Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 Contents 4

Contents 3

Land of Oak & Iron –Something for Everyone

Chairman's Forward 4 Executive Summary 6

1 Introduction 10

2 The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership 13

3 Why This Area 19

4 What Will Happen – Our Projects 55

5 How Will This Be Delivered 72

6 Threats and Risks to the Land of Oak & Iron 85

7 Sustainability, Legacy and Exit Strategy 96

8 Appendix 99

Document Information

Lead organisation and address Groundwork NE & Cumbria Durham Office The Greenhouse Greencroft Industrial Park Annfield Plain Stanley County Durham DH9 7XN Enquiries may be addressed to Lisa Stephenson

Phone number 01207 524 865

Email address [email protected]

Project reference number NE045

Title Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership Lead Author Lisa Stephenson—Groundwork NE & Cumbria

Contributing Authors Paul Scott — Gateshead Council

Document Reviewer Vicky Cuthbertson—Groundwork NE & Cumbria

Document Status Public

Review Status Complete

Approval Status Final

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 Contents 4

Land of Oak & Iron –Something for Everyone

Chairman's Forward 5 Executive Summary 6

1 Introduction 10

2 The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership 13

3 Why This Area 19

4 What Will Happen – Our Projects 55

5 How Will This Be Delivered 72

6 Threats and Risks to the Land of Oak & Iron 85

7 Sustainability, Legacy and Exit Strategy 96

8 Appendix 99

Document Information

Phone number 01207 524 865

Email address [email protected]

Project reference number NE045

Title Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership Lead Author Lisa Stephenson

Contributing Authors Paul Scott — Gateshead Council

Document Reviewer Vicky Cuthbertson

Document Status Public

Review Status Complete

Approval Status Final

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 1 Chairman’s Forward 5

Chairman’s Forward

Our vision for the Land of Oak & Iron is to work with local communities and partners to celebrate, conserve and enhance our natural, industrial and cultural heritage in an area stretching from the Derwent reservoir to the River Tyne. Through this, we will create a legacy of regeneration and local economic development.

Success will see our heritage assets brought back to life and appreciated not only by local residents but existing and new visitors to the area. The starting point is the extensive historical network of waggonways and footpaths, they will be selectively repaired and new connections created in order to increase usage and access to a variety of existing and improved heritage features. This exciting programme of work includes the likes of Allensford Blast Furnace, Derwentcote Steel Furnace and Whinfield Beehive Coke Ovens - some of the earliest and most complete examples of the world-leading iron and steel industry –once integral to the area’s prosperity.

The area is home to distinctive rivers and woodlands which will provide the backdrop for educating, engaging and training local residents – working closely with schools, local groups, partners and business.

These skills will help to reinvigorate the tourist market through the promotion of activities such as walking and cycling – as well as cultural opportunities around poetry, music, art and dance.

Raising the profile and promoting the Land of Oak & Iron is central to our approach. We have started to develop strategic partnerships with a network of businesses, sponsors, champions, and individuals who are passionate about our area and want to help us spread the word and champion our cause.

These partnerships will help us to attract funding from Europe and other sources supporting the creation of new enterprises and business opportunities. A new Gateway Heritage Centre will be one of our flagship projects showcasing the distinctiveness of the Land of Oak & Iron.

Working collaboratively and instigating innovation is at the heart of our approach with the ultimate ambition to create a self-sustaining entity for the Land of Oak & Iron to continue this work once HLF funding has come to an end.

John Rundle Chairman Land of Oak & Iron

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 Executive Summary —Something for Everyone Executive Summary —Something for Everyone 7

Land of Oak & Iron –Something for Everyone

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership Celebrating Heritage Creating Opportunities

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership; working with local communities to celebrate, conserve and enhance our natural, industrial and cultural heritage. The area stretches from the Derwent Reservoir to the River Tyne. Together the partners will deliver a legacy of job creation, tourism, regeneration and economic benefits.

Map 1: Land of Oak & Iron

Underpinned by the wealth of minerals, abundance of woodlands, water power from the River Derwent, and infrastructure from waggonways and railways, the Land of Oak & Iron was once home to a variety of innovative industries including world leading iron and steel making. Spanning the 16th -20th centuries this produced a landscape rich in natural, industrial and cultural heritage. The industrial developments attracted significant wealth, large settlements and the development of a vibrant dance, music and literary scene. Today there are some nationally and globally significant remains of the industry, a distinctive natural landscape and fascinating culture, but it is a landscape and heritage that is at risk of loss.

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 Executive Summary —Something for Everyone 8

To achieve our vision the Partnership will deliver a £3.4 million programme with 14 interlinked projects from 2016- 2020, that will create opportunities for the long term sustainability of its heritage, people and communities.

Projects will be delivered around 3 themes of:

 Investing in Heritage - Rediscovering Lost Landscapes - identifying, enhancing and managing the little known natural and industrial heritage

 Investing in People – Forging a Stronger Future from the Past - investing in people to develop skills, learn about the heritage and volunteer time

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 Executive Summary —Our projects 9

This diagram provides an overview of the 14 interconnected projects that will be delivered as part of the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partner- ship. The projects have been aligned to each of our 3 themes, but the projects will not be delivered ‘in silos’, instead they will add value to each other cross cutting the individual themes.

The Land of Oak & Iron – Something for Everyone

Community Archaeology - To identify and record our innovative waggon ways and world leading industry.

Built Restoration – Improving the condition of our 4 remaining industrial relics; Whinfield Coke Ovens, Derwentcote Steel Furnace, Crowleys Investing in Dam and Allensford Blast Furnace. Heritage River Restoration – Improving the condition and management of the River Derwent by installing a fish pass and carrying out restoration activities.

Woodland Restoration – In the west, central and east of our area to bring them into better management.

Oak & Iron Skills – Training for young people and volunteers to ensure the skills needed to maintain heritage are available for the long term. Investing in People Educational Activities – Education about our exciting natural, industrial and cultural heritage for the children of the Land of Oak & Iron. Geology and Wildlife Surveyors –Volunteer opportunities to learn about our magnificent natural heritage.

Access for All – Providing better access and signage to our fascinating heritage enhancing the visitor experience

Investing in Creative Interpretation – On and offsite interpretation of our distinctive natural, industrial and cultural heritage enabling more and a wider Communities range of people to engage Go Green - Reducing environmental impacts through promoting sustainable transport.

Community Grants - Enabling more people to engage through funding for community driven projects

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 1 Introduction Introduction 11

1 Introduction

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership was established in 2013 when a number of public, private and third sector organisations came together to seek investment in the conservation, enhancement and celebration of this exciting area. After a successful Round 1 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid towards the end of 2013, the Partnership has evolved and now has a clear vision of what it will achieve by 2020.

Landscape Partnerships are HLF and partnership funded schemes that contribute to the heritage conservation of distinctive landscapes, creating a complete and balanced approach to their management at a landscape-scale. This ethos has provided a strong base for the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership to build upon in the establishment of our vision, production of this Landscape Character Action Plan (LCAP) and planning for our long- term sustainability.

The LCAP is a ‘manifesto’ for the Land of Oak & Iron. It presents the Partnership’s shared vision to celebrate heritage and create opportunities in the Land of Oak & Iron, identifying aspirations and a coherent strategy for the HLF funded period of 2016-2020 and beyond.

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership will deliver an integrated £3.4 million programme of 14 interconnected projects that achieve HLF’s outcomes for Heritage, People and Communities and meet the long term goal of effective landscape management, enhancing heritage and increasing prosperity. Natural and built heritage features will act as a ‘hook’ to engage communities; building on existing and generating new passion for the Land of Oak & Iron, to bring about lasting change.

The Partnership sees HLF funding as a driver, or ‘seed fund’ to inspire lasting change. The Land of Oak & Iron however, is more than just HLF funding. The Partnership has pledged to work together on initiatives beyond the immediate scope and resource of HLF, adding value and impact to the scheme, strengthening its legacy after lottery funding ends. It has an ambition to become established as an independent trust, based around the sustainable development of projects This will involve exploring the concept of an eco-museum, which uses the identity of a place to enhance landscape and heritage value, social and economic welfare of an area.

Supplementary information, supporting documents and results of surveys and feasibility studies relevant to the Land of Oak & Iron is available in the Appendix.

The LCAP is structured into three parts;

Part 1 - This document outlines the story of the Land of Oak & Iron, the Partnership’s visions and aims, tha Landscape Character, what will be delivered to protect, enhance and celebrate this character, how it will be delivered, threats, risks and the legacy the Land of Oak & Iron will create.

Part 2 - Provides more detailed non-technical summaries of the project activity.

Part 3 - Full Project Plans

I was born in the heart of Land of Oak and Iron so naturally I am very pleased to know that someone or this case an excellent small group of folk, is bringing the Beauty and Heritage of the area to the knowledge of others and also to remind locals and educate their children on the history within their villages. Local resident

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 Introduction 12

1.1 Acknowledgements

The Partnership is led by Groundwork NE & Cumbria and chaired by an independent volunteer who lives in the area. The Partnership Board includes Gateshead Council, Durham County Council, Northumberland County Council, Durham Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, North East Cultural Partnership, the Chair of the Pont Valley Network, SCA Hygiene and, PR Consultancy.

To produce this LCAP over 1,000 people and partners have been consulted. We would like to thank all of those that have been involved, from attending events and workshops to completing surveys; the local input into this scheme has been invaluable to take a community centred approach. This involvement has also ensured that the scheme is designed to complement all of the fantastic work that already takes place by committed and passionate volunteers in the area. The Land of Oak & Iron will help to bring together existing activity under one umbrella, joining it up and filling the gaps, making a larger impact at a landscape scale. To enable structured support and involvement from the community in designing and developing projects Natural, Cultural and Built heritage subgroups were established consisting of a wide range of organisations, community groups and expert individuals who have all helped to shape this scheme and ensure it reflects local need.

Thanks is also expressed to the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership Board, Natural, Cultural and Built heritage subgroups, various task and finish groups and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for all their support. Particular gratitude is expressed to John Rundle, the Chair of the Partnership for guiding the Board and development team, strengthening the vision and ensuring the development of a holistic scheme is produced

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 2 The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership 14

2 The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership

The Land of Oak & Iron Celebrating Heritage - Creating Opportunities

Working with local communities to celebrate, conserve and enhance our natural, industrial and cultural heritage. With partners, we will deliver a legacy of job creation, tourism, regeneration and economic benefits.

The Land of Oak & Iron is centred on the Derwent Valley, North East England. Set in the countryside to the west of Newcastle upon Tyne, it includes parts of the three Local Authorities of Gateshead, Durham and Northumberland. The area covers 177km2 and is home to approximately 112,000 people. One end is more rural, bordering the Derwent Reservoir and North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The boundary then follows the River Derwent down to the River Tyne where it is much more urban, bordering the edge of Newcastle and Gateshead town, including the Metro Centre. Although it is predominantly rural, the area has a number of larger towns and villages, including Consett, Shotley Bridge, Blaydon, Prudhoe, Ryton, Crawcrook and Winlaton Mill.

Map 2: Land of Oak & Iron Project Area

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership 15

The boundary has to be reflective of the landscape character of the area and is based on river catchments for the River Derwent and River Tyne. Where full river catchments are not included; the Lower Derwent Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and parts of the Tyne catchment, this is due to changing and different landscape characters to those within the Land of Oak & Iron.

Within the landscape of the Land of Oak & Iron the impacts of the industrial era are still visible today. The landscape character changes as you travel down the Derwent Valley; from moorlands on the edge of the North Pennies to the west, to the Tyne & Wear Lowland to the east. It is formed by a series of broad hills, separated by steep sided river valleys, scattered with woodlands, farm land, recreational and wetland areas near to where the River Derwent meets the River Tyne.

The project boundary has increased from the Round 1 bid to include a key aspect of industrial heritage and natural landscape which made the area unique; taking the total boundary size from 165km2 to 177km2. This includes two new areas with consistent landscape character, including;  The River Tyne catchment around Ryton due to it being a significant link for the industrial developments going from the Derwent Valley to export goods via the Tyne and the joined up woodland and green infrastructure corridors.  A small area of land in Northumberland that contains the National Trust Property, Cherryburn, due to its cultural significance as it is the birth place of one of the North Easts’ most famous artists, Thomas Bewick who drew heavily on the local landscape and industrial heritage to inspire his work.

2.1 Our Story, Our Heritage

The Land of Oak & Iron’s story is formed around its abundance of natural resources of wood, water, coal, lead and iron ore which created a landscape rich in natural, industrial and cultural heritage. Today its distinctive rural landscape consists of rolling hills, steep sided valleys, meandering rivers. It is scattered with pockets of ancient woodland, diverse habitats that attract a number of species and rare geological sites. However, this ‘natural’ landscape has been heavily influenced by the actions of man. From the shapes of the hill sides, to the types of woodlands and the flow of the river, over the last 900 years the Land of Oak & Iron’s landscape has evolved through the use of its natural resources to fuel industrial advancements.

2.1.1 Setting the scene – Our Heritage

The industrialisation of the area can be traced to 1150 with iron ore extraction and the transportation of lead down lead ways on the hillside to the Tyne. Later came early examples of coal mining in Whickham in the 1320s. However, it wasn’t until the 16th/17th Century when coal mining was joined by metal working, that the industry provided a major boost to the regional economy, and the area became nationally significant. The first recorded iron works in the area can be dated to 1545, along with stories of early day industrial espionage. The remains of one

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership 16

of the earliest examples of a blast furnace and iron smelting still exists today at Allensford Blast Furnace which was built in the late 17th century .

By 1620 the transport infrastructure started to develop with waggonways criss-crossing the river valleys and opening up the area to the import and export of goods via the River Tyne. Given, that it was such as small and relatively isolated area, remarkably it became the heart of British Sword making. The quality of natural resources, transport infrastructure and technical know-how attracted sword makers from Germany to Shotley Bridge, on the River Derwent towards the center of the area, in 1691. This however, was not as significant as Ambrose Crowley, an iron monger and early philanthropist who utilised the rich resources and transport networks to establish ironworks at Winlaton Mill and Swalwell on the Derwent nearer to the River Tyne. At one time this was Europe’s biggest industrial activity, a precursor to the 18/19th century factory systems which drove the national economy. Few physical relics of this industrial strength remain today

Key to the success of the industry was the availability and quality of coal to mine along with the ability to move coal over large distances. In the 17th - 18th Century, an innovative network of waggonways was developed to transport this coal to service the industrial growth. Later this turned into a larger transport infrastructure of railways which travelled down the valley to and from the Tyne.

Due to the rich resources and ability to transport raw materials and goods so easily, iron and steel industries developed throughout the area along with paper, corn and flour mills utilising the availability of water power from the river and abundance of local wood.

The last vestiges of industrial activity were the Consett Iron Company, Derwenthaugh Coke Works and the Spetchells chemical plant in Prudhoe which closed in 1980, 1986 and 1963 respectively and can still be remembered today.

Few physical remains can be still seen today. Those that are left include Allensford Blast Furnace in Northumberland, and a Dam and Mill Race from Crowley’s Iron Works at Winlaton Mill, but few people know about these. Also remaining is Derwentcote Steel Furnace in Durham near Hamsterely Mill, the most complete example of a cementation furnace in the country and, parts of Whinfield Beehive Coke Ovens which were the last beehive coke ovens operate in Britain producing coke from high quality coals from the Victoria Garesfield and Watergate Collieries in Gateshead. These will be conserved, enhanced and celebrated within the Land of Oak & Iron.

2.1.2 Fascinating People

The industry attracted significant wealth, large settlements and gentrification of the area with the construction of large stately homes such as Gibside and Axwell Hall and fascinating stories of its inhabitants including Mary Eleanor Bowes who was an ancestor of Queen Elizabeth 2nd known as the unhappy Countess. Along with a growing population came a vibrant dance, music and literary scene. Highlights include Rapper Dancing, a traditional miner’s dance using swords that is still danced today, Tommy Armstrong, a famous pitman poet and Thomas Bewick, an engraver and natural history author that drew on the natural environment for inspiration. These people and their stories will be revisited to bring the history of the Land of Oak & Iron to life, helping to inform local people and visitors about the area.

The development and interpretation of the rich heritage of the whole of the Derwent Valley is very important to our members, not just the heritage here in Shotley Bridge. The unique landscape of the Derwent Valley hides significant assets of both natural and industrial heritage, worthy of exploration and interpretation. Shotley Bridge Village Trust

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership 17

2.1.3 The present day - Inspiring Communities

Within the Land of Oak & Iron are already passionate and knowledgeable individuals, community groups and volunteers who work tirelessly to conserve and enhance the Land of Oak & Iron’s natural, industrial and cultural heritage.

Securing the sustainability of the community to continue to develop new activities and promote the area is vital. The Land of Oak & Iron now presents an opportunity to reinvigorate community groups and societies by attracting and supporting new members to get involved. Resource to engage more people and join up activity across the area will make a bigger impact and put local communities at the heart of the Partnership making it a better place to live, work and visit.

2.1.4 Heritage at risk

This is a landscape with few, but significant industrial remains, beautiful natural environment and a captivating culture. Its story has national and even international importance, but is little known by many of the areas’ residents, let alone the c.1 million visitors to the region, and Metro Centre, one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. It is a landscape in hiding and at risk of loss.

The scars of former industries and subsequent impact of de – industrialisation remain. Combined with new challenges, such as climate change, resource constraints and an ageing population, this means it is now or never to bring these historic landscapes back to life through conservation, enhancement and celebration of our heritage for generations to come.

2.2 Aims and objectives

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership will aim to revitalise this story through the conservation, enhancement and promotion of its unique industrial heritage and distinctive landscape character. To achieve this aim the Partnership will take a balanced approach to managing heritage, engendering ownership and creating a lasting legacy by delivering 14 interconnected projects around the following three themes:

 Investing in Heritage - Rediscovering Lost Landscapes - identifying, enhancing and managing the little known natural and industrial heritage

 Investing in People – Forging a Stronger Future from the Past - investing in people to develop skills, learn about the heritage and volunteer time

Working with Partners, this will deliver a legacy of job creation, tourism, regeneration and economic benefits.

I am a proud supportive of the Project as a whole, anything that brings the beauties and heritage of my country of Derwentdale to the fore has my vote. Friends of Red Kites

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership 18

2.2.1 Investing in Heritage

To rediscover lost landscapes the area’s archaeology and remains of the industrial heritage will be identified and recorded. Globally significant relics of the area’s industrial might, will be conserved, brought into constructive management and revealed for thousands of visitors to see. The natural heritage including its woodlands, river and wetland habitats will be enhanced by returning to a more natural pre-industrial state and better managed to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

2.2.2 Investing in People

To forge a stronger future from the past, local young people and volunteers will develop the skills needed to maintain the natural, industrial and cultural heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron long into the future. Children and families will be encouraged to learn about and engage with the fascinating story that is on their doorstep. Volunteering is an essential element of this investment and key to the success of our long term vision. The attraction of new volunteers, alongside the knowledge and skills sharing of existing volunteers, runs through all our activity. An important part of this includes linking local employers’ staff development programmes to voluntary opportunities in local community groups.

2.2.3 Investing in Communities

To create a legacy; projects that improve access to and the interpretation of our heritage will encourage many people to explore the area. Cycling and walking are already popular activities; we will enhance this by working with local groups to encourage more activity via guided walks, walking weeks or cycling festivals. In developing and delivering events, enhancing volunteering opportunities, engaging more local people and setting up a community grants scheme, more ownership of heritage will be developed. This will help to promote a ‘sense of place’ and the Land of Oak & Iron as an attractive area to live work and visit.

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 3 Why this area Why this area 20

3 Why this area

The aim of Landscape Partnerships are to conserve areas of distinctive landscape character across the UK, but why this area and what makes it unique?

The Land of Oak & Iron project area stretches over 21 miles of beautiful river valleys: from the Derwent Reservoir, the River Derwent flows from the high Pennine moors to the confluence with the River Tyne. The area due to an abundance of natural materials was once home to world leading industries attracting industrialists, aristocracy as well a huge workforce. This combination of natural, industrial and cultural heritage has imparted a strong sense of place within the Land of Oak & Iron.

This section brings together all that is known about the landscape of the Land of Oak & Iron and its natural, cultural and industrial heritage. As defined by the European Landscape Convention (ELC) a landscape is:

“An area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors.” For HLF this definition is at the centre of its philosophy surrounding Landscape Partnerships: “All landscapes matter. This includes towns and villages, as well as open countryside; the coast and inland areas; and ordinary or even degraded landscapes, as well as those that are afforded protection”

To gain a holistic understanding of the landscape character of the Land of Oak & Iron existing Landscape Character Assessments (LCA) for Durham (2008), Northumberland (2010) and Gateshead (as part of the Core Strategy 2011) have been reviewed. The information about the project area is almost identical in describing the distinctive landscape characteristics. To understand more about the local characteristics of the Land of Oak & Iron a biodiversity, historic environment and skills audit were commissioned, and a range of community consultation undertaken (see Appendix 2 and 3 for details).

Consultation has been essential to ensure that the landscape character described below reflects local perceptions of, and aspirations for, the landscape. A variety of consultation has taken place including attendance at summer festivals, on line surveys, discussion at special interest groups and specific natural, built/industrial and cultural sub group meetings; consulting with over 1,000 people in total. The interplay between the natural, industrial and cultural heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron formed a major thread of the consultation. This provided invaluable insights into the way the landscape is perceived by local people, and the elements which are most valued. Comments received helped to gain a better understanding of the landscape character of the Land of Oak & Iron and determine priorities for projects.

This provided invaluable insights into the way the area is perceived and valued by local people and helped gain a better understanding of the landscape character of the Land of Oak & Iron and priorities for projects.

Together this information provides invaluable insights about the area’s landscape character and how it has been influenced by the natural, industrial and cultural heritage to form the unique area that can be seen today.

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 Why this area 21

3.1 Landscape Characteristics

The Land of Oak & Iron is predominantly rural with wide expansive views of rolling hills and wooded valleys at its highest points in the south and west of the area, around the settlements of Consett and Dipton. As the River Derwent carves it way toward Ebchester and Winlaton Mill the valley becomes steep sided covered with woodlands, some of which are pockets of ancient woodland containing diverse habitats and rare species.

Moving towards where the River Derwent meets the River Tyne at Salwell and Blaydon the environment becomes more urban, containing more formal open spaces and a large country park at Derwenthaugh. The Tyne Valley stretching west towards Prudhoe with its ex mining settlements of Ryton and Crawcrook contains pockets of mixed deciduous woodland and wetland areas. Overall the project area is largely agricultural (66%), with a significant woodland cover (13%). It has several settlements which vary in character from urban fringe in the east (Whickham) to increasingly rural in the west (Stocksfield).

Within this predominantly rural area are four larger ex-industrial settlements of Prudhoe in Northumberland to the north west, the large industrial town of Consett in Durham on the south side of the valley, with Whickham, and Blaydon in Gateshead to the north east. This demonstrates an even spread of population centres across the area. There are also numerous smaller villages and hamlets such as Winlaton Mill, Blackhall Mill, Rowlands Gill, Burnopfield, Shotley Bridge, and others, featuring similar landscape characteristics and heritage significance due to their industrial past. Although the total population living within the area is relatively small it is readily accessible to over one million people living in Tyne and Wear, south Northumberland and north Durham.

Some of the rural settlements take the form of old agricultural villages but the area is largely influenced by its industrial heritage, particularly mining and mineral working. This can clearly be seen in larger mining towns and villages such as Chopwell and Greenside, with their rows of red brick terraced houses. Due to the concentration of industry in the area wealthy entrepreneurs developed estates alongside many of the ‘workers’ villages creating a presence of stately homes all of which are in private ownership excluding Gibside which is now owned by the National Trust.

Map 3, overleaf illustrates the land use within the Land of Oak & Iron. It is clear to see how the landscape changes from being largely rural in the south west, to being urban (shown in red, light purple and pink) in the north east as the area nears the conurbations of Newcastle and Gateshead Town Centre and is encroached by urban sprawl. The wooded valleys and plantation sites also stand out, show in bright and dark green respectively. This illustrates how the more accessible woodlands have been used in industry and turned into plantation sites with smaller areas tucked into steep river valleys remaining as broadleaf and mixed woodlands.

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 Why this area 22

Map 3: Land Use (Corine Land Cover 2006 Version 17)

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 Why this area 23

3.1.1 National Characteristics Characterised as a Coalfield Valley, the Land of Oak & Iron covering 177 sq km is defined by two National Character Areas (NCA) of NCA 16: Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe and NCA 14:Tyne and Wear Lowlands at the northern edge (see National Character Area Profiles). Table 1: National Character Areas NCA Landscape Character Type Key Characteristics Durham Open Ridges A rolling upland landscape of broad, open Coalfield ridges, arable and mixed farmland with low Pennine hedges and hedgerow trees. Fringe

Wooded River Valleys Narrow, steep-sided river valleys sheltering fragments of ancient woodland.

Plantation Woodlands Numerous small plantations of conifers or mixed woodland as blocks on hillsides; in places there are more extensive conifer woodlands on ridgetops and hillsides.

Industrial Settlements A landscape heavily influenced by the mining and steel industries containing settlements of terraced and estate housing as the industry developed from the 16th century. These settlements of terraced houses form distinctive features in the landscape.

Tyne & Mixed Woodland Mixed woodland estates and plantations on Wear Low restored spoil heaps provide some woodland lands cover. Oak or oak/birch broadleaved woodland, is featured on the steep sides of narrow river valleys.

Grassland and Wetland Habitats Parts of exposed hillsides and river flood plains hold pockets of species-rich grasslands.

Industrial Legacy Industrial prosperity reflected in the large number of 18th- and 19th-century country houses, set within parkland in the vicinity of major settlements.

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NCA Landscape Character Type Key Characteristics Tyne & Wear Reclaimed Land Strong legacy of mining, much restored to agriculture, for- Lowlands estry, industry, housing and amenity uses such as country parks, linking urban areas with countryside. Restored industrial sites give parts of the landscape a manmade feel and today are mainly used for recreation purposes. Many old wagon and railways have been converted into cycle routes and footpaths, which provide good links between settlements.

Topography Rolling Hills Dominated by the River Derwent flowing S- shaped from the west to the east, through the heart of the area. The topography is distinctive due to its steep sides and wooded denes. There are lots of pleasant views out across woodlands, farmland and mixed landscapes. However, with its high ridges and curved line, the Derwent Valley is notably enclosed. It is rarely possible to see outside the valley.

3.1.2 Local Characteristics

Natural Landscape The Land of Oak & Iron was, and in some places still is, rich in natural resources which were used to drive forward the world leading industry that underpins the landscape character that we see today. This rich natural environment is home to varied habitats and wildlife, rare and iconic species that also add to the area’s identity, particularly since the reintroduction of Red Kites in 2004.

The geology and minerals of the area stimulated the growth of the industrial might of the Land of Oak & Iron. Over a large part of the area Coal Measures were laid down thousands of years ago during the Carboniferous period, comprising of thinly bedded coal seams sandstones, shales (sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mix of clay and tiny fragments of other minerals) and fireclays suitable for brick, tile, and firebrick manufacture. The shales contained beds of ironstone with outcrops around Consett and Whittonstall which were used from the 1870s onwards for both craft and bulk steelmaking. The coalfields were influenced by the upland topography of the area; many of the coal seams outcropped in the valley sides, so that they have been subject to small-scale workings and adit mining (mining via a horizontal tunnel from the surface into a hillside) on a larger scale. To enable the transportation of this resource the Land of Oak & Iron played a major role nationally, in the development of waggonways, transporting the coal from adit workings on the hillsides by gravity (largely) to staithes on the Tyne. Major shaft-mine collieries did not spread into the project area until the 19th century, and never did spread into the more western parts where the coal seams were entirely above Derwent or Tyne river level. From the 16th-20th century the geology and mineral resources of the Land of Oak and Iron were used to service the growth of the nation through the production of high quality iron and steel. Although much of its legacy has been removed by land reclamation, today it provides a principal source of evidence of industrial development being important to many scientists, geologists and archaeological experts alike. Rare geological sites also exist, deposits of Tufa (a rare variety of limestone, formed by deposits building up in streams) and picture) have been found in the Pont Valley near to Dipton.

This rich and varied geology allow specialists to demonstrate the beginning of story of the Land of Oak & Iron to local people and visitors and will be used in surveying and community archaeology projects.

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Biodiversity

The Land of Oak & Iron is an area of key importance for biodiversity in parts of rural Gateshead, Durham and Northumberland. The area is rich in woodland cover compared with the local average and is important for a number of rare and iconic species, including Red Kite, Grass Snake, otters, Great Crested Newts and Barn Owls.

Although agriculture is the main land use in the area at 66% evenly split between areas of livestock pasture and arable crops; the Land of Oak & Iron is an important area for restoration of Ancient Woodland cover. It forms one of the largest interconnected ecological networks of broadleaved woodland habitat in the region. Woodland covers13% of the area scattered in many stream and river valleys on steep slopes and also in several large woodland plantations such as Chopwell Wood and Milkwellburn Wood. This woodland is important for carbon storage as well as varied wildlife habitats and biodiversity. Many of the woods have ancient woodland status meaning they have a long history of continuous woodland cover and retain a range of typical native woodland fauna and flora. Some ancient woodland still remains today, but the majority are classified as Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS), both of which provide significant resource for conservation and insight into the Derwent Valley’s industrial past. The Woodlands were a source of fuel for the industry and material for pit props, corves and the waggon ways. They were used significantly for centuries to drive forward industrial and economic advancements with widespread charcoal production and war time felling.

Hedgerows and riparian woodlands also form important wildlife corridors especially for butterflies, bird life and small mammals, throughout the Derwent Valley. These varied habitats are another source of evidence about how the area’s landscape character has evolved over time signifying its agricultural and industrial past.

Low grasslands and wetlands can be found at Blaydon Burn, Chopwell and Shibdon Meadow and were largely irradiated when twentieth century mining and railway activities altered the water level. These species-rich habitats were historically an integral part of the mosaic of habitats found within the Derwent Valley. They not only played an important agricultural role as grazing land but supported a range of species, such as bees, invertebrate, birds, fungi and mammals. These grasslands though are rare and fragmented due to an increase in the planting and spread of non-local provenance plants.

Today many varieties of bird life can be seen including rare birds such as grey herons and water rail, kingfishers, the ferruginous duck from the Mediterranean and glaucous gull from the edge of the Arctic Circle. The grassland also provides habitat for voles and shrews which attract hunting kestrels. Where the marsh merges into grassland orchids can be seen during the summer months. This habitat is important as a source of knowledge about a once larger habitat in the lower valley before the industry destroyed much of it. It is an important resource for scientists and ecologists to study but also for the local community and visitors to enjoy wildlife and nature in a safe environment.

The River Derwent is a major landscape feature that attracted industry to the area and was subsequently altered to service the industrial revolution with the addition of wears, mill leats and races, all adding to the distinctive landscape character that we see today. It also forms an important wildlife corridor with a variety of habits that are home to a variety of rare species such as otters, water voles and newts. The riparian landscape was altered to meet evolving industrial demands, changing the character of the river and the natural heritage that it supported. It is said that the smell of the river used to be so strong due to pollution from the industry that the dogs would not go near it. The Land of Oak & Iron will help support the River’s native habitats by constructing a fish pass at Lintzford weir to help Salmon and Sea Trout to migrate up the river to spawn once more.

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A Historical Account

The history of the Land of Oak & Iron span centuries and can be evidenced from the 1st century with the settlement of Romans at Ebchester, through to industrial remains from the 20th century. Today the area is characterised as a coalfield valley due to the innovative use of the natural resources to propel growth and human advancements in architecture, engineering, manufacturing and social justice. This led to the area becoming one of Europe’s largest producers of iron and steel during the 19th century. It is this unique industrial heritage that gives the Land of Oak & Iron a strong sense of place and its inhabitants a sense of belonging. It is this that the Landscape Partnership will celebrate and use to create new opportunities for the future.

The historic settlement pattern of the Land of Oak & Iron went through five main phases:

Roman: The earliest known settlement is Roman at Ebchester, from 75AD on the Derwent, perched just above the floodplain, when they were crusading north to safeguard the main Roman north-south road known as Dere Street, which is still used today.

Medieval: Ebchester remained important until at least the end of the 7th century. By the 12th century Whickham and Ryton developed as the main settlements within the project area. Prudhoe also developed around a major Norman castle, built overlooking the River Tyne providing an important vantage point especially during the border wars between England and Scotland. In the late Middle Ages, Whickham and Winlaton started to develop as coal-mining centres and Swalwell as a hamlet at the confluence of the River Derwent and River Tyne.

Post-Medieval: Coal-mining spread west and south under the strong influence of waggonway transport. Shotley Bridge was constructed by the 1680s, likely to have originated from sword makers that settled there. Soon afterwards in the 1690s Crowley Ironworks became established leading to major development of the villages of Swalwell, Winlaton, and Winlaton Mill.

19th Century: The development of deep-mine collieries and locomotive railways led to a resurgence of mining, and a major expansion of settlements. This included the development of the ironworks-dominated new town of Consett and the string of villages along the ridgeway leading to it, and ‘classic’ colliery villages such as Clara Vale and Chopwell. Later, a broader industrial zone developed along the Tyne with middle-class suburbs and more

20th Century: Although coal mining progressively declined from World War 1 to the final closures c 1980, the mining villages survived. The industrial zone along the Tyne expanded as did all of the settlements, with commercial centres and factories. Since World War 2 the north western part of Gatesehad in the project area has become increasingly urbanised.

Industrial Heritage Early history of the Land of Oak & Iron was dominated by battles of the ‘northern land’ including the Battle of Newburn in 1640, a victory for a Scottish Covenanter army over Royalist forces. However, what makes the Land of Oak & Iron unique is its industrial heritage. Once of global significance, its coal, iron and steel industries were supported by an extensive network of waggonways.

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Coal and Waggonways The coal mining industry can be traced as far back as 1320 with mining at Whickham followed by Winlaton. By the

early 16th century this was joined by mining operations in Stella and Chopwell. The Tyneside coal trade almost quadrupled between the late 1560s and the late 1590s, with Whickham being by far the biggest producer with almost all its working population engaged in coalmining. Winlaton, Blaydon, Stella and Ryton were now also important coal mining settlements; Winlaton colliery had staithes at Blaydon and on the Derwent by 1582, Crawcrook colliery also became substantial by 1636.

By the end of the 17th century Whickham had declined, but Winlaton, Blaydon, Stella, and Ryton remained important. This reflected the general trend in coalmining within the project area: until the end of the 16th century the industry was centred on the hills close to the navigable Tyne. From then on, as the easily-worked seams were ex- hausted, the focus of development shifted to the development of waggonways to be able to transport coal extracted from seams on the Upland slopes of the Derwent Valley. Waggon ways came to dominate the project area with routes running along many of the valley ridged.

Although the waggonways were mainly used to take coal from the collieries to the staithes; coupled with sometimes heated disputes and refusals of access by competing coal-owner landlords, they were also used for other industrial transport (lead from Leadgate to Blaydon; iron and ironwares between Winlaton Mill and Swalwell). The coal industry continued to expand geographically through the early 18th century. West Durham coal was especially suitable for coke-making, long multiple banks of beehive coke ovens were a particularly common feature of the local collieries; a section survives at Whinfield. Due to comprehensive clearance, this is almost the only physical relic of the 19th-20th century coal industry. However, waggonways became redundant later in the century, as they reached their limit and the focus of development switched to the deep steam-powered collieries around the Tyne east of Newcastle.

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Iron and Steel The iron and steel industry started to develop in the Land of Oak & Iron in the 16th and 17th Centuries, with

documentary evidence of early iron mills, forges and blast furnaces scattered across the valley from Allensford at the top of the valley to Swalwell at the bottom. Up to this point, the iron industry of the Derwent Valley had not been of major importance or developed any distinctive features. However, in 1678, a company of Newcastle and London merchants brought a group of sword makers from Germany to Shotley Bridge (smuggling them out since they were in breach of draconian Guild oaths), and petitioned for a patent to make hollow-blade swords. The Hollow Blade Sword Company was formally set up in 1691and soon leased the sword mills at Shotley Bridge to partnerships of the actual sword makers. The sword mills became internationally famous with stories of industrial espionage and competition with Germany and Sweden over who made the best swords. Shotley Bridge made contributions to the national steel industry by improving the cementation and forging process to produce ‘shear’ and ‘spur’ steel. This was at least as good as the German steel and made the Derwent Valley the centre of a ‘Newcastle steel’ industry with a Europe-wide reputation.

In the lower Derwent Valley, the massive development of the Crowley Ironworks developed at Winlaton Mill and Swallwell between the 1690s and 1720s, which employed over 1500 men and was at one point the largest iron works in Europe, producing armoury for the expansion of the Empire. The ironworks included the construction of substantial areas of very early workers’ housing. The workforce was so large that is had to be recruited from other parts of England as well as the locality, doubtless with a mixing of regional social traditions though within the Crowley organisation’s strict social control. The works had a remarkable social structuring imposed by Ambrose Crowley, with its own ‘laws’, court, schools, welfare and pensions system. The iron and steel works further up the valley were much smaller in employment terms. All of these works will have promoted trade, improved transport links, and an injection of money-based income but at a low level since the ownership and therefore the profits went outside the valley.

The 18th century iron and steel industry declined, as Crowley suffered a major contraction in 1816, including the complete closure of the Winlaton works. However, steelmaking and a new chainmaking speciality at Swalwell continued with a scattering of smaller specialist ironworks around Swalwell, Winlaton and along Blaydon Burn where cementation and crucible steelmaking appear to have been established. At Derwentcote, the steel furnace remained in use and the forge was redeveloped as a steel-rolling mill and crucible steelworks. The Land of Oak & Iron saw a revival of bulk iron making with the foundation of Consett Ironworks in 1840, a major works with multiple hot-blast blast furnaces, which converted to bulk steelmaking in the late 19th century. Also owned by Consett Iron Company was Derwenthaugh Coke Works coking plant on the old Crowley’s Ironworks site on the River Derwent near Swalwell. Both closed and were demolished in 1980, becoming new housing and leisure sites, Derwenthaugh Coke Works is now the popular Derwenthaugh Park.

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Lead, Quarrying and Papermaking Lead mining and sandstone quarrying was a feature of industrial development in the uplands of the Land of Oak &

Iron, on the edge of the North Pennines ore fields, towards the south of the project area. Lead smelting furnaces developed across the area, notably in Ryton where a more efficient, coal-fuelled reverberatory process was developed and a smelting mill at Castleside.

Although the Derwent Valley paper mills were not of major importance either nationally or in terms of the local economy, their number and survival makes them a sub-theme of the project area’s heritage. Until the 19th century, a relatively simple process was used but from 1860s onwards the process became increasingly complex with larger mills developing. The earliest paper mills within the Land of Oak & Iron were probably at Blackhall Mill and Chopwell, followed by one at Lintzford, Gibside and Shotley Bridge.

Gentrification This industry brought with it wealth and a rise of landed and merchant families. On the back of coal profits, magnificent stately homes were built such as the 17th Century Gibside Hall; now owned by the National Trust, Axwell Hall, Hamsterly Hall and Bradley Hall. All have substantial landscape parks and, are outstanding 18th century examples of aristocratic residences in the project area, the majority of which today are in private ownership. Additionally Georgian and more vernacular buildings indicate substantial expansion or rebuilding in villages such as Ryton, Whickham, Winlaton and Ebchester. However, the urbanisation of the area was dominated by terraced housing, initially of stone (of varying quality), but by the turn of the 19th-20th centuries increasingly of brick.

Transport The natural communication and transport routes of the Derwent Valley, at least from the Medieval period onwards, are reflected in the 20th century road network. The route from Prudhoe towards Blaydon formed part of the Newcastle to Carlisle transport route with major villages commanding Tyne crossings, significant in battles between England and Scotland, such as the Battle of Newburn 1640. Lead ways ran down from the hills bringing smelted metals to be refined in early factories then subsequently transported along the River Tyne. Bridges built as part of the transport system in the early seventeenth century could be found crossing the Derwent at places such as Lintzford and Allensford.

Wooden waggonways played a significant part in the industrial and economic developed of the Land of Oak & Iron. As waggonways became unsuitable, railways developed on the edges of the project area, along with a significant route from Consett to Swalwell which survives today as the Derwent Walk a popular route for walking and cycling. This route includes the Nine Arches Viaduct, a major feat of engineering being five hundred feet long; built because the Earl of Strathmore would not allow the railway to pass through the Gibside Estate.

So far as is known, the Derwent was never navigable beyond Swalwell, only a mile from the mouth of the River Tyne at Derwenthaugh. The Land of Oak & Iron’s significant infrastructure connected it to the rest of the North East and Europe enabling products and materials to be distributed to the River Tyne using the many staithes that were once located along its’ banks.

The transport system is a significant legacy of the industrial development leaving behind features that mark the routes of this once advanced infrastructure. The remaining waggonways are important to many different local interest groups who are passionate about opening up this heritage to local people and visitors.

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3.1.3 Cultural Landscape

With the end of the Derwent Valley’s industrial era being only 35 years ago many cultural tradition, memories and stories of the industrial past still remain today and are celebrated through song, dance and the arts.

The scale of industrial heritage outlined above does not happen without people. The vast development of the Land of Oak & Iron influenced the urban development of the land, the communities and their lifestyles. Many skills specific for the industry and landscape developed such as willow weaving for the manufacture of products such as corves and hurdles, traditional river craft management techniques and building skills including stone masonry. Some of these heritage skills are still used today to naturally enhance habitats and teach people about their local heritage.

Rapper Dancing Varied cultural traditions developed including Rapper dancing, the Durham and Northumberland miner’s dance using rigid swords. Local towns and villages had their own versions of the dance; the ‘Swallwell’, ‘ Winlaton’ and ‘Highspen’ are now danced all over the world today without many knowing they are small villages in North East England. Clog dancing in the regional North Eastern style was also a miner’s tradition with many champions coming from the Derwent Valley villages.

Traditional Folk Music and Colliery Brass Bands were also popular in the Land of Oak & Iron. Songs reflecting living in the area were composed and sung regularly helping to keep spirits high. Poets, painters and authors were also inspired by the vast industry and beautiful landscape.

Heroes and Villains of Land of Oak & Iron From industries such as sword making and mining, to the natural landscape and historical events, fascinating stories have emerged about key characters form the Land of Oak & Iron which are passed on from generation to generation.

The Sword Makers of Shotley Bridge The origins of swordmaking at Shotley Bridge dated from 1691. A group of Lutheran swordmakers from Solingen in Germany settled in Shotley Bridge, in order to escape religious persecution, though in practice their departure was prompted by their breaking of guild oaths. Shotley Bridge was probably chosen because of the rich iron deposits and the fast flowing waters of the River Derwent, providing hydraulic power for hammers and grinders. Another factor may have been the area’s remoteness, as they were keen to preserve their trade secrets. Swords are no longer made in Shotley Bridge. There was an inscription over the door of one of the swordmakers cottage’s now no longer standing reading: "Das Herren segen machet reich ohn alle Sorg wenn Du zugleich in deinem Stand treu und fleissig bist und tuest alle vas die befolen ist". This is from the Lutheran belief code and means that God's benefits will be given without reserve to those who stand firm in their belief no matter what happens.

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Thomas “Tommy” Armstrong 1848 – 1920, Shotley Bridge Affectionately known as the Pitman Poet; Tommy was a County Durham concert hall song

writer and performer in the late 19th century. His most famous song is arguably "Wor Nanny’s a mazer". Tommy Armstrong was born in Wood Street, Shotley Bridge, County Durham, on 15 August 1848. Armstrong was of very short stature, and very bow legged (thought to be caused by rickets when young) and this caused him to have problems all his life, including using a walking stick when older. He started work in the mines at the age of 9 as a trapper boy, and at the age of 12 had progressed to a "pony boy". He worked at various collieries in the area including Tanfield Lea colliery, near Stanley, and also worked at the collieries at Addison, East Tanfield and Tanfield Moor. He drew from this experience to write poetry and song. He wrote over 150 poems many of them set to music – today there is a thriving Tommy Armstrong Society.

Thomas Bewick 1753 –1828, Stocksfield A famous English engraver and natural history author Thomas Bewick was born in the project area at Cherryburn House in Northumberland. Bewick is credited with popularising a technical innovation in the printing of illustrations using wood. He wrote a series of children’s and natural history books drawing on the natural landscape that surrounded him to inspire his works, many of which are still celebrated today.

Harry Clasper 1812 -1870, Tyneside A professional rower, world champion and boat builder, harry was an innovative boat designer who pioneered the development of the racing shell and the use of outriggers. He is said to have invented spoon-shaped oars. Harry was the first of three well-known Tyneside oarsmen, the other two being Robert Chambers and James Renforth. Harry Clasper was born in Dunston and died on 12 July 1870. For his funeral, the coffin was transported from the Tunnel Inn, Ouseburn to St Mary’s Church, Whickham. Many thousands watched the funeral procession and burial. A memorial monument was erected over his grave in St Mary’s churchyard and can still be seen there. A Boat house and rowing club still exists in Ebchester today.

Mary Eleanor Bowes, Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne 1749 – 1800 Known as "The Unhappy Countess", Mary Eleanor Bowes was an 18th-century British heiress, notorious for her licentious lifestyle, who was married at one time to the 9th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne. She and the Earl are ancestors of Queen Elizabeth II. After the death of her husband the Earl, Eleanor lived at Chelsea, where she had extensive conservatories and vineries. The Morning Post a fashionable society paper posted several articles insinuating that the young widow was leading an immoral lifestyle. The correspondence led to a duel between the editor of the paper and Lieutenant Andrew Robison Stoney as the Countess’s champion. The gallantry of the Lieutenant was rewarded by the Countess marrying him four days later. It transpired, however, that Stoney had sent the articles about the Countess, as well as those defending her. The duel was a sham, so he could become the husband of the Countess of Strathmore, residing at Gibside. The expensive living of Andrew (Stoney) Bowes forced him to leave Gibside. He had very soon all but bankrupted Eleanor and was so desperate for money, he cut down valuable timber to sell, but no one would buy from him. Treating the Countess appallingly he would lock her up in a closet and feed her an egg and a biscuit a day. To obtain more influence over the Countess, Bowes took away one of her daughters by Lord Strathmore to Paris, but the young lady, being a ward in Chancery, was brought back by the Court. The following year, 1785, the Countess fled from his custody, and began divorce proceedings, the divorce was finalised in 1789.

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William Shield 1748 – 1829, Swallwell William Shield an English Composer, violinist and violist and Master of the Kings Musick. The most recent revival

of the “Shield wrote Auld Lang Syne” story seems to date from 1998, when John Treherne, Gateshead’s Head of Schools’ Music Service, uncovered an original edition of the opera Rosina in Gateshead Public Library, while he was looking for new works for the town’s youth orchestra. “I thought it was appropriate to look at the work of a Gateshead-born composer. I picked out Rosina by Shield,” Mr Treherne said. “I started to copy out the score and hummed the tune as I was writing it down. I was coming to the end when I realized the tune floating through my head was Auld Lang Syne.” However, despite Treherne’s rediscovery, Shield’s use of the ‘Old Lang Syne’ melody had already been thoroughly debated in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. A memorial cross was erected to honour Shield in 1891 at Whickham Church, his native parish. Shield is buried in the same grave as Johann Peter Salomon in the floor of the south cloisters of Westminster Abbey.

Margaret Dryburgh (1890–1945), Swallwell Margaret was born in Sunderland, moving to Swalwell as a child, she trained as a teacher and later became a mis- sionary in Singapore, where she was captured in the Second World War. The plight of Dryburgh and her fellow inmates such as Betty Jeffrey in a Japanese prisoner of war camp inspired the 1996 film Paradise Road. Today, her memory lives on through the song she penned in camp, The Captives Hymn.

Joseph Cowen, Jr. (1829 –1900), Blaydon

Jospeh Cowen Jnr. was an English radical politician and journalist. The son of Sir Joseph Cowen, a prominent citizen and Member of Parliament (MP) for Newcastle upon Tyne from 1874 to 1886, Cowen junior was educated privately in Ryton and at Edinburgh University, where he interested himself in European revolutionary movements. Cowen then joined his father in his Blaydon brick business, smuggling documents abroad in the consignments of bricks. Cowen numbered among his friends Mazzini, Louis Blanc and Ledru-Rollin, as well as Herzen and Baku- nin. Garibaldi, Felice Orsini and Lajos Kossuth came to visit him in Blaydon. His purse assisted them and his pen advocated their cause. He supported the miners and improved the lot of the working-classes. A fine bronze statue of Cowen stands in Westgate Road in Newcastle.

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3.2 The People of the Land of Oak & Iron today

The people of the Land of Oak & Iron are diverse, as are their social, economic and demographic profiles. This section summarises what is known about the people that live in the area and those that visit it. Information about the people that inhabit the Land of Oak & Iron is first analysed through ONS 2011 Census data. This is then complemented by information gained from the consultation about local people and visitors’ relationship with the heritage, levels of awareness, engagement and understanding. The area’s infrastructure and access to heritage is also considered to understand how people currently interact with the landscape and heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron today.

3.2.1 Statistical Review

Economy & Skills Today no longer the economic powerhouse it once was, the area to a large extent provides the workforce for the major conurbations of Gateshead, Newcastle and Durham. There are however a number of internationally renowned businesses in the area including SCA Hygiene Ltd, Thompsons of Prudhoe and Quantom Pharmaceutical, but the area today is more reliant on small to medium sized businesses than the large employers during the industrial era. The distribution of employment in different sectors is fairly similar to that of in the North East and nationally, however interestingly fewer work in tourism related industries and slightly more in health and social care. The natural environment of the Land of Oak & Iron contributes towards the local economy in a number of ways including inspiring the development of rural enterprises and local or home based business. Forestry, leisure and tourism provide opportunities for economic growth. The Partnership is acutely aware of this and a key objective is to, provide opportunities for people to acquire new skills and encourage the growth of businesses and tourism in the area.

With similar rates of economic activity compared to the rest of the North East the disproportionate impact of deindustrialisation on certain communities can be seen today. An analysis of the Index of Multiple Deprivation 2010 and local economic strategies identifies that Consett, Burnopfield, Blackhill, Blackhall Mill, Chopwell and Highfield are the most deprived areas. On the other hand some areas have very low levels of deprivation such as Ryton, Crawcrook and parts of Whickham; which are viewed as attractive rural towns within easy commute of Tyne & Wear. Analysis of NOMIS data 2014 highlights concentrations of Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) claimants are more prominently in rural areas and Consett. Youth unemployment is also high throughout the North East and in the Land of Oak and Iron. This is compounded in rural areas due to barriers to accessing training and approximately one third of households not having access to a car making participation in the urban focused economy more challenging. There is clearly a need to support these local populations in developing skills for industries that are relevant to the project area.

I work throughout the Northeast of England in many protected and designated landscapes. However, I live in Prudhoe. It never ceases to amaze me how rich in special places this area has. Some of the best woodlands in the northeast are located here and they are enhanced by the underlying rich industrial heritage that developed around them. I hope that the Land of Oak & Iron can tap into this rich natural and cultural resource and improve the accessibility and understanding of these areas for the many people who have this hidden treasure at their doorstep. Friends of Prudhoe Woods

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Health There is evidence to suggest that quality of life and levels of community spirit are high within the Land of Oak &

Iron (Gateshead Rural Economic Strategy 2013) which was echoed in the consultation carried out for this project. However there is a slightly higher proportion of people living within the area have their day to day activities limited by ill health or disability compared to England as a whole.

Age & Ethnicity Within the Land of Oak & Iron the population is predominantly white (98%). A higher proportion is over 65 compared to averages nationally and in the North East. The older population is particularly concentrated in rural areas, with pockets of younger people in some of the more built up areas such as Prudhoe and Consett. This demonstrates an aging population which could have a negative impact on the area due to a loss of skills and knowledge if something is not done to pass it onto younger generations. It was identified by the community consultation that many of the people involved in protecting and conserving the landscape and its heritage tend to be older.

3.2.2 Understanding of Heritage

In order to gain an understanding of what the landscape and heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron means to local people and visitors a range of consultation has been carried out including:  An online survey focused on adults with 367 responses

 An online survey focused on young people with 152 responses

 Consulting with over 1000 people in total

 20 events attended with information stand/ information sessions.

 361 local people engaged and comments recorded.

 2 Councillors seminars

 4 specific drop-in events

 13 sub-group meetings made up of approximately ½ local community reps and ½ local organisations

 11 local people have signed up for future volunteering opportunities.

 Contact database of nearly 500 people

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The overwhelming response from the public has been very positive. They are very supportive and like the name ‘Land of Oak & Iron’ as they think it perfectly describes the area. For full details see the consultation survey report in Appendix 3. The heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron is important to local people and visitors alike. Currently there are over 400,000 recorded visitors to the Land of Oak & Iron with the main attractions being:

 The Derwent Walk 406,933 in 2014, an increase of 9,000 since 2012 with the busiest part being Winlaton Mill

 Chopwell woods 200,000 annually

 Gibside 160,000 and increase from 60,000 in the past 10 years, increasing significant since carpark improvements and a re-vamp in 2012.

 Thornley woods – 11,506 which has doubled since 2012

 C2C Cycle Route – approximately 7,500 taking the route through the area each year

 The Lodge – 9,000 annually

This demonstrates that the area is already becoming more popular with visitors, which is something that the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership will look to harness in order to meet our vision. However, these official recordings only show a proportion of the current visitor profile. The online surveys identified the following attractions:

 Woodlands in the area including Prudhoe, Chopwell and Milkwellburn Woods popular for walkers with Chopwell also having facilities for mountain bikers

 Bradley Hall Gardens – formerly the vegetable garden for nearby Bradley Hall, now a popular garden nursery and cafe

 Holilnside Manor – a ruin of a former C13th Manor House which was once known as the ‘Giant’s Castle’ due to the height of the men who lived there.

 Pont Burn Valley – the surrounding countryside by Dipton

 Shibdon Pond – a local nature reserve in Blaydon offering walks and opportunities to view wildlife

 Red Kite Trail – an 11 mile walk with superb views of the lower Derwent Valleys and opportunities to see Red Kites

 Keelmans way – an established cycling route along the south bank of the River Tyne

 Blaydon Burn – a 100 ha of woodland, grassland and wetland littered with industrial remains.

 Pathhead Water Mill – dating back to 1730 a former Corn Mill beautifully restored as a visitor and education attraction.

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Currently visitor numbers are not recorded at these sites, but ongoing surveys and analysis by the Land of Oak

& Iron will collect this data to enable more detailed understanding of visitors to the area, how this changes through time and what the Partnership can do to promote attractions but in a way that is sustainable to the attraction and surrounding environment.

The consultation carried out during this development phase identified what motivated people to visit certain attractions and where barriers existed. Key and recurrent findings include:

Reasons for visiting (in ascending order): Barriers to visiting:

 Walking  They did not know what was on offer in the area  Day out with family/friends  There is no information about what is available  Attending community events e.g. fairs & festivals  Access issues – buses infrequent and expensive  Cycling  Cost of activities  Golf  Running

There is great potential to increase the numbers of local people and visitors engaged in our heritage. There are approximately 1 million people living on the doorstep of the Land of Oak & Iron area, in Newcastle, Gateshead and Durham less than 1 hour drive away.

Those that currently know about and visit the area’s landscape and heritage attractions are enthusiastic, passionate and eager to share their local knowledge. They also value the area’s potential to become more of a tourist destination through activity supported by the Land of Oak & Iron.

Local people have a plethora of ideas for encouraging more people to visit, such as improved information about activities and events, the natural environment and better access by public transport. They also identified a need to promote what already exists within the area, whilst endorsing the need to develop new activities for families and young people. This demonstrates a really positive relationship between people and their heritage which will be harnessed during the delivery of the Land of Oak & Iron. The enthusiasm, engagement and ownership from local people will ultimately make this Landscape Partnership a success.

Consultation with potential visitors and the three local tourism agencies of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI), Visit Durham and Visit Northumberland revealed that most of these potential visitors tend to visit the Northumberland Coast, Durham City, Durham and North Yorkshire countryside rather than the Land of Oak & Iron. The overwhelming reasons for this are two-fold: 1. They do not know that the area is there 2. They do not know what there is to do in the area

Currently most people find out what is happening in the area by word of mouth. When asked, many people said they would love to find out more via improved information, promotion and more events and activities such as sports, treasure trials, archaeology activities and an app.

This emphases the importance of the marketing and promotions, events, enhanced access, signage and improved interpretation both physically and online to be delivered as part of the Land of Oak & Iron. By delivering these projects and working with partners we will be able to attract many more people to engage with, learn about and celebrate the beautiful landscape and the area’s fascinating heritage.

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Consultation with potential visitors and the three local tourism agencies of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI), Visit Durham and Visit Northumberland revealed that most of these potential visitors tend to visit the Northumber- land Coast, Durham City, Durham and North Yorkshire countryside rather than the Land of Oak & Iron. The overwhelming reasons for this are two-fold: 1. They do not know that the area is there 2. They do not know what there is to do in the area

This emphases the importance of the marketing and promotions, events, enhanced access, signage and improved interpretation both physically and online to be delivered as part of the Land of Oak & Iron. By delivering these projects and working with partners we will be able to attract many more people to engage with, learn about and celebrate the beautiful landscape and the area’s fascinating heritage.

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3.3 Management Information At first glance travelling through the Land of Oak & Iron the area is visually attractive, well wooded and appears to be in good condition. However, the industrialisation which made the area so unique has to an extent taken its toll on the natural landscape, its remaining heritage, and communities. This section reviews existing management information for the Heritage, People and Communities of the Land of Oak & Iron; summarising key points that have informed targets for management standards that need to be met as a result of the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership. 3.3.1 Managing Heritage The table below summarise the strategies already in place for managing the heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron area. A bibliography including links to these strategies and action plans is provided in the Appendix 1.

Table 2: Rational, regional and local strategies relevant to Investing in Heritage

Project/ Strategies Lead Link European Landscape Con Natural England Requiring landscape to be integrated into regional and town vention planning cultural, environmental, agricultural, social and economic policies. National Character Areas Natural England Explains how you can access and use environmental evidence and information to inform local action plans 3 Rivers LNP 3 Rivers Local Nature Vision for biodiverse landscape enhancing health and wealth for Partnership all. The Land of Oak & Iron is part of this.

Durham, Gateshead and Respective Local Detailing the character of the landscape in line with Natural Northumberland Land Authorities England’s National Character areas. scape Character Assess ments (LCAs) Durham Biodiversity/Action DBAP Identified priority habitats and species and provides Plan (DBAP management guidance Northumberland Key Land Northumberland Sensitivity of the Landscape Character Areas in Northumber- Use Impact Study County Council land to a number of key land-uses and major changes that may threaten their character.

Tyne Catchment Plan Tyne Rivers Trust Projects for the future, which will help improve the Tyne’s rivers and encourage people to learn and care about them.

Altogether Greener Action Durham County Champions the significance of local environmental priorities Plan Council Heritage At Risk Register Historic England Providing details of the built heritage at risk

Local Authority Historic Respective Local Au- To identify other potential heritage at risk Environment Records thorities

Land of Oak & Iron Durham Wildlife Trust Comprehensive biodiversity assessment of the Land of Oak & Biodiversity Audit Iron Land of Oak & Iron Historic North of England Comprehensive historic environment assessment of the Land of Environment Civic Trust Oak & Iron

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Natural Landscape Despite the apparent beauty of the natural landscape of the Land of Oak & Iron this is a landscape that has not

escaped scarring from the industrial developments and is now at risk of loss. Currently there are few European/ national landscape management mechanisms in operation within the Land of Oak & Iron. This is due to the timing of the scheme being developed in a gap in European Union (EU) funding periods. However, this will re-start in earnest in 2016. With guidance from the Forestry Commission, Environment Agency and Natural England who are all represented on the Land of Oak & Iron Board, the delivery team and in particular the Access and Woodland Officer, will be well placed to work with landowners to take advantage of the new Countryside Stewardship schemes. This will look to bring more land into positive management and achieve landscape wide change over the 4 year delivery period.

A number of local management plans exist and are still in operation (if in a transient state due to the status of EU Funding); a selection of woodlands are currently being managed effectively to return them to a more natural state, including Chopwell, Milkwellburn and Prudhoe woods. River management is being undertaken on the Rivers Tyne and Derwent based on the priorities of the River Tyne Catchment Plan.

From analysis of the information, reports and strategies summarised above, suggested management priorities for the natural landscape of the Land of Oak & Iron are:

 Convert, restore and expand native broadleaved woodland cover, particularly in Plantations on An- cient Woodland Sites (PAWS)

 Ensure that the local timber industry help to sustainably manage the woodland resource.

 Expand, restore, and enhance the network of semi-natural grassland and wetland habitats

 Expand Woodland Ecological Networks, buffer zones and wildlife corridors

 Identify and formally record areas of significant geology

 Alter the course of and improve the water quality of the river to a more natural state where possible, including the installation of a fish pass at Lintzford

 River restoration techniques to secure the bank sides, reduce pollution run off into the rivers and streams and create more natural habitats such as Otter Halts

 Habitat restoration to protect and enhance the significant and rare species in the area (see section 3.1.2)

 Enhance surveying and recording of rare species to increase knowledge and protection

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Not only will projects be delivered to enhance the condition and ongoing management of these habitats but the community consultation that has taken place over the last 18 months (for more details see section 3.2) has identified significant interest in supporting these schemes. From a strategic level with interest from our DEFRA agency and Local Authority partners to a community level where existing groups including; Friends of Red Kites, Friends of Chopwell Woods, Gateshead Countryside Volunteers, Durham Bird Club and new volunteers, all have registered interest in working to protect and enhance our natural heritage. With the support from the Community Engagement and Access and Woodland Officers to facilitate and join up activity, the Land of Oak & Iron will provide opportunities for local stakeholders to better manage our natural landscape.

Industrial Remains Unfortunately there are few remains of the significant industrial era of the Land of Oak & Iron. What is left is at high risk of loss either through becoming overgrown, dereliction or vandalism. Another risk is the loss of understanding of the significance of the features, particularly amongst younger generations who have no direct connections to these former industries.

The database that sits alongside the Built Heritage Audit provides a comprehensive review Gateshead, Durham and Northumberland Historic Environment Records, reviewing the top 30 industrial remains relevant to the Land of Oak & Iron. Of these 30, 9 sites are severely at risk on the official, Heritage at Risk (HAR) 2014 register. The sites of most relevance to the story of the Land of Oak & Iron include:

 Gibside Hall: The condition of Gibside Hall is described as very bad (the worst rating) meaning it is at immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss.

 Whinfield Coking Ovens: is at risk from woodland at the foot of Strother Hills encroaching on the structure on its southern and western sides. On its northern side the structure is compromised by a unsecured, poor and neglected setting, compounded by overgrown vegetation making its risk to survival high.

 Derwentcote steel furnace (workers cottages): generally in unsatisfactory condition plant growth as the principal cause of a declining trend for the structure.

 Allensford Blast Furnace: will be newly added this year largely due to the dangerous vegetation overgrowth damaging the remains of the structure.

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Although not on the HAR register another industrial remain that is totally overgrown with vegetation is Crowley’s Dam, the remains of one of the most significant industrial features in the Land of Oak & Iron. This has been identified as significant by the Historic Environment Audit, but also has passionate support from the Sunniside History Society, a local history group who are keen to see the structure unveiled, raising its awareness to the general public. As Crowley’s dam is located within the Derwenthaugh Country Park it will be accessible to hundreds of thousands of visitors a year helping to engage them in the story of the Land of Oak & Iron.

The Land of Oak & Iron will provide the opportunity to conserve, enhance and celebrate these structures for generations to come. A new ‘friends of’ group will be established and will be equipped with the tools, skills and knowledge to ensure these structures are well maintained into the future. Enhanced access and new on and offsite interpretation will enable many more people to visit these structures, enhancing their natural surveillance and the understanding of their importance to the area.

The other features include battle grounds, private halls and churches. Where possible the Partnership will work together to enhance the management and condition of these buildings as added value to the HLF funded Land of Oak & Iron scheme.

Within the Land of Oak & Iron is a proliferation of waggonways that crisscross the entire area. Today the waggonways cross both public and private land, are at risk from natural decay, neglect and a lack of understanding of the significance of the route ways. Inappropriate management techniques are sometimes used and there is a risk that the significance of them is lost or only known by a few passionate individuals. The Land of Oak & Iron will offer an exciting opportunity to improve the condition of the waggoways so they are backbone supporting the wider programme of activity.

Cultural Heritage The cultural heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron largely evolved from the pastimes and leisure opportunities during the areas industrial age. The gentrification of industry is well documented through interest in the Bowes at Gibside, Crowley and the Percy family in Prudhoe. However, the heritage of the normal everyday life is at great risk of loss as there is little joined up or well publicised documentation of the social cultures, traditions or lives of the workers of the Valley. Rapper dancing, a traditional dance of the miners, is now in danger of dying out as the numbers of old mining families reduce. Clog dancing was kept alive through competition, but there has been a decline in teachers as well as opportunities to perform leaving the survival of this tradition at risk if nothing is done to revitalise it and engage more young people.

Cultural traditions, music and poetry are fading due to cultural memories not being recorded. The oral, written and activity based histories need to be captured before they are lost as those that lived, worked and played during this significant era are no longer with us.

There is currently no mechanism to manage this cultural heritage outside of the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership. Working with key partners including Gateshead Regional Economic Strategy, County Durham and Northumberland Economic strategies and tourist agencies, the Partnership is keen to support its conservation for generations to come. It was identified through the community consultation that there are groups such as the High Spen Rapper Dancers and Tommy Armstrong Society and others who are interested in the area’s culture and who want to revitalise it. The Land of Oak & Iron will raise awareness and involvement through the education, creative interpretation and marketing of the areas cultural heritage to ensure it continues to be passed onto new generations.

“This project presents a real opportunity to provide some much needed attention to the area that I live in, helping to protect the local cultures and wildlife and get more young people involved” Local Resident

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3.3.2 Managing People The table below summarise the strategies already in place for managing the people of the Land of Oak & Iron area. A bibliography including links to these strategies and action plans is provided in the appendix 1.

Table 3: Rational, regional and local strategies relevant to Investing in People

Project/ Strategies Lead Link

More and Better jobs North East Local Enterprise Plan to create new jobs in the North East Partnership

Rural Economic Strategy (RES) Gateshead Council To help improve the economic performance of the rural area of Gateshead. Durham and Northumberland Respective Local Authorities Detail on all aspects of the economy Economic Assessments

Land of Oak & Iron Skills Audit Groundwork NE & Cumbria An assessment of skills gaps and needs in the Land of Oak & Iron

After consultation with the Cultural Heritage sub-group and other skills experts in the area it was decided that the main priorities to meet local need are:

 Heritage and built restoration skills

 Customer services/ tourism skills

 Land Management skills

 Business and entrepreneurial skills

A series of new courses will be delivered for young people in the Land of Oak & Iron to not only learn these skills but to provide vital work experience to enable progression into employment. Volunteers will also be given the opportunity to develop skills in these areas but the outcome will be focused on a better ability to conserve, manage and celebrate our heritage rather than jobs.

From the analysis of the reports summarised above, suggested management priorities for the Land of Oak & Iron for educational and volunteering opportunities include:

 Utilise the good supply of diverse natural areas for educational work with schools or informal education

 Ensure that local schools are using and benefitting from the education opportunities present in the nearby local natural environment

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Education, skills and volunteering projects will be delivered to develop knowledge and interest of the heritage thus preserving it for generations to come. Opportunities will be based around the heritage features described above to provide learning and skills opportunities in archaeology, heritage skills, woodland management and interpretation. Volunteering opportunities will be developed to allow the heritage to be better managed both now and in the future.

3.3.3 Managing Communities

The table below summarise the strategies already in place for managing the communities of the Land of Oak & Iron area. A bibliography including links to these strategies and action plans is provided in the Appendix 1.

Table 4: Rational, regional and local strategies relevant to Investing in Communities

Project/ Strategies Lead Link Tourism Strategies Tourism Agencies Tourism development plans

Communities Together Strategy Gateshead Council Community Development Strategy and Community Co- hesion Strategy Northumberland Green Northumberland Identifies the green infrastructure network. Sets out rec- Infrastructure Study County Council ommendations on how the network can be maintained, protected and enhanced. Gateshead & Newcastle Green Gateshead Council Demonstrating some of the need for enhanced GI and Infrastructure (GI) Evidence providing information about the benefits of GI restora- base tion Cycling Strategy Gateshead Council Promote cycling for all residents and communities

A communications strategy for Gateshead Council How communications activity can support the success- rural Gateshead ful implementation of the RES

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The Land of Oak & Iron has a fascinating story there really is something for everyone. However, our consultation has shown that the main barrier to engaging with this is lack of knowledge that it exists and how to access it.

There are few plans to promote this and very little activity happening in the area. Primarily it is being driven by Gateshead Council’s RES and the National Trust at Gibside to better promote the area for tourism and economic development. The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership will work closely with these organisations and others focusing on the identified management priorities for the Land of Oak & Iron which are:

 Better access to and interpretation of all heritage

 Development of a Partnership Forum to enable community members to easily get involved and support the Land of Oak & Iron

 Events and activities to promote engagement

 Better promotion of heritage and assets, including more creative use of digital and social media

 More natural sites especially along some parts of the River Derwent, around Blaydon, Consett and Castleside.

 Utilise the good (although unevenly distributed) range of publicly accessible sites where people can experience and view semi-natural habitats

 Provide more access to semi-natural habitat close to where people live

 Enhance the natural appearance of currently accessible sites by providing urban meadows, woodland areas and wetland or water habitats

 Promote the area as a key source of locally sustainably produced timber

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3.4 Statement of Significance A distinctive and unique landscape has developed in the Land of Oak & Iron, as set out in section 3.1 and 3.2 above. This section describes the significance of the Land of Oak & Iron, its landscape and heritage. It presents the importance, strengths and values of the area which has brought the wider partnership and community together around our shared vision of celebrating heritage and creating opportunities. 3.4.1 Designations and Protections – Natural Landscape Much of the Land of Oak & Iron area is recognised for its National importance for Wildlife and Geology. Almost 10% of the Land of Oak & Iron area holds priority habitat, as identified by Natural England. The vast majority of this priority habitat (93%) is broadleaved woodland, identified in bright green on the land use Map 3. The tables below summarises the designations that exist within the Land of Oak & Iron and other ways in which the heritage is formally protected, illustrating the recognised significance of the distinctive heritage in this area. For more detail on these designations see the Biodiversity Audit in Appendix 3

Table 5: Habitats and Statutory Sites Summary

Feature Area (ha) Area (km2) % of project area

Priority Habitat Inventory* 1,710 17.1 9.6

Ancient woodland sites 1,720 17.2 9.7 National Nature Reserves 69 0.7 0.3 Local Nature Reserves 127 1.3 0.7 Crow Act land (public access) 407 4.1 2.3 All public access areas (Crow + LNR) 506 6.1 2.8 Local Wildlife Site (LWS) 1,683 16.8 9.5 Any designation (LWS, LNR, Crow or BAP) 2,794 27.9 15.8 All accessible areas (including PROW buffers) 6,791 67.9 38.3 * Important natural habitats, as mapped by Natural England

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Wildlife/ habitat picture

Table 6: Natural Designations

Designation Detail

Area of Outstanding Nat North Pennines AONB – comes into the Land of Oak & Iron boundary at its southern ural Beauty (AONB) tip, with areas of ancient semi-natural and mixed woodland, upland heathland and pastoral farming.

National Nature Reserve Derwent Gorge & Horsleyhope Ravine, in the south protecting an important area of (NNR) wildlife habitat, geological formation and scientific interest with some of the finest ancient woodlands in the North East.

8 Sites of Special Scien Ryton Willows, Shibdon Pond, Lower Derwent Meadow, Thornley Woods, Gibside, tific Interest (SSSI) Strothers Hill, Derwent Gorge & Horsleyhope Ravine and River Tyne at Ovingham, covering three broad habitat types: broadleaved/ mixed woodland, neutral grassland and standing open water, mostly in favourable condition.

Local Wildlife Site (LWS) 9.5% of the area is designated as LWS, locally recognising their importance for maintaining biodiversity. Many contain woodland habitats, such as Milkwellburn Wood, Gibside, Chopwell Wood and Castlefields Wood act as refuges or stepping stones for wildlife. 8 Local Nature Reserves Areas for both people and wildlife at Allensford woods, Priestclose wood, Castlefield (LNRs) Woods, Clara Vale, Shibdon Pond, Ryton Willows, Cross line Meadows and Deep Dene. Many of these coincide with LWS and SSSIs. LNRs offer special opportunities to study or learn about nature or simply to enjoy it. Ancient Woodland Inven AWI sites are extensive throughout the project area. These contain both ASNW, im- tory (AWI) portant for its rich diversity of plant and animal species and PAWS. Both are recognised for their local and national importance for wildlife.

These designations protect the rich habitats and distinctive natural landscape that remain in the Land of Oak & Iron. Most of these sites have not been altered by the centuries of industrialisation that has occurred in the area showcasing what the whole area would have been like prior to industrial developments. Some of the Local Wildlife Sites and Local Nature Reserves have been developed after deindustrialisation in an attempt to return the natural landscape to its pre-industrial state. These will help to tell a crucial element of the story of the Land of Oak & Iron in being able to teach local people what the native habitats are and how they can be protected and enhanced.

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Although the area has these designations and protections, there are some elements of its landscape character that remain unprotected. The geological sites and minerals in the earth that once attracted the great industry are today at risk from adverse developments and unintended damage, because they are undocumented and maybe unknown to land owners and to the planning system. Within the Land of Oak & Iron a rare and significant geological mineral deposit of Tufa has recently been discovered in streams across the Land of Oak and Iron. Geological survey training and activity will target these sites to be surveyed using a standard methodology that will collect sufficient information to be considered for designation as a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS). This will ensure that the area’s geodiversity is protected into the future.

Many of the designated sites contain woodland habitats. Ancient Woodland is a nationally rare habitat; the amount in the Land of Oak & Iron is still large compared to the national level. However, much of the woodland cover is PAWS (dark green on Map 3), fast growing trees planted on ancient woodland sites to service the industry. Our remaining ancient woodland and plantation sites are the largest visible element of the area’s landscape character that makes it distinctive from elsewhere. The value of the woodlands to residents and visitors was a recurring theme within the community consultation.When talking about days out in Thornely or Chopwell woods, be it a recent family trip, a school visit or recalling fond memories from years ago, these places clearly have a special place in the hearts and minds of people. Without ongoing management and protections this magical environment and diverse habitats will be lost forever. This is why our woodlands need to be protected and enhanced for generations to come.

In the lower end of the Land of Oak & Iron’s river valleys species rich grasslands and wetlands exist showcasing some of the natural heritage that would have existed in the area centuries ago. In particular Shibdon Pond is now a well-managed local nature reserve with a wide variety or bird life, marshland and wetland area. This attracts many ornithologists and wildlife experts alike to survey the site and enjoy seeing different species they can spot at different times of year. When consulting about the project people excitedly told stories about the kingfisher that can be spotted in the autumn or watching the swifts and swallows diving for insects in the summer months. However, there are other areas of grassland, significantly Shibdon Meadow, that are currently not managed at all. Preserving the remaining grassland and wetland in the Land of Oak & Iron is therefore not only important to maintain this holistic ecosystem and associated biodiversity but also to provide a resource for local people of all ages to enjoy.

The River Derwent is a key attribute of the Land of Oak & Iron and has had a major influence on the area’s development underpinning settlement patterns and industries. Local people who live near to the river can demonstrate places where the water course has been changed over the years to service the industry, identifying potential archaeology remains. Some keep records of the birds and wildlife that they see around the river edge proudly talking about what they have recently spotted. Others use it as a resource to teach people about the local natural and industrial heritage of the area when giving guided walks.

As part of the EU Water Framework Directive significant investment has taken place on the River Derwent and Tyne to improve the water quality. Currently at moderate the aim is to get the River Derwent to Good Ecological Potential. Investment to date has included the installation of a fish pass at Derwenthaugh Head as the river is home to rare species such as Atlantic Salmon. At Lintzford due to the weir the fish cannot spawn further upstream. The river is a significant feature of the Land of Oak & Iron and the Partnership want to continue to return the river to its natural state through installation of a rockramp fishpass, green engineering solutions on the river bank coupled with awareness and educational activities. This will reverse some of the negative impacts of the industry on the natural habitat.

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The Land of Oak and Iron is important for a range of uncommon and rare species (see section 3.1.2 and the Biodiversity audit for details). Some groups such as the Friends of Red Kites have formed to help to protect and conserve them out of their passion for such rare and charismatic species following their reintroduction in 2004. Other groups like the Gateshead and Durham Countryside Volunteer teams do a range of tasks to conserve the habitats that support wildlife. The area’s wildlife is a great hook to encourage people to learn about or get involved with nature.

Species that are less well researched and protected than the Red Kites, such as otters, grass snakes and water voles will be a focal point of the surveying work and volunteer skills development carried out as part of the Land of Oak & Iron.

Many ex-industrial sites have been reclaimed and planted to varying quality for wildlife and landscape value. However, these sites are significantly valued by local people and visitors to the area. In particular Derwenthaugh County Park came out near the top along with Gibside House as an attraction to visit in the area. Equally the Derwent Walk and nine arches viaduct that was once the Derwent Valley railway is a large attraction which acts as an arterial route through the project area.

These sites have significant value for those using them today, but they also help people recall memories of what the area used to be like; the bright, loud and dirty vision that was Derwenthaugh Coke Works, the abandoned bits of railway that people used to play on and the dominance of the Consett Steel Works taking over the town and all of its business not so long ago.

The reclaimed local wildlife sites and country parks now provide a recreational resource. Making use of the network of walking and cycling routes, local people and visitors alike enjoy accessing many of the significant habitats, sites and views. There is potential to further develop these routes and sites through conservation works to enhance their heritage value to pre-industrial levels as wildlife corridors, buffer zones and to utilise the memories in various forms of interpretation to tell the story of the Land of Oak & Iron before it is lost from living memory.

3.4.2 Designations and Protections – Industrial Landscape The built features of the Land of Oak & Iron span centuries evidenced from the 1st century, through to the industrial remains from the 21st century. Today the characterisation of the area as a coalfield valley is due to the significance of the innovative use of the natural resources and associated industrial developments, which led to the area becoming one of Europe’s largest producers of iron and steel during the 19th century.

Table 7 summarises the historic designations that exist within the Land of Oak & Iron and other ways in which the heritage is formally protected. For more detail on these designations see the Historic Environment Audit in Appendix 3.

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Table 7: Historic Designations

Designation Detail Heritage at Risk Register There are 9 sites on the HAR with the Land of Oak & Iron including battle sites, (HAR) Churches, Halls and remaining links to the areas industrial heritage. The industrial heritage links which are of most significance to the Land of Oak & Iron are listed in the management information above.

Historic Environment There are 1625 entries on the historic environment record for the Land of Oak & Iron Records (HER) area. These include Earthworks, Levelled Earthwork, Find, Documentary Evidence, Demolished Building, Natural Feature, Destroyed Monument, Implied Evidence, In- dustrial, Religious, Transport, Gardens Parks and Urban Spaces, Domestic, Civil, Defence, Recreational, Education records. Land of Oak & Iron After removing sites of lesser significance to the project from the HER and including Historic Environment sites identified through community consultation 177 sites were identified as important Audit to the project area. From this 30 were identified as highly significant to the Land of Oak & Iron.

Understanding these designations is important as the industrial remains are very significant to the history and heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron. The development of the project area is based upon industrial processes, particularly mining and mineral working. Although earlier built structures are evident in the project area, it is the industrial remains that tell us most about the growth of the project area as an industrial landscape.

Much of the industrial heritage within the project area has been lost due to land reclamation. However, the few that do remain help to gain an understanding of the story, by providing people with a physical image of what the industry would have been like, how it worked and its massive scale.

Industrial Landscape

Several industrial sites within the project area have national significance, but unfortunately no built structures have survived such as the Shotely Bridge Sword Factory, Ambrose Crowley’s Iron works at Swalwell and the Consett Iron Company’s site at Consett. The more notable remaining industrial features include infrastructure such as railway viaducts, bridges, waggonways and embankments. Evidence also survives in the few remaining built features detailed above. These are therefore important sites for telling the story of the industrial development and the processes which were so important to the expansion of industry across the area and rest of the North East.

The four most significant sites which have survived are Allensford Blast Furnace, Derwentcote Steel Furnace, Whinfield Coke Ovens and Crowleys Dam. These sites represent the major industrial processes which were key to the development of the Land of Oak and Iron project area; Iron, Steel and Coal. There are significant opportunities for education, skills training, adult learning and volunteering at all four sites, with the potential to unlock many of the stories of the Land of Oak & Iron project area. As industrial monuments these structures are not capable of being adapted for new uses and have very little income generating potential; which might be why they have become at risk.

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Allensford Blast Furnace

Grid reference: NZ 07932 50350 Allensford blast furnace was built before 1692, and remained in use until c 1713. It was associated with a steel forge a mile downriver supplying the sword makers of Shotley Bridge. It is one of only two surviving blast furnaces in the North East, and has the earliest surviving ore-roasting kiln in Britain. It is both a Grade II listed structure and a Scheduled Monument.

Derwentcote Steel Cementation Furnace

Workers Cottages at Derwentcote Grid reference: NZ 13100 56500 Derwentcote Steel Furnace was built in the 1730s and was used for cementation, a process which converted wrought iron into steel. It is one of the few remaining examples of this type of furnace nationally and is the last remaining piece of evidence of cementation steelmaking in the North East. The furnace is a Grade I Listed Building. The Furnace, Iron Finery Forge, Workers Cottages and Gardens and the remains of a drift coal mine all form part of the Scheduled Monument site. The whole site illustrates various industrial processes and associated domestic life from the early 18th century till the mid-20th century. Public access is currently restricted to a small part of the site due to tree safety issues. The furnace went out of use by 1891 and subsequently fell into disrepair; the furnace was restored by English Heritage in 1990, the workers cottages have not been restored.

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Whinfield Coke Ovens

Whinfield Coke Ovens, Highfield Industrial Estate, Grid reference: NZ 1520 5810 Whinfield Coke Ovens are a rare example of intact beehive coke ovens and were also the last beehive coke ovens to be operated in Britain. Built in 1861 by the owners of the Victoria Garesfield Colliery, and operated up until 1958, there were originally 193 beehive ovens in three banks. The remains are a Scheduled Monument and are currently included on the national ‘Heritage at Risk’ register complied by English Heritage. The remains include five complete beehive ovens and the partial remains of a further two ovens. Repeated vandalism, anti-social behaviour and un- managed vegetation growth have caused damage to the structures which now need specialist conservation repairs and work to improve the setting of the monument.

Crowley’s Dam of Winlaton Mill Ironworks

Grid Reference: NZ 183 603 (High Dam); NZ 185 606 (workers’ housing) Crowley’s Dam and Mill race is one of the few remaining relics of the Winlaton Mill ironworks. This was constructed by Ambrose Crowley between 1691 and c 1713, and was the original core of the Crowleys’ internationally-important manufacturing complex, with a forge, slitting mill, steel furnaces, and squares of workshops. Most of the remains is now preserved in a stable condition beneath landscaped amenity land, therefore not on the HAR. The complex dam and weir are exposed, although buried in vegetation and in need of conservation. The site has strong historical and archaeological significance and is located within the Derwenthaugh Country Park, a highly visited public space within the project area. The uncovering of Crowleys Dam will therefore be able to attract significant interest in the industrial heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron and the project as a whole due to its prominent location.

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Crowley’s Dam of Winlaton Mill Ironworks

Grid Reference: NZ 183 603 (High Dam); NZ 185 606 (workers’ housing)

Crowley’s Dam and Mill race is one of the few remaining relics of the Winlaton Mill ironworks. This was constructed by Ambrose Crowley between 1691 and c 1713, and was the original core of the Crowleys’ internationally-important manufacturing complex, with a forge, slitting mill, steel furnaces, and squares of workshops. Most of the remains is now preserved in a stable condition beneath landscaped amenity land, therefore not on the HAR. The complex dam and weir are exposed, although buried in vegetation and in need of conservation. The site has strong historical and archaeological significance and is located within the Derwenthaugh Country Park, a highly visited public space within the project area. The uncovering of Crowleys Dam will therefore be able to attract significant interest in the industrial heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron and the project as a whole due to its prominent location.

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Public Awareness

Many people from within and outside of the project area know of Gibside, and its popularity is increasing as a result of investment from the National Trust, who has an active management plan in place. Gibside and its popularity will be utilised to help to engage people in the Land of Oak & Iron.

There is little public awareness of the four sites mentioned above and this was highlighted in the community consultation and online survey. Derwentcote which is most intact and signed, if poorly and owned by English Heritage was not well known. However, when showing pictures of and talking about this sites, people showed genuine interest in wanting to know more, visit them and get involved in their conservation. This demonstrates the un-tapped potential to promote their global industrial significance and the risk of not protecting them now as their condition is likely to continue to deteriorate.

There are a number of very enthusiastic groups such as Sunniside History Society, the Consett Heritage Initiative and the Derwent Valley Preservation Society who are keen to work with the Land of Oak & Iron Partnership to conserve and promote these structures.. Although these groups have alot of knowledge and passion they lack the resources to restore and protect them without support. These groups will form the back bone of a new industrial heritage volunteer group that will help to conserve and manage the structures for generations to come.

3.4.3 Cultural Importance The two previous sections illustrate that the protection of the heritage of the area, is largely focused on the natural environment and physical remains. What isn’t protected, and is more difficult to protect, is the cultural heritage and story of the area which brings the physical remains to life.

The cultural heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron has largely evolved from the pastimes and leisure opportunities during the areas industrial age, such as Rapper Dancing, Poetry, Art and Song. Some of the cultural heritage is still widely known today, celebrated through song and a local running race, The Blaydon Races both of which are over 100 years old. Rapper Dancing, which originated in this area is today danced the world over. Its significance is clear in many dances being named after local towns and villages.

The Poetry of Tommy Armstrong and art of Thomas Bewick both have many dedicated admirers nationally, with exhibitions travelling the country. Despite such national and international acclaim some of these cultures are becoming lost locally as time goes on, cultural traditions and memories of the stories are fading. Fewer people learn about it at school, take part in rapper dancing or are able to be told about it by their parents and grandparents. If these stories are not passed onto future generations the cultural significance of the area, which for some brings it to life, will be lost forever.

Consultation with community groups has demonstrated an interest in the revival of these traditions. It is the stories of the area’s heroes and heroines as well as artistic culture that local people get excited about. In particular Rapper Dancing with swords, which is exciting and eye catching for many, with talks of ‘Rapper’ trails and established bank holiday festivals. This could not only revive local traditions and engage younger generations but also attract new visitors to the area to observe the fascinating dance. The consultation identified that the cultural heritage is of interest and important to many but they are unsure of how to access it. By engaging a range of artists and cultural development experts the Land of Oak & Iron will provide new and easily accessible opportunities for many people to engage with the fascinating and exciting culture of the area.

3.4.4 Modern Day Heroes The significance of the natural, industrial and cultural heritage which surround the Land of Oak & Iron continue to be conserved, enhanced and celebrated by a wide range of passionate, knowledgeable and admiral community groups in the area. Some of these include:

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 Why this area 54

 Pont Valley Network – a community conservation group that keeps the Land of Oak & Iron in check with local issues and focuses on running projects to enhance the Pont Valley and teach people about

its fascinating history.

 Sunniside History Society – an active history society passionate about the industrial history of the area, providing invaluable knowledge to the Land of Oak & Iron. Activity includes including delivering projects on the ground such as the Butterfly Bridge Interpretation, having guest speakers and in house presentations.

 Derwent Valley Protection Society – a local action groups that works to protect the beautiful and unique natural heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron.

 Blackhill, Blackhall Mill, Bridgehill and Shotley Bridge - community association, an umbrella group for local residents associations that works to keep the community up to date with local news and delivery projects that enhance the areas landscape and heritage.

 Friends of Red Kites - charitable organisation promoting the local reintroduction of Red Kites, an iconic species in the Land of Oak & Iron and beyond.

 Consett Heritage Initiative - group interested in the study and preservation of our local history within Consett and surrounding areas heritage.

 Friends of Chopwell Woods - help look after the wood, raising money and lending practical support to restore and manage Chopwell Woods keeping it an attractive environment for many to enjoy.

 Ebchester Village Trust - a group working to protect the best features of the village and to improve the Ebchester environment generally

 Shotley Bridge Village Trust - a group which aims to improve the environment in the village and promote high standards of development, whether in new buildings or the renovation and alteration of existing ones.

 Clara Vale Conservation Group - promoting the protection or our local habitats for wildlife and local people and encourage sustainable use of natural resources.

 Friends of Prudhoe Woods - promotes the preservation, understanding and conservation of the woodlands, wildlife and countryside in and around Prudhoe.

 Tommy Armstrong Society - a group of likeminded people who want to extend and develop public awareness of the importance of the poet and his works and to preserve his memory.

 Blue Diamond Rapper Sword Dancers – rapper dancing has been performed in High Spen for over 100 years, this club continue this tradition and compete locally and nationally.

 Addison Rapper & Clog Dance Team – the team dance the traditional High Spen, Winlaton and Swalwell Dance at various festivals and events.

The existence and passion of these groups not only help to conserve the significance of the area but they are also part of it. There is a fascinating story to be told and sense of pride to be shared about the natural, industrial and cultural landscape, and what it means to people today. Through the Land of Oak & Iron and by investing in heritage, people and communities we will engage more people in this story. We want more people; both from within the area and visitors, to understand the significance of the landscape that exists here today, developing a greater sense of ownership and connection between the people and their landscape.

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4 What Will Happen – Our Projects

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership will deliver a suite of 14 interconnected projects from 2016-2020. This section summarises these projects in the diagram overleaf, provides information about how they will meet HLFs outcomes for heritage, people and communities and about their overall outputs, delivery phase time table and main risks. More detailed information and individual project plans can be found in parts 2 and 3 of the LCAP. The projects will build on the existing enthusiasm to engage a wide number of communities, local people and visitors alike in the beautiful landscape and unique heritage of this fascinating area. They will also demonstrate how the management recommendations discussed in section 3.3 will be realised. To achieve our vision of celebrating heritage and creating opportunities the projects have been designed around our 3 themes of:

 Investing in Heritage - Rediscovering Lost Landscapes - identifying, enhancing and managing the little known natural and industrial heritage

 Investing in People – Forging a Stronger Future from the Past - investing in people to develop skills, learn about the heritage and volunteer time

 Investing in Communities - Creating a legacy – improving access to and interpretation of the heritage, expanding engagement and ownership, whilst promoting the area as a place to live, work and visit. The projects will be connected by a range of activities that join up each scheme. This includes volunteer activities being available in virtually all projects coordinated by the Community Engagement Officer, common branding, marketing and promotions for all of the schemes. In addition activity based projects will be delivered at our heritage sites, such as natural heritage education at woodland sites and young people skills training at the restoration of Whinfield Coke Ovens. For more information about how each project related to the others see the project links table in appendix. A number of projects and initiatives already exist, or are planned within the area that the partnership will link into and develop a mutually beneficial and value adding relationship, as detailed in the table below. The Land of Oak & Iron also links into a number of national and regional strategies as detailed in section 3.

Table 8: Existing projects in the local area Project Lead Link

Gateshead’s Historic Derwent Valley Gateshead Council An initiative to promote tourism in the project area North Pennines LEADER Programme Durham County Promoting community led delivery of European Council rural grants. Rural Growth Network Northumberland Helping rural areas overcome barriers to growth County Council Project Genesis Trust Project Genesis In Consett providing better local amenities, more jobs and a green environment Gibside enhancements National Trust Developing the visitor economy

Cycle Network development Various Developing sustainable transport and the cycling network Consett Heritage Project Durham County A proposed project focusing on the heritage of Council Consett Red Kites Friends of Red Kites Successful natural heritage conservation and enhancement project. SIMWOOD Rural Development Woodland management in the context of multi- Initiatives Limited functional forest management.

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Theme Project Activities Yr 2016- Coordinator 2020 1 - Investing in 1. Community To research and record archaeological evidence of innovative 1-3 Tyne & Wear Specialist Heritage Archaeology – Identifying waggonways and world leading industry that developed in the area. Conservation Team 2. Built Restoration Whinfield Coke Ovens – repair, conserve and interpret the remains of the 1 Tyne & Wear Building – Restoration and better Beehive Coke Ovens which are a Scheduled Ancient Monument, turning Preservation Trust Rediscovering Lost management of four key them into a hertiage asset.

Landscapes industrial heritage sites. Derwentcote Steel Furnace – Conserve, enhance and celebrate the 1-4 Tyne & Wear Building Allensford Blast Furnace – a Grade II Listed Building and Scheduled 1-2 Tyne & Wear Building

Identifying, enhancing Crowley’s Dam – conservation of this relic from Winlaton Mill ironworks 1 Gateshead Council and managing the little which is an internationally significant industrial heritage site. 3. River Restoration - Fish Pass – at Lintzford weir to improve water quality and habitats. 1 Tyne Rivers Trust known natural and Enhancement and better River Restoration – pollution reduction, river crafts, surveying and 1-4 Tyne Rivers Trust industrial heritage management of the River 4. Woodland Restoration - Enhancement, Restoration and Expansion of native woodland to 1-4 Woodland Trust, Enhancement and better maximise environmental value and ensure long-term viability. With major Gateshead Council, management of Woodlands schemes at Derwent Head, Prudhoe and Gateshead’s Derwent Valley. Groundwork 5. Shibdon Meadow- Wetland Enhancement – a wetland Local Wildlife Site at Shibdon Meadow 1-3 Durham Wildlife Trust Enhancement and better which has significant ecological value and amenity potential will be restored

2 - Investing in People 6. Oak & Iron Skills- to Young People Skills & Training – formal training in woodland 1-4 Gateshead College ensure skills needed to management, heritage crafts and construction, tourism, customer services maintain heritage are available for the long term. Volunteer Skills Programme – developing the skills required to manage Delivery Team – Forging a stronger and sustain the impact of the project in the long term. Community Officer future from the past 1-4 7. Educational activities - Outdoor Education – about the landscape, how it shaped, and has been 1-4 Groundwork NE & for children and families to Cumbria learn about heritage Industrial Heritage –about coal, iron and steel making, waggonways, Investing in people to railways and water mill industries. develop skills, learn Rapper Dancing – learning about the area’s cultural heritage. about the heritage and 8. Geology & Wildlife Volunteers to survey and record the most significant geological sites and 1-4 Durham Wildlife Trust Surveys – Volunteer rare wildlife in the area including those at risk of loss. volunteer time. opportunities to learn about natural heritage

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Theme Project Activities Yr 2016- Coordinator 2020 3 –Working with 9. Access For All – to Improved access – to the River Derwent, Derwent Walk, through 1-3 Delivery Team & provide better access woodlands, along waggonways and improved connectivity to heritage sites. Gateshead, Durham, Communities around the area. Signage – to highlight attractions and access routes. Northumberland LAs

10. Creative Interpretation Onsite Interpretation – varied forms at heritage sites 1-4 Groundwork NE & Creating a legacy with communities interpret Cumbria Offsite interpretation – such as a performance with music, recording oral the natural, industrial and histories, an App, through arts and dance and a website to widely promote cultural heritage; promoting the area and enhance engagement in its fascinating history. 2-4 and widening engagement. Improved access to and interpretation of Treasure trails – to encourage a wider group of people to use the improved access and explore local heritage. the heritage, reducing 3-4 negative 11. Go Green – Reducing Green Travel Assessment, around footpaths, cycle ways and public 1-4 Groundwork NE & environmental impact, environmental impacts transport, bike hubs, guided walks, walking/cycling festivals and potential Cumbria

expanding through enhancing cycle hire and e-bike scheme. sustainable transport. engagement and Cycling skills – training for children and adults to build confidence and ownership, and skills 1-3 promoting the area to make it a better place to live, work and visit. –Working with 12. Community Grants for Small Grant Scheme – funding for volunteering and community-based 1-4 Delivery Team & Communities volunteers and communities projects that add value to the overall scheme. Gateshead, Durham, Northumberland LAs Creating a legacy County Durham Community Foundation

13. Heritage Centres – to New Winlaton Mill Heritage Centre – to promote the area, a hub for Land 2-3 Gateshead Council Improved access to present and promote the of Oak & Iron activities and signpost people throughout the area. heritage of the area Leisure Works & North and interpretation of Satellite Centres – signposting, promotion and heritage exhibitions. At Country Leisure Consett and Prudhoe. the heritage, reducing negative 14. Marketing & Land of Oak & Iron website – development & maintenance. 1-4 Delivery Team Promotions – Community Officer & environmental impact, Products and merchandise – guidebook, calendar, T-shirts etc expanding Communications, events Partnership Manager and product development Videos/ photography – to showcase the area. engagement and ownership, and promoting the area to make it a better place to live, work and visit.

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Delivery Team:

Supporting the Partnership will be a highly skilled team who will provide leadership and guidance to existing and new; friends’ groups, communities, businesses and volunteers. Working closely with organisations coordinating the projects the team will ensure that the Partner’s objectives are being met. A key role will be joining up activity, drawing in additional resources and identifying opportunities to encourage participation and volunteering from those who live within and outside the Land of Oak & Iron.

4.1 Project Outcomes

As a result of investment in the Land of Oak & Iron a substantial difference will be made to the sustainability of the area; its heritage, people and communities. A variety of outcomes will be delivered linked to our vision as well as our story of how the landscape inspired industrial developments, drove the urban settlement pattern and evoked exciting arts and cultural traditions.

4.1.1 Outcomes for Heritage To invest in heritage major capital projects will be delivered. The project map below illustrates where all of the Land of Oak & Iron capital schemes will take place.

Map 4: Capital Projects Map

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Heritage will be better managed by working with existing and new local volunteers to develop and implement sustainable management plans for the precious remaining natural and industrial heritage that is at risk of loss. With community, local business engagement and volunteers at its core, long term management plans will be developed to ensure a legacy of these schemes. Specific projects to enhance the management of our heritage include the built restoration of Derwentcote Steel Furnace (the red dot south of Burnopfield on the projects map above), the earliest steel furnace in England, which will benefit from improved access and interpretation. River Restoration activities taking place all along the River Derwent including pollution control, invasive species reduction, river crafts, surveying work and improvements to habitats will help to increase the rare species in the river such as Atlantic salmon, otters and dippers for everyone to enjoy. Woodland Restoration activities will take place at locations identified by the green triangles on the projects map above. The woodlands in the Land of Oak & Iron provide great places to visit, rich habitats, employment and positive environmental impacts. Improving and managing woodlands in the West, Central and East of the project area by enlarging native woodlands and thinning dark plantation woodlands to allow more light in and encourage more native habitats to thrive will ensure they continue to offer all these benefits. We will also work with private landlords to encourage them to proactively manage their woodlands.

Heritage will be in better condition by taking practical steps throughout the delivery of the scheme to conserve, enhance and protect the natural, industrial and cultural heritage that is at risk of loss. This will include revealing Crowleys Dam, one of the few remains of Crowley’s internationally significant Iron Works. It will be brought back to life through working with a team of volunteers to clear the scrub that has engulfed the structure, resorting and enhancing interpretation. As Crowleys Dam is within the Derwenthaugh County Park in Gateshead it will be available for the thousands of visitors to the park each year to experience. The restoration of Whinfiled Coke Ovens will turn the site from currently being at serious risk of loss to a new heritage asset to the area. Access will also be enhance from a popular walking route that passes the back of the coke ovens which are the most intact example of Beehive Coke Ovens in the North East. This will also benefit from a community archaeology project to research and survey the site in year 1 followed by improved access and interpretation. These built restoration sites are identified by the red dots near to Whickham, south of Rowlands Gill and near to Allensford respectively on the project map.

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To improve the condition of our natural heritage a Fish Pass will be built over Lintzford Weir (the blue dot in the middle of the project map). This will allow more fish to be able to get over the weir and swim further upstream, opening up 16km of spawning ground. Via a web cam to the visitor centres it will provide a spectacular site to see the salmon jumping up and over the weir. It will also improve the water quality of the River Derwent and its habitats. The condition of the wetland site at Shibdon Meadow (the yel- low dot on the north-eastern edge of the project map) will also be enhanced to create a wildlife haven and visitor attraction. This native wetland area is currently disused but through this project it will be transformed into a thriving wildlife haven. Due to its location next to the urban core of the Land of Oak & Iron this could be a flagship project, drawing in some of the millions of people who visit the Metro Centre each year.

Heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron which may have been previously unknown or difficult to find will be better identified/ recorded through a range of surveying, mapping and recording projects. Principally this will be delivered through a Community Archaeology project to research and record archaeological evidence of the extraction of raw materials, innovative waggonway development and world leading industry that developed in the area, identified by red diamonds on the project map. Community Archaeology activities will also take place on the built restoration sites detailed above to engage local communities in these schemes and provide new documentary evidence. Other projects such as the Wild- life and Geology Surveys, River Restoration and Oral Histories will also result in heritage of all types being better identified and recorded.

Two new teams of volunteers will be developed to support these heritage projects, one focusing on the industrial heritage and another on the natural Heritage. Not only will these volunteers help to manage, enhance and identify our heritage but they will also help to engage many more people in the heritage by providing guided walks, events and open up sites to the public

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4.1.2 Outcomes for People To wrap around these heritage projects, activities will be delivered to teach new skills, educate children and encourage more volunteering throughout the Land of Oak & Iron. This will be brokered and managed by the Community Engagement Officer employed as part of the delivery team. This activity will use the heritage projects as real life examples to learn more about the beautiful landscape and fascinating heritage that they are living in.

People will have the opportunity to gain skills relevant to ensuring the landscape’s historic character is better looked after, understood and shared. This will ensure that future generations have the skills required to support, sustain and build the legacy of the Land of Oak & Iron through taking part in a range of formal training programmes. Two specific skills programmes will be delivered, one focused on young people and the other on volunteers. The young people skills programme will provide a range of formal training opportunities including stone craft and other built restoration skills, land management focusing on our woodlands, customer services/ tourism and business and entrepreneurial skills. The volunteer skills programme will focus on filling skills and training gaps of volunteers that are required to help to conserve, enhance and celebrate our heritage. Examples include woodland and invasive species management, building conservation, fundraising and marketing. These two programmes will integrate with each other where relevant.

People will have the opportunity to learn about their unique heritage through a number of formal, informal and fun educational activities in a way that suit their needs and interests. A range of education programmes will be available to all primary schools throughout the Land of Oak & Iron, offering options to learn about the natural, industrial and/or cultural landscape that is on their doorstep, but at risk of loss. This will teach the next generation about their distinctive heritage helping to prevent it being lost forever. Many other opportunities for informal learning will all be present as part of scheme, in everything from the interpretation work that is developed and delivered to attending guided walks and events.

People will be able to volunteer their time through a range of rewarding and stimulating experiences that run throughout almost all of the Land of Oak & Irons projects. Building on the passions of existing community and voluntary groups and opportunities for staff development with local employers, the Delivery team will engage volunteers in various projects and activities from community archaeology and heritage management to surveying wildlife, curating heritage events and providing tours of heritage assets. The Geology and Wildlife Surveyors project will provide a specific opportunity for people to volunteer and experience the area by learning about how to identify and survey the rare and iconic species and geological sites (identified by the green etching on the project map) that exist in the Land of Oak & Iron. This will engage volunteers and help to develop ownership of the remaining habitats and environments that inspired the industrial developments celebrated this distinctive area.

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4.1.3 Outcomes for Communities Providing many more opportunities for people to get involved with the beautiful and distinctive heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron we will invest in communities through a variety of projects making the area a better place to live work and visit.

Environmental impacts will be reduced by delivering Go Green a project to encourage more green and sustainable travel throughout the area on foot, bike and increased use of public transport. This will utilise the network of footpaths and cycle ways through the area showcasing the heritage features of the Land of Oak & Iron. It will also look to establish a range of guided walks and a new cycle hire/ e-bike scheme to encourage more cycling throughout the area and to visit our heritage attractions. In addition any negative impacts on the landscape from capital projects will be minimised by ensuring they are delivered to high environmental management standards. This will include ensuring that all resources are managed efficiently and effectively, waste is minimised and where possible re-used and recycled, and that biodiversity is enhanced at any opportunity. The following additional projects will also help to reduce environmental impacts; River Restoration, working to reduce the negative impacts of invasive species in the River Derwent and enhance native habitats. Woodland Restoration, enhancing the carbon stage capacity of the area through increased planting of native and local trees. Education and skills projects, will teach people of all ages about how to protect and conserve their landscape thus making it a sustainable natural environment for generations to come.

An increased number and a wider range of people will have engaged with heritage through all of the project activity delivery. However, specific projects will significantly aid this including Marketing and Promotions, the development of a marketing strategy that will identify PR activities and include a website, range of events and development of a guide book. Creative Interpretation project activity will deliver a wide range of on and off-site interpretation surrounding the distinctive and exciting natural, industrial and cultural heritage of the area. On site interpretation will either be through traditional interpretation panels or embedded within the landscape such as poetry engraved in rocks. Off-site interpretation includes the development of a Land of Oak & Iron piece of music, a performance, a play, rapper dancing and an app. The diverse package of interpretation will be aimed at engaging a wide range of local people of all abilities who are currently not aware of the significant heritage that they live amongst and also encourage a larger and more diverse audience to visit the area. To further this engagement a Community Grants fund will be available for local groups to bid into to enable them to deliver a range of projects that will add value to the overall Land of Oak & Iron scheme.

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The area will be a better place to live, work and visit for local people and visitors alike by the delivery of enhanced access (identified by the red lines on the project map) and signage throughout the area. This will include improved access to the major existing routes through the area of the Derwent Walk and C2C, and joining up smaller existing routes to provide a variety of circular walks to our heritage sites such as easily being able to access Derwentcote Steel Furnace. Where possible the improvements will be made disabled friendly opening up the area to all users and will be accompanied by a guidebook it will make the natural heritage and industrial remains. The development of a new Heritage Centre at Winlaton Mill and two satellite centres at Prudhoe and Consett (the pink squares in Gates- head, Durham and Northumberland on the project map respectively) will also make the area a better place to live work and visit. By promoting the area, and becoming a hub for activity, heritage centres will create a lasting legacy for generations to come. These projects will enable many more people to readily access and easily enjoy the landscape and its heritage, offer opportunities to develop tourism, create employment opportunities and develop a sense of pride and ownership.

The outcomes table overleaf summarises each outcome that the Land of Oak & Iron projects will deliver. As many project will deliver on more than one outcome, ‘xx’ marks the primary outcome and ‘x’ the secondary

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Table 9: Land of Oak & Iron projects and outcomes No Project activities/ sites Heritage will People will Communities will: be: have:

More people people range and More of a wider

Be a better live,a place to Be or work

Environmental impacts reduced Environmental

people have engagedwill people with

Learnt about heritage Learnt

Identified/recorded

In better better In condition

Volunteered time Volunteered

Developed skills Developed

Better managed Better

heritage

1 Community Community Archaeology - xx x Archaeology Industrial heritage 2 Built Restoration Built Restoration – at Whinfield, x xx Derwentcote, Crowleys Dam and Allensford

3a River Restoration Fish Pass xx x

3b River Restoration xx x 4 Woodland Derwent Head Woods, xx x Restoration Gateshead’s Derwent Valley, Prudhoe Woods 5 Shibdon Meadow Enhancement and better xx x management of a wetland 6 Skills Young People xx x Volunteer Skills xx x 7 Education Outdoor Education, Industrial xx x Heritage and Cultural Heritage 8 Geology and Volunteer opportunities to learn x xx Wildlife about natural heritage Surveyors 9 Access For All Improved links on and off the x xx Derwent Walk and to heritage sites 10 Creative Onsite and off Interpretation xx x Interpretation (panels, engraving, music Sculpture trail, Oral Histories, Rapper Trail, Treasure Trail) 11 Go Green Development and xx x implementation of cycling strategies, health walks, sustainable travel planning 12 Community Community grants scheme x xx Grants allowing groups to bid for funds over 4 years. 13 Heritage Centres Heritage Centre at Gateshead x xx and Satellite Centres - Prudhoe and Consett

14 Marketing and Pocket Guide, events, website, xx x Promotions PR, signage

Delivery Team Community Engagement and xx x Access and Woodland Officer

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4.2 Outputs

By delivering these exiting and long lasting outcomes a range of quantitative outputs will be achieved. Headline figures include:

 140,000 people engaged

 Attract 400,000 new visitors to the area

 13,715m of access improvements

 4 surviving relics of the industrial era will be conserved

 3 buildings removed from the heritage at Risk register

 34 sites improved

 50 sites interpreted

 188 young people will gain new qualifications

 50 people progressed into employment opportunities or apprenticeships

 1000 volunteers taking part

 300 people trained

 30 schools engaged

 30 youth groups engaged

 12 events delivered

 6,000 leaflets distributed

 32 press releases / newsletters

 98ha of woodland conserved

 9ha of wetland conserved

 24km of river will be conserved

 3 new Heritage Centres will be developed

For full details of all of the outputs see the individual project plans in Parts 2 and 3 of the LCAP.

State Aid All of the projects have been forwarded to a DEFRA State Aid advisor. Some of the projects have been identified as having potential state aid implications. However, for those that might have it has been suggested that there is an opportunity to manage the funding through the General deminimis regulations. Article 3 sets the deminimis ceiling per undertaking at €200,000 over 3 fiscal years.

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4.3 Time Table

Headline activities to be delivered in each year are outlined below. For full details see the individual project plans in Parts 2 and 3 of the LCAP (available upon request). Some of the activities listed below will be delivered year round, such as River Restoration. These activities have been presented in the tables when most activity will take place.

Table 10: Year 1 2016 Timetable

Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4

Secure permission to Durham heritage Prudhoe heritage Purchase of land for start centre centre Wetland restoration Recruitment of delivery Secure funding for Access improvements Commission of team Winlaton Mill Heritage musician

Centre

Commission of evalua- Commence Geology & Instalment of the Fish Round 1 of Community tion, collection of base- Wildlife Survey Pass Grants line data

Development of Whinfield Coke Ovens Commission of lead All match funding for website conservation work writer and designer for Y2 secured interpretation

Launch event Go Green Travel As- Crowley’s Dam restora- PR, marketing and sessment tion work communications Commencement of Education Activity Commencement of woodland works at engagement Community Prudhoe and Derwent Archaeology, Head Young People skills Commencement of engagement River Restoration activities

Table 11: Year 2 2017 Timetable

Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Completion of Whin- Winlaton Mill Heritage Go Green - walking Woodland works at field Coke Ovens Centre festival/ week Gateshead Derwentcote Access Derwentcote Steel Commencement of Access improvements Improvements Furnace opening Wetland restoration Go Green – action plan Land of Oak & Iron fes- Instalment of site Production of piece of tival based interpretation music

Woodland works at Continuation of wildlife Oral Histories App Prudhoe and geology surveying

PR, marketing and Continuation of River Round 2 of Community communications Restoration Grants

Continuation of educa- Continuation of skills Community Archaeolo- tional activity programme gy at Allensford and Waggon ways

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Table 12: Year 3 2018 Timetable

Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Mid –point evaluation Allensford Blast fur- Securing any outstand- Access improvements review nace interpretation & ing funding opening of full site Allensford Blast fur- Installation of interpre- Production of Guide- Woodland works at nace access improve- tation book Prudhoe and Gates- ments head

Woodland works Pru- Continuation of wildlife Production of Round 4 of community dhoe and Gateshead and geology surveying performance Grants Completion of Wetland Continuation of River Production of Oral His- restoration Restoration tories App PR, marketing and Continuation of skills Go Green - establish- communications programme ment of cycle network/ e-bike scheme Completion of Outdoor Continuation of Com- Commencement of & Industrial Heritage munity Archaeology rapper dancing educa- Education focusing on Waggon tion ways Round 3 of Community Grants

Table 13: Year 4 2019 Timetable

Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 Completion of wood- Land of Oak & Iron Final reports and eval- Establishment of Land land works at Prudhoe festival uation of Oak & Iron as independent trust PR, marketing and Go Green - establish- Instalment of final site Final reports and eval- communications activi- ment of Community based interpretation uation ties Interest Company Printing of Guidebook Completion of River Celebration events

Launch of the Oral Completion of Rapper Development of new Histories App Dancing Education value added/ spin off projects Legacy Planning Completion skills Graduation from programme education and skills projects

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4.4 Project Risks

The main risks associated with each project are detailed in the tables below along with the steps that will be taken to mitigate these risks. The risks have been grouped into our three themes to enable an assessment of the overall risks to our projects focusing on heritage, people and communities.

Table 14: Risks to Projects the Invest in Heritage

Project Risk Likelihood Impact Mitigation

1. Community Lack of volunteers Low Medium Project developed with community Archaeology support and will be widely promoted Disappointing results Medium Medium Greater reliance on research and from fieldwork survey sections of the project 2. Built Restora Lack of volunteers Low Medium Project developed with community tion support and will be widely promoted Insufficient resources Low High Financial forecasts have been carried out during the development phase Match not secured Medium High Funding bids submitted and alterna- tive options Vandalism at Whin- Medium Medium Scheme designed to improve natural field surveillance and raise awareness through engagement 3. River Restora Not having enough Low High Financial forecast has been carried tion resource to complete out during the development phase fish pass project Safety of volunteers Low High Training provided and supervision at compromised by res- all times toration activity Lack of volunteers Low Medium Project developed with community support and will be widely promoted 4. Woodland Insufficient resources Low High Financial forecasts have been car- Restoration ried out during the development phase Lack of volunteers Low Medium Project developed with community support and will be widely promoted Vandalism of infra- Medium Medium Regular inspections and prompt structure repairs of damage 5. Shibdon Failure to secure fund- Low High Funding bid outcome in Sept 15. Meadow ing for land purchase Contingency in place.

Lack of volunteers Low Medium Project developed with community support and will be widely promoted

The overall risk of our projects that invest in heritage is low-medium. The main risks are failure to secure match, recruitment of volunteers and vandalism. However, with the mitigation measures stated the Partnership is confident it will deliver a high quality suite of projects that will meet HLFs outcomes for Heritage and that these outcomes will be maintained for many to enjoy long into the future.

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Table 15: Risks to Projects the Invest in People

Project Risk Likelihood Impact Mitigation 6. Oak & Iron Inability to engage Low High Build on existing good relationships Skills young people held with schools, colleges and partners in the project area Inability to engage Low High Ensure that all employers involved in employers the project and delivering contracts sign up to a ‘skills pledge’ to provide placements and training opportunities 7. Educational Failure to secure Low High Project lead has a strong track rec- Activities match funding ord and already working in the project area to secure match funding Providers unable to Low High Work will be competitively tendered deliver at budget in line with guidance and can be available tailored to resource available. 8. Geology & Lack of volunteers Low Medium Project developed with community Wildlife support and will be widely promoted Insufficient specialist Low Medium Discussions have already confirmed trainers availability which can be supple- mented by partner resources if required

The overall risk of our projects that invest in heritage is low. The main risks are failure to secure engagement and participation and ensuring activity is linked to the overall programme. However, with the mitigation measures stated the Partnership is confident it will deliver a scheme of interconnected projects, that all add value to each other, meeting HLFs outcomes for people.

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1 What will happen—Our projects

Table 16: Risks to Projects the Invest in Communities

Project Risk Likelihood Impact Mitigation 9. Access for All Loss or failing to se- Low High Schemes have been included that cure permissions from do not present difficulties with secur- landowners ing permissions. This includes schemes on publically owned land and rights of way. Increases in contrac- High Low Pricing has allowed for increased tor costs over project costs period 10. Creative Lack of volunteers Low Medium Project developed with community Interpretation support and will be widely promoted Failure to secure Medium High Potential sources identified and bids match funding to be made in year 1 11. Go Green Difficulties in estab- Medium High Initial discussions show support. lishing a financially Flexibility to improve existing infra- viable cycle hire structure if a new scheme is not via- scheme ble. Lack of interest in Medium Medium Activity will be promoted via local cycling training cours- groups, schools and businesses to es encourage uptake 12. Community Poor take up due to Low Medium Grant scheme to be widely publi- Grants failure to engage with cised. Based on other similar community groups schemes lack of take up is not ex- and individuals pected to be an issue. 13. Heritage Failure to secure plan- Low High Planning advice sought. Greenbelt Centres ning permission for development is permissible if there Winlaton Mill are heritage or community benefits. Failure to secure iden- Medium High Discussions have already taken tified external funding place with funders. Bids have been resources for Winlaton encouraged and will be submitted in Mill 2015 & 2016. Contaminated land at Low High Initial investigations show that the Winlaton Mill that pre- reclamation of land from Der- vents development wenthaugh Coke Works involved a 1.5m capping. Lack of community Low Medium Winlaton Mill is busiest part of Der- support and visitors wenthaugh Country Park. Other centres both have existing audiences. 14. Marketing Fragmented approach Low High Dedicated resource in the Delivery and Promotions to marketing of activi- Team to manage approach ties within the Land of Oak & Iron Inability to attract suffi- Low High Media stories will be engaging and cient media coverage relevant to a range of audiences and interest

The overall risk of our projects that invest in heritage is medium. The main risks are failure to engage with the communities sufficiently, lack of volunteers and ensuring consistency in delivery. However, by building on our strong community engagement that has taken place to date and with the mitigation measures stated the Partnership is confident it will deliver an exciting and engaging range of projects that will meet HLFs outcomes for Communities.

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5 How will this be delivered

Over the development phase a strong Partnership has grown, which collectively views the HLF funding as a cata- lyst to achieve the bigger vision for the area with wider opportunities than just the HLF bid. With Groundwork at the helm, the wider Partnership already has a high profile; with support from a variety of organisations and individuals spanning the public, private and third sectors. There is also a large amount of community and political support for the Partnership to invest in this area, which has previously felt overlooked. With a focus on community centred development, there is now a real aspiration to put the area on the map; showcasing the beautiful landscape and fascinating industrial and cultural heritage, attracting more visitors and boosting the local economy. Alongside a range of natural and built capital restoration projects will be investment in the green infrastructure to enhance connectivity and a suite of education, skills and volunteering projects to engage local people in the celebration and development of this area.

One of the key strengths of the Land of Oak & Iron is the enthusiasm, skills and knowledge of the Partnership. It has a clear vision of what it wants to achieve. This unifying vision to conserve, enhance and celebrate the Land of Oak & Iron has helped to galvanise support from stakeholders, businesses, local groups and the community. En- gaging over a 1,000 people so far and a clear commitment from the partners to increase this engagement will ensure that our activity benefits the heritage, communities and people of the area.

5.1 The Partners Our partnership over the last three years has evolved and is likely to continue to evolve in the future as activity is delivered and the Land of Oak & Iron’s profile is raised. We have strengthened representation on the Board over the last eighteen months significantly particularly private, cultural and community sector involvement.

Our partners are representative of the public, private, voluntary and community sector and each of them has their own particular interest be that industrial heritage, the natural environment, culture, community participation, skills and economic development.

To provide leadership, guidance and challenge the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership Board has been and will continue to be instrumental in realising the vision. The Board to date has been supported by a project steering group and three sub groups; cultural, built and natural heritage. The sub-groups comprised of stakeholders and community groups (a list of all organisations involved is set out in Appendix 1, section 8.1.2) have helped to identify local priorities, reviewed and shaped project ideas as well as looking at ways that added value can be brought to activities that are already happening in the area.

As we move into the delivery phase our governance structures will change, the diagram overleaf sets out our new arrangements:

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Partnership Structure

Groundwork Accountable Body Partnership Board

Steering Group

Sub Sub committees committees Partnership Forum – Friends of the Land of Oak & Iron

A streamlined and strategic Board will be supported by a delivery focused steering group as well as task and finish groups, for example around community engagement, business networking, and communications.

The steering group will meet quarterly in advance of Board meetings and provide recommendations to the Board relating to the many facets of programme management – linkages, match funding, delivery of activity and outputs, risks, monitoring and evaluation. This group will focus on the operational elements of the Land of Oak & Iron, identifying opportunities to sustain activity as well as supporting project leads to ensure delivery remains on track.

To maximise community involvement we will set up a Partnership Forum, known as the Friends of the Land of Oak & Iron who will meet on a regular basis so they can get involved in the delivery, promotion, helping to raise match funding and legacy planning. We want to harness the passion of the many groups, organisations and individuals who have been involved so far, who actively want to make a difference to where they live, work and visit.

5.1.1 The Board The Partnership Board has a strong commitment to and passion for the Land of Oak & Iron. As we begin to deliver activity there is recognition amongst the Partnership Board for a need to take on a more strategic role, focusing on how linkages can be made between projects and with other initiatives happening in and outside of the Land of Oak & Iron. They will also provide scrutiny on how the scheme is progressing, providing support and rigour where necessary to ensure that the outcomes are met.

The Board are keen to ensure there are opportunities for the community and existing groups to get involved as well as looking at ways to increase involvement from businesses, universities, destination management organisations and complement other programmes such as the North Pennines Leader Local Action Group.

Board meetings will take place quarterly to oversee the strategic management, quality and risk assessments of individual projects as well as the scheme as a whole. If any risks change to be identified as high risk they will be taken to the board for guidance on their resolution.

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Key roles and responsibilities of the Partnership Board are:

 To follow shared values of joint working

 To harness the Land of Oak & Iron’s shared vision of Celebrating Heritage and Creating Opportunities

 To provide strategic management and scrutiny;

 To make recommendations to guide the project’s success

 To promote the project to partners, the community and other potential stakeholders in order to generate further support; and to oversee project work ensuring high quality delivery of outcomes and outputs

To appoint a Chair for the Board the Partnership advertised for and recruited a new, independent and voluntary chair during the development phase. The role of the Chair is to provide strategic overview, high level influence and guide decision making. The Chair will guide the Board in engaging key stakeholders, and help to best use individuals expertise through the establishment of task and finish groups such as managing, PR and communications and community engagement. The Chair will empower the board to ensure the long term vision is realised. The Board independently chaired by John Rundle and is led by Groundwork North East & Cumbria. The members of the Land of Oak & Iron Board include:

Durham County Council Covering 223,000 hectares with a population of 516,000 County Durham Council provides a diverse range of services across a wide geographic area. The area within the Land of Oak & Iron includes the key settlements of Consett, Shotley Bridge and Ebchester. The Council is fully supportive of the scheme due to the wide range of benefits it will bring including schemes to improve woodlands, access, tourism sites and opportunities for residents to participate in education and learning.

Durham Wildlife Trust The Wildlife Trust, a registered charity, provides opportunities from the Tees to the Tyne for people to enjoy, learn and be inspired by the area’s environment and wildlife. The Trust manages nature reserves, delivers conservation projects to and provides education and volunteering opportunities for thousands of children and adults every year. As a partner Durham Wildlife Trust have provide invaluable advice on the area’s natural environment through leading the sub group, undertaking an eco-systems audit and advising on priority areas for investment. They will continue to provide this specialist knowledge alongside undertaking practical conservation work, engaging volunteers and working with private landowners to improve the environment.

Environment Agency Key objectives for the Environment Agency is ensuring our lakes, rivers and streams achieve good water quality status. They have invested significant resource in improving the water quality status of both the River Derwent and River Tyne, including the installation of a fish pass at Derwenthaugh head. Working closely with the Tyne Rivers Trust, the Environment Agency are keen to capitalise on this initial investment in the Land of Oak & Iron and bring about further schemes that will support both their own and the wider partnership’s objectives.

Forestry Commission Responsible for the protection, improvement and expansion of forests and woodlands, the Forestry Commission are keen that these assets can provide a value to the area’s people, the environment and the economy. The woodlands in the area have been identified as a key feature of the landscape and important for biodiversity, ecosystems, recreation, tourism, and the wider economy, but are in need of better management. Providing woodland grants and strategic advice the Forestry Commission will support the partner’s woodland schemes.

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Gateshead Council The Land of Oak & Iron mainly focuses on the rural west of Gateshead Council, taking in Blaydon, Swalwell,

Chopwell, Ryton, Crawcrook to where it borders Durham and Northumberland County Councils. Gateshead Council has provided significant support for the Land of Oak & Iron both on the Board and by providing dedicated staff resources during the development phase. They are fully supportive of the scheme as it will bring numerous benefits to Gateshead including new tourism attractions and facilities, improved access and woodlands, opportunities for education, learning and volunteering.

Groundwork NE & Cumbria Leading on the scheme, Groundwork NE & Cumbria is a registered charity that aims to change places and change lives. Delivering a broad range of activity Groundwork supports communities to improve their environment, health and wellbeing as well as their training and employment prospects. Through leading the partnership, Groundwork will work with the other partners and organisations in delivering schemes that support the vision and address the agreed priorities of the Land of Oak & Iron.

North East Cultural Partnership The North East Cultural Partnership (NECP) was established by the Association of North east Councils and includes all 12 local authorities, arts and cultural organisation, businesses and educational organisations, sport and tourism. The aim of NECP is to build on the strong foundations laid through the North East's cultural regeneration so that it can harness the power of culture to promote health and well-being and to forge a dynamic and successful economy. The partnership recognises the value of culture across the whole area and is aiming to raise the profile of the sector to ensure the North East has a strong, influential and coherent voice at regional, national and international levels

Northumberland Council Northumberland County Council’s mission is a thriving County where people choose to live, work, visit and invest. Taking in the area of Northumberland next to the Tyne near Prudhoe then heading south west towards Allensford, the Council are a key partner of the Land of Oak & Iron. Benefiting from access , improvements to a heritage centre in Prudhoe, interpretation and cultural activities, the Council recognise that this investment will support their mission.

Pont Valley Network A local community conservation group that informs its community about events, activities and issues that are importance to the local area based at Dipton Community Centre. Pont Valley Network focuses on running projects to enhance the Pont Valley which is centred around Pont Burn, a tributary to the River Derwent. It also teaches local people, young and old about its fascinating history and attracts people from further afield for its famous guided walks.

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PR Consultancy

The UK’s first Cloud-based PR company, Publicrelationsconsultancy.com brings together a number of the North East’s leading consultants in a collaborative venture where clients are able to access senior professionals working in virtual teams. Founder and CEO Tony Bradley FCIPR is one of the region’s most experienced PR practitioners and a former national president of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations

SCA Hygiene Products Swedish-owned SCA is a leading global hygiene and forest products company, with sales in 100 countries, and is Europe’s largest private forest owner. Its paper mill in Prudhoe – where it makes the popular toilet tissue brand Velvet – is on the northern edge of the project area and one of its largest employers. It supports a number of local environmental initiatives and tree planting schemes, and has just been named one of the world’s most ethical companies for the eighth consecutive year. By involving employees in volunteering activities, and applying appropriate business skills, it aims to add additional value to the good causes it supports.

5.1.2 Supporting Partners During the development phase Gateshead Voluntary Organisation Council (GVOC) and the North of England Civic Trust (NECT) have also been board members and have helped in shaping the schemes within the Land of Oak & Iron. GVOC undertook extensive community surveys and consultation particularly over the summer of 2014 to raise the profile, gain community buy in and to identify projects that were of value to the community.

The NECT are specialists in their field leading the Built Heritage Sub Group to inform the priorities for investment, having also undertaken an extensive historic environment audit of the Land of Oak & Iron see appendix 3. Following the assessment they have supported the development of the built restoration schemes to the point where they are ready to be implemented.

Both organisations have played an important role to date and will continue to support the scheme, but due to other priorities can no longer provide the ongoing commitment required to be Board members. As the Board evolves, we will look for new organisations with similar skills and expertise to join the Board. This will be the process adopted should any Board member change.

Although not on the Board, we have also worked closely with the National Trust who is a key landowner in the area, managing the Gibside Estate and Cherryburn (the home of internationally renowned artist and natural history author Thomas Bewick). The National Trust has successfully invested in these two important tourist attractions and we will continue to work with them to promote the area. The Tyne & Wear Built Preservation Trust, Tyne & Wear Specialist Conservation Team and English Heritage have provided support on the development of the built heritage schemes that will be preserved and developed as tourist attractions.

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5.1.3 Community Engagement and Volunteers The development of the scheme and its individual projects would not have been possible without all of the community support it has received and help form volunteers providing the crucial local knowledge required to ensure the scheme will be well received, deliverable, and not duplicated on the ground. This support has come in a number of forms:

 Through the Natural, Built and Cultural Heritage sub-groups which are compiled of approximately 50% community members and volunteers who have helped in the development of specific projects.

 Helping to identify priorities for investment and engage the right contacts from other interested groups to strategic decision makers.

 Identifying areas of interest throughout the area, including current popular places to visit but also where gaps exist in accessibility, knowledge or information.

 Through the 500 community members on the database who have registered interested in the project and support the scheme by attending events, passing on news and providing specific support with gathering photographs, maps and the many local stories that bring the project to life.

 Through a network of community groups and volunteers who help to spread the word about what is being developed, keep their groups and the wider community up to date and respond to or sign post

5.1.4 Strategic Partners Other partners that we have begun to and will continue to work with are those that can contribute to the vision. Both Northumbria and Newcastle Universities are keen to work with us across a broad range of areas including; undertaking archaeological digs and research, developing a PhD focusing on the cultural memories of the area, and course specific projects linked to architecture and the environment. We are keen to see how these links will be forged in the coming years.

As we have more to promote within the Land of Oak & Iron, the destination management organisations of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI), This Is Durham and Visit Northumberland will need to be further engaged. We will look for their support in raising the Land of Oak & Iron’s profile, events and activities to encourage the significant population who live within and adjacent to the area to see all that it has to offer.

There will also be a range of opportunities to engage with local businesses, either through skills development, corporate social responsibility, promotion and sponsorship of the many activities that will take place. Of particular interest is the potential to engage with software games companies in the area to develop new digital means of heritage interpretation , and related product development. We want the business community to be part of our success and will look at ways in which they can become involved as the scheme develops. 5.2 Delivery Team

The Partnership will be supported by a professional and highly skilled Land of Oak & Iron Team. Comprising of a Programme Manager, a Community Engagement Officer, an Access and Woodland Officer and an Administration and Finance Officer this team will ensure a high quality programme of activity is delivered.

The combination of programme management skills, expertise in the natural environment and working with the community can only help to achieve a well-balanced scheme to bring about landscape scale change. The team will work closely with project leads, the Partnership Board and the wider partners utilising their skills and knowledge to add value to and create a legacy after HLF funding ends. The team will be proactive to the opportunities that present themselves over the coming years. For further details see the Project Management Structure Appendix 1 section 8.2 and full job descriptions see Appendix 2.

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5.3 Partnership Strengths and Risks

A range of strengths exist within the Partnership which will help to seize opportunities for growth, add value and realise our legacy as well as overcoming, preventing or mitigating risks.

5.3.1 Strengths

Diverse and established partnership The Partnership has developed over the last three years to strongly represent the need of the Land of Oak & Iron. It has a shared vision of landscape scale change with a focus on self-sustaining legacy.

Local knowledge The Partnership comprises of diverse set of local organisations that contribute varied skills and knowledge required to enable balanced and valued judgments to be made. In addition the delivery team recruited will be required to have knowledge of the project area to provide breadth and depth of understanding of the wider context, and local sensitivities with the area.

Common Purpose The vision for the Land of Oak & Iron is strong, building on a joint ambition to celebrate the little known local heritage and create opportunities that generate more positive perceptions, interaction and ownership by local communities, visitors and those from further afield.

5.3.1 Risks

Recruiting fewer volunteers than anticipated which would significantly reduce the impact and sustainability of the project. However, the strength of the community engagement and volunteer support to date has developed awareness and buy in. This will continue in the delivery phase.

Changes in personnel and remit within partner organisations. This creates a lack of continuity in project delivery, with a danger of confusing participants. Project principles and benefits should be entrenched in the organisations involved to mitigate against loss of momentum.

Lack of support from some community groups or local people could make the scheme difficult to deliver. This will be mitigated through the establishment of an open Partnership Forum, detailed above, community participation events throughout the scheme area will be delivered, and the Partnership encouraging and enabling wide representation and participation.

Ineffectual Partnership. Partners fail to support the scheme when it reaches delivery phase affecting certain. This will be prevented through developing and maintaining communications to further build positive relationships and support networks.

Overspend on elements of delivery. This will be prevented through the constant monitoring of projects against the delivery programme to enable early intervention

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5.6 Funding Strategy

To deliver the exciting package of project outlined above, the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership will need to secure further matched funding for some of the projects planned to be delivered later in the programme from year 2 onwards. The development of the Land of Oak & Iron project comes at a time of transition with many of the funding streams either between programmes or launching new programmes. By the time the Land of Oak & Iron project starts there will be a range of opportunities to secure match funding. The diagram below details the funding sources available to the Land of Oak & Iron as relevant match funding opportunities.

Awards for All European Arts Council Structural & England Investment Fund

Land of Oak & Landfill Tax Countryside Communities Iron Match Stewardship Fund Funding Opportunities

North Pennine Community Dales LEADER Rural Growth Foundations Network

Each of these funding streams has been researched and discussions have taken place with the fund managers to highlight the projects that the Land of Oak & Iron will be delivering. Land of Oak & Iron projects that currently have significant gaps in match funding where bids have not yet been submitted are detailed in the table overleaf along with information regarding anticipated sources of match.

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Table 17: Match funding

Projects with gaps in Funds Amount Submission date funding Creative Interpretation LEADER - With One Derwent £35,000 July 2015 ACE £30,000 Rolling 12 week programme Heritage Centre LEADER £60,000 July 2015 RGN - SEIF or LEP - Local Growth £160,000 2016 Fund (2nd option) One Derwent Rural Growth Network (RGN) £36,000 Late summer 2015 LEADER - with Creative Interpreta- £35,000 July 2015 tion Go Green RGN - EAFRD £20,000 2016 RGN - SEIF £40,000 2016

Education ACE and through schools £20,000 2016

Whinfield Coke Ovens Landfill Tax £40,000 2016

Allensford blast fur- Countryside Stewardship £15,000 2017 nace Prudhoe Woods Forestry Commission and Trusts £15,000 2017 and Foundations Community Trusts and Foundations - with a lead £10,000 2015 Archaeology group Awards for All joint history groups £10,000 2016

Specific information about the project matched funding can be found within the individual Project Plans in the LCAP PART 3. Details of these funds and how they link to the Land of Oak & Iron are set out below.

Countryside Stewardship Fund - £900m 2014-2020 Countryside Stewardship is a voluntary and competitive scheme that is open to land managers, farmers, foresters, land owners or tenants. The fund is provided for an agreed range of management and capital works and incorporates the old Environmental Stewardship Fund, England Woodland Grant Scheme and Catchment Sensitive Farming Programme. Linkages to Land of Oak & Iron include delivering environmental priorities focusing particularly on increasing biodiversity, helping wildlife and improving water quality.

Land Fill Tax Communities Fund Landfill Operators are able to claim a credit against their landfill tax liability which allows registered environmental bodies including Partnerships to bid for up to 90% of funding. There are a number of opportunities for the Land of Oak & Iron to benefit from this funding including conservation of natural habitats and restoration of places of historic interest. A map illustrating land fill tax availability in the Land of Oak & Iron is presented overleaf.

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Map 5: Landfill Tax Areas

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Rural Growth Network (RGN) - £6m 2015-2020

The funding covers parts of Gateshead, Northumberland and Durham and has significant geographical overlap with Land of Oak & Iron. Enterprise hubs will be the main output but tourism initiatives will also be funded which will provide scope for Oak & Iron related activity.

European Structural & Investment Fund (ESIF) - £460m for 2014-2020 There is the opportunity for skills projects in rural areas through ESIF. Apprenticeships and work experience are also eligible for funding as is promoting social inclusion by using cultural activities. All are included as Land of Oak & Iron interventions.

Arts Council England - £70m per year 2015-2018 Arts Council England looks to fund projects which are innovative, engaging and link with quality local arts groups. Funding is available for a range of initiatives from theatre to art, reading to dance, music to literature and crafts to collections. This links to the Creative Interpretation theme which includes performance, dance and music.

Awards for All – projects of up to £15,000 This programme funds projects which address the issues, needs and aspirations of local communities to develop skills, improve health and revitalise the local environment. Linkages with Land of Oak & Iron to consider include the Community Archaeology initiative and tie in with Community Grants.

Community Foundations, Local Trusts and Foundations Grants are wide ranging in amounts and activity. The funds will provide an ideal opportunity for the Land of Oak & Iron Community Engagement Officer to work with local groups to develop applications for project activity that adds value to the Land of Oak & Iron.

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LEADER - £2.133m 2015-2020

North Pennine Dales Leader is a £2.133m community economic development fund aiming to give local communities the responsibility and resources to identify local need and fund projects to meet those needs. Tourism, Herit- age Centre and Creative Interpretation are some one of the themes with potential projects including new attractions, events, festivals and the preservation of heritage. Land of Oak & Iron projects which are linked therefore include the event planned under the marketing theme and also the sculpture trail.

Map 6: Eligible Funding Areas

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6. Threats and Risks to the Land of Oak & Iron

This section of the LCAP explores what is happening to the heritage of our area at present and what changes we might expect over coming decades.

6.1 Climate Change

Climate change predictions for North East England to the 2050s can be summarised as drier summers with higher temperatures and warmer, wetter winters. There is also a likelihood of extreme weather events occurring more frequently.

As a result of climate change threats to heritage that are likely to occur will be increased erosion and potential for water damage of built heritage features and access routes as result of higher precipitation levels and severe downpours. Buried features and environmental archaeological remains underground will also be threatened by increased soil erosion and higher groundwater levels. River flooding is likely to increase in frequency along with the erosion of bank sides and across the floodplain. Structures and remains particularly associated with the river, such as weirs, mill leats and dams will therefore be increasingly vulnerable.

A greater variation in soil moisture content will also be a result of climate change creating movement in the clay soils found in much of the project area, this will cause instability in the foundations of built structures threatening heritage above and below ground.

The onset of milder and wetter winters will increase the spread of fungal mould and pests which poses an increased threat to built heritage, particularly internal wooden features. However, frost damage is likely to be reduced as a result of higher winter temperatures. The work of the project to consolidate heritage structures will help to mitigate threats posed by a changing climate.

The threat posed to natural heritage and the actual appearance of the overall landscape is probably more profound than those associated with built heritage and the archaeological remains. The project area, in the context of the North East, is heavily wooded and considered aesthetically pleasing as a result. These woodlands will come under threat from climate change in a number of ways (Forestry Commission 2010):

 Drier and warmer summers will result in increasingly severe soil moisture deficits which will reduce tree growth, particularly on south facing slopes.

 Wetter autumn and winter periods will cause greater water table fluctuations, limit rooting depth, and reduce tree stability on exposed sites.

 Changes in the wind climate are highly uncertain but, with reduced anchorage on wet sites, the risk of wind throw will increase.

 The incidence and severity of tree disease and pest outbreaks will increase. A warmer climate and, particularly, warmer winters will allow tree pests and pathogens to extend their range.

 Drier and warmer summers will heighten the risk of fire.

The threats listed above could reduce the extent of tree cover across the project area and change the composition of the woodlands. There could also be pressure, particularly in relation to non-designated woodlands on accessible sites, to replace tree cover with arable farming as a changing climate has improved growing conditions and makes agriculture more profitable.

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However, there is a flip side to the argument, which illustrates the great uncertainties as to exactly what impacts a changing climate will have. Climate change presents new opportunities for the forestry sector; particularly the planting of new woodlands to trap carbon and provide wood fibre and timber products for future generations; but these new woodlands must also be resilient to the impacts of climate change. Warmer growing seasons and rising CO2 concentrations will stimulate productivity and timber production where soil water and nutrient availability allows (Forestry Commission 2010).

The Land of Oak & Iron is ideally placed to put in place measures to mitigate the threats to woodland and provide for climate change adaptation. The work to buffer existing woodland sites with new planting will enhance ecological connectivity, allowing species to move in response to climate. This work will provide an example for others to follow. Efforts to improve the condition and structure of existing woodlands will make them more able to withstand the impacts of climate change and more able to serve as stepping stones that allow woodland species to move across the landscape. The proposed engagement with woodland owners to facilitate better management of woodlands and tree species diversification, moving from single species plantations that are vulnerable to disease and fire to more resilient mixed woodlands, is the ideal strategy to reduce the threat posed by climate change. Engagement with owners will also provide information on the economic potential of the area’s woodlands as a way of encouraging better management. Development of a stronger woodland economy will reduce the likelihood of land being cleared of woodland and used for arable.

The habitats of the River Derwent will also be threatened by climate change, but the presence of Derwent Reser- voir in the upper reaches can potentially be a mitigating factor. Lower summer rainfall levels will reduce river flows and higher temperatures will lower oxygen levels, reducing the capacity of the river to support aquatic life. Howev- er, the reservoir can be used to control flow rates in the river and reduce the severity of impacts. Similarly, the reservoir can, to some degree, reduce flow into the river during periods of heavy rain, taking the peak off flood events. The fish pass to be installed by the project at Lintzford will increase ecological connectivity along the river allowing aquatic life to move in response to the changing conditions.

6.2 Broader political issues and policy changes

Global, national and local issues can represent a treat to all landscapes and their heritage. In the short term it is known that there will be further cuts to local authority funding. This will reduce the capacity of local authorities to engage in heritage conservation and, in the context of this landscape, reduce the ability of the authorities to manage significant natural heritage assets. Whether this trend will continue beyond the current Parliament is unknowa- ble, but the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership will put in place a number of measures that help to protect the area’s heritage whatever the broader political landscape. Consideration of that political landscape must also take account of the potential for changes across Europe, including the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

The first way that the Partnership can act in the best interests of heritage conservation is by raising the profile of heritage and the significance of the heritage assets within the project area. Public support for investment in heritage can certainly influence local politicians and decision makers and help to secure future funding. Increased public awareness can also stimulate economic opportunity by increasing visitor numbers, helping to shift funding for heritage from the public to private sector as entrepreneurs realise the business opportunities that visitors generate.

This shift from public to private sector funding can be applied to natural heritage as well as the more obvious visitor destination examples. Public sector funding, in the form of Countryside Stewardship grants, will be sought to support bringing both publically and privately owned woodlands into better management. This funding can also put in place the infrastructure needed (access routes, forest rides) to facilitate future management of woodlands so that timber and other woodland products (coppice, charcoal) can be extracted. Cropping of non-native softwoods to produce timber and replacement with native broadleaves will provide an ongoing income stream and provide opportunities for business development. This will be truly sustainable management as the economically beneficial woodland management activities will also generates biodiversity and social benefits.

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The second way to insulate heritage conservation from politics and policy change is to enthuse local people with a passion for the history, culture and wildlife of the Land of Oak & Iron and to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to protect and enhance heritage assets as volunteers. If you want something doing, do it yourself. European level conventions transposed into UK legislation have provided significant protection to heritage assets, particularly in the natural environment. The argument set out above for providing an economic rational and public support for heritage conservation is also valid when considering UK withdrawal from the EU. Public support for heritage and evidence that heritage contributes significantly to the economy are the best ways to demonstrate the need to put in place national legislation to replace European level designations and conventions.

6.3 Social and Economic Changes Some changes apparently unrelated to heritage but can pose a threat to the landscape, these are detailed below.

Development There will undoubtedly be development pressure across the project area over the foreseeable future. Population is predicted to increase across the UK as a whole, although more slowly across the North East than other regions, creating additional demand for housing, retail and employment land and related infrastructure. This situation is ex- acerbated by demographic changes – we more likely to live alone or in smaller families and live longer. Govern- ment policy currently favours supporting the elderly to live alone in their own a home for as long as possible, which further reduces the availability of existing housing stock. It is likely that the core of the project area, the river valley itself, will be less affected than other locations as a result of the topography, potential flood risk and extensive woodland cover. What is known of current development threats is summarised below.

Durham County Council The risk to the area from the effects of new development is relatively low. Much of the area is designated as Green Belt in Local Plans, or proposed for designation as Green Belt. Parts of the area in the south-west lie within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and there is a presumption against significant built development in that area. Those areas outside of the green belt and AONB are sufficiently rural for there to be little development pressure.

There are a number of allocations for new housing in the area. These are of a modest scale and closely associated with existing settlement edges. It is not anticipated that there will be development of any significant scale in the project area and this is not considered to be a threat to the project. Across County Durham housing allocations in the area identified in the County Durham Plan Submission Draft amount to only 38.92 ha, of which 25.87 ha is on previously developed land.

Surface mineral working has the potential to be harmful to the landscape in respect of the loss of landscape features and loss of scenic value. However, the restoration of sites has potential to create new landscape features meeting wider objectives. One proposal for opencast coal working in the areas has recently been withdrawn (Hood’s Close in Northumberland) and another recently approved at appeal (Bradley in County Durham). The approved Bradley site is scheduled to be worked for a period of around 3½years. Parts of the site will be restored to woodland and parts to conservation grassland which will be managed by the Wildlife Trust. The proposals also provide for restoration of a nearby non-native conifer Plantations on an Ancient Woodland Site to native woodland. The scheme might be expected to detract from the scenic value of the wider area during its operational period but is not expected to be a threat to the project in the medium and long term.

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The project sites near to the coal mining works will be programmed to take place early in the Land of Oak & Iron scheme to ensure they proceed and that the Open Casting causes minimal disturbance. Opportunities exist with the Community Liaison Committee and Community interest fund of £52,000 that will be established; a Land of Oak & Iron Board member will attempt to get a seat on the committee. Wind development also has the potential to be harmful to the landscape in respect of a loss of tranquillity and scenic value. However, wind developments are often accompanied by community funds which can provide support for conservation works. There are currently two operational wind farms in the area; Kiln pit Hill and Boundary Lane. No other developments are currently proposed. Recent government guidance is that new wind development will only be permitted in areas identified as suitable in Local Plans or Neighbourhood Plans. No such areas are currently identified in the project area. Wind development is not expected to be a threat to the project in the medium and long term.

Gateshead Council The great majority of the countryside of the Land of Oak & Iron that is within Gateshead is designated as Green Belt. In addition, relatively large areas are protected by additional designations, including Conservation Areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Local Wildlife Sites, wildlife corridors (most of which are designated as parts of the Strategic Green Infrastructure Network), nationally and locally-listed parks and gardens of historic interest, the Newburn Ford Battlefield. Therefore, the overall risk to the landscape heritage in the area from development or demographic pressures is considered to be low.

The area is subject to some proposals for housing development, of which the most significant are those identified in Planning for the Future (Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan for Gateshead and Newcastle upon Tyne 2010- 2030) as Village Growth Areas. Five Village Growth Areas have been identified in the part of Gateshead within the Land of Oak & Iron project boundary, each of which involves one or more housing sites on the periphery of the villages in question on land which is deleted from the Green Belt by the Plan. These are illustrated in the table below.

Table 18: Gateshead proposed housing development Village Additional dwellings Estimated additional population Chopwell 305 793 Crawcrook 370 962 Highfield 70 182 High Spen 174 452 Kibblesworth 225 585 Ryton 550 1430 Total 1694 4404

Minimising adverse impact on the landscape was an important factor in the choice of these sites and will continue to be taken into account in the preparation of the Masterplans which the Council will agree with developers before any development takes place.

In addition, the saved policies of the Unitary Development Plan provide for a number of allocations of land for housing and other development in the Land of Oak & Iron area, all on land not included in the Green Belt and therefore forming part of either the main built-up area or villages set within the Green Belt. There is also a long- term plan for housing development at Chopwell Heartlands, a site within the village envelope at Chopwell. This is anticipated to deliver 287 homes by 2030.

The Core Strategy is an up-to-date Local Plan and the general extent of the Green Belt, within the Land of Oak & Iron area in Gateshead, will not be reconsidered in the foreseeable future, it is intended to endure until 2030.

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Large parts of western and south western Gateshead coincide with known mineral resources, and extraction has occurred on a number of sites in this area in the past, and most recently at Blaydon and Crawcrook Quarries. There is potential for further extraction in future to meet local and wider regional needs for minerals. Landfill waste disposal is currently confined to completion of the schemes at existing former quarries at Blaydon and Path Head, with further potential for landfill to meet waste disposal needs and aid restoration at the currently inactive Crawcrook Quarry. The area is potentially subject to planning applications for opencast coal extraction and for renewable energy development, especially wind farms. However, a strong policy framework is in place to resist those which could have a damaging effect on the landscape.

The Land of Oak & Iron boundary includes the western part of the Metrocentre area. The Core Strategy includes proposals for a large mixed-use development in this area (known as Metrogreen). These proposals are at an early stage and development timescales are not known. These include proposals for various commercial leisure uses of the countryside and for ‘horsiculture’, including the division of land into paddocks and small enclosures and the erection of stables and other buildings and structures associated with horse-riding and grazing. Gateshead Council’s Rural Economic Strategy encourages leisure uses which can form a key component of the rural economy, and includes the aim of attracting a destination hotel to an unspecified location in the wider rural area within the Borough.

A further risk is the intensification of the use of the road network could impact adversely on the attractiveness and tranquillity of the rural area in Gateshead. Especially as it is crossed by a limited number of roads which carry heavy commuter traffic towards central Tyneside from more outlying areas, as well as from the settlements within Gateshead itself. Increased traffic on roads across the project area are not limited to developments within Gateshead itself, but also the Consett and Chester-le-Street areas of County Durham.

Northumberland County Council The risk to the area from the effects of new development is relatively low. Much of the area is designated as Green Belt in Local Plans, or proposed for designation as Green Belt.

Due to the Green Belt designation it is not anticipated that there will be development of any significant scale in the project area with the exception of a limited number of sites in Prudhoe and this is not considered to be a threat to the project.

The draft Core Strategy proposes 23,520 new homes in Northumberland of which approximately 860 would be in Prudhoe. The development of new housing in Prudhoe requires deletion of Green Belt designation at Prudhoe Hospital, land bounded by the B6395, the first set of field boundaries south west of Edgewell, Edgewell House and the existing built up area for Prudhoe. Locations of land to be released for employment land are yet to be determined.

Other policies within the draft core strategy for this area promote the conservation and protection of the landscape character of this area, with development only permitted if it is of sufficient size and scale appropriate to the location. Policies specific to heritage assets at risk give priority to Grade I, Grade II* and Scheduled Monuments identified in English Heritage’s at Risk register and support proposals for their repair to secure them as sustainable assets. This will be of particular relevance to Allensford Blast Funace.

Recent government guidance is that new wind development will only be permitted in areas identified as suitable in Local Plans or Neighbourhood Plans. No such areas are currently identified in the project area. Wind development is not expected to be a threat to the project in the medium and long term.

6.3.1 Mitigating Risks As previously discussed, a significant contribution the project can make to mitigate threats and risks to the landscape including those from development, is to raise the profile of heritage. If heritage is valued by a large number of people protection of heritage is more likely to be taken into account when local and national politicians and Council officers are making planning decisions. Increasing visitor numbers to heritage sites and using heritage

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to provide a stimulus for business development e.g. bike hire to explore landscape trails, means that potentially damaging developments are less likely to occur.

6.3.3 Economic assessment Regional economic direction and growth plans are led by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP) and defined in their Strategic Economic Plan (SEP), where there is a focus on high value manufacturing such as low carbon, renewable energies and innovative technologies. There is little preference for heritage skills and investing in our heritage in the SEP, although it does recognise that the countryside plays a role in attracting investment and industry. There is an opportunity to create a narrative through Land of Oak & Iron to overcome a potential lack of consideration of heritage in business developments by generating greater awareness of heritage and interest in participation in heritage conservation. The innovation displayed by our forebears and as shown by our remaining industrial heritage can hopefully serve as an inspiration for the NELEP in future iterations of the SEP and a more innovative approach to integrating heritage with economic development might be pursued.

6.4 Attitudes and Understanding

The view of the organisations engaged in the Land of Oak & Iron is that raising the profile of the heritage offer of the area will be highly beneficial. Some of the reasons for this have been outlined in earlier sections, but the basic premise is that if local people and visitors to the area are aware of the significance of its history, culture and natural environment they will place a value on it and act to conserve it. This is why there will be significant effort made to encourage access and exploration, with opportunities for informal learning via interpretation and opportunities for more detailed study of specific aspects, such as industrial purpose heritage or wildlife.

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In some respects the task of raising the profile of heritage is an easy one as the story of this landscape is so compelling, the difficult task will be achieving a balance between engaging local people and encouraging visitors from the wider region. Local people are perhaps best placed to take advantage of the opportunities for access, volunteering and business development, with the health, well-being and economic benefits those activities will bring. However, to maximise opportunities the Land of Oak & Iron needs to become a destination to visit, providing an incentive to maintain investment beyond the initial HLF funding.

To achieve this balance the project will provide a range of opportunities and enhancements that will appeal to a range of audiences. For example, improved access along a specific section of a wagonway will encourage greater use by local people; promoting long distance walking routes that make use of the entire wagonway network will appeal to visitors from the wider region and beyond.

During project development particular emphasis has been placed on local community engagement to ensure that the local audience is engaged before the project commences. GVOC delivered the public engagement, attending local events, distributing leaflets and conducting surveys. A summary of the conclusions of key findings include (for details see section 3.2 or the full report in Appendix 3):

 Local people have responded positively to the Land of Oak & Iron Project being enthusiastic and passionate about their communities’ natural and cultural heritage and eager to share their local knowledge.

 Local people are already accessing the Land of Oak & Iron and its heritage, they are value the potential offered by the project to enhance, promote and conserve their area’s heritage.

 Local people have identified ideas for encouraging more people to access the area to better promote what already exists. This work demonstrates that there is an understanding locally of heritage and a positive attitude to the project. The next step of the process is to use the delivery phase to build on those foundations locally and to promote the heritage of the Land of Oak & Iron beyond the project boundaries.

6.5 Local Issues, Recreational Pressure, Lack of Understanding

The condition and priorities of built heritage were guided by the work commissioned from the North of England Civic Trust in their audit of the Land of Oak & Iron Historic Environment (found in Appendix 2). Unfortunately, few relics remain of this once heavily industrialised area as detailed in section 3 above. The built features that remain are largely remnants of the areas mining and industrial past; furnaces, dams, waste heaps, smelters and coking ovens. Consequently the lack of local, generational and historic knowledge of the built heritage in the area is a real threat.

Much of the heritage is spread across the landscape, centuries have passed since sites were abandoned and many have fallen into a poor state of repair through neglect and lack of knowledge. Some areas have suffered from inappropriate development which has degraded structures further or removed some entirely from the landscape. This is strongly linked to a lack of knowledge about the importance of these heritage assets and the national significance of this area as a whole to numerous industries such as iron and steel production, coal mining and engineering. Access is an issue for the built sites as they are not well known despite close proximity to a public footpaths and parks.

Tree roots and vegetation growth are undoubtedly causing ongoing damage to the built heritage. As habitats have developed on previously industrial sites a potential conflict between the interests of built heritage and natural heritage has developed, which requires careful consideration. However, the project is ideally placed to address such issues as it has a remit that extends across all areas of heritage. As a result a balanced approach can be

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taken and impacts in one area can be mitigated against by interventions elsewhere.

Inappropriate tree planning and lack of woodland management has not only reduced access to sites and potentially damaged heritage, it has created an ecosystem of limited biodiversity. This threat can be overcome through the heritage skills and volunteering opportunities of the project and the work to engage a wide range of woodland owners and managers. The needs of built and natural heritage can and will be addressed together.

Vandalism and antisocial behaviour are threats to all heritage. Unfortunately, this situation is most evident at Whinfield Coke Ovens which have suffered repeated vandalism, brick robbing and anti-social behaviour. Landscaping work will help to improve the setting for visitors and improve visibility throughout the site and heritage skills training events for the public and schools will help to raise awareness and create local ownership mitigating against anti-social behaviour.

There is conflict between creating better access and increasing visitor numbers and the pressures this can bring to heritage assets. However, without visitors, particularly at a time when securing investment in heritage is increasingly competitive, it is difficult to justify conservation effort. Increasing visitors can have direct benefits - it helps to protect the sites from anti-social behaviour and tourism is a key part of the North East economy. There are also indirect benefits by creating a new generation who are engaged and willing to actively participate in conservation because they have visited sites and developed an interest. It may take many years for this interest to manifest itself as action, but that journey must start somewhere.

6.5.1 Skills and Resource Shortages

Lack of sustained management could be the biggest risk to heritage in the long term. Within the Land of Oak & Iron skills shortages in heritage management, technical conservation and craft skills in historic buildings and natural environment put the heritage assets of the area at risk due to a lack of ability to maintain them for the long term.

Evidence presented to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee suggests that the UK is losing the fundamental field skills that enable both amateur naturalists and professional wildlife organisations to monitor the health and well-being of our wildlife and their habitats. Employers are struggling to recruit staff with the right mix of specialist skills, such as species identification, habitat survey and management and heritage interpretation, alongside the more generic, softer skills such as project management.

English Heritage’s annual report Heritage Counts which measures the heritage sector this year focuses on skills needs and the risk of knowledge loss. Chairman Sir Laurie Magnus writes: “[There has been] an alarming decline in heritage and building conservation skills, which are essential if the heritage sector is to remain one of the engines of growth for the English economy”. In addition there has been a significant fall in conservation officers (33%) since 2006, an increasing skills gaps in the field of traditional building, where the workforce are significantly older than the rest of the construction industry.

Demand for environmental conservation specific skills is also increasing with many jobs and voluntary positions available signifying a skills shortage. Evidence from LANTRA, the Sector Skills Council for land based occupations and environmental industries suggest the sector is currently facing a skills deficiency which will have major impacts now and in the future. Technical skills such as wildlife monitoring and survey; species identification, habitat

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management and heritage interpretation are in decline and also generic skills such as communication, I.C.T., team working, project management and interpersonal skills.

This skills shortage is even more evident in the Land of Oak & Iron project area as employment numbers are less than the national average. There is a real opportunity to help influence the future employment landscape in the heritage sector since there is an employment need. There is also an opportunity make heritage skills accessible to young people and volunteers supporting future employment opportunities. The Land of Oak & Iron can be a corner stone in shaping these opportunities by delivering projects to address skills gaps.

The formation of a Friends of Group will make a positive contribution to the legacy of Land of Oak & Iron and be of key importance in:

 Engaging more of the local community in the project landscape e.g. inspire local school children, family days out, volunteer and work placement activities.  To act as a ‘voice’ to ensure site and heritage maintenance  The transfer of heritage skills to a wider audience.  Protect the heritage of a site  Fundraise to maintain the above activities and perform further improvements

The building of a new heritage centre will become a centre point for sharing the excellent work and personal journeys of those involved in the project but also the place where future plans, training and skills and employment opportunities can be shared. Volunteering and work placement opportunities will be available in the day to day running of the centre and combined with the selling of merchandise and refreshments and income from training and activity events will allow the centre to be self-sustaining.

There is real scope for private sector sponsorship of the centre and Land of Oak & Iron trail as there is a strong link to our innovative heritage and the ambitions of the North East business community today. Private sector sponsorship includes donations towards maintenance and further landscape enhancement works, corporate volunteering days and ability to link their business aims and corporate and social responsibility to the pioneering industrial heritage of the past and show appreciation for the important role natural heritage played in achieving this.

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6.6 Monitoring and Evaluation

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership recognises monitoring and evaluation as key to ensure that the vision is met, outputs, outcomes and a sustainable legacy is delivered. The Chair of the Partnership Board will champion evaluation in the delivery phase.

Evaluation will not only allow achievements to be demonstrated but also enable the Partnership to learn from the delivery of the landscape partnership scheme , and share these lessons. This will enable any adjustment or changes in practices to be made within the delivery phase and also will inform other and future projects that the Partnership undertakes.

Within three months of the commencement of the Land of Oak & Iron an external agency will be commissioned (see brief xxx) to develop and deliver an effective monitoring and evaluation framework. Benchmarking and the collection of monitoring data will be carried out by project coordinators and annual assimilation of results provided by the Finance/ Admin Officer within the delivery team. This information will be reported to the Partnership Board as standing agenda item.

A mid-term delivery review will be undertaken by the appointed evaluation lead by March 2018 and an end of project evaluation undertaken and report produced. The monitoring and evaluation framework will be based on HLF guidance and established best practice and will be informed by work undertaken in the development phase and the LCAP. For each project it will be necessary to identify output indicators as well as HLF outcomes. The Partnership is committed to utilising a range of evaluation techniques to ensure that all of the local communities and residents have the opportunity to play a full part in establishing the baseline data and reporting on progress and change.

HLF Outputs and Outcomes Project leads will be required to report on progress against HLF outputs and outcomes.

Outputs will be measured via HLFs evaluation reporting spreadsheet to the standard HLF format and reported on in accordance with guidelines. Outcomes will be measure by collecting soft baseline data when project activity starts in line with HLFs outcomes. This will use different forms of data collection including surveys to be able to compare and contrast data and provide more reliable results. The precise data to be collected and methodology will be designed by the evaluation specialised commissioned to lead on this work.

The Administration and Finance Officer will collate this information for full project reporting to the Board and HLF. The Partnership Board will receive exception reports if progress is not in line with expected delivery and is beyond agreed tolerances. These reports will include corrective action and a revised timescale if appropriate.

The mid- term evaluation review will provide the opportunity to review progress up to that point. This will not only examine successes but also any failures and if appropriate identify any lessons to be learned for the second half of the scheme. The achievements of the project will be paramount but as significant will be how the legacy of the project will be managed and maintained.

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7 Sustainability, Legacy and Exit Strategy

The Land of Oak & Iron legacy will embody the vision of our Partnership; celebrating heritage and creating opportunities. The Partnership will use our heritage assets to not only showcase the fascinating heritage of the area but also to help develop skills, volunteer networks and strategic support required to sustain these assets and to help to grow the tourism offer of the area. This will lead to multiple associated spin offs in terms of community empowerment, employment and business creation. We will embed the core assets in a community based trust or similar organisation which alongside longer term growth in economic activity will provide a sustainable future for the area.

This will be supported by legacy plans for investing in our heritage, people and communities.

The legacy of our investments in Heritage will be:  Improved habitats with more resilience to major risks such as climate change

 Improved physical relics of the industrial heritage by removing 3 structures from the HAR register

 A bank of knowledgeable people, records and resources to showcase our heritage

The legacy of our investments in People will be:

 Skilled volunteers and voluntary groups that are better resourced to conserve, enhance and celebrate our heritage

 Better connected volunteers and voluntary groups that build on each other’s strengths and work well together making substantial positive impacts on our landscape and its heritage

 Regaling local facts and stories of the past from one friend and generation to another

 Heritage skills will be revived and attract the interest of young people

The legacy of our investments in Communities will be:

 Vibrant with enthusiasm for their local landscape and heritage

 An area with heritage features that are better promoted and easier to access

 Healthier, wealthier and more environmentally friendly.

 The Land of Oak & Iron will be ‘on the map’. Rather than going to the city of Durham or Northumberland coast, visitors from Newcastle, Gateshead and further afield will go to the Land of Oak & Iron to find out what this exciting ‘new’ area is all about.

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7.1.1 Sustaining Our Legacy

To sustain our legacy the Partnership will look to establish the Land of Oak & Iron as an independent trust. This could be achieved in a number of ways, which we will explore, including through establishing the Land of Oak & Iron as an eco-museum. An ecomuseum is concept used more widely in Europe, focused on the identity of place (see http://ebooklibrary.org/articles/Ecomuseum). Based on local participation rather than objects, we will aim to aim to enhance the social and economic welfare of communities through utilising their heritage assets for sustainable development.

Building on the strength of the Land of Oak & Iron, we will promote the area as ‘pro-heritage’ recognising the value and potential of the holistic management of the landscape and its heritage. The business model will be based on tourism raising the funds required to aid continued engagement in, and management of, the scheme. With communities and existing groups at its centre we will use this model to gain further stakeholder engagement and private sector sponsorship creating lasting change.

The Land of Oak & Iron will invest in the following initiatives to create foundations on which to build a strong future:  A Gateway Heritage Centre to attract some of the 1 million people that live on the doorstep of the Land of Oak & Iron  Rotating exhibitions in the Heritage Centres  Common branding will unite the scheme under one shared vision  A range of heritage trails promoted through a high quality guide book  Interpretation of the area’s natural industrial and development of new tourist sites  Guided walks/ walking festivals  A cycle hire/ e-bike network to generate income  An annual sustainable event  Rapper Dancing trail and events  A regular programme of activities celebrating the Land of Oak & Iron  Work with volunteers and third sector organisations to ensure maintenance and continued conservation of natural environment and built schemes

The evaluation will help to formalise the legacy plan, setting out how to sustain activities, retain staff and develop the scheme beyond HLF funding. 7.1.2 Exit Strategy

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership will evolve, with a long term vision of becoming an independent trust. The Landscape Partnership framework will enable existing partners to communicate, stimulate new joined up working and activities to grow. When capital projects are complete, there will be a physical network in place to showcase multiple ‘hidden treasures’ of the Land of Oak & Iron, providing a solid foundation for the Partnership to use in the growth and communication of the scheme. This will be widened and enforced through the delivery of educational, skills and interpretive activities. Community buy in will be embedded within the scheme and participants empowered to continue activity. Information about the area will continue through the website will be hosted either by the new independent trust or a partner organisation. New projects will develop and be able to use the enthusiasm, momentum and success of the scheme to attract new funding, continue to put the Land of Oak & Iron on the map, reveal its secrets, celebrate its heritage, and create opportunities. Local residents, communities, groups, employers and other organisations will have bought in to the Land of Oak and Iron, will value it, and be proud to promote and support its heritage and assets as part of part of their ongoing activities and business - That is the legacy of the Land of Oak & Iron.

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8.1 The Production of the LCAP

To produce this LCAP and the project plans over 1,000 people, organisations and partners have been consulted from 2013-2015. The local community make up a substantial amount of this who have been essential to consult with to ensure the programme reflects local need. Other organisations and partners have provided strategic support and input throughout. 8.1.1 Identifying, Prioritising and Defining Projects

Projects were initially identified in the first round Landscape Partnership development phase and through the work of the Durham Biodiversity Action Plan group, following extensive consultation and engagement with key partners, community groups and the wider community. Through ongoing consultation with the community, at Cultural, Natural and Built Heritage sub-groups and Partnership Board, ideas were developed and refined to create the holistic scheme that made up the first round bid.

During the initial stages of this second development phase, these ideas were reviewed, and a number of specific pieces of work undertaken to assess relevance, fill gaps and avoid any duplication, including:

 A built environment audit which provided comprehensive research into the historic environment of the Land of Oak & Iron, identified and prioritised sites for physical conservation works.

 A Fish Pass feasibility study to assess what type of fish pass is required, would be most feasible and where it should be located

 A skills audit to identify skills needs and gaps in the area

 A Bio-diversity and ecosystems audit to map and assess the natural environment of the area and highlight habitats and species in need of conservation

 An access audit to map the waggonways and identify how the existing and potential new networks can be enhanced to increase across the area

 Community Consultation with over 1000 people through community events, online surveys, facebook, public drop-ins local council meetings and more to review initial ideas with the public, identify gaps and consult on the findings of the above audits.

 Consultation with local experts and organisations at Cultural, Natural and Built Heritage sub-groups.

For further details of the results of this work see the Appendix 3

The results of the audits and consultation were given to the lead organisation coordinating the development of projects, who assimilated project ideas and to shape the projects. To aid the identification and refinement process, ideas reviewed at the Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage sub-groups (see section 8.1.2 below for details) and discussed with partners to assess how well they meet the following criteria from very weak to very strong:

 Need (is the heritage that the project focuses on considered to be at risk, is other investment likely, does it meet HLF outcomes?)

 Likelihood (is it ‘viable’ considering permissions, matched funding, maintenance, sustainability)

 Community links (interest groups and local communities)

 Connectivity (how much it links to The Land of Oak & Iron Vision around Heritage, Communities and Tourism, what are the potential economic gains, How well does it link to other sites/ projects)

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These criteria were used to ensure the right questions were asked in developing and prioritising ideas. Through this process projects were prioritised as:

 High – good idea for Y1 or 2

 Medium – has potential but is risky, possible for Ys 3 or 4 if risk is managed

 Low – does not meet the above criteria well and/or is very risky. Could be re-considered by the wider Partnership. Most new ideas were incorporated into ideas for the wider programme and area. Those that did not meet the visions/ aims for Land of Oak & Iron (such as an allotment or community garden scheme) received feedback and support offered form the wider partnership to help to develop these ideas.

Following the sub-groups projects were recommended to the Board where they were scrutinised on an operational and strategic level. This ensured that the programme was not only achievable, but also being developed as one unified programme that would meet HLFs outcomes and the vision of the Partnership. They were also scrutinised to ensure projects were designed to enhance our unique landscape and industrial heritage, inspire landscape scale change and create a lasting legacy embedded with community ownership.

Project Coordinators were then tasked with defining the detail of projects, ensuring development of ideas to RIBA stage 3 where relevant, with permissions and consents secured. The process to assign delivery phase project leads took place over the 2+ year development period of the Land of Oak & Iron; providing opportunity for any partner, organisation or community member to engage with and support the development of the scheme. Natural project leads emerged for most projects which have been tested for value for money, relevant expertise and track record, as well as an ability to manage a robust procurement process for the project delivery activity. Where natural project leads were not identified through the Partnership development work, they were assigned through a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) process. The resulting programme of projects is presented in sections 2.2 and 4 above.

8.1.2 Development Meetings

Since Round 1, extensive development work has taken place involving 13 sub-group meetings and 9 Board meetings.

Sub Groups Cultural, Natural and Built Heritage sub-group were formed to support the development of projects and reflect local need. These were made up of approximately ½ and ½ community members and groups and local organisations all with relevant expertise, detailed in the tables overleaf.

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Table 19: Sub-group members

Natural Built Cultural Campaign for Rural England & Burnopfield Community Partnership Consett Heritage Initiative RSPB & Durham Bird Club Durham County Council Durham County Council Durham County Council Durham Wildlife Trust Ebchester Village Trust English Heritage Derwent Valley AAP Gateshead Borough Council Gateshead Borough Council Earth Doctors Gateshead Council Groundwork NE Environment Agency Gateshead Volunteer Organisa- Ebchester Village Trust

Forestry Commission NECT North of England Civic Derwent Valley AAP

Friends of Prudhoe Woods Northumberland County Council Newcastle Gateshead Initiative

Friends of Red Kites (FoRK) Pont Valley Network North East Cultural Partnership Gateshead Borough Council Project Genesis Northumberland County Council Gateshead Volunteer Organisa- Northumberland Tourism Prudhoe National Trust Shotley Bridge Village Trust Pont Valley Network (based in Dip-

Natural England T&W Specialist Conservation Shotley Bridge Village Trust Team Northumberland County Council Tyne & Wear Building Preser- Story Teller

Northumberland Wildlife Trust Project Genesis Sunniside History Society Prudhoe Community Partnership Sylvan Skills Friends of Holy Cross Tyne Rivers Trust Derwent Valley AAP Visit County Durham Volunteer/ Trustee DWT Leisureworks Gateshead Volunteer Organisa-

Woodland Trust Gateshead Housing Co Pont Valley Network

Friends of Holy Cross

Meetings took place in September/ October 2014 and February 2015.

Sub-groups were comprised of approximately 50% community members with specific interests and expertise and 50% relevant organisations. The purpose of these meetings was to review, refine and develop project ideas to not only ensure they were achievable, but also that they responded to local need, added value to local activity and the programme as a whole.

Where interested individuals or organisations were not able to attend sub-group meetings, agendas and minutes were circulated and they offered an opportunity to discuss the agenda over the phone or at a meeting of their convenience.

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Board Meetings and Strategic Consultation

Board meetings took place quarterly or bi-monthly depending on need and the stage of development of the overall scheme and project plans. The Board provided final sign off of the project plans, helped to shape the vision and strategic direction of the LCAP. Board meetings also served to investigate value added activity, relationships and the development of projects that will benefit the Land of Oak & Iron but cannot be funded using HLF monies due to capacity or restrictions. So far this has included:

 The development of the New Built Heritage Centre at Winlaton Mill

 Relationships with Newcastle and Northumbria University

 Plans to enhance some of the HLF funded schemes significantly with external resource

 Plans for further private sector engagement to enhance long term sustainability.

Strategic consultation also took place with partner organisations not on the Board to ensure the overall programme aligned with existing work and priorities in the area. These included:

 Project Genesis

 The Consett Heritage Project

 The National Trust

 Beamish

 The Sage

 Tourism agencies that cover the area

 Gateshead Council Rural Economic Strategy leads

 Derwentside College

 Gateshead College

 RSPB

This added value to both the community consultation and Board meetings.

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8.1.3 Development, Changes and New Opportunities

Key changes since Round 1 include:

 Groundwork NE & Cumbria taking the role as lead and accountable body for delivery stage instead of Gateshead Council with Gateshead Council acting as a lead authority and both organisations continuing to work closely together.

 Enlarging the boundary to include Crawcrook, Blaydon and Ryton which were key to connecting the area to the river Tyne and its industrial development

 The appointment of a new independent chair who has helped to develop a stronger and shared partnership vision

 3 new Built Restoration projects at Derwentcote Steel Furnace, Allensford Blast Furnace and Crowleys Dam, which were either unknown or not accessible at round 1 stage.

 The development of a new, flagship Heritage Centre at Winalton Mill outside of the HLF funding

 Fish Pass feasibility study identifying a preferred option at significant reduced cost allowing for the creation of a Community Grants scheme

 Community Archaeology focus moving away from the Romans to be just on industrial heritage, linking more closely to the story and vision of the Land of Oak & Iron.

 The Wetland and Grassland projects to focus on just one scheme which will increase impact and have better prospects for long term management and maintenance.

 Go Green to focus on sustainable transport – public, cycling & walking, offering opportunities for business creation and employment previously this did not have a strong focus or link to the vision.

 The partners intention to develop a Community trust or other similar organisation to embed the assets in the area and create longer term local ownership and sustainability

Many new opportunities have arisen working with a range of strategic partners to add value to the scheme including Newcastle and Northumbria Universities, working towards appointing a lead writer and gaining high profile buy in from the arts and cultural sectors.

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8.1.4 Key information used in the LCAP

 Key sources of information used in the production of the LCAP are listed below  European Landscape Convention (2010) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/european- landscape-convention-guidelines-for-managing-landscapes  National Character Area Profiles (2014) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national- character-area-profiles-data-for-local-decision-making/national-character-area-profiles#ncas-in-northeast-england

 Forestry Commission Research Note - Climate change: impacts and adaptation in England’s woodlands, September 2010  Altogether Greener Action Plan (2011) http://content.durham.gov.uk/PDFRepository/ AltogetherGreenerActionPlan.pdf

 DBAP (2015) http://www.durhambiodiversity.org.uk/biodiversity-action-plan/

 3 Rivers LNP (2015) http://threeriverslnp.co.uk/

 Derwent Valley Woodlands Sustainable Management feasibility Report, Martin Glynn in association with RDI Associates, on behalf of Durham Wildlife Trust, Funded by Natural England (2013)  Northumberland Landscape Character Assessment (2010) http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/ default.aspx?page=3458

 Northumberland Key Land Use Impact Study (2010) http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/default.aspx? page=3458

 Northumberland Green Infrastructure Study (2011) http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/default.aspx? page=3458

 Durham Landscape Character Assessment (2008) http://www.durhamlandscape.info/Pages/ CountyDurhamLandscapeCharacter.aspx

 Gateshead Landscape Character Assessment and Policy CS19: Green Infrastructure and Natural Environment available within SA One Core Strategy Draft Plan, September 2011 and SA One Core Strategy Draft Plan Annex, September 2011 http://onecorestrategyng-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/ supporting_documents

 Gateshead Rural Economic Strategy (2015) http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Council%20and% 20Democracy/policies/Rural-Economic-Strategy.aspx and A communications strategy for rural Gateshead (2015) - Supporting ‘An Economic Strategy for Rural Gateshead’ (published later this year)

 Northumberland Economic Assessment (2015) http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/default.aspx? page=5712

 Durham Economic Assessment (2011) http://www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk/Pages/EcP- CountyDurhamEconomicAssessment.aspx

 Heritage At Risk register (2015) https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk/

 Local Authority Historic Environment Records 2012 to identify other potential heritage at risk

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 Tyne Catchment Plan (2012) http://www.tynecatchment.org/the-tyne-catchment-plan/

 More and Better Jobs (2014) http://nelep.co.uk/lep-unveils-strategic-plan-better-jobs/

 Gateshead & Newcastle Green Infrastructure (GI) Evidence base 2011 Gateshead GI Delivery plan, Durham GI plan, Durham LDF, Northumberland GI plan.  Gateshead Ecological Evidence Base (J.L. Durkin 2008 & 2009) providing insight about the existing condition of the ecology or the area  Gateshead Cycling Strategy (2014) https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Transport%20and%20Streets/ Cycling/CyclingStrategy.aspx

 Gateshead Council Communities Together Strategy  Gateshead’s Vision 2030 – a Sustainable Community Strategy, that sets out the overall priorities for Gateshead including how to improve the economy, the wellbeing and equality of opportunity for everyone in Gateshead so that all residents and business can fulfil their potential.  Davis, P 1999. Ecomuseums: a sense of place. Continuum, London and New York  Davis, P. 2007. Ecomuseums and sustainability in Italy, Japan and China: adaptation through implementation. InK nell, S. J., MacLeod, S. and Watson, S.E.R. eds. Museum Revolutions:  How Museums Change and are Changed. London and New York: Routledge.

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8.2 Land of Oak & Iron Project Management Structure

This section sets out the governance and project management arrangements for the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership. It details information about the team that will work on the delivery phase including the governance and decision making structure that surrounds it.

The governance structure is inclusive and representative of the Land of Oak & Iron’s diverse heritage as well as the communities within it. Comprising of a range of experts, local authorities, businesses and the voluntary/community sector the Partnership offers significant knowledge and experience to guide the delivery of the Land of Oak & Iron, its 14 identified projects and support value added activity, showing true cross sector and boundary working.

The Diagram below illustrates the project management structure of the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership.

Groundwork NE & Cumbria (Groundwork) will be the accountable body for the delivery phase. They have vast experience of managing large scale externally funded initiatives, strategic partnership development, programme management and project delivery. They have robust financial and monitoring systems in place as well as expertise in financial, legal and procurement services can be drawn upon.

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8.2.1 Summary of Management Arrangements The management arrangements for the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership are as follows:

 Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership (the Partnership) is a group of organisations and individuals brought together around a shared vision of Celebrating Heritage and Creating Opportunities  The Partnership has a common aim of delivering successful Land of Oak & Iron projects, adding value to these and the partnerships vision.  The Partnership Board provides decision making, strategic oversight, scrutiny and direction for the projects.  The accountable body takes legal responsibility for the delivery of the projects as contracted with HLF.  The Steering Group is made up of each delivery organisation, it provides collective management of the individual projects as well as ensuring projects are not delivered in isolation and link in with the overall programme.  Lead delivery organisations, also known as project ‘Coordinators’ are responsible for the delivery of their agreed individual projects  The Delivery Team comprises of a Partnership Manager, Finance and Administrative Officer, Commu- nity Engagement Officer and Access and Woodland Officer. It provides day-to-day coordination of and support for the project Coordinators.  The Partnership Forum provides ongoing community engagement

8.2.2 The Board

As detailed in section 5.1 of the LCAP Part 1, the Land of Oak & Iron Board is made up of 12 members represent- ing the public, private and third sectors. It is truly reflective of the priorities, themes and activity that are to be delivered, the geography the area covers as well as the community. The Board will be ultimately responsible for making decisions and approving any changes to the scheme making recommendations to the Delivery Team and Groundwork as the accountable body. Other management roles and responsibilities include:

 Strategic decision making, developing and delivering the vision  Monitoring performance and progress of individual projects and the delivery team against agreed outcomes and outputs  Setting and monitoring quality standards  Approving outcomes, outputs and quality standards  Risk management  Sign off quarterly progress and finance reports and claims to HLF  Receive, sign off and monitor programme wide plans and strategies, such as communications, funding and engagement strategies  Sign off contracts led by Partners where the contract is over the value of £10,000  Provide advice and guidance in the event of problems arising  Ensuring a forward strategy is developed and implemented successfully.

Board meetings will take place quarterly in advance of HLF claims. Meetings will be attended by the Partnership Manager who will provide reports to the Board.

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8.2.3 The Delivery Team

The Delivery Team comprises of a full time Partnership Manager, Community Engagement Officer and Access and Woodland Officer and a part time Finance and Administrative Officer. These posts will oversee the day to day management of the delivery of the programme and work with the project leads to ensure that the activity proposed delivers their outcomes within the timescales and budgets proposed. The team will be located together and have monthly meetings to achieve a high level of liaison.

The Team will be responsible for procuring services and goods under the value of £1,000 needed to service the overall programme in the delivery phase. For more expensive services and goods sign off will be required by Groundwork’s Head of Business Development up to the value of £10,000. Anything over £10,000 will require sign off by the Board. Groundwork and HLFs procurement rules will be also followed during any selection of services and goods.

The team will be recruited by an open, external recruitment process to ensure the correct skills, knowledge and personality are appointed. An overview of the four individual roles is provided below. For full job descriptions see Appendix 2.

Partnership Manager The Partnership Manager will be employed by Groundwork and line managed by Groundwork’s Head of Business Development. Their key roles and responsibilities will include:  Provide papers to the Board,  Chair the steering group  Manage the implementation of the projects to achieve outputs  Ensure connectivity between the individual projects, Board and overall vision  Provide advocacy and raise the profile of the scheme  Complete and submit quarterly progress reports  Liaise with the HLF Monitor  Oversee Heritage Centre, Creative Interpretation and Community Grants projects

Community Engagement Officer The Community Engagement Officer will be employed by Groundwork and line managed by the Partnership Manager. Their key roles and responsibilities will include:

 Ensuring the community are involved with and benefit from project delivery  That community organisations have the skills to deliver their projects and activity is co-ordinated

 Encouraging people to become volunteers and co-ordinate volunteering across the programme and projects.  Coordinating the Partnership Forum  Coordinating Volunteer Skills programmes  Leading marketing, communications, social media and PR activity  Supporting the delivery of Education, Skills and Community Archaeology projects

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Access and Woodland Officer

The Access and Woodland Officer will be employed by Durham Wildlife Trust (DWT) and jointly line managed by DWT and the Partnership Manager. Their key roles and responsibilities will include:  Take a lead on private landowner engagement and expansion of woodland management schemes  Establishment, management and leading a practical conservation volunteer team  Supporting the delivery of Surveying, Woodlands, Wetlands, Rivers restoration, Access and Go Green projects

Administration and Finance Officer The part-time Administration and Finance Officer will be employed by Groundwork and line managed by the Partnership Manager. Their key roles and responsibilities will include:  Collate monitoring and evolution information  Collate financial information  Preparing financial reports for the Board and Claims  Support the Partnership Manager in the production of quarterly claims  General administrative support

8.2.4 The Steering Group The steering group will be chaired by the Partnership Manager and attended by all project Coordinators. It will focus on the operational elements of the Land of Oak & Iron meeting quarterly in advance of Board meetings and provide recommendations to the Board relating to the many facets of programme management including:

 Ensuring links are made across projects  Sharing expertise and experience  Monitoring and sourcing match funding,  Delivery of activity, outcomes and outputs,  Promote joined up and best practice working  Coordinate the delivery of activity  Provide mutual support  Aid management of risk  Monitoring and evaluation  Identifying opportunities to sustain activity

8.2.5 Additional Support Additional support will be provided via project specific task and finish groups drawing in expertise from the Board and wider partnership to guide projects and ensure they are delivered to the highest possible standard. It will also be provided via the Partnership Forum made up of other parties including friends of and local history/interest groups, schools, youth groups, landowners, businesses, community groups and volunteers to ensure delivery reflects local need. Both of these groups will also help the Partnership in the development of added value activities to the individual projects and overalls scheme helping to secure its legacy for generations to come.

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8.3 Key Information from Project Plans

This LCAP demonstrates that the Land of Oak & Iron is more than just a collection of projects that happen to take place within the same area. In particular sections 4 and 4.1 provide details of what outcomes the projects will deliver and how each project complements each other. This includes a matrix showing which primary and secondary HLF outcomes the projects will meet.

The table below provides details of the 14 projects to be delivered by the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership, the organisation that is responsible for coordinating the delivery of project activity and named officer. For further details regarding how each project links to the others please see the accompanying excel file named ‘Project links’.

Table 20: Projects and Coordinators

Project Organisation Officer 1 Community Archaeology Tyne & Wear Specialist Dave Heslop Conservation Team

2 Built Restoration Tyne & Wear Building Martin Hulse Preservation Trust 3a & b River Restoration and Tyne Rivers Trust Paul Atkinson Fish Pass 4 Woodland Restoration Delivery Team Access & Woodland Officer Woodland Trust Gary Haley Gateshead Council Don Atkinson Groundwork Kay Bradshaw 5 Shibdon Meadow Durham Wildlife Trust Jim Cokill 6 Oak & Iron Skills Gateshead College Linda Blakelock 7 Educational Activities Groundwork Stephen Armstrong 8 Geology & Wildlife Surveyors Durham Wildlife Trust Jim Cokill 9 Access For All Delivery Team Access & Woodland Officer 10 Creative Interpretation Groundwork Grace Crawford 11 Go Green Groundwork James Prime 12 Community Grants County Durham Community Barbara Gubbins Foundation 13 Heritage Centres Gateshead Council Paul Scott 14 Marketing and Promotions Delivery Team Community Engagement Officer

A map providing details of the locations of the capital project is available in section 4.1 of part 1 of the LCAP.

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Round 1 and round 2 comparison Key changes from the first round 1 HLF bid compared to the 2nd stage bid include:

 Fish Pass has reduced in cost due to the feasibility studying identifying a more cost effective solution than anticipated.

 The reduction in the fish Pass cost aloud for the creation of a Community Grants Scheme to the value of £40,000 from HLF which has since secured £20,000 cash matched funding.

 A movement of some of the access costs, so the Access for All scheme delivers the isolated access project but improvements linked to sites (Whinfield Coke Ovens, Derwentcote Steel Furnace, Al- lensford Blast Furnace, Shibdon Meadow) are delivered within those budgets. Concurrently the associated built and natural restoration project budgets have increased.

 Equipment and materials budgets increasing with allowances for all projects due to more detailed budgeting.

 A new budget for VAT has been required due to more accurate planning of project budgets.

 Reducing inflation due to the economic climate

 Securing more in-kind matched funding due to the development of a strong and committed partnership.

8.4 Letters of Support Building on the letters of support received at the Round 1 funding bid the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape partnership has since received many new letters of support including generic letters for the whole scheme from new partners and voluntary/ community sector groups involved along with letters specifically related to project activity. The generic letters are available upon request. Project specific letters are available in Part 3 of the LCAP along with the associated Project Plans.

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Appendix 2 - Job Descriptions

Appendix 2 contains the job descriptions for the delivery team will be recruited to manage and deliver the Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Partnership. This includes four new posts of:

 Partnership Manager

 Administration and Finance Officer

 Community Engagement Officer

 Access and Woodland Officer

These posts will be advertised and recruited for towards the end of 2015 and in 2016 with adverts being placed on Groundwork’s website. For more information contact [email protected]

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Appendix 3 - Feasibility Studies, Audits and Reports

Appendix 3 contains the results of the feasibility studies, audits and reports commissioned as part of the Round 2 Landscape Partnership Development phase. This includes:

 Access Audit - Produced by Gateshead Council with the support of Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council

 Fish Pass Feasibility Study - Produced by Tyne Rivers Trust (TRT) with support from the Environment Agency

 Biodiversity Audit and Ecosystems Services Study - Produced by Durham Wildlife Trust (DWT)

 Built Heritage Audit - Produced by the North of England Civic Trust (NECT)

 Community Consultation and Report - Produced by Gateshead Voluntary Organisation Council (GVOC)

 Skills Mapping - Produced by Groundwork NE & Cumbria (Groundwork)

These are available upon request from [email protected]

The Land of Oak & Iron Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Part 1