Local Access Forums

A Local Access Forum (LAF) is a statutory advisory body created under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 in England and Wales. Its main purpose is to advise local authorities, National Park authorities, and other decision-making bodies on improving public access to land for outdoor recreation.

What does a Local Access Forum do?

Advises on public rights of way, open access land, and other countryside access issues.
Responds to consultations on policies, development plans, and Rights of Way Improvement Plans.
Advise on implementing, managing, and reviewing rights of access to the countryside.
Advise on maintaining the rights of way network to improve connectivity and usability.
Developing inclusive recreation and access strategies that meet the needs of all users.

Gwynedd is covered by three Local Access Forums:

Northern Eryri Local Access Forum (administrated by Eryri National Park Authority)
Southern Eryri (Joint) Local Access Forum (administrated by Eryri National Park Authority)
Arfon & Dwyfor Local Access Forum (administrated by Cyngor Gwynedd - details below)

Arfon and Dwyfor Local Access Forum

The Arfon and Dwyfor Local Access Forum covers the area outside the National Park boundary.

Member of the Arfon & Dwyfor Local Access Forum

Members are volunteers appointed by the local authority. They represent a balance of interests:

Access users (walkers, cyclists, horse riders)
Landowners and land managers
Other relevant sectors (tourism, health, conservation)

Members serve in a personal capacity, not as representatives of specific organisations.

Current Forum Members

Gwyn Evans – Secretary (Gwynedd Council Officer)
Vincent Mears – Chair
David Medcalf – Vice Chair
Peter Rutherford
Coryn Bye
John Hughes
Edward Griffith
Ann Cooper
Morgan Jones Parry
Davina Carey Evans
Cllr. Gruffydd Williams
Dorothy Howard
Denise Meldrum
John Gladston
Noel Davey
Eurwyn Edwards
Ifan Parry
Iona Griffiths
Nia Edwards-Clarke
Simon Glyn
Roger Greenalgh

Membership must be reappointed every three years in accordance with Welsh Assembly Government Regulations.

Upcoming meetings

24 March 2026
2 June 2026 (Possible site visit)
22 September 2026

Members of the public are welcome to observe meetings and there are translation facilities available free of charge. Meetings are held face to face, in different locations across Arfon and Dwyfor. In special circumstances, these meetings could be held on-line. For further information, please contact Llwybrau@gwynedd.llyw..cymru.

Previous Meetings:

16 September 2025 – Plas Heli, Pwllheli

More information:

E-mail - llwybrau@gwynedd.llyw.cymru