Review of SNH Recreational Policies

Enjoying the Outdoors Policy Review

Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 has established a new statutory framework for the better provision and management of access which will increase opportunities for outdoor recreation and other related activities. This significant step created a need for SNH to update its 1994 policy statement on recreation and access - 'Enjoying the Outdoors'. It has also provided an opportunity for SNH to develop an overall policy framework within which SNH can take forward its corporate goals for promoting the enjoyment of the natural heritage.

Work on a new policy statement has being on-going for the last three years. In summer 2006, we sought views from key partners on a revised draft statement. Following this informal consultation, we took a new policy statement for approval to the SNH Board in February 2007.

Further discussion with key partners is taking place on the actions required to deliver the priorities identified.

For further information on this work, please contact Pete Rawcliffe (SNH Policy and Advice Directorate, Quality of Life Unit Manager, Battleby, Perthshire, PH1 7EW, 01738 45 8660).

New Rangers in Scotland statement

On 10 November 2008, a new statement on Rangers in Scotland was launched. The statement seeks to provide a clear national perspective for Rangering in Scotland over the next 10 years It highlights the benefits that Ranger Services bring and provides a new vision and new core aims for all of Scotland's Ranger Services. To take forward the vision, shared action will be required by a range of partners, and the statement has therefore been endorsed by: COSLA, Forestry Commission Scotland, Historic Scotland, the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authorities, and the Scottish Countryside Rangers' Association (SCRA).

The 2008 statement also sets the framework which will guide how SNH may offer financial support to help Ranger Services deliver their programmes. Following the Scottish Government's decision to streamline local authority funding arrangements, from April 2009, SNH will no longer directly fund local authorities. SNH will continue to be able to offer grant towards Ranger Services outwith the local authority sector, and we have developed specific Operational and Grant Application Guidance.

Background to the review process

The review was initiated by SNH in 2006, and was aided by a steering group including key organisations employing Rangers, and SCRA. Following consultation on a key issues paper, a draft policy statement went out to formal consultation between July - Oct 2007, and two awareness-raising events were held for Ranger Service managers. The process has been subject to statutory Strategic Environmental Assessment and Equality Impact Assessments.

For further information, please contact Alison Matheson, Recreation and Access Group, 01463 725209

Regional and Country Parks Policy Reviews

We are currently reviewing our policy in relation to Regional and Country Parks in the light of our overarching statement on recreation and access, 'Enjoying the Outdoors'. These reviews will take account of various recent changes in legislation and policy including the advent of National Parks and rights of responsible access, and the growing importance accorded to health, social inclusion and environmental justice.

These reviews will lead to the publication of separate policy statements on Regional and Country Parks. We have already held informal discussions with some key partners and will seek wider input through a formal consultation on draft statements during summer 2007.

For further information on this work, please contact Mark Wrightham (SNH Policy and Advice Directorate, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness IV3 8NW, 01463 725316).

Paths Policy Review

Paths is one of the 5 key implementation themes identified to take forward SNH’s policy statement on Enjoying the Outdoors (2008). Work on a new policy statement on paths commenced in 2007. We have already spoken with many people about elements of this new policy.

We are now seeking formal feedback on a draft statement from a range of interested bodies. Access authorities, relevant public bodies and NGOs are being consulted. We welcome views from other organisations and any member of the public who wishes to comment.

SNH has not updated its general policy position on paths since the first Enjoying the Outdoors in 1994. Amongst other initiatives, this statement led to the establishment of the Paths for All Partnership and heralded new approaches for the planning and delivery of local access - with much of the emerging good proactive work being recognised in the path provisions within the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Our more detailed position on Long Distance Routes is also set out in the 1997 statement.

The new statement seeks to promote the importance of paths in contributing to a range of Government priorities, including improving health and well-being, tourism, place-making and sustainable transport. Key elements of the new policy include:

Proposed strategic action, including priorities for further paths delivery, better investment in existing and new paths, and improved paths promotion;
Proposed action for paths in different settings, covering local paths networks, long-distance routes, and upland paths; and
For each of these settings, proposed roles and tasks for SNH and other key organisations.

The draft Paths Policy Statement may be viewed here, and a list of key questions for consultees here

Please email your response by 15 December 2008 to snhpathspolicy@snh.gov.uk or send to Caroline Fyfe, Quality of Life Unit, SNH, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness IV3 8NW. Please ensure that your response gives a contact name, email and/or phone number and, if it is a corporate response, which organisation it represents. Please note that all responses will be made available for public inspection, unless specifically requested otherwise.

For further information please contact Ron McCraw email: ron.mccraw@snh.gov.uk tel: 01786 435394.

Strategic Environmental Assessment of Paths policy

In accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005, SNH is undertaking a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the likely impacts of implementing the proposed new Paths Policy. Having carried out an initial screening exercise, and considered the views of the consultation authorities, SNH has determined that the policy has the potential to bring about significant environmental impacts - see the statement of determination.

Following a scoping stage, an Environmental Report has now been prepared.

Comments on this report are also invited from any interested parties, and should be emailed to snhpathspolicy@snh.gov.uk or posted to Caroline Fyfe, Quality of Life Unit, SNH, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness IV3 8NW by 15 December 2008.

For further information, please contact Caroline Fyfe email: caroline.fyfe@snh.gov.uk tel: 01463 725211.

Equality Impact Assessment

In accordance with the requirements of the Race Equality Duty 2002, the Disability Equality Duty 2006 and the Gender Equality Duty 2007, SNH is undertaking an Equality Impact Assessment of the likely impacts of the draft Paths Policy. The initial screening indicated that the Paths Policy Statement has the potential to affect some equality groups, so a full assessment is being carried out.

Comments on this Equality Impact Assessment are invited by any interested parties, and should be emailed to snhpathspolicy@snh.gov.uk or posted to Caroline Fyfe, Quality of Life Unit, SNH, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness IV3 8NW by 15 December 2008.

For further information, please contact Caroline Fyfe email: caroline.fyfe@snh.gov.uk tel: 01463 725211.