internet permit application policy

Scope

This policy is aimed at guiding applicants wanting to apply for a permit through the North West England Forest District web site.  

General

Our first policy is to provide freedom to roam for recreational purposes to the forest we manage. We operate an "access on foot" policy where we have freehold tenure and where other agreements allowed. All forests managed by North West England Forest District can be identified by Threshold Signs at main entrances and "Walkers Welcome" signs on many public rights of way entry points. In principal everyone has the freedom to roam on foot in North West England Forest District subject to lease agreements and the safety requirements of forest operations such as tree felling. The permit system aims to provide a "booking system" for forests set up to ensure:-

• Incompatible activities do not clash with each other
• Sensitive areas of the forest are protected , eg spawning grounds, badger setts, rare plants
• The safety of all users of the forest especially in relation to forest operations such as tree felling.
• Ensure proper management of any event on Forestry Commission land.

On receipt of a permit application details are circulated to all staff responsible for the area covered by the permit. This may take up to 5 working days. Individual staff may contact the applicant to discuss details. The permit is produced and mailed to the applicant only when all staff have confirmed that approval of the proposed activity.  

Forests where Right To Roam policy applies

Eggerslack, Hampsfield Allotment, Lords Lot, Chapel House, High Loft, Canny Hill, Linsty Green, Old Hall Wood, Bouth, Bessy Bank, Low Dale Park, Claife, Sawrey Ground, Grizedale, Hardknott, Rainsbarrow, Broughton Moor, High Stand, Coombs Wood, Whinlatter, Dodd, Setmurthy and Big Wood, Messengermire, Parkwood Bassenthwaite, Parsons Park, Matterdale, Ennerdale, Lowther Park, Sillathwaite, Uldale and Dent, Heckbarley and Crag, Broadmoor, Cogra Moss, Skalderskew, Blengdale, Miterdale, Giggle Alley, Delamere and Irton Pike

Activities normally requiring a Permit

• All commercial activities
• All activities organised by or for charity.
• All activities involving vehicular access excluding parking in recognised car parks
• All organised sporting events.
• Horse riding in Whitbarrow, Gisburn and Blengdale forests
• Any activity involving removal of flora, fauna, soil, rock or water.

Activities which do not normally require a Permit

• Activities using only public rights of way unless covered above.
• Horse riding in forests.
• Informal unorganised small group recreation such as a walking, cycling, climbing.
• Orienteering using the permanent courses based at Grizedale or Whinlatter
• Using recognised car parks and picnic areas

Conditions

• All applications will be treated in accordance with the Citizens Charter.
• North West England Forest District is not bound to approve any permit application.
• Applications must be submitted within a reasonable period in advance of the proposed start of the activity. For small activities such as a charity walk along public rights of way - 3 weeks in advance. For larger events covering a wider area such as a cycling event with 25 contestants - 6 weeks in advance.
• North West England District cannot guarantee to process applications received less than 10 working days from the proposed start date of the activity.
• By offering to include details of the activity on the web site North West England District cannot guarantee site availability and is not responsible for the number and type of enquires that my be generated.
• Applicants wanting vehicular access are responsible for checking that there vehicle insurance provides adequate cover.
• North West EnglandForest District will require confirmation of £5,000,000 Public Liability Insurance before approving an application.
• Where a permit involves access to land not managed by North West England Forest District the applicant is responsible for negotiating agreement with other landowners.
• The applicant is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all details submitted through the web site.                            

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