Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies were received from members John Askew, Terence Mead, Bethany Handley, Huw Watkins, Rhys Wynne-Jones and from Monmouthshire County Council; Ruth Rourke and Carl Touhig.

None received.

The minutes of the meeting of 9^th September 2025 were accepted,
Proposed: BH
Seconded: KV

·        Wentwood Steering Group

Wentwood Steering Group:

A meeting of the Steering Group had taken place, although attendance had been limited, largely due to unforeseen circumstances including the impacts of the flooding, RG reported that the meeting nonetheless identified a number of actions to take forward.

It was confirmed that a further meeting would be arranged later this year.

ACTION: Set up Wentwood steering group meeting and report back to LAF - RG

A management and resourcing update was presented by CB, including talking to the Countryside Access Service Update document provided by Ruth Rourke, CountrySide Access Manager.

Organisational changes:

CB confirmed she had assumed responsibility following the retirement of Matthew Lewis.

Countryside Access now sits within the Place and Community Wellbeing Directorate, alongside planning, regeneration, transport, leisure, culture and heritage.

Staffing updates:

As per access service update, Funding secured via Access Improvement Grant funding.

Funding and budgets:

An indicative capital allocation for Rights of Way is proposed for the forthcoming financial year, subject to Council approval.

Funding remains volatile, and officers advised that while grant funding continues, long-term guarantees cannot be made.

Weather impacts:

Ongoing recovery from recent storms, including Storm Claudia, is placing pressure on resources.

Bridge damage and closures remain a significant issue, with approximately 25 bridge projects anticipated during 2026.

Strategic context:

Work continues under the Climate and Nature Emergency Strategy, including a climate risk assessment being produced with NRW.

Community engagement:

Continued emphasis on partnership working with volunteer groups and community organisations.

Discussion highlights:

SR queried securing funding for the future -CB confirmed 2 years access improvement grant, but always on the lookout for more, but can be difficult to predict.

The LAF expressed general appreciation for the work of the community links officers with volunteer groups across Monmouthshire.

AE raised a concern regarding the prolonged closure of a public footpath adjacent to the landfill site in Caldicot, Officers confirmed awareness and noted the complexity of enforcement and multi-agency responsibility, a fuller update can be provided outside of the LAF meeting.

A presentation was delivered showcasing work undertaken to improve off-road accessibility.

Key points raised:

Workshops with accessibility specialists and wheelchair users demonstrated both opportunities and challenges associated with different surfaces and terrain.

Successful initiatives included:

Accessible bridges and routes near Ross-on-Wye.

An “Off-road Wheeling” weekend, attended by around 100 people.

Wheelchair rambles and accessible benches at key viewpoints.

Recent work had focused on Chepstow Park Wood, with an 8km accessible route surveyed and promoted through PhotoTrails.

Emphasis was placed on enabling access to existing routes rather than creating new ones, and on providing accurate information to help users make informed decisions.

Discussion highlights:

Members welcomed the initiative and highlighted the positive impact on inclusion and wellbeing.

The value of partnerships with NRW and volunteer groups was emphasised.

Members discussed potential for replication elsewhere, subject to funding and site suitability.

IM queried the forestry works, with tracks having v large stones used, without a top dressing. That this then makes the online content out of date and makes the route less accessible, NRW responded that they are aware of this issue and are working

with their contractors on ways to address this.

ACTION: Officers to scope whether elements of the Chepstow Park Woods accessibility model could be expanded to other suitable sites within Monmouthshire, including funding implications.

Tracks and trails steering group minutes available online here:
https://www.wyevalley-nl.org.uk/caring-for-wye-valley-aonb/our-projects/lowerwyetracksandtrails/

Celyn Davies, Wye Valley National landscape, made a presentation on the current position of the Tracks and Trails project and Steering Group.

The project originated in early 2024 following public consultation and development of a Strategy and Action Plan.

A Steering Group was established in October 2024, with five meetings to date, including the December 2025 workshop.

Site visits had taken place at:

Chapel Hill Road (Tintern)

Grove Road / Horseway (Whitebrook)

A consultant’s report for 2 pilot areas assessing the condition of unsealed unclassified roads (UCRs) was completed and subsequently revised.

Key recurring issues identified included: erosion, drainage, vegetation encroachment, signage gaps, heritage degradation, misuse, and ecological sensitivity.

Concerns were raised regarding Appendix E of the report, intended to clarify legal and access matters; publication has been delayed pending legal input.

The next meeting of the steering group is due to take place on the 25^th February 2026

Discussion highlights:

Members emphasised the importance of recognising the impacts on residents and communities, which were believed to not be sufficiently addressed in the consultant’s report.

It was agreed that decision-making should remain with the Steering Group, with progress reported to the full LAF.

ACTION: Steering Group to convene a further meeting, with attendance from a legal officer and Highways Records Manager, to resolve concerns about Appendix E.

ACTION: Steering Group to prioritise surveyed routes and bring forward recommendations for phased implementation.

Ongoing tree safety works, particularly relating to ash dieback.

Drainage and culvert maintenance across the woodland road network.

Bridge repairs and reinstatement following storm damage.

Challenges in maintaining forest roads beyond forestry operational standards due to funding limitations.

Acknowledgement of concerns regarding surface materials affecting accessibility.

Open Access land review periods extended from 15 to 20 years, with the next review now due in 2034.

ACTION: NRW to report back to LAF on options for improving consistency of surface materials and accessibility on forest roads where feasible.

Next meeting agreed as:

10am on Wednesday 13^th May 2026
Venue to be confirmed.