specific areas could also be included.  A website might be a good way of providing updated information or advice on seasonal matters.  Regularly updated 'access maps' should be available at key locations in North Lanarkshire.
• More detailed leaflets could be prepared for local areas.  Particularly where there are likely to be benefits in terms of use by visitors and tourists, this information could be provided at key tourist nodes, such as Strathclyde Country Park or Baron's Haugh.  Local schools or community groups might be encouraged to participate in developing these materials through a local competition or environmental education course project.
• Information could also be targeted at particular user groups such as cyclists and horse riders.  The aim should be to encourage responsible behaviour in relation to other users and impacts on the physical environment.  Users should be 'steered' towards places which have the capacity and resilience to accommodate them. Representative bodies on the North Lanarkshire Public Access Forum have a key role to play in this area.
• Leaflets and maps should also be prepared for all users, which highlight those areas which are most suited to those with different levels of fitness, walking difficulties, or wheelchairs.  This information should indicate key access points on the edge of settlements or close to parking areas.
• Awareness of the path network might also be marked by noting particular milestones in the implementation of the access strategy with special events.  Improved community and land manager involvement will also help towards raising the profile of access in the longer term.

Concerns about personal safety and the misuse of paths was raised as a concern in the workshop, and by respondents to the questionnaire. Education has a critical role to play in encouraging responsible use of the access network, targeting young people through schools.  There may also be scope for improving young peoples' understanding of the countryside through integrating access issues into the school curriculum, in areas of study like citizenship, natural history / science and health.

It is important that the preparation of promotional or educational materials are appropriately designed.  Many examples of good practice can be drawn from in the design process.  For example, in preparing educational materials which aim to promote responsible access, the following key aspects should be considered: