Outdoor Access Credentials

Chris leads on Access related work and was employed in the area of outdoor access management between 1996 and 2002 in various roles, both in the voluntary and public sector. Since 2006 he has been self-employed and has undertaken a number of access related contracts. Relevant experience is outlined below, but don't forget about the communication aspect, because its about more than just paths:

Formal Training

Managing Upland Footpaths (NTS, 2002)
Building High Quality Paths (The Footpath Trust, 1998)

Practical Experience (Consultancy)

Arran Access Trust: contracted to undertake a fesibility study for paths on the isle of Arran, including strategic, condition and specification surveys, prioritisation and development of a major funding bid.

The Upper Deeside Access Trust: acted as Project Manager on a part-time basis from September 2006 to March 2008 to oversee the running of core business and led the transition of the organisation into the Cairngorms Outdoor Access Trust.

Cairngorms National Park Authority: developing technical guidance for directional signposts and intermediate waymarking within the National Park.

Lochaber Forest Disctrict (Forestry Commission Scotland): developed effective signage and waymarking for the Witch's Trails mountain bike trails at Anoch Mor, by the Nevis Range Centre, for the World Mountain Biking Championships in 2007.

The National Trust for Scotland: prepared access plans at a number of properties including Brodick Country Park, Culzean Country Park,  St Kilda and Brodie Castle. The work also involved developing a “handbook” of the Access Planning process for the Trust, for use by staff and contractors at other properties.

7Stanes Project: a signs audit on behalf of the Forestry Commission Scotland. The work involved auditing existing signage at Scotland's premier mountain biking trails and developing a strategic plan for signage as part of Phase II of the EU funded 7Stanes Project.

Practical Experience (Employment)

Area Advisory Officer, Scottish Natural Heritage, Aberdeen.
Provided specialist advice and managed grants for projects that facilitated outdoor access in the Grampian Area (c£400,000 per annum). Wrote technical and non-technical reports to support funding cases.
Member of management groups for Speyside Way, Upper Deeside Access Trust, Moray Access Project, Aberdeen City Access Strategy Development.
Active member of Upland Path Advisory Group and Cairngorms Access Task Force

Ranger/Naturalist, The National Trust for Scotland, Inverewe Garden, Poolewe, Ross-shire.
Responsible for running the Ranger Service on a seasonal basis. Included management of a popular low level route across the estate (Seasonal contracts)

Volunteer Ranger/Naturalist, The National Trust for Scotland, Brodick, Isle of Arran.
Assisted with repair and management of upland paths on Goat Fell and Glen Rosa.