Consultant since 1998 after leaving National Trust. Development planning & recreational impact assessment, Definitive Map/ Highways Act Orders, expert witness, access management/research. Operates nationwide. Fully insured. 

Cirencester, Gloucestershire: Operates nationwide

01285 851850

I have specialised in Public Rights of Way (PROW) work since 1997 and became Freelance in 2009.  I have worked on project instructions requiring changes to the PROW network including Definitive Map Modification Orders (DMMOs), Public Path Orders (PPOs), Town and County Planning Act (T&CPA) Orders, as well as recreational impact assessments of sites proposed for many types of development.  With regards to the latter, it is essential to understand how sites are currently being used for recreation (if at all), how the development may affect the use of those sites, and therefore any measures which may be required to ideally avoid, or alternatively mitigate, effects.  Enhancement is also considered where appropriate.  I have extensive experience of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).  My clients include local authorities, commercial developers, solicitors, other consultancies, private landowners, private individuals/ residents, as well as charities. 

Prior to becoming freelance I worked in two environmental consultancies in a similar role, and before this, at the National Trust (NT), where I assisted the National Coast and Countryside Advisor on the management of visitors in areas where the NT were providing ‘managed retreat’ of the coastline; management of heavily used recreational sites to minimise user conflict; and in particular, the management of visitors with dogs to NT countryside properties. 

In a voluntary capacity, I have been a member of Gloucestershire Local Access Forum (GLAF) since 2009, and Chair since 2013.  GLAF provides statutory advice to the County Council on strategic matters related to Countryside Access and PROW in Gloucestershire.

I am a Chartered Environmentalist and have been a full Member of the Institute of Public Rights of Way and Access Management since 2006.

I hold both Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.

For an initial discussion, further information, or to see example project involvements please contact me.

T: 01285 851850    e-mail: Alison@alisonwilliamson.co.uk

Alison Williamson BSc., MSc., MCIEEM., MIPROW., CEnv.