How to use this Guide
A key feature of this Guide is that it is concerned not only with the presentation of technical data on the design of access structures but also with the provision of detailed guidance to assist in the selection of the most appropriate design of structure for a particular situation. Users of the Guide are therefore encouraged to see it as a package of information that can assist in improving many aspects of access to the countryside, rather than as just a convenient reference manual of 'off the shelf' designs. The Guide is divided into seven sections covering the following types of structure:
| Section 1 | Gaps and Barriers Information | Sheets 1. 1 - 1. 10 |
| Section 2 | Gates Information | Sheets 2. 1 - 2. 17 |
| Section 3 | Stiles Information | Sheets 3. 1 - 3. 11 |
| Section 4 | Steps and Ramps Information | Sheets 4. 1 - 4. 5 |
| Section 5 | Fences Information | Sheets 5. 1 - 5. 11 |
| Section 6 | Boardwalks Information | Sheets 6. 1 - 6. 4 |
| Section 7 | Seats and Picnic Tables Information | Sheets 7. 1 - 7. 7 |
At the beginning of each section, general guidance is provided on critical aspects of design and construction and the performance requirements that should be met. Information to assist in the process of selecting an appropriate design is presented in a 'Design List' summarising their key attributes and in an 'Evaluation' matrix (except Section 7) assessing their performance, primarily in terms of their accessibility to different types of user. The evaluation also makes use of a 'smiley face' symbol when performance is assessed on a scale ranging from good to bad.
In Section 1, 2 and 3 the designs have been assessed as to whether they appear to conform to the recommendations of the British Standard 5709:2001 (Gaps, gates and stiles - Specification). This assessment is a judgement and does not constitute, in any manner, a formal endorsement of the design by the BSI.
Following this introductory material, a separate Information Sheet has been prepared for each design. Side 1 provides a dimensioned drawing of the structure and an extract of the Evaluation. Side 2 presents summary notes on its key features, details of construction and installation, the source of the design, contacts for further information and details of suppliers/manufacturers where appropriate. Where possible, space is also provided for users of the Guide to make notes on their own design modifications or to record other reference information.
All measurements referred to in this Guide are expressed in millimetres, except where explicitly stated otherwise. For convenience and brevity, the abbreviation 'mm' is frequently omitted; only being included, where necessary, for clarity.