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Local Access Forum

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:

Arfon and Dwyfor Local Access Forum

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

Members 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 (Cyngor Gwynedd Officer)
  • Vincent Mears – Chair (vincentmhs@aol.com / 07983522938)
  • David Medcalf – Vice Chair (medcalf959@btinternet.com / 07928254128)
  • 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
  • Roger Greenalgh

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

Upcoming meetings

  • 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:

More information:

E-mail: llwybrau@gwynedd.llyw.cymru