AN organisation established to give advice on the best possible use of Dartmoor has just released its first annual report.

Dartmoor Local Access Forum was set up by the national park authority in November 2002. Since then, the forum has held four public meetings and was consulted on the important new draft maps of open country, published in preparation for the Government's new right of access laws, scheduled for late 2005.

Alan Taylor, the forum's chairman, said: 'The draft maps show significant extra areas of land over which the public will enjoy the new "right to roam", in addition to existing areas.

'The forum will be monitoring closely how these new rights are implemented.

'We are also contributing to Devon County Council's new rights of way improvement plan. These initiatives will give increased opportunities for recreation to the people of Devon and our visitors.'

Copies of the Dartmoor Local Access Forum annual report can be seen at http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk">www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk