Management Plan 2014-2019 Ministerial Foreword

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) This management plan also makes the are some of our finest landscapes. They are important connection between people cherished by residents and visitors alike and and nature. I am pleased to hear that local allow millions of people from all walks of life communities have been central to the to understand and connect with nature. development of the plan, and will be at the heart of its delivery. From volunteers on nature I am pleased to see that this management conservation projects, to businesses working plan demonstrates how AONB Partnerships to promote sustainable tourism, it’s great to can continue to protect these precious hear of the enthusiasm and commitment of the environments despite the significant local people who hold their AONBs so dear. challenges they face. With a changing climate, the increasing demands of a growing AONBs are, and will continue to be, population and in difficult economic times, landscapes of change. Management plans I believe AONBs represent just the sort of such as this are vital in ensuring these community driven, collaborative approach changes are for the better. I would like needed to ensure our natural environment to thank all those who were involved in is maintained for generations to come. bringing this plan together and I wish you every success in bringing it to fruition. AONB Partnerships have been the architects of a landscape-scale approach to land management. This approach is a key feature of the Government’s Natural Environment White Paper and emphasises Lord de Mauley MP the need to manage ecosystems in an Minister for Natural integrated fashion, linking goals on wildlife, Environment and water, soil and landscape, and working at Fisheries a scale that respects natural systems. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 2 Contents

Foreword 2 Part one Introduction 1.1 The Howardian Hills AONB 4 1.2 Special Qualities 7 1.3 The AONB Partnership 10 1.4 The AONB Management Plan 11 1.5 Landscape character 13 Part two Achieving a Vision 2.1 A Vision for a Living Landscape 15 2.2 The Ecosystem Approach 17 2.3 A Rich Heritage 20 2.3.1 Natural Environment 21 2.3.2 Historic Environment 25 2.4 Living and Working in the Howardian Hills 29 2.4.1 Local Communities 30 2.4.2 Agriculture 32 2.4.3 Forestry and Woodland 34 2.4.4 Development and the Rural Economy 37 2.4.5 Roads, Transport and Traffic Management 40 2.5 Enjoying the AONB 43 2.5.1 Recreation, Access and Tourism 44 2.6 Awareness and Promotion 47 Part three Implementation 3.1 Putting the Plan into Action 48 3.2 Monitoring 49 3.3 Action Programme 51 Glossary Landscape Management & Priority Sites www.howardianhills.org.uk The Evidence Base and Priority Sites descriptions & map are on the CD on the inside of the back cover. 3 1.1 The Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Howardian Hills is one of 46 The Howardian Hills AONB The purpose of designation areas in England, Wales and Northern Lying between the Vale of Pickering and Government guidance(2) describes the Ireland that have been designated as the Vale of York, the Howardian Hills AONB purpose of designation as follows: Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty forms a clearly defined geographical area of (AONB). AONBs, together with National well-wooded rolling countryside (see Figure • The primary purpose of designation is to Parks and Heritage Coasts, cover 1). In the north west the AONB abuts the conserve and enhance natural beauty. some of the most spectacular and North York Moors National Park; in the east, • In pursuing the primary purpose of unspoilt landscapes in the country. along the Derwent Valley, it extends to the designation, account should be taken rising ground of the Yorkshire Wolds. Roughly of the needs of agriculture, forestry The designation was confirmed by the rectangular in shape and up to 16 miles and other rural industries and of Secretary of State for the Environment (25km) long by 6 miles (10km) wide, it covers the economic and social needs of on 19th October 1987. As one of seven 79 square miles (204 sq. km). Section 2.3 (A communities. Particular regard should protected landscape areas in North Rich Heritage) describes the landscape and be paid to promoting sustainable forms Yorkshire, the Howardian Hills AONB plays its characteristic features in more detail. of social and economic development an important role in both local and regional that in themselves conserve and landscape and wildlife conservation, as Administratively, the AONB falls within the enhance the environment. well as in tourism, leisure and the rural County of North Yorkshire and is divided • Recreation is not an objective of economy. It also ranks alongside some between the Districts of Hambleton and designation, but the demand for of the world’s best-known landscapes, Ryedale. Containing all or part of 44 recreation should be met so far as this such as the USA’s National Parks and Parishes, which are administered by 29 is consistent with the conservation the Amazon Rainforest, as part of the Parish Councils or Meetings, the designated of natural beauty and the needs of International Union for the Conservation area has a population of approximately agriculture, forestry and other uses. of Nature’s family of Protected Areas. 6,100 people. A further 3,200 live in villages just outside the designated boundary(1).

(1) Mid-Year Estimates for 2010, ONS, Crown Copyright. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian (2) Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: A Policy Statement, Countryside Commission, CCP 352, 1992. 4 Natural beauty is defined as including Central to the management of the flora, fauna and geological as well as AONB is the concept of sustainable landscape features. The conservation of development, as defined in the archaeological, architectural and vernacular Brundtland Report: “development that features is also important, since the meets the needs of the present without landscape is continually being shaped by compromising the ability of future human influence. Whilst the character of generations to meet their own needs.” AONBs often differs from that of National Parks, in landscape and legal terms they In order to satisfy both the Section 85 have equal status and protection. CRoW Act Duty to Have Regard and the principles of sustainable development, all Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights policies within other plans, strategies and of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 places a ‘duty of programmes should adequately reflect care’ on relevant bodies, by stating that: the national importance of the AONB.

In exercising or performing any function in relation to, or so as to affect, land in an area of outstanding natural beauty, a relevant authority shall have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area of outstanding natural beauty. www.howardianhills.org.uk 5 Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 6 Figure 1: AONB general area 1.2 Special Qualities

The primary purpose of AONB designation Although the Howardian Hills landscape The evolution of the landscape of the is “to conserve and enhance natural is heavily-wooded it is essentially a area since prehistoric times, and the beauty”. It is therefore essential to farmed landscape, so agricultural and forces for change which continue to define as clearly as possible the forestry practices play a dominant shape it, are described in detail in The character of the landscape, recognising role in shaping its appearance. Howardian Hills Landscape, a report both its Special Qualities and the prepared by consultants in 1995(3). forces for change that act upon it. The report summarised the Special Qualities of the AONB as follows:

The Howardian Hills have a strong unity of visual character, not least because they are physically separated from the surrounding countryside, but also because there are a number of common characteristics which bind the landscape together. The strongest of these is the dominance of woodland, which seems to form a green web across the whole area. The open sweeping views from the ridge tops and the quiet intimacy of the enclosed valleys are experiences which constantly recur whilst travelling through the area. The sheer complexity of the land cover, with its rich patchwork of crops, pastures, woods, trees and hedgerows is another consistent quality across most of the area.

(3) The Howardian Hills Landscape, Cobham Resource Consultants, Countryside Commission, 1995 www.howardianhills.org.uk 7 More specifically, the key Special • A remarkable heritage Whilst agricultural and forestry Qualities are considered to be: The Howardian Hills has a concentration operations are generally seen as being of archaeological and historic features, part of rural life, features such as traffic • An unusual landform ranging from Iron Age earthworks on noise, minerals workings, excessive The Howardian Hills is the only area prominent hilltops to the castles and lighting and aircraft noise can all be of Jurassic limestone landscape in the monasteries of the medieval period. The detrimental to the feeling of tranquillity. north of England to be designated as numerous grand houses and designed an AONB. The deeply incised Kirkham landscapes, such as Castle Howard, Although the Howardian Hills are not Gorge is a unique glacial overflow Newburgh Priory, Hovingham Hall, Gilling especially tranquil in national terms, this channel of great scientific importance. Castle and Nunnington Hall, have a means it is particularly important to protect • A richly varied landscape dramatic effect upon the landscape. those parts of the AONB that do still have relatively high levels of tranquillity. In The landform consists of a complex • An important wildlife resource 2006 55% of the AONB was categorised system of ridges, hills and valleys The AONB contains a section of as having a relatively High or Very High (see Figure 2). These are clothed the unique River Derwent, with level of tranquillity for its area.(4) with a mosaic of woodland, rolling its outstanding wild plants and arable fields, small-scale pasture, animals. Other habitats of national Designated Sites fens, hedges and walls, formal importance include fens and parkland and scattered settlements. relatively extensive remnants of Site Designation • A landscape of high visual quality Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland. European significance The variety of landform and land use Special Area of Conservation (SAC) 1 produces a contrast in scale, colour, Whilst each of these attributes is important National significance texture and form. The settings of in its own right, it is their combination in Site of Special Scientific 8 the historic houses, the extensive a relatively small area that has produced Interest (SSSI) woodlands, the broad sweeping views a landscape of national significance. Scheduled Monument (SM) 79 and the unspoilt farming landscapes Registered Park and Garden (RPG) 5 and traditional building styles have Tranquillity Listed Building 373 a special aesthetic appeal. AONBs and National Parks are Local significance increasingly seen as calm and tranquil Conservation Area 11 areas, where people can relax and get Site of Importance for Nature 70 away from the rush of modern life. Conservation (SINC)

Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian (4) CPRE/Natural England, 2013. 8 www.howardianhills.org.uk Figure 2: Topography 9 1.3 The AONB Partnership

A Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) The main work of the JAC is to: The Joint Advisory Committee was established for the Howardian normally meets three times a year, in Hills AONB in 1992 to help agree • Advise and steer the preparation and order to make formal policy decisions a co-ordinated approach. Its implementation of a Management Plan; and monitor the work of the AONB members include representatives • Promote awareness and understanding Unit and AONB Partnership. of the following organisations: of the AONB for the purposes for which it was designated; A small Working Group of officers from • North Yorkshire County Council • Advise local authorities and other the local authorities and Natural England meets regularly with the AONB Unit and • Ryedale District Council bodies on countryside conservation, informal recreation and environmental also provides the JAC with support. This • Hambleton District Council management issues affecting the AONB; Core Partners Group considers budget and policy issues on a day-to-day basis, as • Ryedale Parish Councils • Consider and advise on development well as monitoring the allocation of grants and spatial plan policies, proposals and • Hambleton Parish Councils from the JAC’s various grant schemes. reviews as they relate to the AONB; • Natural England • Discuss major issues affecting the The AONB Partnership Group involves • Forestry Commission character of the AONB and, where a wider range of organisations and • National Farmers Union appropriate, make recommendations; specialisms not currently represented on either the JAC or Core Partners Group. • Country Land and • Act as a forum where the three It acts as a co-ordinated delivery and Business Association local authorities can discuss and co-ordinate their activities; monitoring mechanism for the Management • Ramblers • Suggest priorities for action, Plan at officer level. It also provides a agree and monitor an annual work forum for Parish Councils to engage with programme and identify the resources the AONB Unit and other organisations required to carry out the work. in the wider AONB Partnership. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 10 1.4 The AONB Management Plan

The basis for the Management Plan these pressures bring are addressed Joint Advisory Committee may therefore The Howardian Hills contains a wide and guided in a way that conserves and take it outside the formal boundary when range of features – woodland, parkland, enhances the landscape of the AONB. this would benefit AONB objectives, farmland, rivers and lakes; all of which particularly in relation to work with The Countryside and Rights of Way provide a variety of wildlife habitats. communities, countryside management (CRoW) Act 2000 placed a statutory duty advice and development control. Changing demands on agricultural land, on all local authorities to prepare and the economics of woodland management adopt Management Plans for AONBs The policy and strategy context and a variety of environmental factors within their areas. The Plan must provide There are a large number of plans and constantly alter the relationship between a Vision, together with a set of Objectives strategies that impact on the landscape, different land uses, bringing changes and Actions, which formulate the local economy and communities of the to the landscape. A number of tourist authority policies for the AONB and help Howardian Hills. They operate at an attractions lie within the AONB and it also to define their functions in relation to it. international level e.g. the European has many villages, large country houses It should also raise the profile of AONB Landscape Convention, national level e.g. and Estates that are popular with visitors. management issues and demonstrate the National Planning Policy Framework Several tourist routes cross the area, whilst the commitment of all public bodies, (NPPF), a county level e.g. Minerals and the major attractions of York, the North statutory undertakers and other interested Waste Local Development Frameworks, York Moors National Park and the coast organisations to the management of the and a local level e.g. Local Development are also nearby. In the past there have area. The constituent local authorities Frameworks, Biodiversity Action Plans been few threats from major development agreed that the Joint Advisory Committee (BAPs) and Community Strategies. proposals. With development of the rural should co-ordinate the preparation of the economy, increased levels of traffic and Management Plan on their behalf. The The important focus of the AONB pressure for housing, there is no guarantee three local authorities were required to Management Plan, and what differentiates that this fortunate situation will continue. adopt this revised Plan by 1st April 2014. it from these other plans and strategies, The Management Plan, in combination is the primary purpose to conserve Although the Management Plan is written with the spatial plans covering the area, and enhance the natural beauty of the specifically for the designated area of the provides a useful means for ensuring Howardian Hills. The Management Plan AONB, activities adjacent to the formal that the problems and opportunities that ‘adds value’, by informing other plans boundary can have an impact on the and indicating how their policies can www.howardianhills.org.uk AONB itself or its setting. The work of the be implemented within the AONB. 11 In terms of development control, the • Establishing clear and practical A number of technical research documents AONB lies within areas covered by the Objectives and Actions to guide and statistics were also used – these can Ryedale and Hambleton District Councils, integrated decision-making and be found in the Evidence Base under who are responsible for local planning progress on the ground. the respective chapter headings. matters. The area is also covered by • Recommending priorities for action. North Yorkshire County Council, which The policies and priorities of other • Identifying the resources organisations are constantly evolving and has responsibility for minerals and waste and funding required. planning. The formal plans that guide the the AONB Management Plan doesn’t day-to-day planning decisions taken by Because many of the activities which aim to reference or summarise all of these Councils can be obtained from them. can radically alter the character of the them. Likewise, the situation within the landscape do not fall within planning AONB is constantly changing and the The Howardian Hills AONB control, the AONB Management Plan Management Plan can only be a ‘snap- Management Plan provides an essential tool to help guide shot’ of the time at which it was written. As described above, the AONB future land management activity, funding, The Plan therefore will be under constant Management Plan has a clearly defined development and recreational use. review to ensure that its overall aims purpose and role within the suite of Achieving a consensus for this type are being achieved, and the next formal other plans and strategies. It provides a review will take place in 2018/19. framework for partnership, by helping all of approach naturally involves all those who have an interest and involvement who own or work the land, as well in the AONB to see ways in which their as the local authorities, Government individual or collective efforts and decisions departments and agencies, voluntary can contribute to looking after the area. groups, local residents and the many A primary aim is to gain their support and individuals who enjoy the area. to this end the Plan provides a focus for: For this review of the Management Plan • Drawing together up-to-date a series of Topic Groups considered information on the AONB. how well the 2009-2014 Plan had performed and identified the issues likely • Considering conflicting to be encountered over the next five pressures and issues. years. The information was then used to revise and update the Objectives

Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian and Actions for the 2014-2019 Plan. 12 1.5 Landscape Character

Variations in landscape character By analysing various landscape elements, a number of broad landscape character types have been identified. Each has its own unique combination of characteristics which give it a special sense of place. A full description of the individual landscape types is contained in The Howardian Hills Landscape report.(5)

The landscape character types are illustrated in Figure 3. The AONB has seven types with, in places, local sub-divisions:

1. Plateau 5. Castle Howard Basin 2. Upland Fringes 6. Central Hills and Valleys a. Northern Plateau Fringe 7. Derwent Gorge b. Western Plateau Fringe c. Southern Plateau Fringe As these landscape character types d. Southern Moors Fringe reflect differences in landform, vegetation e. Eastern Moors Fringe and land management, they have been 3. Ridges used as a basis for dividing the AONB a. South Ridge into the Management Zones referred b. South East Ridge to in the Landscape Management & c. North Ridge Priority Sites section of the Plan. d. Caulkleys Bank 4. Vales a. Vale of York b. Vale of Pickering c. Crayke

(5) The Howardian Hills Landscape, Cobham Resource Consultants, Countryside Commission, 1995. www.howardianhills.org.uk 13 Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 14 Figure 3: Landscape character areas 2.1 A Vision for a Living Landscape

Section 2.3 (A Rich Heritage) describes prolonged localised weather conditions the physical character of the AONB are beginning to influence management landscape and the elements that contribute decisions that affect the AONB. to its Special Qualities. Apart from the geology and natural landform of the Of vital importance are the local Howardian Hills, all the other factors communities within the AONB, as only by that influence the way the AONB looks acting jointly can any significant progress and feels are largely governed by human be made on some issues. The work of activity (past and present). It is the actions community development organisations of people, acting as both individuals has led to a noticeable increase in and communities, which shapes the community activity over the last five area and gives it its ‘sense of place’. years. Affordable/local needs housing for key local workers and providing All the issues and factors described services to the relatively dispersed in subsequent sections of this Plan communities of the Howardian Hills remain combine in a constantly variable as significant challenges however. pattern to define the character of the Howardian Hills. It is therefore the The Vision for the Howardian Hills must activities, hopes and aspirations of the therefore recognise that the landscape people who live and work in the area or will change, but it needs to ensure that enjoy it for leisure and recreation that it does so in a way that conserves and will ultimately determine its future. enhances its Special Qualities. This will be a particular challenge over the next In addition to ‘everyday’ human factors 5-year period, given the difficult economic there are the unpredictable impacts of conditions and the Government’s climate change. Invasive species of plants likely policies in response to that. and animals, new diseases affecting tree species, and the impact of severe/ www.howardianhills.org.uk 15 The Vision people of all ages to live and Parks & Gardens, etc) will be in sustainable The policies in the AONB Management Plan work in the area. Residents management, in the Low/Not at Risk need to be guided by a long-term goal. category as defined by English Heritage. The Vision for local people and partner and visitors alike will be able • There will be a more diverse mix organisations to work towards for 2035 is: to enjoy and appreciate the of housing units/tenures and more services will be delivered at community AONB in an environmentally level or remotely e.g. via the internet, The Howardian Hills will sustainable way. thereby reducing the need to travel. continue to be a tranquil • Where travel is necessary, a network of Key Vision Aims: and well-managed rural public and community transport links will be • Farming, forestry and local businesses in place to cater for the majority of needs. will be environmentally, socially area. It will still be notable • Personal transport is still likely to and economically sustainable, for its extensive woodland, be important, but will be powered thriving and developing due to the by more sustainable fuels. rolling agricultural fields, Special Qualities of the AONB. • All Rights of Way will be easy to use, with • All SSSIs will be in Favourable Condition, large country houses the minimum of barriers to all types of user. with the long-standing water quality and designed parklands. • A wide cross-section of society will issues on the River Derwent resolved. enjoy and appreciate the Special The threats to the natural • All Ancient Woodland SINCs will have Qualities of the AONB, for their been restored, or be in the process of and cultural resources of intrinsic value and for the physical and restoration, to native broadleaves. the AONB will have been mental stimulation they provide. addressed and these assets • All grassland SINCs will be in sustainable grazing/cutting management regimes. The Management Plan contains Objectives will be sympathetically • Habitats within the AONB will be linked to and Actions for the period 2014-2019 managed within a diverse the wider landscape, to form a coherent under three broad themes: A Rich Heritage; network of green infrastructure. Living and Working in the Howardian Hills; and prosperous rural and Enjoying the AONB. Achievement • Designated Heritage Assets (Scheduled of the Objectives and Actions for this economy. Active and resilient Monuments, Listed Buildings, Registered communities will have 5-year period should contribute to the ultimate achievement of the Vision.

Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian increased opportunities for 16 2.2 The Ecosystem Approach

One of the key documents guiding this 1. Taking a more holistic approach to The National Character Area (NCA) profile revision of the AONB Management Plan is policy-making and delivery, with produced by Natural England for NCA 29 Biodiversity 2020: a strategy for England’s the focus on maintaining healthy (the Howardian Hills) contains a list of the wildlife and ecosystem services. ecosystems and ecosystem services. ecosystem services that the NCA provides. 2. Ensuring that the value of 75% of the AONB is within NCA 29, with Outcome 1C is of particular relevance ecosystem services is fully 10% in the Vale of Pickering NCA, 8% in to AONBs and sets out the challenge reflected in decision-making. the Vale of York NCA and 2% in the North that we are helping to meet: 3. Ensuring that environmental limits York Moors & Cleveland Hills NCA. Outcome 1C: By 2020, at least 17% of are respected in the context of The principal ecosystems services land and inland water, especially areas of sustainable development, taking into provided by NCA 29, and their condition/ particular importance for biodiversity and account ecosystem functioning. issues, are considered to be: ecosystem services, [will be] conserved 4. Taking decisions at the appropriate through effective, integrated and joined spatial scale, while recognising the Provisioning services (food, up approaches to safeguard biodiversity cumulative impacts of those decisions. fibre and water supply) and ecosystem services including through 5. Promoting adaptive management • Food provision: Over 82% of the management of our existing systems of of the natural environment to NCA is cultivated – mostly crops and protected areas and the establishment respond to changing pressures, fallow, with smaller areas of permanent of nature improvement areas. including climate change. grassland. The fertile soils are mostly The milestone for this action is that 6. Identifying and involving all relevant grade 2 or 3 agricultural land. Holdings Biodiversity 2020 and ecosystem stakeholders in the decision are largely given over to the production targets will be integrated into AONB and plan making process. of cereals, mixed and general Management Plans by March 2014. cropping, lowland sheep and cattle. The 2009-2014 Management Plan was • Timber provision: The NCA has In 2010 Defra published six principles already built on these principles. One a high proportion of woodland which underpin an Ecosystem Approach. of the key tasks for the 2014-2019 Plan period however is to better understand cover and includes substantial how individual projects and developments areas of timber production, much

impact on the various ecosystem of it from conifer plantation. www.howardianhills.org.uk services that the AONB provides. 17 • Biomass energy: Defra maps show is an identified problem. The problem restoration/creation) can significantly a medium potential yield for short can be regulated through appropriate reduce this risk by increasing the rotation coppice and miscanthus. land management practices. land’s capacity to hold rainfall and by • Water availability: The NCA overlies • Regulating soil quality: Free-draining slowing its flow into watercourses. a minor post-Carboniferous rock soils cover 44% of the NCA and play a Cultural services (inspiration, aquifer. Land management practices valuable role in groundwater recharge. education and wellbeing) influence the extent to which water at This enhanced infiltration is achieved the surface will infiltrate and recharge through good soil management • Sense of place/inspiration: The sense groundwater supplies. There is no water practices to maintain soil structure. of place is framed by the landform – a available for further abstraction from The NCA’s slowly permeable soils are belt of complex rounded limestone and the River Derwent, largely to protect at risk of suffering compaction and calcareous sandstone ridges rising above downstream flow levels outside the NCA. reduced infiltration, which can result the surrounding vales. The landscape in diffuse pollution/sedimentation. is a diverse mosaic of sheltered valleys, Regulating services (water • Regulating water quality: The NCA woodland, parkland and villages, purification, air quality maintenance straddles two of Defra’s priority with open arable and large-scale and climate regulation) catchments (Yorkshire Derwent and plantations on the intervening ridges • Climate regulation: The soils tend to Yorkshire Ouse, Nidd & Swale), with only and plateaux, offering extensive views have a low carbon content, of between ‘moderate’ water quality and identified over the vales. The extent of designed 0 and 5%. There is a higher carbon problems of diffuse agricultural pollution parkland is a defining characteristic. content in the woodland soils and from phosphates and nitrates from • Sense of history: A sense of in semi-natural habitats (particularly areas under cultivation. These issues history is evident in the remains of wetlands), with opportunities to increase can be addressed through good nutrient Bronze Age burial mounds, Iron Age carbon storage/sequestration through and soil management, and through earthworks circling prominent hills, enhanced management of these. measures to buffer watercourses and and deserted medieval settlements. trap sediment, including appropriately • Regulating soil erosion: In over 50% of There is significant evidence of Roman sited woodland creation. the area the soils are classed as being occupation, and a strong pattern of prone to erosion. The NCA straddles two • Regulating water flow: There is medieval nucleated settlement in the of Defra’s priority catchments (Yorkshire some flood risk associated with the valleys. Historic designed parkland Derwent and Yorkshire Ouse, Nidd & River Derwent and its tributaries. associated with country houses is a Swale), where the sedimentation of Land management within the wider strong feature of the landscape.

Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian watercourses as a result of soil erosion catchment (woodland planting, wetland 18 • Tranquillity: The area is an important Climate Change • Observation of weather patterns, to resource for tranquillity, with 85% One over-arching factor that has the assess possible long-term implications of it classed as ‘undisturbed’. potential to impact heavily on the Special and any changes to the AONB. • Recreation: Recreation and access Qualities of the AONB, and the ecosystem • Partnership working with the North York are supported by the Ebor Way services it provides, is climate change. Moors National Park, given the overlap long distance route, a network of The general long-term prediction is of farmland types and habitats between footpaths and bridleways, and a for hotter drier summers and warmer the two areas, to maximise the area small amount of open access land. wetter winters, with more frequent and covered by an ecosystem approach. • Biodiversity: There is 1 internationally extreme weather events. Some of the designated site within the NCA, part effects could include more frequent and OBJECTIVES – of the River Derwent Special Area of severe flooding of farmland, damage to Conservation (SAC) – 75 ha of which archaeological remains by soil erosion THE ECOSYSTEM APPROACH lies within this NCA. There are 8 Sites of and weathering, loss of fertile topsoil Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the from fields, windblow of mature trees, Please see the Action Programme NCA, making up less than 1% (142 ha) of new species moving in, or extinction of for details of specific Actions the area. These designated sites, and other existing species unable to move within the for each Objective. areas of priority habitat (such as ancient landscape. Both research information and ES1 Gain a better understanding woodlands), will be at the core of efforts practical observations will be important in of the AONB’s contribution to increase the resilience of native flora deciding how to manage these impacts. to ecosystem services. and fauna to future environmental change. [For the period 2009-2014 patterns of There are 70 locally designated Sites of prolonged and extreme weather, e.g. snow/ ES2 Promote sustainability and Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). frost, drought, cold easterly winds and support appropriate projects that • Geodiversity: There are 3 geological heavy rainfall have been experienced]. benefit the AONB’s ecosystems SSSIs within the NCA. Kirkham Gorge is services and Special Qualities. Key issues 2014 – 2019 of scientific importance as a renowned ES3 Understand potential climate example of a glacial overflow channel. • Improvement in the understanding of the ecosystem services that change trends and scenarios and Many of the ecosystem services that the AONB provides, the impact monitor impacts on the AONB. the AONB provides are closely linked of management/development to the Special Qualities for which the decisions and the interactions with area was originally designated. the AONB’s Special Qualities. www.howardianhills.org.uk 19 2.3 A Rich Heritage Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 20 2.3.1 Natural Environment

Key Facts • It also recorded 14.5ha of mire. Most • Both Ryedale and Hambleton Districts • The AONB is a key area for a number of of this habitat type is found along have Local Biodiversity Action nationally important Biodiversity Action streams and rivers, particularly near Plans (LBAPs) in place, although Plan (BAP) Priority Habitats including Coulton and in the Derwent Valley. they are both due for review. lowland broadleaved woodland, wood • 85ha of open water was recorded, • The AONB contains: 1 Special Area for pasture and veteran trees, limestone and with the largest water bodies Conservation (SAC); 8 Sites of Special neutral grasslands and fen meadows. being the lakes at Castle Howard, Scientific Interest (SSSI) (5 Biological, • Characteristic species include brown Wiganthorpe, Newburgh Priory and 3 Geological); 70 Sites of Importance hare, lapwing, tree sparrow and barn owl, Pond Head (Oulston) Reservoir. for Nature Conservation (SINC). as well as several local rarities such as • A survey of road verges in 1997 • The AONB is a Priority Area in the knapweed broomrape and baneberry. found nearly 38ha of species- North Yorkshire & York Local Nature • Nearly 80% of the habitats in the AONB rich grassland habitat on 132 Partnership (NY&Y LNP) Strategy. (8) are either farmland or are associated separate stretches of verge. • Further information and statistics can with human settlement. BAP Priority • In 2013 there was 3,332ha of be found in the Evidence Base. Habitats (which show the strongest woodland in the AONB; 1,532ha was semi-natural characteristics) represent classified as Ancient, with 163ha only 8% of the total area of the AONB.(6) classified as Ancient Semi-Natural.(9) • A habitat survey in 1992 recorded • In 2013 8% of the AONB’s rivers and 362ha of high quality neutral grassland, streams and 50% of its groundwater 11.5ha of unimproved calcareous bodies were classified as being grassland and 761ha of botanically much in Good Ecological Status.(10) poorer semi-improved grassland.(7)

(6) Natural England, 2011. (7) Southern Ryedale and Howardian Hills AONB Phase I Survey, A Weston, University of York/English Nature, 1992. (8) Howardian Hills AONB Roadside Verge and Hedgerow Survey, Bullen Consultants, Howardian Hills AONB Joint Advisory Committee, 1998. (9) Forestry Commission, 2013. (10) Environment Agency, 2013. www.howardianhills.org.uk 21 General Principles • The North Yorkshire & York Local Nature • The incidence of invasive non- • National Character Area (NCA) 29 Partnership (NY&Y LNP) should be native species should be Statement of Environmental Opportunity: used as a forum to develop and deliver monitored and management action Support sustainable management of integrated projects both within the taken where appropriate. the agricultural landscape to retain Howardian Hills and linking outwards. Key Issues 2014 — 2019 important rates of food provision, while • Partnership working with the North enhancing the network of semi-natural York Moors National Park should be • The continued management of SINCs, habitats within pastoral and arable encouraged, given the overlap of as they form the AONB’s principal landscapes, protecting the wildlife and farmland types and habitats between network of important biodiversity sites. water quality of the River Derwent, the AONB and National Park. • The progression of river catchment- optimising carbon storage, soil quality • Knowledge about habitat and species based partnerships, to provide an and regulation of peak flow events, and status within the AONB, particularly for integrated framework for action in strengthening the sense of place.(11) farmland birds, should be improved. delivering mutual objectives. • Biodiversity 2020 (BD2020) • The status of the AONB’s water bodies, • How well the new agri-environment objectives for the AONB’s SSSIs, as measured by the Environment scheme can improve the biodiversity Priority Habitats and Species should Agency’s Water Framework Directive value of both important sites and the be promoted and delivered. (WFD) indicators, should be improved. wider farmed landscape of the AONB. • The principle of bigger, better, more and • Awareness and understanding • The availability of other funding to joined-up, as developed in Prof. Sir John amongst local people and visitors supplement/fill any gaps within the new Lawton’s report(12), should be used to of how important the AONB is as agri-environment scheme, to maximise guide habitat management action and a biodiversity and geodiversity action for biodiversity in the AONB. create a more wildlife-friendly matrix of resource should be increased. • The continued spread, and as yet habitats across the wider countryside, • Advice, assistance and (where unknown impact, of infectious including within villages and gardens. appropriate) grant aid should be plant diseases and non-native • An Ecosystem Approach to delivery of provided to help land managers plant/animal species. projects and consultation responses improve biodiversity and should be developed, in line with geodiversity on their land. Biodiversity 2020 Outcome 1C.

(11) National Character Area 29 Profile: Howardian Hills, Natural England, 2012. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian (12) Making Space for Nature: A review of England’s Wildlife Sites and Ecological Network, Prof. Sir John Lawton, Defra, 2010. 22 OBJECTIVES – NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Please see the Action Programme for details of specific Actions for each Objective. For Actions relating to community involvement please see Objective LC2; for skills training see Objective D6; for promotion and raising awareness see Objective AP2.

NE1 Continually improve knowledge of NE6 Monitor and where appropriate the wildlife resources in the AONB. support control of invasive non- native species in the AONB. NE2 Ensure that appropriate protection is given to the best nature NE7 Encourage the identification conservation sites in the AONB. and conservation of important geodiversity sites and NE3 Assist with the implementation features in the AONB. of LBAP/BD2020/WFD targets for priority habitats in the NE8 Provide assistance to farmers AONB (broadleaved woodland; and land managers, to help them grasslands; wetlands) to manage their land sympathetically. improve condition and increase network connectivity. NE9 Ensure continued recognition of the Howardian Hills as a NE4 Assist with the implementation priority area for biodiversity of LBAP/BD2020 targets for in North Yorkshire, as part priority species for which of the NY&Y LNP. the AONB is important.

NE5 Assist with the implementation of LBAP/BD2020 targets for wildlife within villages. www.howardianhills.org.uk 23 Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian Figure 4: Natural Environment Priority Sites 24 2.3.2 Historic Environment

Key Facts the time of the Dissolution in 1537 land and still important, consisting of both • A rich history of human activity is evident building materials were sold cheaply. This broadleaved Ancient Woodland and in the Howardian Hills, from Mesolithic enabled the rise of landed gentry whose big more recent conifer plantations on flint scatters to Roman bath houses to estates and country houses form arguably former heathland. As unploughed medieval monasteries to railways. The the most visible theme of the Howardian heathland that survived agricultural area has good soils for farming, with Hills today. Estates and grand houses improvement, a wealth of prehistoric the geology and extensive woodlands at Castle Howard, Gilling, Hovingham, burial mounds and other features are providing stone and timber for building. Howsham, Nunnington, Brandsby, now preserved within the plantations. The area’s proximity to Malton with its Kirkham, Whitwell, High Hutton, Ganthorpe, • The history of religious and private fort means that some of the Roman Swinton, Hildenley, Wiganthorpe, Dalby Estates in the Howardian Hills has remains are likely to be from villas or and Sproxton are all still recognisable resulted in a large stock of traditional farming communities. These would have to a greater or lesser extent today. stone-and-pantile farmhouses, farm provided food and other goods, such • The complex geology allowed only small- buildings, cottages and village houses, as pottery from Crambeck, to the fort. scale operations of extractive industries many of them in ‘estate villages’. • A strong theme of the Howardian Hills such as stone quarrying, coal mining, • As well as the physical remains there is the scatter of nucleated medieval lime burning (for building mortar and land are also the cultural traditions that have villages, which place name evidence improvement), brick and tile making and developed over the centuries. Traditional shows originated in the Saxon and pottery manufacture. The Derwent is the values associated with a long history of Scandinavian periods. The Saxon minster only navigable river in the AONB and religious activity and farming are still strong. at Stonegrave and the open strip fields provided limited use for transport of goods • An archaeological survey of the AONB of ridge and furrow still visible at Crambe owing to poor access. Three railways was carried out in 1993 and a Historic are some of the best preserved remains. served the area, with only the York to Landscape Characterisation survey Scarborough line now remaining open. • Monastic orders were drawn to the was completed in 2011. A community area, with monasteries established at • Agricultural improvement changed archaeology group working on Yearsley Kirkham and Newburgh. The tradition the landscape significantly, with the Moor have demonstrated the wealth continues today with Ampleforth Abbey. old common fields enclosed and the of features from all periods that land improved for the production • The monasteries were important can be found when focus is tightly

of sheep and crops. Woodland is www.howardianhills.org.uk landowners with widespread farms, so at concentrated on a specific area. 25 • The AONB contains: 373 Listed Buildings; General Principles • The significance of all aspects of the 11 Conservation Areas; 79 Scheduled • National Character Area (NCA) 29 historic environment should have Monuments; and 48 non-designated Statement of Environmental Opportunity: a high profile amongst residents, heritage assets that are considered to Protect the geological and historic land managers and visitors, to be locally important. The 5 Registered landscape features that are characteristic ensure that it is respected. Historic Parks and Gardens comprise of the area, including its distinct • Advice, assistance and (where 11% of all North Yorkshire’s registered landform, prehistoric earthworks, appropriate) grant aid should be parks (outside the two National Parks), medieval monasteries, grand houses provided to help owners recognise demonstrating how important they with designed parkland, and settlement and better manage historic are to the character of the AONB. pattern. Manage these features environment features on their land. • The 2013 English Heritage ‘Heritage at to provide diverse public benefits, • Designated Heritage Assets on English Risk Register’ identified the following enhancing the sense of place and history, Heritage’s ‘Heritage at Risk Register’ nationally significant assets as being At and protecting natural resources.(14) should be priorities for management Risk in the AONB: 4 Listed Buildings, • Community groups and other action, to ultimately ensure that no 27 Scheduled Monuments and the researchers should be supported in Assets appear on the Register and that Registered Historic Park and Garden discovering and understanding the a sustainable future has been secured (13) at Castle Howard . A further 10 heritage of the AONB, and feeding for all designated and non-designated Grade II Listed Buildings at Risk are the results into the North Yorkshire heritage assets in the AONB. recorded on District Council registers. Historic Environment Record (HER). • Conservation/management plans should • Further information and statistics can • All nationally important heritage assets be prepared for all designed landscapes, be found in the Evidence Base. in the AONB should be appropriately to help develop a better understanding conserved and enhanced. and appreciation of their significance and to guide their future management.

(13) English Heritage, 2013. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian (14) National Character Area 29 Profile: Howardian Hills, Natural England, 2012. 26 Key Issues 2014 — 2019 • The condition of non-designated sites, OBJECTIVES – • The unpredictable availability of resources particularly designed landscapes not HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT for historic environment conservation on the English Heritage Register. work, from both the public and private • The length of time since the last Please see the Action Programme sectors, particularly with the ending of the comprehensive survey of archaeology in for details of specific Actions for Environmental Stewardship Scheme. the AONB in 1993. Current data sources need to be thoroughly assessed, to each Objective. For Actions relating • Small but incremental changes to heritage to community involvement please assets, due to amendments to Permitted draw out themes where there is a lack of knowledge and where they contribute see Objective LC2; for skills training Development Rights and potentially fewer see Objective D6; for promotion and resources for Planning Enforcement work. to the overall understanding of history and significance in the Howardian Hills. raising awareness see Objective AP2. • The condition of sites on English Heritage’s ‘Heritage at Risk Register’, particularly HE1 Improve understanding of the Scheduled Monuments affected by AONB’s historic environment arable cultivation or damaging plant and its significance. growth, the Registered Park & Garden HE2 Sustain and enhance the at Castle Howard and the Grade I Listed significance of the AONB’s structures at Castle Howard. Proposals historic environment. for Enabling Development may come forward to address the latter issue. HE3 Help local people to identify the non-designated heritage assets which contribute to the character of their area and support the development of management strategies for their conservation and enhancement. www.howardianhills.org.uk 27 Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian Figure 5: Historic Environment Priority Sites 28 2.4 Living and Working in the Howardian Hills www.howardianhills.org.uk 29 2.4.1 Local Communities

Key Facts • The percentage of people aged 20-44 • The number of communities with Parish • The Howardian Hills is sparsely (21.2%) is significantly lower than for Plans has significantly increased in populated, with approximately 6,100 the Yorkshire & Humber region (33.5%) the last 5 years, as has the number (16) people living within the AONB boundary and England as a whole (34.3%). of community projects that have itself, and 9,400 when the villages • The percentage of people aged been instigated as a result of them. within its ‘socio-economic envelope’ 65-84 (20%) is higher than for the • At least 35% of the village halls immediately adjacent are included.(15) Yorkshire & Humber region (14.4%) serving AONB communities have • The majority of the population is and England as a whole (14.1%). undergone substantial improvements concentrated within a number of small • The market towns of Easingwold, recently to make them more villages and hamlets. Ampleforth Malton and Helmsley provide the main useable and sustainable. (including the Abbey and College) focus for local employment, shopping, • The LEADER Local Action Group is the largest village, with 1,400 health facilities and recreational and AONB Sustainable Development residents. Only four other villages activity, with only limited services Fund have been significant sources contain more than 500 people. The available in individual villages. of funding for these projects. scattering of villages is interspersed • The main issues that emerge from • Significant programmes of education with numerous individual farms. community consultations are volume work have been completed with the 10 • Many villages are ‘estate villages’, of traffic (particularly HCVs), speeding primary schools covering the AONB. where the principal estates still traffic, declining services within villages, • The Key Facts on employment and the own a significant proportion of the housing (lack of affordable, but also economy of the AONB are contained properties (e.g. Coneysthorpe, Welburn, new Local Plan targets for house in the Development & Rural Economy Hovingham and Nunnington). building), lack of local employment and section of the Management Plan. lack of public transport. There is also • Further information and statistics can recognition however of the tranquillity also be found in the Evidence Base. and natural beauty of the AONB.

(15) Mid-Year Estimates for 2010, ONS, Crown Copyright. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian (16) Census 2011, ONS, Crown Copyright. 30 General Principles Key Issues 2014 – 2019 OBJECTIVES – • The AONB should have flexible • An ageing population profile, LOCAL COMMUNITIES and resilient communities that potentially resulting in fewer are better placed to adapt to the economically active people. Please see the Action Programme for evolving challenges they face. • Service provision linked to the ageing details of specific Actions for each • Knowledge-sharing should be population profile, with potentially Objective. For Actions relating to encouraged, to help communities greater reliance on services being skills training please see Objective to develop and potentially delivered by communities themselves D6; for promotion and raising collaborate on projects. rather than by the public sector. awareness see Objective AP2. • Parish Planning should be supported • The increasing importance of as a useful way of developing environmental sustainability as a LC1 Assist local communities projects that have buy-in from all way of reducing living costs, for with identifying and sections of the community. example by energy conservation implementing projects that • Advice, assistance and (where and waste reduction. maintain and enhance their appropriate) grant aid should be provided • The potential loss of rural skills. character, sustainability and for appropriate community projects. • The possible loss of identity and sense of community. • The continued coverage of the community cohesion for some rural LC2 Encourage voluntary and AONB by initiatives such as LEADER communities, due to the turnover community engagement with should be a high priority, as they rate of house occupation. the local natural and historic can provide significant social and • Levels of rural crime such as illegal environment of the AONB. economic benefits for communities. coursing and the theft of farm • The linkages between the local machinery, livestock, heating oil, etc. market towns and their hinterland in • Perceptions of the volume and speed the AONB should be developed, to of traffic passing through villages. maximise the social and economic • Less public sector support and funding development opportunities they bring. for community projects, with fewer ‘development officers’ and less grant aid. • In light of the above, the continued coverage of the AONB by a new LEADER

programme for rural development. www.howardianhills.org.uk 31 2.4.2 Agriculture

Key Facts pasture is now largely confined to the (B&B or self-catering), contracting, • Around 70% of the AONB is categorised steeper slopes and poorer soils. development of offices/workshops, as farmland and agricultural practices • Farming in the AONB consists specialist cropping/livestock, game therefore have a major influence on overwhelmingly of arable cropping, with shooting and energy crop production. the appearance of the landscape. associated sheep and cattle enterprises. • Further information and statistics can • Farming is a major industry and Indoor pig rearing is increasing and there be found in the Evidence Base. employment sector within the AONB, are a small number of poultry farms. (17) General Principles and many families have been farming Dairy farming is continuing to decline. their land for several generations. • Agri-environment schemes have generally • National Character Area (NCA) 29 Statement of Environmental Opportunity: Support • Around 30% of the farmed land is been popular in the AONB, with the sustainable management of the agricultural rented, principally from the large Estates, Countryside Stewardship Scheme landscape to retain important rates of food and this has a generally stabilising resulting in significant restoration of provision, while enhancing the network of effect on major land use change. hedgerows and creation of large areas of grass margins. At its height, approximately semi-natural habitats within pastoral and • During the period of agricultural 45% of the total AONB area was covered arable landscapes, protecting the wildlife intensification after World War Two a by Countryside Stewardship Agreements. and water quality of the River Derwent, significant proportion of the grassland optimising carbon storage, soil quality in the AONB was converted to • In 2013, 55% of the agricultural land and regulation of peak flow events, and arable cropping. Hedgerow removal area of the AONB was in Entry Level strengthening the sense of place.(19) was significant in some parts of the Stewardship and 20% in Entry Level + • A profitable and thriving agricultural AONB but less marked in others. Higher Level Stewardship. In total these agreements, over their 10 year lifespans, and land management industry should • The land is predominantly classed as will be worth over £7 million to the land be encouraged, as this is vital to the Grade 3, with some areas of Grade management economy of the AONB.(18) economic, environmental and social 2 along the limestone ridge between wellbeing of the Howardian Hills. Malton and Hovingham. Permanent • Farm diversification enterprises within the AONB include visitor accommodation

(17) Defra June Census statistics, 2011. (18) Natural England, 2013 Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian (19) National Character Area 29 Profile: Howardian Hills, Natural England, 2012. 32 • Farm diversification enterprises Key Issues 2014 — 2019 OBJECTIVES – should be supported where possible, • Continued volatility in the relative AGRICULTURE although in general they are likely to prices of inputs and crops. remain secondary to the production • Greater pressure on land due to an of livestock and arable crops for Please see the Action Programme increasing world population – food many of the AONB’s farmers. for details of specific Actions for provision is an important ecosystem each Objective. For Actions relating • The new agri-environment scheme service provided by the AONB. in Defra’s next Rural Development to community involvement please • The final details of the EU Common Plan should address the farmland see Objective LC2; for skills training Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms, in conservation management issues see Objective D6; for promotion and particular the balance between direct in the AONB, particularly in relation raising awareness see Objective AP2. support payments and rural development to Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) measures (including the new agri- AG1 Encourage the development Priority Habitats and Species. environment scheme being developed). and uptake of Government • Advice should be available to land • The Environmental Stewardship Scheme support mechanisms that managers on conservation management closed to new entrants in December achieve sustainable farm and and sources of funding, particularly 2014 and no agreements under the rural business development. the new agri-environment scheme. new programme will start until January AG2 Support farm businesses in • Grant assistance should be provided 2016. This will have implications for the AONB by providing advice for conservation management landscape/wildlife conservation and and appropriate assistance. tasks, where appropriate. farming cash-flow in the AONB. • Partnership working with the North • The area coverage of the new agri- AG3 Ensure high standards of design York Moors National Park should be environment scheme is predicted to and careful siting of all new farm encouraged, given the overlap of be much lower than for the expiring buildings and infrastructure. farmland types and habitats between Environmental Stewardship Scheme. the AONB and National Park. This again will have implications • New farm buildings and infrastructure for landscape/wildlife conservation projects should be supported, where and farming cash-flow. they follow the principles of the AONB New Agricultural Buildings & Infrastructure Design Guidance. www.howardianhills.org.uk 33 2.4.3 Forestry and Woodland

Key Facts • Clearfelling rates are approximately flow events, and to strengthen • Woodland cover, at approximately 10-20ha per year. habitat networks, enhancing the (22) 18%, is one of the defining features • Approximately 60% of the woodland sense of place and history. of the Howardian Hills landscape. in the AONB is certified under the UK • Woodland cover should be maintained • 46% of the woodland is classified Woodland Assurance Scheme (UKWAS). and, where possible, increased, as Ancient Woodland.(20) • The primary woodland management so as to retain the well-wooded appearance of the AONB landscape. • There are also significant numbers of objectives are generally timber/wood in-field and boundary trees, designed production and game shooting. • A move towards greater use of parklands and areas of wood pasture, • The local market for broadleaved continuous cover management with many veteran and ancient trees. firewood logs is good and has systems should be encouraged, where conditions are suitable. • The AONB, together with the adjoining encouraged more management south west corner of the North York activity within woods recently. • Multi-objective management of Moors National Park, is the most heavily • 70% of the woodland in the AONB woodland should be encouraged, wooded area in the north of England. is in active management.(21) using site management plans to recognise and incorporate other • In 2013, it was estimated that the • Further information and statistics can conservation objectives e.g. historic AONB’s soils and biomass had a store be found in the Evidence Base. environment, access, etc. of approximately 1.3 million tonnes of carbon, and that its land use pattern was General Principles • The incidence and impact of pests sequestering at a rate of approximately • National Character Area (NCA) 29 and diseases should be monitored, 85,000 tonnes of carbon per year. Statement of Environmental Opportunity: particularly in relation to native tree The large majority of this is due to Manage the wooded character of species and Ancient Woodland. the significant area of woodland. the NCA and its important historic • The restoration of Plantations on • 80% of woodland is in private ownership, parklands to optimise carbon storage, Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) to with the remaining 20% owned/ water quality and regulation of peak native broadleaved species should leased by the Forestry Commission. be encouraged and supported. (20) Forestry Commission, 2013. (21) Forestry Commission, 2013. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian (22) National Character Area 29 Profile: Howardian Hills, Natural England, 2012. 34 • Owners should be encouraged Key Issues 2014 – 2019 see Objective LC2; for skills training to bring under-managed woods • The unknown impact of Chalara see Objective D6; for promotion and back into active management. fraxinea (Ash Dieback) on woodland raising awareness see Objective AP2. • Restocking by natural regeneration and individual trees in the AONB, and FW1 Ensure that all woodland felling, should be encouraged, where this its potential implications for woodland management and creation would be appropriate and viable. management, landscape and biodiversity. proposals recognise the Special • The use of known provenance planting • The unknown timescale for any arrival Qualities of the AONB. stock should be promoted in commercial of Phytopthora ramorum (Sudden Oak woodlands, with local provenance Death) in the AONB. Larch species FW2 Encourage a multi-objective material in Ancient Woodlands currently appear to be the most approach to woodland and for in-field/boundary trees. susceptible – widespread infection management in the AONB. • Development of the local woodfuel would have significant implications for FW3 Monitor and manage the market should be supported. the AONB’s landscape, biodiversity and incidence and impacts of pests • The new woodland grants package woodland management economy. and diseases in the AONB. in Defra’s next Rural Development • The impact of other infectious plant FW4 Encourage the use of known Plan should address the management diseases and both native and non- provenance trees and shrubs issues found in the AONB, particularly native plant/animal species, e.g. Red when planting or re-stocking. in relation to restoration of Plantations Band Needle Blight, roe deer, Himalayan FW5 Encourage new areas of on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS). balsam, grey squirrel, muntjac deer, etc. woodland where these would • Advice should be available to • Uncertainty over future grant conserve or enhance the owners on woodland management incentives for woodland management Special Qualities of the AONB and sources of funding. in Defra’s new Rural Development or improve habitat networks. • Grant assistance should be provided Programme due to begin in 2015/16. FW6 Encourage the continued for conservation management development of markets tasks, where appropriate. OBJECTIVES – for wood and timber. • Partnership working with the North FORESTRY AND WOODLAND York Moors National Park should FW7 Encourage the development of be encouraged, given the national Please see the Action Programme grant and advice mechanisms significance of woodland within for details of specific Actions for that achieve AONB Management the AONB/National Park area. each Objective. For Actions relating Plan objectives for woodland to community involvement please management and creation. www.howardianhills.org.uk 35 Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 36 Figure 6: Distribution and type of woodland 2.4.4 Development and the Rural Economy

Key Facts • 42% of the businesses within the AONB • The housing affordability ratio • The primary focus of local economic are in the category Agriculture/Forestry/ in the AONB is 8.8, significantly activity is the market towns of Fishing, and they account for 24% of the higher than the Yorkshire & Humber (24) Malton, Easingwold and Helmsley, employment numbers. This is over twice regional average of 5.0. all of which are in close proximity the proportion for the Rural area of the • Accessibility to services is very low, with (24) but outside the AONB. They act as Yorkshire & Humber region (10%). the whole of the AONB falling into the the main centres for employment, • Tourism businesses account for 8% of Most Deprived category in that section shopping, leisure and health services. the total number of businesses in the of the Index of Multiple Deprivation.(25) • The AONB has a ‘Sparse’ population AONB, and 22% of the employment • The AONB in general has not been living in Villages and Hamlets/ numbers. Again, this is nearly twice under as much development pressure Isolated Dwellings, as defined by the proportion for the Rural area of the as some other AONBs, but existing (24) Defra’s Rural Definition 2004.(23) Yorkshire & Humber region (12%). and emerging issues include large • There is a low unemployment rate but • Over half of the total employee new agricultural buildings, hydro- also a low-wage economy. Most people numbers in the AONB are believed to carbon exploration drilling, more work within the general locality, with out- be associated with a small number extensive housing developments than commuting also to employment centres of relatively large businesses, in the past, upgrading of the A64, new such as the local market towns and York. e.g. Castle Howard, Ampleforth telecommunications infrastructure Abbey & College, etc.(24) and recreational developments. • There are high self-employment and VAT Registration rates, which • Household income levels within the • Further information and statistics can is typical of sparsely populated AONB are generally higher than the be found in the Evidence Base. (24) rural areas that are dependent on regional average , but mask low agriculture, forestry and tourism. wage levels in the general locality and amongst some sectors of the workforce (notably in the primary industries).

(23) http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110215111010/http://ons.gov.uk/about-statistics/geography/products/area-classifications/rural-urban-definition-and- la-classification/index.html (24) Howardian Hills AONB Economic Profile – Revised, Defra Rural Statistics Unit, 2012. (25) LEADER Local Development Strategy: http://www.moors.uk.net/content.php?nID=698 www.howardianhills.org.uk 37 General Principles by the re-use of existing buildings Key Issues 2014 – 2019 • All new development should be fully or by appropriate new-build. • The balance between economic growth sustainable in environmental, economic • The visitor economy of the AONB and conserving/enhancing the AONB’s and social terms, recognising the should be developed in a sustainable Special Qualities, within the context of Special Qualities of the AONB. way, as part of the wider North York an evolving planning policy framework. • Existing intrusive features should be Moors area, particularly using initiatives • The continuing development of a high- ameliorated where possible, such such as the LEADER approach. speed rural broadband service and as the undergrounding of overhead • Access to/training in a wide variety of mobile telecommunications coverage. electricity lines and better screening topics including land management, • The development of a sustainable visitor for other buildings/installations. historic buildings conservation, economy in the Howardian Hills. business management and ICT skills • High levels of tranquillity should be • The provision of new rural should be supported, to provide maintained in the AONB, by resisting business space. local people with better all-round increases in noise and light pollution. • Improvement of the A64 to enhance opportunities for employment. • Mineral extraction in the AONB should be road safety and accessibility. • The current programme to roll- tightly controlled, in line with Government • The lack of affordable and local- out high-speed broadband will be policy. Exceptions may be made where needs housing for local workers. it can be shown that a local building supported as a vital component of • The pressure for significant stone is needed to facilitate the repair of business and community development, developments of market housing, buildings and structures in the local area. where installations follow the agreed industry Code of Practice. and the dilemma that affordable • Enhancements to the A64 to improve housing may only be provided in • New telecommunications masts will accessibility both locally and regionally conjunction with market housing. should be supported, subject to be supported where they are carefully • The potential decline of villages as minimising impact on the AONB. sited/designed and offer benefits to the widest number of users. coherent communities in the face • Appropriate renewable energy of conflicting pressures such as • Local-needs housing (controlled via installations should be supported. expensive market housing, poorer local needs occupancy conditions) • Development proposals that benefit village and transport services and should be promoted as an important the local economy and provide nearby the lack of local-needs housing. component of sustainable communities. employment (particularly in better-paid Affordable housing however is only • Hydro-carbon exploration/ jobs) should be supported. likely to be facilitated through the production, particularly for gas,

Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian • More small-scale rural business limited provision of market housing. petroleum and possibly shale-gas. 38 space should be provided, either OBJECTIVES – DEVELOPMENT AND THE RURAL ECONOMY

Please see the Action Programme for details of specific Actions for each Objective. For Actions relating to community involvement please see Objective LC2; for promotion and raising awareness see Objective AP2.

D1 Ensure that any new development D6 Support rural business, local is compatible with the aims employment/training and farm of AONB designation and has diversification activities that do regard to social, economic and not have adverse impacts on the environmental sustainability. Special Qualities of the AONB.

D2 Encourage high standards in both the D7 Encourage the expansion of design of new development within modern telecommunications the AONB and the management technology, whilst safeguarding of existing buildings/features. the Special Qualities and tranquillity of the AONB. D3 Encourage the mitigation of intrusive features, to enhance D8 Encourage the increased the local landscape character provision of local-needs/ and tranquillity of the AONB. affordable housing in the AONB.

D4 Support appropriate minerals- working proposals which conserve and enhance the Special Qualities of the AONB.

D5 Support appropriate renewable energy installations that do not have adverse impacts on the

Special Qualities of the AONB. www.howardianhills.org.uk 39 2.4.5 Roads, Transport and Traffic Management

Key Facts • Roadside boundaries are generally • Traffic levels in North Yorkshire as • The network of roads in the well-hedged, with drystone walls a whole decreased by 3% between (26) Howardian Hills has evolved over on the higher open ground of the 2009 and 2012 , but a number of many centuries, in line with the Plateau landscape character area. factors could be responsible for this distribution of human settlement and • Mature trees are features of major including prolonged snowy winters, poor the requirements of the population. significance on many roads, including summer weather and the recession. • The busy A64 Leeds to Scarborough the sycamore avenue between Caulkleys • The road network could generally be Trunk Road (managed by the Highways Bank and Nunnington, the four mile considered quiet in comparison to Agency) is the only major arterial (6.4km) avenue of lime and beech at other parts of the country, but local route that passes through the AONB. Castle Howard and the informal oak- residents have strong concerns about It plays an important role in getting lined eastern approach to Terrington. through-traffic (especially HCVs) and people between West Yorkshire, York • Some routes, particularly the Castle driver behaviour (principally speeding). and the Yorkshire Coast, as well as Howard Avenue, have significant • Regular daily bus services within the meeting local transport needs. heritage assets either within or directly AONB are only found in the Malton – • Two secondary routes cross the area: adjacent to the highway boundary. Helmsley corridor, and car ownership the B1257 from Malton to the A170 at • The AONB still retains a significant levels are significantly higher (over 90%) (27) Sproxton and the section of the B1363 number of highway structures in than the national average (75%) . between Oswaldkirk and Brandsby. traditional designs such as stone • Service Centre Transportation • The remainder of the road network bridges, direction signs and mileposts. Strategies (SCTSs) were prepared consists of minor roads either linking • Road verges within the AONB are an for Helmsley, Malton/Norton and villages or crossing the AONB in a north- important resource of unimproved Easingwold as part of the second south direction. All the roads of B Class grassland, particularly along the B1257 North Yorkshire Local Transport or lower in the AONB are managed between Malton and Hovingham. Plan (2006-2011). Implementation by North Yorkshire County Council. of transport improvements identified in these strategies is on-going.

(26) North Yorkshire County Council, 2013. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian (27) Census 2011, ONS, Crown Copyright. 40 • Car parking in the AONB is generally of • Alternatives to the private car such Key Issues 2014 – 2019 an informal nature on road verges near as community transport, cycling, • Reduced funding at North to popular walking routes, apart from walking, etc, should be supported. Yorkshire County Council for the larger car parks at attractions such • Sustainable linkages should be highways management and as Nunnington Hall and Castle Howard. encouraged both to and within public transport support. • There is a strong local desire for the adjacent market towns, as • Reduced funding for community improvements to the A64. Single they are the principal focus for transport initiatives such as carriageway sections have a poor safety delivering local services. minibus brokerage and ‘Wheels record, and significant variations in road • Maintenance and improvement to Work’ moped hire schemes. conditions and traffic flows can cause works should reflect the character • Funding is likely to be concentrated congestion at busy times of the year. The of the rural road network and the on the maintenance of the A64 also has a number of sub-standard special status of the AONB. highway network rather than junctions with a history of accidents. • Traditional direction signs, mileposts improvements, unless significant • Further information and statistics can and other historic structures within road safety issues are involved. be found in the Evidence Base. and adjacent to the highway should • Significant new house building continue to be maintained and restored. General Principles outside the AONB may increase both • Special Interest Road Verges should commuter and visitor traffic levels. • Inappropriate through-traffic should not be managed to maintain and improve • The Highways Agency will be preparing be using the AONB as a short-cut. their biodiversity value, balanced a Route-Based Strategy for the A64, • Considerate driver behaviour should with the needs of road safety. due to be completed by March 2015. be encouraged, particularly in relation • Any proposals for improvement North Yorkshire and Ryedale Councils to speeding through villages and when works to the A64 should take full are working with other Councils to passing cyclists, horse riders, etc. account of the AONB designation. promote a number of enhancements to • Public transport provision and usage the A64 between York and Scarborough should be encouraged, but recognising up to 2021 and beyond. The prioritised that the AONB is a sparsely populated schemes will aim to improve road safety, rural area and that public sector funding journey time reliability and access will be under increasing pressure. to Ryedale/the Yorkshire Coast. www.howardianhills.org.uk 41 OBJECTIVES – ROADS, TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

RT1 Develop solutions to specific traffic RT5 Ensure that any proposals for routing issues in and around the improvement of the A64 trunk AONB, to discourage through- road through the AONB are fully traffic and ensure that other traffic justified and adopt appropriate uses the most appropriate route. local standards of design. Taking account of significant safety RT2 Support initiatives to monitor concerns, proposals should aim and address traffic and driver to make maximum use of the behaviour issues in the AONB. existing road alignment and have minimum environmental impact. RT3 Promote the use of sustainable modes of transport as alternatives to the private car.

RT4 Maintain the existing rural character of the road network in the AONB. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 42 2.5 Enjoying the AONB www.howardianhills.org.uk 43 2.5.1 Recreation, Access and Tourism

Key Facts out between 2000 and 2006, and up-market facilities such as camping • A wide range of outdoor recreational maintenance is on-going. pods are starting to be developed. activities including walking, horse • Visitors and Users Surveys indicate that • Further information and statistics can riding, mountain biking, country people are attracted by the unspoilt be found in the Evidence Base. sports, road-cycle racing and landscape, the peace and tranquillity touring, motorcycle scrambling and and the sense of ‘discovery’ of a General Principles orienteering take place in the AONB. relatively unknown area of England.(28) • National Character Area (NCA) 29 Activity is generally adequately • Because the Howardian Hills has Statement of Environmental Opportunity: dispersed or at low frequency, so not historically been a major visitor Promote enhanced access to and serious or prolonged impact is rare. destination there is a relative lack of enjoyment of the Howardian Hills in • The area is rich in heritage and the five facilities. There are no formal country ways that will maintain and enhance main historic houses open to the public parks or picnic sites, car parking the AONB’s Special Qualities and attract large numbers of visitors – Castle facilities are limited and toilets are only character, and its tranquillity, and that Howard, Nunnington Hall, Kirkham Priory, located at the village pubs/cafés, village will support the essential underpinning Hovingham Hall and Newburgh Priory. halls or larger visitor attractions. ecosystem services, the quality of soils and water, and carbon storage.(29) • The AONB has an extensive network • Facilities for staying visitors are however of Public Rights of Way, with 126 varied and widespread now. Serviced • The primary Purpose of Designation miles (203km) of footpaths and accommodation is available in village is the conservation and enhancement 57 miles (92km) of bridleways. hotels/pubs, with bed-and-breakfast of the AONB’s Special Qualities, but sustainable access and recreational • Several Long Distance walks cross in farmhouses and village properties. activities/developments should be the area, giving opportunities Self-catering holiday cottages are supported where appropriate. for longer walking trips. available in most villages and there are a number of small farm-based caravan • Public Rights of Way should be • A comprehensive programme of and camping sites. There are also managed to a high standard, improvements to path furniture several larger sites for camping and maintaining both path furniture and throughout the AONB was carried both static and touring caravans. More condition to ensure ease of use.

(28) The Howardian Hills AONB Visitors and Users Surveys, Bowles Green Ltd, Howardian Hills AONB Joint Advisory Committee, 2003 & 2012. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian (29) National Character Area 29 Profile: Howardian Hills, Natural England, 2012. 44 • The Public Rights of Way network Derwent Valley however is a particularly should be improved where appropriate, sensitive location due to its international OBJECTIVES – RECREATION, using Diversions, Creations/Deletions nature conservation designations. ACCESS AND TOURISM and permissive routes to develop a • Access to recreational opportunities more coherent and universal network. using public transport or other Please see the Action Programme • All sectors of society should be able low-impact means of travel for details of specific Actions for to enjoy the AONB, so constraints should be promoted. each Objective. For Actions relating preventing Under-Represented Groups to community involvement please from visiting or using the area should Key Issues 2014 – 2019 see Objective LC2; for skills training be reduced as much as possible. • The need for improvements to the see Objective D6; for promotion and • Information in a variety of formats Public Rights of Way network and path raising awareness see Objective AP2. condition, to make the AONB more should be provided for a wide RA1 Encourage sustainable recreational accessible for a wider range of users. range of users, to allow them to activities that do not conflict with enjoy and appreciate the AONB. • The significance of the next 5 year the Special Qualities of the AONB. • Working in partnership to promote the period in the run-up to the 2026 cut- attractions of the wider North York Moors off deadline for recording all Public RA2 Promote the attractions and area should be strengthened, ensuring Rights of Way on the Definitive Map. Special Qualities of the AONB to however that the Howardian Hills sub- • Diminishing resources at North Yorkshire encourage sustainable use and identity is maintained and enhanced. County Council for path maintenance support the local visitor economy. • Partnerships with local visitor attractions, and network development. RA3 Maintain and improve both the accommodation providers and other • The need to develop better links to the condition and network of Public public sector organisations should Howardian Hills for visitors staying in Rights of Way in the AONB. be further developed, to promote the wider local area, and to improve the Howardian Hills identity. the identity of the Howardian Hills as RA4 Carry out recreational management • Management work should be carried a separate ‘destination sub-brand’. measures as appropriate, to out where appropriate to improve • The lack of general facilities such enhance enjoyment by the public the visitor experience and minimise as car parking and public toilets. and address local issues. conflict with other Management Plan Objectives or local interests. The RA5 Develop routes within the AONB for different user groups and

provide self-guided information. www.howardianhills.org.uk 45 Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian Figure 7: Visitor attractions and Recreation Priority Sites 46 2.6 Awareness and promotion

Key Facts General Principles Key Issues 2014 – 2019 • The Howardian Hills AONB is still a relatively • The public profile of the Howardian • The decline in more traditional forms recent designation, having been confirmed Hills AONB should be maintained of promotional material and the need in 1987. In comparison the adjacent and enhanced, using a variety of to develop information distribution and better-known North York Moors mechanisms and partnerships. tools for new audiences. National Park was designated in 1952. • New technologies and means of • Reduced resources for ‘promotional’ • The principal audiences for awareness- communication should be adopted where work, potentially leading to a loss raising initiatives are local people living feasible, bearing in mind any limitations of awareness about the AONB and and working in the AONB, visitors (e.g. poor mobile telecommunications hence recreational opportunities. (and potential visitors) to the AONB coverage, target audience, etc). and staff in partner organisations. • Efforts should be made to OBJECTIVES – • In 2003 23% of survey respondents encourage more users from currently AWARENESS AND PROMOTION could specifically say that they were Under-Represented Groups to in the Howardian Hills AONB; in 2012 visit and enjoy the AONB. Please see the Action Programme for this proportion had risen to 68%.(30) • Awareness of the AONB as a venue details of specific Actions for each • Press releases and publications such as for quiet enjoyment and outdoor Objective. For Actions relating to community the Annual Report and AONB Newsletter recreation should be increased. involvement please see Objective LC2; (which is delivered to 9,000 residential • Events and activities should be used for skills training see Objective D6. and business addresses within the to make people aware of the AONB’s AP1 Maintain awareness and AONB and surrounding area) are the Special Qualities and to promote understanding of the AONB principal methods of publicity used. appropriate management techniques. designation, its importance • On average the AONB and work • Working with local schools and and the role of the Joint within it receives approximately 30-35 communities should continue Advisory Committee. press mentions per year, equivalent to be a high priority. to £40k-50k of advertising space AP2 Promote awareness of the (dependent upon publication title). Special Qualities of the AONB.

(30) The Howardian Hills AONB Visitors and Users Surveys, Bowles Green Ltd, Howardian Hills AONB Joint Advisory Committee, 2003 & 2012. www.howardianhills.org.uk 47 3.1 Putting the plan into action

Co-ordination of effort • A number of sources of grant aid and Key Issues 2014 — 2019 • The main purpose of the Joint advice are already available for countryside • Declining funding from central Advisory Committee (JAC) is to focus management, farm diversification, business Government and local authorities. development, community planning and attention on the needs of the AONB • A possible reduction in the ‘core action, etc. The AONB Management Plan and to co-ordinate the efforts of staff’ resource of the AONB Unit. is the ‘ground-level’ plan that helps guide local authorities and organisations • Pressure to deliver outcomes in both implementation of local and national representing various interests. current activity areas and also in new strategies and funding programmes • Although the AONB Unit has a pivotal role ones, e.g. health & wellbeing. within the Howardian Hills AONB. to play in co-ordinating the implementation of the Management Plan, it would be • Maintaining an adequately-staffed AONB inappropriate and impossible for it to Unit is important in ensuring that this co- OBJECTIVES – directly implement all the Objectives. ordination of effort takes place and that IMPLEMENTATION appropriate partnerships are developed. • The co-ordinated delivery of action by partner organisations and • A key task of the AONB Unit is to identify Please see the Action Programme individuals is the key to success. individual or linked programmes of for details of specific Actions projects and lever-in funding or assistance • The JAC draws up an annual Action for each Objective. from the most appropriate source. Programme each financial year to IM1 Consolidate and develop guide specific actions within that year. • Forms of assistance can include funding and partnership Progress against this is reported at the grant funding, staff assistance or mechanisms to achieve March meeting of the JAC, with new ‘secondments’ for specific projects or Management Plan objectives. actions being set for the following year. tasks, volunteering mechanisms, technical advice and in-kind contributions. IM2 Ensure that the AONB partnership Resources • The Howardian Hills AONB borders the has a robust business model that • Many of the proposals set out in the North York Moors National Park and there is resilient to future challenges. Management Plan will be achieved by are significant further opportunities for both influencing the efforts and resources of the joint-working and cross-boundary initiatives. many organisations, groups and individuals • Further information and statistics can Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian already active in managing the area. be found in the Evidence Base. 48 3.2 Monitoring

The effectiveness of the Action Programme AONB Unit – volunteers could also Management Plan Review will be carefully monitored. Reliable and be used to assist in this process. • Section 89(7) of the Countryside accurate performance information is • Significantly more data is now available & Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 essential to allow proper management of than in previous years, cut more closely stipulates that AONB Management Plans the Action Programme by the AONB Joint to the AONB boundaries. This will must be reviewed every five years. Advisory Committee (JAC) and other lead therefore allow a realistic ‘State of the • The next formal review of the agencies, and to provide key stakeholders AONB’ report to be compiled, drawing Management Plan will begin in 2018, and the wider community with the means together useful and relevant statistics. although the Plan is under constant to evaluate progress. Performance informal review to ensure that its measurement will take place on two levels. Partnership monitoring overall aims are being achieved, and • An annual Action Programme is drawn- AONB Condition monitoring policies are constantly evolving to up in order to guide specific actions reflect changing issues and priorities. • The condition of the AONB’s environment within each financial year. Progress (in its broad sense) is the key test of the against the annual Action Programme Action Programme’s effectiveness in is reported at the March meeting of the OBJECTIVES - implementing the Management Plan. JAC. A summary of achievements is MONITORING • Condition monitoring takes place on a also published in documents such as 5-yearly cycle, linked to Management the Annual Report and AONB News. Please see the Action Programme Plan reviews. This allows progress to be • The performance of the AONB Partnership for details of specific Actions assessed and relevant new targets set. as a whole will continue to be monitored for each Objective. • The list of Indicators shown in Figure 8 via the Partnership Indicators that were MN1 Monitor the performance is used to measure the Condition of the developed some years ago by Natural of the AONB partnership AONB. The data for these Indicators England. These include Indicators on the and AONB unit. is largely being made available as part governance structure of the Partnership, of Natural England’s Framework for staff training and development, income MN2 Monitor the condition Monitoring Environmental Outcomes secured, implementation of Management of the AONB. in Protected Landscapes. In addition Plan Actions, etc. Although these

there are several local Indicators are not now a reporting requirement www.howardianhills.org.uk for which data is gathered by the of Natural England, they provide consistent data in a clear format. 49 Figure 8. AONB Condition Indicators

Attribute Indicator Data collection organisation 1. Farmed Landscape a) % of land managed under Countryside Stewardship (CS) a) Natural England b) % of land managed under Higher Level Stewardship b) Natural England + Entry Level Stewardship (HLS + ELS) c) Natural England c) % of land managed under Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) only d) Defra (June Census) d) Changes in farmland type (% of long-term grassland /temporary grassland/arable land) 2. Woodland Landscape a) % of woodland cover Forestry Commission b) % of woodland under management 3. Biodiversity a) Condition of SSSIs a) Natural England b) Delivery of LBAP habitat targets for AONB – Condition of SINCs b) JAC/NYCC (LAA) 4. Historic and Built a) Number of Archaeological features in the At Risk, a) English Heritage Environment Vulnerable and Low/Not at Risk categories b) English Heritage/JAC b) Condition of Registered Parks & Gardens and historic landscapes c) English Heritage/ c) Number of Buildings and Structures on ‘At Risk’ registers District Councils d) Number of Conservation Areas on the ‘At Risk’ Register d) English Heritage e) Number of Places of Worship on the ‘At Risk’ Register e) English Heritage f) Condition of non-designated Historic Environment Priority Sites f) JAC/NYCC 5. Water Quality (Rivers) Length of rivers (%) with High or Good Ecological Environment Agency Status (Water Framework Directive) 6. Tranquillity a) Maximum and minimum Tranquillity scores (CPRE/NE study) CPRE/NE b) % of AONB in the relative High or Very High categories (CPRE/NE study) 7. Enjoying the Countryside ‘Ease of Use’ (%) of PRoW JAC/NYCC 8. Village Services/ % of AONB villages that have a shop, pub, Post JAC/District Councils/ Amenities Office service or community building Local Communities 9. Awareness of the % of survey respondents aware of the JAC Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian AONB designation Howardian Hills AONB designation 50 3.3 Action Programme

The Management Plan contains a large number of Objectives and priority Actions. A list of recommended Delivery Partner/s has been identified for each Action – if there is a clear ‘Lead’ Partner they have been put in bold. The list is not exhaustive and it is hoped that other groups will wish to join any partnerships that are formed. The table also gives a provisional timescale and priority rating for each Action. Priority 2 Actions are those that are considered to be less critical, or ones for which significant additional resources are likely to be needed. The table should be read in conjunction with the Landscape Management & Priority Sites section of the Management Plan, which is on the CD inside the back cover. The Action Programme will form the basis of an annual work programme for the Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) and partner organisations. The March meetings of the JAC will consider work completed in the previous year, as well as approving initiatives and tasks for the next year. Abbreviations for Delivery Partner/s listed in the Action Programme are as follows:

BCU British Canoe Union HA Highways Agency BGS British Geological Survey HDC Hambleton District Council BHS British Horse Society H&WB Health & Wellbeing Board CFE Campaign for the Farmed Environment IDBs Internal Drainage Boards CLA Country Land and Business Association JAC Joint Advisory Committee CoYC City of York Council LANTRA The Rural Skills Training Agency CPRE Campaign to Protect Rural England LEADER North York Moors, Coast & Hills LEADER CSPs Community Safety Partnerships Local Action Group CTC Cyclists Touring Club LEP Local Enterprise Partnership Defra Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs LNP Local Nature Partnership EA Environment Agency NAAONB National Association for AONBs EH English Heritage NE Natural England EYRT East Yorkshire Rivers Trust NEYEDC North & East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre www.howardianhills.org.uk FC Forestry Commission NEYGT North East Yorkshire Geology Trust 51 NFU National Farmers Union RDC Ryedale District Council NPG Northern Powergrid. The Electricity Distribution RFS Royal Forestry Society Network Operator covering the AONB RSPB Royal Society for the Protection of Birds NT National Trust RVA Ryedale Voluntary Action NWDP Native Woodland Development Project SBC Scarborough Borough Council NYCC North Yorkshire County Council TCV The Conservation Volunteers NYGP North Yorkshire Geodiversity Partnership TFA Tenant Farmers Association NYMNPA North York Moors National Park Authority WT Woodland Trust NYNET The North Yorkshire broadband partnership WtY Welcome to Yorkshire NYP North Yorkshire Police YAS Yorkshire Agricultural Society PCs Parish Councils YFWP Yorkshire Farming and Wildlife Partnership RA The Ramblers Yorwoods The Yorkshire Woodlands Initiative RAY Rural Action Yorkshire YWT Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

ALTHOUGH NOT SPECIFICALLY MENTIONED IN THE TABLE, ANY OBJECTIVES RELATING TO LAND MANAGEMENT WILL RELY ON THE GOODWILL AND CO-OPERATION OF FARMERS, LANDOWNERS AND LAND MANAGERS IF THEY ARE TO BE ACHIEVED. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 52 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year AN ECOSYSTEM APPROACH ES1 Gain a better ES1.1 Produce a matrix of the habitats and AONB Unit, HDC, Lead 1, 2 1 understanding of the Special Qualities of the AONB, plotted against NE, NYCC, RDC AONB’s contribution the ecosystem services that they provide. to ecosystem services ES1.2 Produce a matrix of generic types of AONB Unit, EA, Lead 1, 2 1 ‘project’ (e.g. hedge planting grants, agri- HDC, NE, RDC environment schemes, land use, in-fill housing development, larger housing developments, habitat management, etc) plotted against the ecosystem services that the AONB provides. ES2 Promote ES2.1 Ensure that any Plan, policy or project AONB Unit, EA, FC, Lead & On-going 1 sustainability and that could impact on the AONB, whether HDC, NE, NYCC, RDC Advise support appropriate positively or negatively, is assessed for projects that compliance with the AONB Management Plan. benefit the AONB’s ES2.2 Use an ecosystems services assessment AONB Unit, HDC, Lead 2 onwards 1 ecosystems services to guide consultation responses and assess NYCC, RDC and Special Qualities projects that receive assistance from the JAC. ES3 Understand ES3.1 Keep up-to-date on climate AONB Unit, EA, FC, Lead On-going 2 potential climate change information and scenarios. HDC, NE, NYCC, RDC change trends and ES3.2 Monitor the potential impacts AONB Unit, EA, FC, Lead On-going 2 scenarios and monitor of climate change on the AONB. HDC, NE, NYCC, impacts on the AONB NYMNPA, RDC www.howardianhills.org.uk 53 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year A RICH HERITAGE Natural Environment NE1 Continually NE1.1 Carry out a rolling programme of AONB Unit, HDC, NE, Support On-going 2 improve knowledge of monitoring surveys on Sites of Importance NEYEDC, NYCC, RDC the wildlife resources for Nature Conservation (SINCs). in the AONB NE1.2 Carry out detailed surveys of specific AONB Unit, HDC, Advise & On-going 2 BAP habitats or species as necessary, NE, NYCC, RDC Encourage to fill identified gaps in knowledge. NE1.3 Encourage farmers, land AONB Unit, CLA, Support On-going 1 managers and communities to monitor HDC, NE, NFU, wildlife and report sightings. NEYEDC, NYCC, PCs, RDC, RSPB, TCV, YFWP, YWT NE1.4 Commission NEYEDC to compile a AONB Unit, Lead 1, 2 2 report of the species records for the AONB. NEYEDC, NYCC NE2 Ensure that NE2.1 Maintain and regularly update a AONB Unit, HDC, Advise & On-going 1 appropriate protection register of key nature conservation sites. NE, NYCC, NEYEDC, Support is given to the best RDC, YWT nature conservation NE2.2 Ensure effective protection HDC, JAC, NE, Support On-going 2 sites in the AONB (via designation) for the best NYCC, RDC, YWT nature conservation sites. NE2.3 Resist development proposals that AONB Unit, HDC, Lead & On-going 1 may affect key nature conservation sites. NE, NYCC, RDC Advise Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 54 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year NE3 Assist with NE3.1 Ensure that all Special Interest Road AONB Unit, CLA, Lead & On-going 1 the implementation Verges and sites identified in this Plan as EA, FC, HDC, Encourage of LBAP/BD2020/ Natural Environment Priority Sites are in NE, NFU, NWDP, WFD targets for ‘favourable’ or ‘recovering’ condition. NYCC, RDC, WT priority habitats in the NE3.2 Encourage the extension and AONB Unit, CFE, Encourage On-going 1 AONB (broadleaved buffering of sites identified in this Plan as CLA, EA, FC, NE, & Support woodland; grasslands; Natural Environment Priority Sites. NFU, NWDP, YWT wetlands) to improve NE3.3 Encourage the restoration of habitats that AONB Unit, CLA, Encourage On-going 1 condition and have declined in interest but still retain significant EA, EYRT, FC, IDBs, & Support increase habitat ecological potential, particularly Plantations on NE, NFU, NWDP, network connectivity Ancient Woodland Sites, rivers and water bodies RFS, WT, YWT not in Good Ecological Status and sites identified in this Plan as Natural Environment Priority Sites. NE3.4 Encourage the creation of new habitat AONB Unit, CFE, Lead & On-going 1 where appropriate, in particular the less-intensive CLA, EA, FC, IDBs, Encourage management of farmland, to create a wider LNP, NE, NFU, NWDP, network of complementary semi-natural habitats. NYMNPA, WT, YWT NE3.5 Identify and promote landscape-scale AONB Unit, CFE, Lead & On-going 1 habitat corridors, particularly around the CLA, EA, FC, LNP, Encourage Derwent valley and linking into the NYMNP. NE, NFU, NWDP, NYMNPA, WT, YWT NE4 Assist with NE4.1 Ensure that key sites for specific species AONB Unit, CFE, Lead & On-going 1 the implementation are in ‘favourable’ or ‘recovering’ condition. CLA, EA, HDC, NE, Encourage of LBAP/BD2020 NFU, NYCC, PCs, targets for priority RDC, WT, YWT species for which the NE4.2 Encourage restoration or creation of sites AONB Unit, CFE, Encourage On-going 1 AONB is important where significant ecological potential exists. CLA, EA, HDC, NE, NFU, NYCC, RDC NE4.3 Identify local Target Areas and encourage AONB Unit, CFE, Lead & On-going 1 co-ordinated management measures. CLA, EA, FC, HDC, Encourage

LNP, NE, NFU, NYCC, www.howardianhills.org.uk NYMNPA, RDC 55 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year NE5 Assist with NE5.1 Raise awareness of wildlife within villages AONB Unit, HDC, Lead & On-going 2 the implementation and assist communities with creating and NYCC, RDC, Support of LBAP/BD2020 managing community areas for biodiversity. TCV, WT, YWT targets for wildlife within villages NE6 Monitor and NE6.1 Monitor the location and abundance AONB Unit, CLA, Lead & On-going 1 where appropriate of invasive non-native species. EA, FC, HDC, IDBs, Encourage support control of NE, NFU, NYCC, invasive non-native NYMNPA, RDC species in the AONB NE6.2 Carry out targeted partnership AONB Unit, CLA, Lead & On-going 1 action to manage invasive non-native EA, HDC, IDBs, NFU, Encourage species where appropriate. NYCC, NYMNPA, RDC, RFS NE7 Encourage NE7.1 Develop a network of Regionally BGS, HDC, JAC, Support & On-going 1 the identification Important Geological Sites (RIGS). NEYGT, NYCC, Encourage and conservation of NYGP, RDC important geodiversity NE7.2 Ensure that sites identified as RIGS AONB Unit, HDC, Lead & On-going 2 sites and features are in ‘favourable’ or ‘recovering’ condition. RDC, NEYGT, NYGP Encourage in the AONB NE7.3 Resist development proposals AONB Unit, HDC, RDC Lead & On-going 1 that may affect key geodiversity sites. Advise NE8 Provide NE8.1 Assist farmers and land managers AONB Unit, CFE, Lead & On-going 1 assistance to to enter key sites, particularly those CLA, HDC, NE, NFU, Support farmers and land identified in this Plan as Natural Environment NYCC, RDC, TFA managers, to help Priority Sites, and other farmed land into them manage their appropriate agri-environment schemes. land sympathetically NE8.2 Provide a flexible package of assistance AONB Unit, HDC, Lead On-going 1 including advice, grant aid, direct works and NYCC, RDC management agreements, as appropriate, to enable owners to identify, manage or enhance biodiversity on their land. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 56 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year NE9 Ensure continued NE9.1 Participate in the LNP, to identify AONB Unit, HDC, LNP, Lead On-going 1 recognition of the opportunities for integrated projects that achieve NYCC, NYMNPA, RDC Howardian Hills as LNP and AONB Management Plan objectives. a priority area for biodiversity in North Yorkshire, as part of the NY&Y LNP Historic Environment HE1 Improve HE1.1 Re-assess the archaeology of the AONB Unit, EH, NYCC Support & 2, 3 2 understanding of AONB to create an up-to-date evidence Encourage the AONB’s historic base, better understand significant sites environment and and inform a research agenda. its significance HE1.2 Consider preparing a Statement EH, NYCC Support & 3 2 of Significance for the AONB. Encourage HE1.3 Carry out research projects to Community Groups, Support & On-going 2 address identified gaps in knowledge, EH, NYCC, Universities Encourage including rural industries, prehistoric burials, patterns of medieval settlement & farming and historic parklands. HE1.4 Carry out regular surveys of built AONB Unit, HDC, Advise & On-going 2 heritage to identify important or distinctive NYCC, RDC Support building groups, individual structures, architectural features and Buildings at Risk. HE1.5 Promote the recording of AONB Unit, HDC, Support On-going 2 local history and traditions. LEADER, RDC HE1.6 Encourage information to be recorded in AONB Unit, HDC, Support & On-going 1 the North Yorkshire Historic Environment Record. NYCC, RDC Encourage www.howardianhills.org.uk 57 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year HE2 Sustain HE2.1 Resist development proposals that AONB Unit, EH, Lead & On-going 1 and enhance the would be likely to harm the significance HDC, RDC Advise significance of the of the AONB’s heritage assets. AONB’s historic HE2.2 Consider introducing Article 4 HDC, JAC, RDC Support & 2 onwards 2 environment Directions for Conservation Areas in the Encourage AONB, to preserve historic character and prevent incremental damaging change. HE2.3 Establish a project to survey and AONB Unit, EH, Lead 1 1 manage Heritage at Risk in the AONB. HDC, NYCC, RDC HE2.4 Prepare conservation/management AONB Unit, EH, NYCC Support & On-going 2 plans for all designed landscapes. Encourage HE2.5 Provide a flexible package of assistance AONB Unit, EH, Lead On-going 1 including advice, grant aid and direct works, as HDC, NYCC, RDC appropriate, to assist owners with understanding and conserving the historic environment, particularly those features identified in this Plan as Historic Environment Priority Sites. HE2.6 Encourage farmers and land AONB Unit, EH, HDC, Lead & On-going 1 managers to enter archaeological features NE, NYCC, RDC Support and other historic assets into appropriate options in agri-environment schemes. HE2.7 Monitor developments in the AONB Unit, EH, Lead On-going 2 understanding of potential climate change HDC, NYCC, RDC impacts on historic environment features. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 58 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year HE3 Help local HE3.1 Publish criteria and provide assistance EH, HDC, JAC, RDC Lead & 2, 3 2 people to identify to enable local communities to identify Support the non-designated the non-designated heritage assets which heritage assets which contribute to the character of their area. contribute to the HE3.2 Support the development of site-based AONB Unit, EH, Support & 3 onwards 2 character of their management strategies to conserve and HDC, RDC Encourage area and support enhance important non-designated heritage the development assets identified by local communities. of management strategies for their conservation and enhancement LIVING AND WORKING IN THE HOWARDIAN HILLS Local Communities LC1 Assist local LC1.1 Lobby Government on relevant NAAONB, JAC, NYCC Lead On-going 1 communities with national rural issues, via the NAAONB. identifying and LC1.2 Work as appropriate with partner AONB Unit, CSP, Lead & On-going 1 implementing organisations to develop innovative projects H&WB, NYCC, Advise projects that maintain for delivering services to local communities. RAY, RVA and enhance LC1.3 Prepare/review Parish HDC, JAC, RAY, Encourage On-going 1 their character, Plans for AONB villages. RDC, RVA & Support sustainability and sense of community LC1.4 Implement projects contained in AONB Unit, HDC, Encourage On-going 1 Parish Plans or identified by communities. LEADER, RDC & Support LC2 Encourage LC2.1 Work with communities, local groups, AONB Unit, CLA, HDC, Lead & On-going 1 voluntary and businesses and land managers to encourage NEYEDC, NFU, NYCC, Encourage community partnership action for identifying, monitoring, PCs, RDC, Schools, engagement with managing, raising awareness of, accessing and TCV, Volunteers, YWT the local natural and enjoying the natural and historic environment. historic environment of the AONB www.howardianhills.org.uk 59 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year Agriculture AG1 Encourage the AG1.1 Lobby Government, via the CLA, JAC, NAAONB, Lead 1 1 development and NAAONB, to ensure that satisfactory rural NFU, NYCC, TFA uptake of Government support mechanisms and agri-environment support mechanisms schemes emerge from CAP reform. that achieve AG1.2 Investigate Payment for AONB Unit, CLA, NE, Lead On-going 2 sustainable farm Ecosystems Services schemes and NFU, NYMNPA, TFA and rural business assess their potential for the AONB. development AG1.3 Lobby to ensure that the Howardian HDC, JAC, NYCC, RDC Lead On-going 1 Hills AONB remains a priority area for funding from Government agencies. AG2 Support farm AG2.1 Provide specialist advice and ‘sign- AONB Unit, HDC, Lead On-going 1 businesses in the posting’ on conservation grants and NYMNPA, RDC, YFWP AONB by providing countryside management within the AONB. advice and appropriate AG2.2 Provide a flexible package of assistance AONB Unit, HDC, Lead On-going 1 assistance including advice, grant aid and direct works, as NYCC, RDC appropriate, for landscape conservation projects. AG3 Ensure high AG3.1 Support the construction of new AONB Unit, CLA, Lead & On-going 1 standards of design farm buildings and infrastructure where CPRE, HDC, NFU, RDC Advise and careful siting of these follow the principles set out in all new farm buildings the AONB New Agricultural Buildings and infrastructure & Infrastructure Design Guidance. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 60 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year Forestry and Woodland FW1 Ensure that FW1.1 Continue the consultation procedure FC, JAC Lead On-going 1 all woodland felling, between the JAC and Forestry Commission. management and creation proposals recognise the Special Qualities of the AONB FW2 Encourage FW2.1 Encourage woodland owners to AONB Unit, FC, Support & On-going 2 a multi-objective manage their woodlands in accordance NWDP, RFS Encourage approach to woodland with the UK Forestry Standard. management in FW2.2 Encourage woodland owners and AONB Unit, CLA, Support & On-going 1 the AONB managers to enter national grant schemes, to FC, NE, NFU, Encourage access the full range of appropriate grants. NWDP, RFS, WT FW3 Monitor and FW3.1 Keep up-to-date with information AONB Unit, FC, HDC, Lead On-going 1 manage the incidence on invasive woodland pests and NYCC, RDC, NWDP and impacts of diseases, in particular C. fraxinea, pests and diseases P. ramorum and muntjac deer. in the AONB FW3.2 Encourage vigilance and AONB Unit, CLA, FC, Lead & On-going 1 reporting of suspected sightings. HDC, NFU, NYCC, Encourage RDC, RFS, WT FW3.3 Carry out appropriate AONB Unit, CLA, Support On-going 1 mitigation strategies to manage the FC, HDC, NFU, impacts of pests and diseases. NYCC, RDC, RFS www.howardianhills.org.uk 61 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year FW4 Encourage FW4.1 Promote the incorporation of natural AONB Unit, FC, HDC, Advise & On-going 2 the use of known regeneration of appropriate native tree and NYCC, NWDP, RDC Encourage provenance trees and shrub species into restocking plans. shrubs when planting FW4.2 Promote the use of appropriate AONB Unit, FC, HDC, Advise & On-going 1 or re-stocking provenance nursery stock when restocking. NYCC, NWDP, RDC Encourage FW4.3 Work with local forest nurseries to AONB Unit, Castle Support On-going 1 ensure that adequate quantities of local Howard, NWDP, RDC provenance material are available. FW5 Encourage new FW5.1 Use forestry grant procedures to AONB Unit, FC, Advise On-going 1 areas of woodland advise on the siting and design of new HDC, NWDP, RDC where these would areas of woodland, within the guidance conserve or enhance provided by the Landscape Management the Special Qualities of & Priority Sites section of this Plan. the AONB or improve habitat networks FW6 Encourage FW6.1 Support the development AONB Unit, FC, HDC, Support & On-going 1 the continued of a local woodfuel market. LEP, NYCC, RDC, Encourage development of RFS, Yorwoods markets for wood FW6.2 Encourage the use of timber from AONB Unit, LEP, Support & On-going 2 and timber the AONB in local industries, e.g. furniture RFS, Yorwoods Encourage making, traditional building restoration, etc. FW7 Encourage FW7.1 Lobby for grant incentives that Defra, FC, JAC, Advise & 1 1 the development realistically assist with priority work within NAAONB Support of grant and advice the AONB to be included in the next mechanisms that Rural Development Programme. achieve AONB FW7.2 Support the continuation and evolution FC, JAC, NYMNPA, Support & On-going 1 Management of the Native Woodland Development Project. RFS, WT Encourage Plan objectives for woodland management

Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian and creation 62 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year Development & Rural Economy D1 Ensure that any D1.1 Ensure that all relevant Plans, Strategies AONB Unit, Defra, Lead & On-going 1 new development and Policies recognise, protect and, HDC, NE, NYCC, RDC Advise is compatible with where appropriate, enhance the Special the aims of AONB Qualities of the AONB and its setting. designation and D1.2 Maintain effective consultation HDC, JAC, NYCC, RDC Lead & On-going 1 has regard to arrangements between Local Planning Advise social, economic Authorities and the Joint Advisory Committee. and environmental sustainability D2 Encourage high D2.1 Ensure consistent high-quality AONB Unit, HDC, RDC Advise On-going 1 standards in both rural design standards covering the the design of new whole AONB, including building design, development within materials and green infrastructure. the AONB and the D2.2 Encourage communities to prepare AONB Unit, HDC, Encourage On-going 2 management of Village Design Statements, to guide PCs, RAY, RDC & Support existing buildings/ the design of future development. features D2.3 Provide guidance on sustainable AONB Unit, HDC, RDC Support On-going 2 building restoration techniques, including energy conservation measures. D2.4 Consider undertaking appraisals to Community Groups, Encourage On-going 2 enable the designation of new Conservation HDC, PCs, RDC & Support Areas and the enhancement of existing ones. www.howardianhills.org.uk 63 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year D3 Encourage D3.1 In co-operation with landowners AONB Unit, HDC, RDC Lead & On-going 2 the mitigation of and developers, encourage local Encourage intrusive features, to enhancement works to mitigate the impact enhance the local of visually intrusive developments. landscape character D3.2 Continue liaison arrangements AONB Unit, HDC, Lead & On-going 1 and tranquillity with Northern Powergrid, to prioritise NPG, NYCC, RDC Advise of the AONB and implement the undergrounding of electricity cables in prominent locations. D3.3 Maintain links with BT Openreach, AONB Unit, NAAONB, Lead & On-going 1 to encourage the undergrounding of Openreach Encourage telephone cables in prominent locations. D3.4 Resist developments that increase AONB Unit, CPRE, Lead & On-going 1 the impact of light or noise pollution HDC, NYCC, RDC Advise on the AONB or its setting. D4 Support D4.1 Resist any large-scale minerals- CPRE, HDC, JAC, Lead & On-going 1 appropriate minerals- working operations which are not NYCC, RDC Advise working proposals compatible with AONB objectives. which conserve and D4.2 Support appropriate proposals for small- AONB Unit, BGS, EH, Advise & On-going 1 enhance the Special scale quarrying of stone for local uses and HDC, NYCC, RDC Support Qualities of the AONB to assist with repairs to heritage assets. D4.3 Safeguard/obtain supplies of suitable AONB Unit, NYCC Lead On-going 1 local stone for drystone wall restoration. D5 Support D5.1 Provide advice and guidance on AONB Unit, HDC, RDC Lead & On-going 1 appropriate renewable renewable energy technologies and installations Support energy installations likely to be appropriate in the AONB. that do not have D5.2 Support appropriate proposals AONB Unit, CPRE, Advise & On-going 1 adverse impacts on that follow the ‘4 Rights’ – Technology, HDC, NYCC, RDC Support the Special Qualities Scale, Place and Design. of the AONB D5.3 Promote the benefits of appropriate AONB Unit, HDC, RDC Lead On-going 2

Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian renewable energy developments and demonstrate examples of 64 ‘best practice’ projects. Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year D6 Support rural D6.1 Promote access to and the provision AONB Unit, HDC, Support On-going 1 business, local of ICT, business and rural skills advice, LANTRA, LEADER, employment/training courses, demonstrations, etc. LEP, RDC, YAS and farm diversification D6.2 Encourage local businesses to AONB Unit, LEADER, Encourage On-going 1 activities that do develop appropriate new enterprises. LEP, HDC, RDC & Support not have adverse D6.3 Maintain a positive approach AONB Unit, HDC, Lead & On-going 1 impacts on the Special to planning control for appropriate NYCC, RDC Advise Qualities of the AONB farm diversification projects. D6.4 Support appropriate proposals AONB Unit, HDC, Advise & On-going 1 to re-use both traditional and modern NYCC, RDC Support farm buildings, where their historic and wildlife value can be safeguarded. D6.5 Support appropriate proposals for AONB Unit, HDC, Advise & On-going 1 developing new workspace within the AONB. NYCC, RDC Support D7 Encourage the D7.1 Support the provision of high-speed AONB Unit, CPRE, Advise & On-going 1 expansion of modern broadband and mobile phone installations HDC, NYNET, RDC Support telecommunications that do not have adverse impacts on technology, whilst the Special Qualities of the AONB. safeguarding the Special Qualities and tranquillity of the AONB D8 Encourage the D8.1 Maintain up-to-date information HDC, RDC Support On-going 1 increased provision of on housing needs within the AONB. local-needs/affordable D8.2 Promote the potential benefits AONB Unit, HDC, RDC Lead & On-going 2 housing in the AONB of local-needs housing to AONB Support farmers, landowners and residents. www.howardianhills.org.uk 65 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year Roads, Transport and Traffic Management RT1 Encourage RT1.1 Support appropriate proposals AONB Unit, HA, Encourage On-going 2 solutions to specific for a full-movement interchange NYCC, RDC & Support traffic routing issues in at the A64/B1257 junction. and around the AONB, RT1.2 Monitor freight issues in the AONB, to AONB Unit, Support & On-going 2 to discourage through- identify any patterns in HCV through-traffic. Communities, HDC, Encourage traffic and ensure that NYCC, RDC other traffic uses the RT1.3 Encourage measures to address any AONB Unit, HDC, Advise & On-going 2 most appropriate route issues raised during freight monitoring. NYCC, RDC Support RT2 Support RT2.1 In line with the Road Safety CSPs, NYCC, NYP Encourage On-going 2 initiatives to monitor Partnership speed management protocol, and address traffic carry out speed-checks in identified and driver behaviour locations to investigate reported issues. issues in the AONB RT2.2 Consider organising local events that AONB Unit, NYCC, Encourage On-going 2 examine and address traffic and driver behaviour NYP, RAY & Support issues, in identified problem locations. RT3 Promote the RT3.1 Identify transport service, infrastructure AONB Unit, Advise & On-going 1 use of sustainable and accessibility improvements. Communities, HDC, Support modes of transport NYCC, RAY, RDC as alternatives to RT3.2 Develop and implement identified Communities, HDC, Encourage On-going 1 the private car measures as appropriate. NYCC, RAY, RDC RT3.3 Promote the availability of alternative AONB Unit, HDC, Lead & On-going 1 transport services in AONB literature, in NYCC, NYMNPA, RDC Support local villages and at visitor attractions. RT3.4 Ensure that the next Local Transport AONB Unit, NYCC Advise 2 onwards 1 Plan for North Yorkshire contributes to the implementation of AONB Management Plan Objectives, where appropriate. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 66 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year RT4 Maintain the RT4.1 Continue liaison arrangements AONB Unit, NYCC Lead & On-going 1 existing rural character between the Joint Advisory Committee Encourage of the road network and highway authority (and its agents) in the AONB for all proposals in the AONB. RT4.2 Distribute the Howardian Hills Area Profile AONB Unit, NYCC Lead 1 1 to relevant teams within the highway authority. RT4.3 Identify examples of road sign AONB Unit, NYCC Lead & On-going 2 clutter and seek improvements. Encourage RT4.4 Ensure that the specific locations AONB Unit, HDC, Lead & 1 1 of historic roadside furniture are recorded NYCC, RDC Support on the National Street Gazetteer. RT4.5 Ensure that traditional direction signs, AONB Unit, EH, Lead & On-going 1 mileposts and other historic structures HDC, NYCC, RDC Support within and adjacent to the highway are maintained and appropriately managed. RT5 Ensure that RT5.1 Ensure that improvements to the CoYC, JAC, NYCC, Support On-going 1 any proposals for A64 (to enhance road safety, accessibility RDC, SBC improvement of and journey-time reliability) have regard the A64 trunk road to the Special Qualities of the AONB. through the AONB RT5.2 Monitor future proposals and provide AONB Unit, Advise On-going 1 are fully justified and comments to the Highways Agency. NYCC, RDC adopt appropriate local standards of design. Taking account of significant safety concerns, proposals should aim to make maximum use of the existing road alignment and have minimum environmental impact. www.howardianhills.org.uk 67 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year ENJOYING THE AONB Recreation, Access & Tourism RA1 Encourage RA1.1 Use planning policies to support AONB Unit, HDC, RDC Advise & On-going 1 sustainable appropriate recreational business developments. Support recreational activities RA1.2 Monitor the levels and sustainability AONB Unit, HDC, RDC Lead & On-going 2 that do not conflict of recreational activities within the AONB. Encourage with the Special Qualities of the AONB RA2 Promote the RA2.1 Work with local partner organisations AONB Unit, Lead & On-going 1 attractions and to promote sustainable tourism and HDC, LEADER, Support Special Qualities of the recreational activities in the Howardian Hills. NYMNPA, RDC AONB to encourage RA2.2 Develop and implement initiatives AONB Unit, HDC, Lead & On-going 1 sustainable use and to encourage Under-Represented H&WB, LEADER, Support support the local Groups to enjoy the AONB. RA, RDC visitor economy Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 68 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year RA3 Maintain and RA3.1 Ensure the maintenance AONB Unit, CLA, Encourage On-going 1 improve both the and improvement of path furniture NFU, NYCC & Support condition and network in the AONB, as appropriate. of Public Rights of RA3.2 Liaise with local landowners AONB Unit, CLA, Encourage On-going 1 Way in the AONB to quickly rectify identified path NFU, NYCC & Support condition problems, including seasonal overgrowth and ploughing/cropping. RA3.3 Carry out path improvements, particularly AONB Unit, FC, Advise & On-going 2 via management measures such as ride- HDC, NYCC, RDC Support widening and the use of alternative routes. RA3.4 Ensure the correct identification NYCC Encourage On-going 2 of all Public Rights of Way routes on & Support the Definitive Map by 2026. RA3.5 Bring ‘missing routes’ and ‘route AONB Unit, BHS, HDC, Lead & On-going 1 status inconsistencies’ to the attention of the NYCC, RA, RDC Support highway authority and lobby for action. RA3.6 Support appropriate Public Rights of AONB Unit, BHS, Advise & On-going 2 Way diversion, creation and extinguishment NYCC, RA Support orders/agreements in response to particular local issues or to improve the local network. RA3.7 Encourage the creation of new AONB Unit, BHS, HDC, Advise & On-going 1 access routes/areas where the Public NYCC, RA, RDC Support Rights of Way network is less developed. www.howardianhills.org.uk 69 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year RA4 Carry out RA4.1 Carry out small-scale management AONB Unit, HDC, Lead On-going 1 recreational works as necessary, particularly on sites NYCC, RDC management used for car parking and those identified measures as in this Plan as Recreation Priority Sites. appropriate, to RA4.2 Use planning and other policy AONB Unit, BCU, RDC Advise & On-going 1 enhance enjoyment controls to discourage unsustainable Support by the public and recreational use of the Derwent valley. address local issues RA4.3 Encourage low-key countryside AONB Unit, FC, Advise & On-going 2 management works to improve recreation LEADER Support management on Forestry Commission land. RA4.4 Encourage the development/use AONB Unit, HDC, NYP, Lead On-going 1 of designated village parking areas and PCs, RDC, Village Halls toilet facilities by recreational visitors. RA4.5 Monitor the levels of litter and fly-tipping AONB Unit, HDC, RDC Advise & On-going 1 within the AONB and take action as appropriate. Support RA5 Develop routes RA5.1 Identify appropriate routes, linked AONB Unit, HDC, Lead & On-going 1 within the AONB for to public transport where possible. NYCC, RA, RDC Support different user groups RA5.2 Identify and develop easy-access AONB Unit, HDC, Lead & On-going 1 and provide self- paths to enable less agile users to NYCC, RA, RDC Support guided information access the countryside in the AONB. RA5.3 Publish guide leaflets and AONB Unit, BHS, Lead & On-going 1 information in a variety of formats as HDC, H&WB, Support appropriate, to encourage usage. NYCC, RA, RDC Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 70 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year AWARENESS AND PROMOTION AP1 Maintain AP1.1 Maintain the existing ‘gateway AONB Unit, HA, NYCC Lead On-going; 2 1 awareness and signs’ on roads entering the AONB and understanding of the seek to install signs on the A64. AONB designation, AP1.2 Provide information on the AONB Unit, HDC, Lead On-going 1 its importance and work of the JAC via various publicity NYCC, RDC the role of the Joint mechanisms, as appropriate. Advisory Committee AP1.3 Maintain a public profile in the local AONB Unit, HDC, Lead On-going 1 media and at appropriate local events/shows. NYCC, RDC AP2 Promote AP2.1 Publish and distribute information about AONB Unit, Lead On-going 1 awareness of the the AONB at popular visitor destinations, in Communities, HDC, Special Qualities village shops and in visitor accommodation. Local businesses, of the AONB RDC, WtY AP2.2 Deliver guided walks, talks and AONB Unit, CLA, Lead & On-going 1 demonstrations to explain the Special FC, NE, NFU, Support Qualities of the AONB and promote RFS, TFA, YAS appropriate management techniques. AP2.3 Continue a programme of activities with AONB Unit, YAS, YWT Lead & On-going 1 local schools, young people and communities. Support www.howardianhills.org.uk 71 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year PUTTING THE PLAN INTO ACTION Implementation IM1 Consolidate IM1.1 Seek appropriate sources of JAC, HDC, Lead On-going 1 and develop funding funding and assistance to implement NYCC, RDC and partnership Management Plan Objectives. mechanisms to IM1.2 Continue partnership arrangements JAC, HDC, NYCC, Lead On-going 1 achieve Management with the North York Moors National NYMNPA, RDC Plan objectives Park Authority, as appropriate. IM1.3 Involve volunteers wherever AONB Unit, Lead On-going 1 possible, to assist with the delivery of Community Groups, appropriate tasks and activities. HDC, H&WB, NT, NYCC, PCs, RDC IM2 Ensure that the IM2.1 Monitor the business requirements AONB Unit, NYCC Lead On-going 1 AONB partnership and model of the AONB partnership and has a robust business identify improvements as appropriate. model that is resilient IM2.2 Incorporate suggested improvements JAC Lead Annual 1 to future challenges into the annual Action Programme and Budget approval processes. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 72 Objective Action Delivery Partner/s Role of Frequency/ Priority JAC Year Monitoring MN1 Monitor the MN1.1 Report annual progress on achievement AONB Unit, EA, FC, Lead Annual 1 performance of the of Management Plan Objectives to the HDC, NE, NYCC, RDC AONB partnership JAC, AONB Partnership and public. and AONB unit MN1.2 Monitor the performance of the JAC Lead Annual 2 AONB Partnership using the Natural England Partnership Indicators. MN2 Monitor the MN2.1 Develop a robust mechanism for AONB Unit, EH, HDC, Lead 1, 2 1 condition of the AONB assessing the Condition of the non-designated NEYEDC, NYCC, RDC Priority Sites identified in this Plan. MN2.2 Establish baseline data for AONB Unit, HDC, Lead 2 1 the AONB Condition Indicators. NYCC, RDC MN2.3 Compile a ‘State of the AONB’ AONB Unit, Lead 2 1 Report, including the AONB Condition Communities, HDC, Indicators, the Framework for Monitoring NYCC, PCs, RDC Environmental Outcomes in Protected Areas and any other relevant statistics. MN2.4 Maintain a ‘fixed-point photography’ AONB Unit, Volunteers Lead 1, 2 1 system for monitoring visual landscape change. www.howardianhills.org.uk 73 Data source copyright statements

Where statistics are credited in the Management Plan as Natural England, Forestry Commission, Environment Agency or English Heritage 2013, these are supplied under the Framework for Monitoring Environmental Outcomes in Protected Landscapes project, to further the statutory purposes of National Parks, AONBs and the Broads.

They are subject to the terms of use of the Natural England Open Government Licence, as published at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/Images/open-government-licence-NE_tcm6-30744.pdf

In addition: • Natural England statistics are © Natural England copyright 2013. • Forestry Commission statistics are © Forestry Commission copyright [2013]. • Environment Agency statistics are supplied under the terms of the Environment Agency Standard Notice. Contains Environment Agency information © Environment Agency and database right. • English Heritage statistics are © English Heritage [2013]. • Data on tranquillity mapping is Copyright: National Tranquillity Mapping Data 2006 developed for the Campaign to Protect Rural England and Natural England by the University of Northumbria. OS Licence number 100018881. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 74 Glossary

Term used and Definition/Explanation • Biodiversity • Affordable Housing The common term for “biological diversity”, the variety of life Low cost housing for sale or rent, often from a housing and the natural processes of which living things are a part. association, provided to meet the needs of local people who The term includes living organisms, the genetic differences cannot afford accommodation through the open market. between them and the communities in which they occur. • Agri-environment Schemes • Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) A generic term for schemes operated by Defra, A plan, programme or strategy for the conservation and sustainable designed to encourage environmentally friendly farming use of biodiversity. Biodiversity Action Plans are a key means and public enjoyment of the countryside. by which the UK Government commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity at Rio de Janeiro (1992) is to be met. • Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) An Ancient Woodland Site, believed to have had continuous • Biodiversity 2020 (BD2020) woodland cover since 1600AD, composed principally of The UK Government’s strategy for implementing international native tree species that have not obviously been planted. and EU commitments on biodiversity in England. Prepared in 2010, it sets out the strategic direction for biodiversity policy for • Ancient tree the next decade on land (including rivers and lakes) and at sea. An ‘ancient’ tree will display many of the wildlife and habitat features of a ‘veteran’ tree but is in the third and final stage of its life. It will • Climate change have passed beyond full maturity and the crown will be reducing The anticipated impact of modern human activity on the in size, shedding redundant parts and accumulating dead wood. global environment, leading to a rise in temperatures in the UK, with additional environmental consequences. • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) An area designated under the National Parks and Access • Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to the Countryside Act 1949 where the primary purpose A European Union-wide policy that supports agriculture is the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty through price support, market management and including flora, fauna, geology and landscape. measures to improve the agriculture industry. www.howardianhills.org.uk 75 • Condition monitoring • Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Monitoring the condition of the AONB to assess changes The central government body with the aim of sustainable over time. Differs from performance monitoring that development, which means a better quality of life for everyone, monitors completion of actions, etc within the Plan. now and for generations to come, including: a better • Conservation Area environment at home and internationally, and sustainable Defined by Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings use of natural resources; economic prosperity through & Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as an area of special sustainable farming, fishing, food, water and other industries architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance that meet consumers’ requirements; thriving economies and of which is desirable to preserve or enhance. communities in rural areas and a countryside for all to enjoy. • Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act (2000) • Ecosystems services This contains measures to improve public access to the open These can be simply described as the benefits people obtain from countryside and registered common land while recognising ecosystems. These include: provisioning services (food and water); the legitimate interests of those who own and manage the land regulating services (flood and disease control); cultural services concerned; it amends the law relating to rights of way; it amends (such as spiritual and cultural benefits); and supporting services the law relating to nature conservation by strengthening protection (such as nutrient cycling that maintains conditions for life on Earth). for Sites of Special Scientific Interest including tougher penalties • Geomorphology and by providing extra powers for the prosecution of wildlife crime; The branch of physical geography which deals with the form it provides a basis for the conservation of biological diversity; and of the earth, the general configuration of its surface and the it provides for better management of Areas of Outstanding Natural distribution of land and water, etc, together with the natural Beauty, including the requirement for local authorities to produce processes that contribute to the evolution of landscapes. AONB management plans every five years and places a duty on • Geodiversity public bodies to have regard to the purposes of AONB designation. The variety of rocks, minerals, fossils, soils, landforms and natural processes. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 76 • Green infrastructure • Historic Environment Record (HER) A network of multi-functional green space, both new and existing, A database of sites of archaeological interest and both rural and urban, which supports the natural and ecological potential within a particular area, usually a county. processes and is integral to the health and quality of life of • Historic Parks and Gardens sustainable communities. Green Infrastructure includes parks, open Parks and Gardens containing historic features dating spaces, playing fields, woodlands, allotments and private gardens. from 1939 or earlier and Registered by English Heritage • Habitat in three Grades, as with historic buildings. A place in which a particular plant or animal lives, or the wider • Invasive non-native species interaction of plants and animals that are found together. A plant or animal species that has either been transported • Highway Authority accidentally through human activity, or purposefully The Highways Act 1980 defines a Highway Authority as the introduced, from their historically known native range into body responsible for maintaining all highways maintainable at new ecosystems where they did not evolve, and which public expense and keeping them free of obstruction, including subsequently have adverse impacts on native flora and fauna. responsibility for public rights of way. The Highway Authority • Landscape in the Howardian Hills is North Yorkshire County Council. An area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result • Heritage asset of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors. A building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified • Landscape Assessment as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in A non-statutory document setting out the special qualities of planning decisions, because of its heritage interest. Heritage the landscape, tracing its evolution and forces for change. assets include both designated heritage assets and also assets • Landscape character identified by the local planning authority (including via local listing). A distinct, recognisable and consistent pattern of • Historic environment elements in the landscape that makes one landscape All aspects of the environment resulting from the interaction different from another, rather than better or worse. between people and places through time, including all surviving physical remains of past human activity, whether visible, buried or submerged, and landscaped and planted or managed flora. www.howardianhills.org.uk 77 • Landscape Character Area • Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) A unique individual geographical area in which landscape types Partnerships between local authorities and businesses. They occur, which share generic characteristics with other areas aim to determine local economic priorities and undertake of the same type but have their own particular identity. activities to drive economic growth and create jobs. • Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) • Local Nature Partnership (LNP) The process of identifying and describing variation in the Partnerships of a broad range of local organisations, character of the landscape, and using this information to assist in businesses and people who aim to manage and bring managing change. The assessment seeks to identify and explain about improvements in their local natural environment. the unique combination of elements and features that make • Local Planning Authority (LPA) landscapes distinctive. The process results in the production of The Local Authority, normally the local borough or district council, a Landscape Character Assessment (also shortened to LCA). which is empowered by law to exercise planning functions. • Landscape feature • Local Transport Plan A prominent eye-catching element, e.g. A plan produced by the Highway Authority setting out future wooded hill top or church spire. proposals for transport infrastructure over the following 5 • Listed Building years and attracting possible Government funding. A building of architectural or historical importance, graded • National Character Area (NCA) according to its merit (I, II*, II) and subject to special controls. Developed by Natural England, these divide England into 159 • Local Authority distinct natural areas. Each is defined by a unique combination of An administrative unit of local government, specifically any landscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and cultural and economic body listed in Section 270 of the Local Government Act 1972 or activity. Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape Section 21(1) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. rather than administrative boundaries, making them a good • Local Distinctiveness decision-making framework for the natural environment. Essentially the sum of points of connection between the place and the person. It is an expression of how landscapes are valued as places which have a distinctiveness and significance that communities cherish as their own and seek to find alternatives to the spread of uniformity in the countryside. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 78 • Natural England • Planted Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) The non-departmental public body of the UK government Ancient Woodland Sites in which the former tree cover responsible for ensuring that England’s natural environment, has been replaced, often with non-native trees. PAWS including its land, flora and fauna, freshwater and marine often retain important ancient woodland features including environments, geology and soils, are protected and characteristic flora, fauna and archaeology. improved. It also has a responsibility to help people enjoy, • Priority Habitats and Species understand and access the natural environment. Habitats and species listed under Section 41 of the Natural • National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006. Published by the Department of Communities and Local • Public Right of Way (PRoW) Government in March 2012 for use in England. A 65 page A route where the public has a right to walk, and in some document, with a 27 page Technical Guidance appendix, it replaced cases ride horses, bicycles, motorcycles, wheeled carriages nearly thirty Planning Policy Statements (PPS) and Planning or drive motor vehicles, which is designated either a footpath, Policy Guidance Notes (PPG) running to over 1,300 pages. a bridleway, Restricted Byway, Carriage or Cart Road used • Parkland mainly as a Footpath or Bridleway or a byway open to all traffic A large piece of ground usually comprising woodland, (BOAT). These are shown on the ‘Definitive Map’ held be the pasture and formal gardens, currently or once Highway Authority. A route may also have higher rights e.g. attached to a country house or mansion. be a County Road or other Highway; or simply be incorrectly • Permanent pasture signed or waymarked and/or have private rights of access. Any pasture composed of perennial or self-seeding • Public Transport annual plants kept indefinitely for grazing. Methods of transporting passengers including buses, • Permissive path trains and taxis, but not including car passengers. A route where the landowner has granted permission for • Renewable energy public use, usually for foot access but occasionally for horse Energy generated from resources that are non-fossil riders, but which is not dedicated as a public right of way. fuels, and are unlimited, rapidly replenished or naturally renewable such as wind, water, sun, wave and refuse. Thus the technology includes wind turbines, wave generators, biofuels, solar power, wood fuel burners and boilers, etc. www.howardianhills.org.uk 79 • Scheduled Monument (SM) • Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) A structure identified by English Heritage for protection under A site which is important due to the presence of notable the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. species or an important habitat. SINCs form part of a wider • Setting national network of non-statutory locally valued wildlife The surroundings in which a valued area, site, building sites and are generally administered by local authorities or feature is experienced. Its extent is not fixed and may in partnership with conservation organisations. change as the asset and its surroundings evolve. • Special Qualities • Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) The unique set of characteristic features/landscape character for An area identified by Natural England under the National Parks and which an area of countryside is deemed worthy of designation as Access to the Countryside Act 1949 for protection by reason of the an AONB or National Park. The Special Qualities of the Howardian rarity of its nature conservation, wildlife features or geological interest. Hills AONB are fully described on p8 of the Management Plan. • Special Area of Conservation (SAC) • Statutory Undertaker A site designated according to the Habitats Directive 93/43/EEC on An organisation authorised by statute or licensed by central the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora. SAC government to perform various public undertakings. Section 98 of defines a site of Community Importance designated by member the Environmental Protection Act 1990 defines a statutory undertaker states through a statutory, administrative and/or contractual act, as any person authorised by any enactment to carry out any railway, where the necessary conservation measures are applied for the light railway, tramway, road transport, canal, inland navigation, maintenance or restoration, at a favourable conservation status, dock, harbour or pier undertaking or any relevant airport operator. of the natural habitats and/or the populations of the species for The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 defines as Statutory which the site is designated. All SACs in the UK are SSSIs. Undertakers all utilities namely electricity, gas, water, telephone, cable telephone, television and other telecommunications companies. Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 80 • Sustainable Development The widely used definition is “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. • Tranquillity A composite feature which seeks to characterise elements of wildness, solitude, peace and quiet, relating principally to low levels of built development, traffic, noise and artificial lighting. • Utilities Organisations performing a public service i.e. water, gas, electricity, etc. • Veteran tree A ‘veteran’ tree is usually in the second or mature stage of its life, generally with a full crown but also having important wildlife and habitat features such as hollowing or associated decay fungi, holes, wounds and large dead branches. The term ‘veteran’ generally refers to old trees but can also include younger, middle-aged trees where premature aging characteristics are present. • Village Design Statement A document produced by a community to identify local character and set out design guidance for new development. www.howardianhills.org.uk 81 Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 Howardian 82 www.howardianhills.org.uk 83 Photographs © AONB Unit (Paul Jackson & Liz Bassindale) Except: © Hovingham Estate: p29 (top)

Produced on behalf of North Yorkshire County Council, Hambleton District Council and Ryedale District Council by:

HOWARDIAN HILLS AONB JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE The Mews, Wath Court, Hovingham, York. YO62 4NN

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