In 1998 a Countryside Recreational Strategy was published to promote the recreational use of the countryside and the natural environment and to manage the impact of such use. The Strategy included the recommendation to establish a Countryside Access and Activities Network, which is now operational.

The CAAN network is an umbrella body which aims to coordinate the views of all countryside recreation governing bodies, statutory agencies, environmental bodies, landowners representatives and other appropriate groups throughout Northern Ireland.

Contact can be made through the Network Officer at Countryside Access and Activities Network, House of Sport, Upper Malone Rd, Belfast BT9 5LA (Tel: 028 9068 7665) or through their website at: www.countrysiderecreation.com

The HPA provides expertise on health and physical activity issues to this group as well as policy advice on the Northern Ireland Physical activity strategy's activities.