IF YOU care about countryside access and have experience in land management, then you could be just what a 20-strong independent team operating in the Lake District needs.

The search is on for seven eager souls willing to join an influential group, which has a leading role advising the Lake District National Park Authority on how best to manage rights of way and other access opportunities.

Lake District Local Access Forum members - chosen for their expertise in areas such as land management, conservation, access for all, transport, tourism, business and education - have a key role to play.

The forum was actively involved in far-reaching Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) legislation and is now giving advice on the Rights of Way Improvement Plan, designed to open up opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

LDNPA's access development adviser Barney Hill said good communication and networking skills were essential, along with sound countryside knowledge.

"Our members are committed to making the countryside more accessible and enjoyable," he said.

"This is an exciting opportunity to influence the management of countryside access across the Lake District.

"We are looking for people who have a specific interest in countryside access, such as landowners, land managers, users and conservationists."

There are four forum vacancies in land management, two in recreation and one in nature conservation and heritage. The closing date for applications is February 27.

For further information and recruitment details, log on to www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/laf_recruitment or telephone Julia Knott on 01539-792676.