LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN SCHEME PLAN Including Project Plan Summaries Contents Contents

CONTENTS

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5 4 MANAGEMENT 91 INFORMATION 2 INTRODUCTION 11 4.1 International plans and policies 95 2.1 Participation and consultation 14 4.2 Local plans and policies 96 2.2 The partnership 16 4.3 Parties with interest in the 102 2.3 Bathscape scheme vision 20 bathscape work areas 2.4 Gaps and limitations 22 2.5 Documents to read alongside 24 5 STATEMENT OF 103 the lcap SIGNIFICANCE 3 THE BATHSCAPE 25 5.1 Landscape 105 AREA, ITS HERITAGE 5.2 Biodiversity 108 AND ITS PEOPLE 5.3 Geology 111 5.4 Archaeological and historical 112 3.1 The bathscape boundary 27 significance 3.2 Landscape heritage 30 5.5 How do people currently 114 3.3 Landscape character types 32 use the landscape? 3.4 Geological heritage 60 5.6  The value people place on 115 3.5 Archaeology 64 the landscape 3.6 Built heritage 65 5.7 How people view the 116 3.7 Biodiversity 67 significance of the landscape 3.8 Cultural and artistic 71 associations 6 RISKS AND 119 3.9 Health and sightseeing 73 OPPORTUNITIES 3.10 The landscape through time 75 3.11 People in the bathscape 80 6.1 Threats to the landscape and 121 3.12 Identifying needs 86 opportunities to address these 3.13 Barriers 88 6.2 Local issues 122 6.3 Broader issues 125

2 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 3 Contents Executive Summary

7 AIMS, OBJECTIVES 131 9 LEGACY 217 AND OUTCOMES 9.1 Project legacy 220 7.1 Vision 133 9.2 Organisational legacy 224 7. 2 Bathscape themes 134 9.3 Landscape legacy 226 and objectives 7.3 Links to strategies and 136 10 EVALUATION 227 needs assessments AND MONITORING 7.4 What people think is 138 important to do for 11 SOURCES OF 235 the landscape INFORMATION 7.5 Heritage threats and 140 opportunities 12 APPENDICES 239 7.6 Outcomes for heritage 143 7.7 Outcomes for people 147 7.8 Outcomes for communities 153 8 SCHEME COSTS 157 SUMMARY 8.1 Project leads 159 8.2 Project start and end dates 162 8.3 Programme Costs compared 164 with Round 1 submission 8.4 Project plan summaries 165 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 5 Section 1 Executive Summary

City and country are more This value was recognised in 1987 closely connected in Bath than by UNESCO in its inscription of the entire city of Bath as a World Heritage perhaps any other British city. Site (WHS), with the Roman remains, The surrounding hills not only 18th century architecture, 18th century provide a spectacular backdrop town planning, social setting, hot springs to this most compact of cities and landscape setting collectively but also allow unparalleled cited as the reasons for its inclusion. The Statement of Outstanding opportunity for access and Universal Value from that inscription enjoyment. Within fifteen summarises Bath and its surroundings minutes it is possible to walk as “a demonstration par excellence of from urban centre to wildflower- the integration of architecture, urban rich valley, while a half hour in design and landscape setting, and the deliberate creation of a beautiful city”. almost any direction will lead Not only was the visual landscape setting you to walks amongst open utilised to such great effect in the design fields and wooded slopes that of the city, but the hills themselves are recognisable from Georgian provided the Oolitic limestone that is times. Looking back to the city, such a distinctive feature of the city’s the iconic views underline the buildings, allowing a coherence of design that continues today. interplay between the rural and urban landscape and their collective value.

Left: Looking across Bath

6 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 7 Section 1 Executive Summary

The value of the countryside, however, • 7 important hillsides within the goes beyond that of its relationship to urban area the city. It is home to a huge variety of • 1,942 Historic Environment Records wildlife, features of historic, geological Monument within the WHS setting and archaeological interest and is brimming with cultural history. • A Nationally Registered Battlefield Writers, artists, scientists and (partially) in the WHS setting industrialists have found inspiration • The Bath and Bradford-on-Avon here, while its therapeutic reputation Bats Special Area of Conservation dates back millennia. • 8 Sites of Special Scientific Interest The rich landscape legacy of the Bathscape is reflected in the breadth, • 780ha of priority habitat. number and quantity of designations Today the Bathscape area is home including: to around 107,000 residents, with • The City of Bath World Heritage Site software, publishing and service- – the only city-wide WHS in the UK oriented industries being important employers. The Georgian prime of • The Bath Conservation Area – the city and wider Bathscape was one of the largest in England superseded by a period of industry • 2,714 listed buildings within the city with crane works, quarrying, plasticine manufacturing and numerous mills, but • Cotswolds Area of Outstanding following a decline in manufacturing, Natural Beauty surrounding three tourism re-emerged as a principal sides of the city industry. The area now attracts • 15 Nationally Recognised Gardens an estimated 5 million day in the WHS setting visitors each year. • 41 Locally Designated Gardens in the WHS setting • 20 Scheduled Ancient Monuments

THE AREA NOW ATTRACTS AN ESTIMATED 5 MILLION DAY VISITORS

Above: Newton EACH YEAR. Park grounds

8 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 9 Section 1 Introduction

The expansion and reinvention of The heritage will not benefit in isolation, the city through the 19th century more and a wider range of people will to the 21st century is as important be helped to actively enjoy and learn to understanding the heritage of about the landscape. Addressing the Bathscape as the story of its social inequality is central to Bathscape 18th century heyday. As a distinct and opportunities for projects that landscape centred upon a compact work for disadvantaged communities city attracting millions of visitors the are prominent. pressures upon the Bathscape and Through the delivery of twenty its heritage features are extensive, five interconnected projects across however so too is its potential for the four themes of Conserving and health, enjoyment and inspiration. Restoring, The Therapeutic Landscape, The Bathscape scheme brings Access and Learning, Training & Skills, together a broad group of partners with the Bathscape scheme will bring the a shared ambition to see the value of this landscape centre stage. The surrounding significant landscape recognised, and hills and valleys that enhance the World the threats it faces addressed through Heritage Site deserve to be better coordinated management and increased managed and experienced. Bathscape public appreciation. The partnership will inspire a greater number and also recognises the opportunity for the wider range of people to: explore scheme to further address the social the outstanding built and natural inequality that is prevalent in Bath. environments; become involved in the protection of the heritage; and improve their health and wellbeing. 2 INTRODUCTION Left: Bath from Alexandra Park viewpoint

10 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 11 Section 2 Introduction

INTRODUCTION MAP OF SCHEME AREA

In November 2016 the Heritage The LCAP’s authors are Bathscape Lottery Fund awarded a first Development Manager, Dan Merrett and Community and Access Officer, Lucy round pass to the Bathscape Bartlett. Dan has 20 years of experience Landscape Partnership Scheme working in the environmental sector, allowing the partners to develop including project-managing a Heritage and submit a fully worked-up Lottery Funded national project to second round submission. This involve missing audiences in bat conservation and a project to mark document is the Landscape the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) Coronation through the creation of supporting that submission. one hundred wildflower meadows across the UK. Lucy spent six years The LCAP relates to a scheme area of working for historic building approximately 101km2 centred around preservation trusts followed by 15 Bath, forming the ‘landscape setting’ years with Citizens Advice, supporting as cited in the UNESCO statement of organisational change and volunteer Outstanding Universal Value for the City and staff development. She was then of Bath World Heritage Site. The scheme People Engagement Officer on a nature area incorporates both urban and rural reserve. They were supported by Bath landscape, stretching across the hilltop & NE Somerset Council staff including plateaus and valleys that surround the Landscape Architect and author of city, with the majority of the area falling the Landscape Character Assessment within the Cotswolds Area of Andrew Sharland. The development Outstanding Natural Beauty. stage and production of the LCAP has been overseen and contributed to by the Partnership Board, the members of which are outlined in this section.

12 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 13 Section 2 Introduction

Additional Bathscape activities Further consultation was undertaken • There is currently more work to do 2.1 PARTICIPATION piloted by project staff with the by those delivering woodland, grassland, than people to do it, so volunteers AND help of partners were: interpretation and access briefs, with could have a role, and woodland • a school outdoor activities event over 650 residents completing a management could be undertaken CONSULTATION involving four local schools questionnaire exploring how they in exchange for firewood currently use the landscape and • I’m a Scout Leader which is one of A large number and broad range of • a family nature day targeting residents the barriers they perceive. organisations and individuals have in the Foxhill area of the city the main ways I get involved with the been involved in informing and shaping Example comments received across outdoors, would be great to know • a bug hunt in Sydney Gardens the scheme, building on the significant the consultations include: how I might be able to link up more heritage park work undertaken in developing the • The main challenges facing the • I’m amazed how many Bathonians phase one bid. In addition to the • a bat walk for residents of the Foyer farming community around Bath know so little about the joys of the organisations represented on the in Twerton (sheltered housing for are declining returns from dairy natural world in such close proximity Partnership Board, national bodies young people) and the Friends of and sheep and diminishing to the city Natural England and Historic England Carr’s Wood (a Local Nature agri-environment support • I love that I can access countryside and local organisations including The Reserve in Twerton) • As a single female and with children on foot from my front door in 15min, Joint Local Access Forum, Wiltshire • a week long Bathscape Walking with additional needs it’s a challenge no matter where I have lived in Bath. Council, Bath City Farm, Bath Natural Festival incorporating 25 walks to embark on ‘exploring’. Would love It’s part of what keeps me here History Society, Bath and Counties attracting over 800 participants to have options for families to connect Archaeological Society, The South • I would like to explore more but with to be guides, or child friendly West Farming and Wildlife Advisory • improved outdoor learning I don’t know where to start. information to download to guide Group, BathHacked, The Forest of facilities at Bath City Farm. Avon Trust and Blooming Whiteway Feedback was collected at these • I only visit local areas that are easy have advised on developing projects. activities to help understand the to access on foot/public transport During the development phase interests and requirements of project staff members have held participants and to shape the individual meetings with over 70 key development of the scheme project stakeholders and regularly attended plans. Areas experiencing significant community meetings, particularly in the deprivation such as Twerton West target area of south west Bath where the (an area falling within the 10% most wards suffering significant deprivation deprived in the national Indices of are clustered. The stakeholders were Multiple Deprivation), Whiteway targeted to represent a range of views, (within the bottom 1% for the children needs and potential for involvement. and young people subdomain of the They encompassed organisations such education, skills and training component as Carrswood Day Centre for adults of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation), with learning disabilities, local interest and Foxhill (within the 10% most groups, health and education officers, deprived areas for children and young parish councillors and community people, and education, skills and training groups. The public were consulted at domains) were targeted to ensure the seven free to attend community events: views of these residents were included. World Heritage Day; Bath University 50th anniversary community festival; Bath Bioblitz; Bath Festival of Nature; Bath City Farm Family Fun Day; Bath City Conference; and Bath City Farm Easter celebration. Right: Public consultation

14 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 15 Section 2 Introduction

2.2 THE BATHSCAPE LEAD AVON WILDLIFE TRUST BATH SPA UNIVERSITY PARTNER – BATH & NORTH Avon Wildlife Trust is the local wildlife Bath Spa University is committed PARTNERSHIP EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL charity working to secure a strong to sustainability and environmental The Bathscape Partnership was Bath & NE Somerset Council is the future for the natural environment and improvement, playing a key part in established in 2013 to realise unitary authority for the district and the to inspire people to care for it. With the the wider economic, cultural and opportunities to enhance the heritage, lead partner for the Bathscape scheme. support of over 17,600 members and environmental wellbeing of the region. landscape and wildlife value of the Its 2020 vision is that ‘Bath and North 900 volunteers, the Trust cares for The new Environmental Humanities setting of the City, and to improve East Somerset will be internationally 30 nature reserves and works with Research Centre provides a space for access and understanding to this setting. renowned as a beautifully inventive and landowners to restore habitats at a humanities scholars, artists, writers, The Partnership consists of a wide entrepreneurial 21st century place with landscape scale. The Trust provides natural scientists and social scientists variety of organisations and individuals a strong social purpose and a spirit of opportunities for people of all ages to to work with each other and with represented on either the Board, wellbeing, where everyone is invited to experience nature, learn about wildlife, communities beyond academia to Delivery Group and/or Advisory think big – a ‘connected’ area ready to develop practical skills and experience produce ethical, creative, historically Groups. Members have overseen the create an extraordinary legacy for future the benefits to their health and informed and culturally sensitive development phase and contributed generations’. The Environment and wellbeing. It has experience of working responses to environmental knowledge and expertise to the Design Team have guided development within the Bathscape project area over problems – something at the production of this LCAP. of the scheme, representing Bathscape many years, with good knowledge of heart of the Bathscape project. the landscape, wildlife habitats and Further details on the operation of the interests such as ecology, landscape, trees and green infrastructure. landowners around the city. COTSWOLDS partnership and delivery of the scheme CONSERVATION BOARD are given in the appendices. BATH CITY FORUM Established by Parliament in 2004 BATHSCAPE CHAIR The Bath City Forum was established to the Cotswolds Conservation Board ANDREW GRANT improve engagement with local has two statutory purposes: communities. It assists the Council in • To conserve and enhance the natural Bath resident Andrew Grant established policy development and delivery on beauty of the Cotswolds AONB the highly-respected landscape matters essential to allow Bath to realise architecture practice Grant Associates its full potential as a leading small city. • To increase understanding and 20 years ago. He took on the role of enjoyment of the special qualities Bathscape chair in October 2017 to BATH PRESERVATION TRUST of the AONB. serve a three year term. Bath Preservation Trust’s remit includes In fulfilling these purposes, the conservation, education and museums. Board has a duty to seek to foster The Trust recognises the value for nature the economic and social well-being and people of the green countryside of local communities within the around the City of Bath and the need AONB. As far back as 2013 the Board to protect it and promote access. In recognised that the setting of Bath faced addition, the Trust takes a working particular issues around proximity to the interest in planning matters arising urban environment and a community in the 14 parishes which surround disconnected from their landscape. the City of Bath.

Left: The Bathscape Board

16 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 17 Section 2 Introduction

CURO NATIONAL TRUST UNIVERSITY OF BATH customers excellent standards of service by providing high quality water Curo is a not-for-profit housing and The National Trust has owned land The University of Bath is currently and environmental services that protect support organisation based in Bath, and prominent built heritage sites within ranked in the top 10 of all UK league health, improve the environment and providing affordable homes and high Bath since the 1930s and, with the help tables and has a reputation for research give customers good value for money. quality care and support services across of donations of and public support for and teaching excellence. It is positively Wessex Water is committed to the the West of England. Curo owns 5,700 further purchases of countryside, it engaged with the Bathscape bid as key Bathscape scheme as a way of homes in Bath including over 500 in currently owns and manages 10% of stakeholder and active partner with a connecting with the residents of Bath Foxhill and other homes in deprived the land within the World Heritage Site vested interest in the setting of the to promote their enjoyment of the communities in Bath such as Snowhill, of Bath. As one of the leading partners World Heritage Site which has high city and surrounding landscape. Southdown, Whiteway and Twerton. caring for this countryside in the city, a amenity value to a staff and student It recognises Bath’s landscape as key aim for its work is to help promote body of over 17,000 people. The WOODLAND TRUST intrinsically linked to its economic best practice for the management of, University’s research portfolio is prosperity, societal wellbeing and and access to, this internationally engaged with the health, lifestyle and The Woodland Trust is the UK’s only host to a wealth of important important green setting. The National community benefits to be gained from organisation dedicated to the protection wildlife and wildlife corridors Trust is proud to be playing an active physical and intellectual engagement and conservation of the nation’s native that reach into the city. role within this partnership. with the landscape and how it can be woodland heritage. It focuses on widely and effectively used as a resource protecting, restoring and creating FEDERATION OF BATH PUBLIC HEALTH BATH for learning in all sectors and phases of native woodland in the UK with the RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS & NE SOMERSET education and training. help of over 500,000 members and supporters. The Trust owns more than FoBRA is a group of about 30 residents’ The Public Health team works with VISIT BATH 1,000 sites, covering over 26,000 associations in the city of Bath, along local communities and a wide range hectares, and campaigns on behalf of with a number of associated groups of health and social care professionals, Visit Bath works with its partners to the country’s woods, aiming to engage representing nearby villages, students education settings, workplaces and deliver a flourishing and sustainable and inspire people about woods and in the city, or interest groups such as other colleagues to promote the tourism industry in Bath & NE Somerset trees. The Woodland Trust is excited to bus users. Members range from small health of local people, helping them which contributes to economic be a partner in the Bathscape project. groups, representing only a score stay healthy, and protecting them from prosperity, enhances the image of Bath of households, to the Widcombe threats to their health. Public Health Bath and the surrounding area, is in harmony ADDITIONAL PARTNERS with its unique environment and adds Association with 600 households & NE Somerset is pleased to be part of Towards the end of development phase, to the quality of life for those who live and 60 businesses in membership, Bathscape, recognising the contribution the Terms of Reference and membership there. The surrounding hills and valleys and from the social housing of the projects will make to the health and of the Partnership have been reviewed enhance the World Heritage Site and Foxhill to the Georgian terraces wellbeing of local people, by enabling and the governance structure is outlined Visit Bath knows from experience that of Royal Crescent. FoBRA is fully people to be active in the landscape, in the appendices. Part of this has been it is actively enjoyed by thousands of committed to the Bathscape reducing isolation, improving mental to create theme subgroups and an visitors to the area. programme. wellbeing and enhancing connection Advisory Group for organisations to place. WESSEX WATER with similar aims and support for Bathscape. This wider partnership Wessex Water is the regional water includes Bath City Farm, Bath Natural and sewerage business serving 2.8 History Society, Bath and Counties million customers across the south Archaeological Society, Wiltshire west of England including Dorset, Council, The Joint Local Access Somerset, Bristol, most of Wiltshire Forum and other local community and parts of Gloucestershire and groups each of whom has been Hampshire. Its aim is to give all involved in developing the scheme.

18 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 19 Section 2 Introduction

Underpinning this vision are the 2.3 BATHSCAPE twenty five projects proposed. SCHEME VISION These have been arranged under four themes, each of which will contribute The vision of the to achieving both the Bathscape vison and the nine Landscape Partnership Bathscape partnership programme outcomes. is that The themes are: • Conserving and Restoring. The Bathscape scheme Projects and activities that will will ensure Bath and its enable the heritage to be better setting are better recognised, managed and in better condition managed and experienced • The Therapeutic Landscape. as a landscape city, with the Projects and activities that develop surrounding hills and valleys the therapeutic tradition associated enhancing the World Heritage with the heritage of Bath to support health and wellbeing through greater Site and actively enjoyed contact with the landscape and by all. A greater number natural environment and wider range of people • Access. Projects and activities to will feel connected to their improve access to the landscape local landscape and inspired and natural environment and reduce to explore the outstanding physical and other barriers built and natural • Learning, Training & Skills. Activities environments, improving to improve the understanding and skills of target audiences, volunteers health and wellbeing. and participants.

Above: Developing the Vision

20 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 21 Section 2 Introduction

The development phase commissioned Finally, the development phase has This has been a factor in us choosing 2.4 GAPS AND grasslands brief has identified the seen a period of change related to to combine the two projects into one LIMITATIONS inadequacy of existing data regarding wider volunteering and healthcare. and planning for a review in year one local priority grasslands. As an urban These have not impacted upon the regarding the most effective referral As a heritage-rich landscape centred fringe landscape, the pressures and ability to deliver the projects, however approach for us to pursue within the on a city and with over 100,000 changes of management for grasslands they mean the delivery phase will see a emerging Virgin Care systems. residents in an area attracting around 5 have been acute and past surveys often revised provision of general volunteering While the scheme did not envisage million visitors a year, it is not possible to fail to reflect their current state. The and healthcare support that in the area a significant number of volunteers explore the requirements of all potential scheme itself will seek to address this, that cannot yet be fully detailed. being sourced through the Volunteer beneficiaries, however through extensive however it means that a baseline for the In January 2018 it was announced Centre, its recent uncertainties were consultation we feel confident that the current state of grasslands is imprecise that Bath Volunteer Centre would be an additional consideration in the key priorities have been identified. and the ability to set targets for closed, though it will now continue in decision to budget for a part-time recovering priority grasslands in some form under the auspices of The presence of two universities within volunteer coordinator on the Bathscape terms of area remains limited. local care provider Virgin Care. the project area presents significant project staff to more efficiently deliver opportunity for adding value to certain Certain projects such as Caring for The future arrangement of healthcare the suite of projects and reduce the risk projects. Research groups and lecturers Heritage at Risk incorporate higher in the Bathscape has similarly seen of a less certain wider volunteering from both universities have expressed levels of community involvement in the changes with Virgin Care taking over arrangement in the area. keen interest in exploring links between selection of sites and design of activities responsibility from Sirona in 2017. scheme projects and future student and as a result, only initial site proposals Two proposed Bathscape projects are research ranging from the effects of are detailed. We have consulted local centred specifically upon health and GP weather as a perceived barrier to archaeological society volunteers and referrals to green prescription services. outdoor activity to community professional archaeologists to inform The process of how referrals are made participation in interpretation and the first year’s activities and budgets, and logged is being reviewed by Virgin behaviour change. Such opportunities but hope from these initial activities Care and won’t be finalised until after are dependent upon the student cohort to expand the numbers and range of the submission date for this LCAP. and the success of university research people involved and respond to the funding bids and so cannot yet be interests of this wider group. detailed. They are likely to be cost neutral for the scheme, so not requiring the setting aside of budget, though may shape our evaluation and enhance the value of projects in ways that cannot yet be completely defined.

22 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 23 Section 2 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

These studies are available within 2.5 DOCUMENTS the Appendices. TO READ The Bathscape partnership would like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for ALONGSIDE its support, help and encouragement THE LCAP in developing the Bathscape scheme. Bathscape Landscape Character Assessment Bath & N E Somerset Council 2017 Bathscape Interpretation Plan Red Kite Environment 2017 Grasslands for the Future Consultation Report South West Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group 2017 Woodlands of Bathscape report The Forest of Avon Trust 2017 Bathscape Volunteering Strategy and Training Plan Bath & NE Somerset Council 2018 Bathscape Circular Path & Radial Routes report Cotswolds Conservation Board 2018 Bathscape Views and Vistas Project Report 3 Fiona Fyfe Associates 2017 Bathscape Evaluation Framework THE Heritage Insider 2018 BATHSCAPE AREA, ITS HERITAGE AND ITS PEOPLE

24 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 25 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

Produced by Bath & NE Somerset 3.1 THE Council the document describes the BATHSCAPE setting and its extension from the city as being dictated by the need: BOUNDARY • To include sufficient area around The Bathscape scheme area the WHS to protect the distinct character and relationship of the covers a hundred and one city to its surroundings square kilometres, centred • To include sufficient area to include on the historic city of Bath key topographic features of the and encompassing its landscape setting such as river valleys and setting. Around 80% of the area slopes including views from the comprises natural features WHS and key heritage assets to including woodland, grasslands, undeveloped slopes river corridors, commonland, • To incorporate areas which provide views of the WHS and its key heritage parkland and green spaces assets within their wider setting and that form the green setting which therefore reveal and provide of the World Heritage Site. understanding of the significance of the WHS The Circular on the Protection of • To incorporate key historical sites, World Heritage Sites states: buildings and features associated ‘The setting of a World Heritage Site is with or revealing the significance the area around it …. in which change or of the WHS. development is capable of having an adverse impact on the World Heritage Site, including an impact on views to or from the site.’ The boundary for the scheme largely follows that drawn up in the document ‘The City of Bath World Heritage Site Setting Supplementary Planning Document’ of 2013.

Right: Overlooking Bath

26 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 27 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

The boundary was reviewed for the There have been no amendments to the Bathscape phase 1 bid as, unlike the boundary in the development phase of planning document, the scheme is the scheme, though it is recognised that not constrained by administrative in certain sections, where no obvious boundaries. As a result, based on a boundary features or hard-edged topographical review it was extended on change in land use or landscape its eastern edge into Wiltshire and South character exist, an argument could Gloucestershire where it had previously be made for slight extensions. been curtailed at the district boundary.

BATHSCAPE BOUNDARY

Above: Walking out from Combe Hay

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The characteristic hilly, and often steep BATHSCAPE CHARACTER AREAS AND LANDSCAPE TYPES 3.2 LANDSCAPE topography of the landscape hollow and HERITAGE surrounding hills has both restricted and determined the pattern of development The following summarises the findings within the city. As a result it has provided of the Landscape Character Assessment Bath with its superb wooded skyline; its (LCA). Where appropriate it also lists steep, undeveloped upper valley slopes suggested actions for projects within and plateau areas with an inter-weaving character areas, as identified in the of woodland and pasture; and important LCA exercise. green spaces penetrating deep within the built-up area. Many of these bring The landscape character of the high quality rural landscapes right into Bathscape area is a product of the River the heart of the city. Avon and its tributaries cutting through the Cotswolds Hills and resulting in the Nationally the scheme area lies wholly formation of a bowl-like hollow in the within the Cotswolds National Character hills. This hollow is itself a complex Area (NCA107), the scarp of which landform with an undulating base and provides a backdrop to the major fluted sides formed by the tributary settlements of Cheltenham, Gloucester, valleys and the plateaus surrounding Stroud and Bath and provides expansive the city. The location of the hot springs views across the Severn. The esteemed within the river valley attracted early character of the area is reflected in its settlers and throughout history the designation as the Cotswolds Area of presence of the springs, the river Avon Outstanding Natural Beauty. The and its tributary valley setting have Bathscape Landscape Character contributed to the close relationship Assessment subdivides the scheme area of the city with its surroundings. into eighteen distinct character areas divided amongst seven landscape character types, reflecting the complexity of the local landscape.

THE LOCATION Left: Engraving OF THE HOT SPRINGS of the South East Prospect of the WITHIN THE RIVER VALLEY City of Bath. Buck 1734 ATTRACTED EARLY SETTLERS

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• Expansive, panoramic west and ESCARPMENT LANDSCAPE TYPE 3.3 LANDSCAPE south-west facing views are distinctive CHARACTER features. Important local landmark Kelston Roundhill with its upstanding TYPES nature and distinctive conical shape affords 360° views. In general the Escarpment views from the escarpment extend Landscape Type into Wales on a clear day and to the Mendips in the south and the Wiltshire Downs to the southeast. From both ESC1 DEAN HILL TO Prospect Stile and Dean Hill there are PROSPECT STILE excellent views which show part of the Summary Landscape Character City of Bath in its landscape context. • It consists of a distinctive landform of the southernmost end of the steep Project Suggestions escarpment slope of the Cotswold Views and Vistas. To look at the impact Hills. The landform is much affected of the recently planted Shiner’s Wood on by the complex geology and with the iconic views, to liaise with the land landslips resulting in west and owner and to resolve the problem which south-west facing slopes which is likely to result in the loss of these views. are highly undulating and is indented due to the effects Grasslands for the Future. Potential for of tributary streams expanding the habitat restoration and management work being carried out • The harmonious pastoral landscape around Kelston Roundhill. of the escarpment slopes, with a patchwork of small, medium and Woodlands of Bathscapes. Help is occasional large-sized irregular needed with hedgerow management shaped fields bounded by often and management of mature copses thick hedgerows with good (this is true for almost all the hedgerow trees. Limited Bathscape character areas). woodland and tree clumps

Right: View from Kelston Roundhill over the Avon valley

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Enclosed Limestone • Scattered small woods, often linear ENCLOSED LIMESTONE VALLEY LANDSCAPE TYPES and including two larger woodland Valley landscape types blocks, give a varied tapestry of pasture and woodland linked by ELV1: WESTON VALLEY hedgerows Summary Landscape Character • Attractive views across the valley from footpaths and open access land on • This is a complete, relatively open either side of the valley. The Cotswolds and simple, valley within the Bathscape Way through the area is a popular area. Weston village occupies much walking route with extensive views of the base of the valley and shallower which include Beckford’s Tower on slopes. There is a harmonious balance the edge of Lansdown Plateau. and strong interrelationship between the developed village and the surrounding undeveloped Project Suggestions valley slopes Woodlands of Bathscapes. Increase • Gently undulating valley sides understanding of the important and a variety of landslip effects landscape characteristics of the valley to forming benches and slumping local landowners especially with regard down slope give a varied landform to new woodland or tree belt planting to the valley sides such that it develops in harmony with • Harmonious pastoral landscape with the overall landscape character. a patchwork of mostly medium sized Grasslands for the Future. There are fields and clusterings of small fields signs that some of the SNCI and UK bounded by hedgerows. Towards the priority habitat areas are deteriorating head and foot of the valley these are with some scrub encroachment and often overgrown and thick, with likely species loss through possible some good hedgerow trees management changes. Opportunities for re-survey should be taken as well as working with landowners to improve management.

THERE IS A HARMONIOUS BALANCE AND STRONG INTERRELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DEVELOPED VILLAGE AND THE SURROUNDING

UNDEVELOPED VALLEY SLOPES. Left: Weston valley

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ELV2: SWAINSWICK AND • The Lam Brook is a particularly Project Suggestions Grasslands for the Future. There are attractive tree-lined and tightly very large areas of SNCI grassland CHARLCOMBE VALLEY Woodlands of Bathscapes. This valley is meandering feature partly characterised by its limited area habitat in the valley which almost Summary Landscape Character • There is a very distinctive settlement of woodland and relatively open nature certainly benefit from re-survey and • Viewed from a distance is seen as pattern with five small hamlets which shows off its complex landform from management. The Langridge to having a simple shallow “v”-shape scattered through the valley, usually to advantage. Whilst a small increase Woolley habitat complex is potentially outline cut into the Cotswolds Hills. located about a third to a half of the in small copses would be potentially a very important biodiversity resource. Close-up however, it has a distinctive way up the slope from the brook tolerable on the landscape, overall the Access. One small project which could open but also highly complex, rolling, • The Charlcombe Valley, although current balance in relation to pastoral perhaps be undertaken would be to undulating and indented landform. technically a tributary valley of the use is very harmonious. An exception to find an alternative route for the public This is the result of both the underlying Lam Brook, is visually and physically this would be the need to screen the footpath which runs through a garden geology with the occurrence of separated from the main valley with its visually jarring new housing at Ensleigh at Upper Swainswick. landslips and cambering and the own distinctive character. It is an open which has very significantly broken the Given the particular importance that hydrology of the valley forming small, horse-shoe shaped valley with the skyline, by planting woodland on the the valley has had in the history of steep-sided, indented tributary stream hamlet of Charlcombe nestling upper slopes of Charlcombe valley. geology both as a science in itself and valleys along the valley sides amongst two linear belts of woodland in developing an understanding of the • This is a very harmonious, open, • Discordant elements in the valley are importance of landslips in the Bath area, pastoral landscape with a patchwork generally limited to poor design and it would be interesting and educational of variously sized pasture fields sighting of houses in the landscape at to promote the occasional geological surrounded by often thick and grown two prominent locations. walk in the valley. out hedgerows with occasional areas of arable. Woodland is generally small, often quite linear copses and concentrated within the steep sided tributary valleys or along steeper areas on the upper valley sides. They all lie along the contours. Three larger woodland areas integrate well within the overall landscape. The relatively small area of woodland reinforces the open landscape character with its focus on the landform shapes within the valley

Right: Swainswick Valley

36 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 37 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

ELV3: NORTHEND AND • Lanes in the valley are themselves ST. CATHERINE’S VALLEY notable features, very narrow, usually sunken and tree or hedgerow-lined Summary Landscape Character with flowery hedge banks at their • St. Catherine’s Valley is a steep-sided, best in late spring relatively narrow valley with two major • There are no wide and panoramic tributary valleys, Chilcombe Bottom views in St. Catherine’s valley but and Oakford Brook Valley. Within the many tantalising glimpses through Bathscape area, these tributaries are trees along the lanes to patchwork particularly strong landscape features. countryside All valley sides are indented and • Discordant elements in the valley undulating at a range of scales and are limited to the unsightly metal show the effects of landslips and spring-head capping structures and slumping throughout the occasional fencing and other ELV4: LOWER BY • The character of the valley is strongly • The valley has a very well-treed and structures belonging to Wessex Water BROOK VALLEY influenced by the nearby stone mines wooded character although overall which are painted a municipal green. and their later associated use as a there is more pasture than woodland. Summary Landscape Character national munitions store during and Larger areas of woodland are generally • Here the By Brook has cut right after WW2. The line of the tunnel on the steeper, upper valley sides Project Suggestions through the Cotswolds dip slope to linking the storage areas in the old giving a well-treed skyline. Within Grasslands for the Future. There are form a flat-bottomed valley with a mines to the railway sidings can still be Chilcombe Bottom there is a notable, very large areas of SNCI grassland relatively broad cross-section and high seen as an earthwork in the fields winding ribbon of woodland which habitat in the valley which would benefit valley sides The overall convex middle • There are few discordant elements. follows the very steep slopes where from re-survey and from management. section of each valley side has large- The Leyland Cypress Shelterbelt and the Inferior Oolite meets the softer scale and quite gentle undulations and somewhat out of character lines of Midford Sands. The Oakford Brook Community. The Rocks East has indentations giving a pleasing rounded trees of the old Bathford Nursery and tributary valley is almost entirely classroom and camping facilities and and curvaceous character some of the less well integrated shed wooded may be a good location to bring children out for short residential stays to explore • The land-use character of the valley is development along the A4 are notable. • St. Catherine’s Court, close to the the valley’s natural resources. heavily influenced by the underlying The A4 and railway are, perhaps north-western boundary of the geology and has given rise to heavily surprisingly, well integrated in the character area is a beautiful grade 1 Woodland. Recognise the importance wooded upper steep slopes a large landscape as is the short section of listed manor house with a grade 2* of the small woodlands and seek mid-slope area of mixed farming, pylon line. Locally, areas of horse tape listed historic park improved management. and a well-treed valley bottom and stabling are slightly discordant. • Well-treed parkland around Shockerwick and well-treed grounds Project Suggestions of Ashley House on the opposite Woodlands of Bathscapes. The existing side of the valley give a distinctively woodland on the upper valleys sides is parkland character to the eastern of great visual and wildlife value and its end of the character area management status is unknown. There • The transport corridor links Bath and may be potential for help with woodland Bristol with towns and cities to the east management. Similarly the parkland and comprises the A4 Box Road and trees close to Shockerwick House are of Left: View over the great Western Railway running great local landscape importance and valley towards the Rocks parallel with each other beside the replacements are needed as the existing Woodlands meandering By Brook trees decline. Top right: Lower By Brook Valley looking East

38 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 39 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

ELV5: BATHAMPTON • Woodland around the hillsides • This is an area with both significant Views and Vistas. The continuing MEADOWS AND RIVER includes notable ancient woodland human noise and activity and at the increase in scrub on the Bathampton AVON TRIBUTARY VALLEYS especially part of the Brown’s Folly same time a real sense of tranquillity slopes is limiting views over the character SSSI. There are large areas of SNCI to confound expectations area from footpaths. Scrub clearance Summary Landscape Character habitat complex on slopes below • There are few discordant elements. would potentially increase views. Bathampton Down. The River • A landscape and communications The pylon line through the food plain, Grasslands for the Future. There is Avon and Kennet & Avon Canal, the hub around wide, open flood plain the views to the A46 in its concrete a definite increase in scrub on the Bathampton Oxbow Nature Reserve of River Avon ‘canyon’, the housing under ecologically designated fields on and Kensington Meadows LNR are all construction in isolation on the flood the Bathampton slopes. Management • The convergence of Limpley Stoke, wetland and water related SNCIs plain, longer views to the prominent such as that being carried out by the Bristol Avon, St. Catherine’s and By • Strong visual and physical links housing breaking the skyline at National Trust in similar areas around Brook valleys and their associated with surrounding character areas Charlcombe/Ensleigh. Widcombe and Bathwick would be transport corridors with intervening of Northend and St. Catherine’s appropriate here. steep hillsides Valley, Lower By Brook Valley and Access. This attractive and • Three attractive and historic villages of Project Suggestions Bathampton and Limpley Stoke Valley. fascinating character area is a Bathford, Bathampton and Batheaston Longer views to mouth of Charlcombe Woodlands of Bathscapes. The main potential hub for public access from are spaced around the hub on the and Swainswick Valley. Strong visual current requirement is for management Bath and the surrounding villages. lower slope of the hillsides facing links with eastern edge of Bath of the existing woodland and skyline on There is considerable potential to towards each other contained by the the upper slopes where this is currently enhance these links with the city to encircling, steep hillsides and wooded not in place. enable easy exploration of several upper slopes different character areas.

Left: From Little Solsbury Hill to Batheaston

40 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 41 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

ELV7: PERRYMEAD • The character area although AND WIDCOMBE comprising three distinct, small valleys and the associated Summary Landscape Character Lyncombe Hill and Beechen • Although small, this area makes Cliff, presents one united curving a significant contribution to the hillside and wooded skyline backdrop landscape setting of the City of Bath. to the city centre. This backdrop is The undeveloped hillsides have a formed due to the asymmetrical balance of pasture and tree cover nature of the three valleys largely unchanged since the Georgian • From within the character area period. Deciduous woodlands and tree the three valleys form distinct belts line the upper slopes and skyline, character entities separated by with pasture fields and parkland largely tree-lined roads clothing the slopes below. The limited • Smallcombe Brook Valley is the areas of settlement, with some elegant smallest with generally shallower ELV6: BATHAMPTON AND • There is a strong communications Georgian buildings, are largely hidden slopes. There are limited trees and LIMPLEY STOKE VALLEY network with the A36, A363, within the Lyn Brook Valley at hedgerows amongst the pastures Kennet & Avon Canal, and railway Perrymead and Lyncombe Vale, with most of the tree cover being the Summary Landscape Character all running along the grain of the leaving the historic buildings of Prior ancient Smallcombe Wood at the head Park Mansion, Crowe Hall, Widcombe • Strong character of north-south valley either side of the river. All are of the valley, the tree belts around the remarkably well visually integrated Manor, St Thomas à Becket Church, rest of its skyline and the trees within running, gently curving, heavily Macauley Buildings and the chapels wooded valley which is simple in into the landscape and have generally the Smallcombe Garden cemetery well-treed corridors within the cemeteries as the only other outline and cross-section. The valley buildings set within this harmonious • Widcombe Brook Valley is the is high-sided and relatively broad • The Kennet and Avon Canal is an landscape. The mellow gold of the narrowest valley. The stunning with a flat valley floor through which important recreational asset and is Bath Stone buildings throughout the Prior Park Mansion and its gardens the River Avon flows with limited heavily used. Dundas Aqueduct and largely green agricultural landscape with the lakes and Palladian bridge, meanders, in a moderately wide Claverton Pumping Station are is a unifying feature. run from the head of the valley flood plain architecturally and historically down to Widcombe Manor important local landmarks on the canal • Woodland on middle to upper slopes • Lyn Brook valley is the largest and and an almost complete wooded and river. Warleigh Weir is one of the UK’s top locations for river swimming most asymmetric valley with the skyline. There are significant areas steepest slopes. It has a different of ancient woodland but a larger • Brown’s Folly Tower and nature orientation to the other valleys, proportion of the woodland dates reserve is an important site for wildlife, running west to east and hence from the ending of stone mining as geology and for visitors and occupies apart from its upper slopes, it is well as the gradual loss of unviable a commanding position at the northern hidden from much of the City steep sloping fields to scrub and end of the valley. then woodland. The majority of woodland is deciduous but there are a few stands of conifer Project Suggestions • Claverton Manor and its well-treed Woodlands of Bathscapes. Additional parkland is a strong landscape feature woodland should not be considered. The midway along the valley on the woodlands (excluding the Brown’s Folly western side above Claverton. Nature Reserve) may well be in need of Warleigh Manor is a notable building management but these are large areas on the eastern lower valley side for the scope of the Bathscape project. Top Left: Limpley Stoke Valley from Dundas Aquaduct

42 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 43 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

• The Beechen Cliff/Alexandra Park and Project Suggestions ELV7 PERRYMEAD & WIDCOMBE – BIODIVERSITY Lyncombe Hill area although a small Woodlands of Bathscapes. Given the round hill rather than a valley, is an importance of the tree belts on and just inextricable part of this character area below the skyline around this character with strong visual, landform and area (excluding Smallcombe Wood cultural links to the whole. There is and other areas managed by NT), it inter-visibility between all of the valleys is important to try and find ways to and the hill; and the whole character ensure their management for the future. was part of the Georgian visitor’s essential itinerary with walks or rides The increasing scrub and lack of usually starting with Lyncombe Hill. hedgerow management in the Lyn Beechen Cliff and its hanging beech Brook valley is very concerning, and yew woodland is an iconic part land ownerships are unknown. of the city centre landscape today Views and Vistas. Work to extend as it was in the Georgian period some of the views at Alexandra Park • The whole character area has where tree and shrub encroachment has ecological designations throughout reduced them over time; whilst ensuring there is no damage to important trees/ • There are spectacular views over plants in Beechen Cliff. Bath in its landscape setting from higher parts of Smallcombe Valley, Community. Possible arts project to Widcombe Hill; and from Beechen create a 21st century 360° panorama Cliff and Alexandra Park from Alexandra Park. Also attempt to find the 1980s panorama and show • For such a small character area, the with the original version. large number of cemeteries, five in all, bring a significant contribution to its Grasslands for the Future. Much of landscape character the Lyn Brook valley SNCI grasslands appear to be becoming neglected • There is plentiful public access and scrubbing up. Find some way to throughout the character area bring this grassland into restoration including large areas of National management. Land ownerships need Trust open access land. to be investigated.

THERE ARE SPECTACULAR VIEWS OVER BATH IN ITS LANDSCAPE SETTING FROM HIGHER PARTS OF SMALLCOMBE VALLEY, WIDCOMBE HILL; AND FROM BEECHEN CLIFF AND ALEXANDRA PARK Left: Prior Park Credit: Courtesy of National Trust

44 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 45 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

ELV8: CAM AND • The valley has a rich industrial ELV8 CAM & MIDFORD BROOK VALLEY – GEOLOGY MIDFORD VALLEY heritage focussed on transporting coal from the Somersetshire coalfield Summary Landscape Character in the Somersetshire Coal Canal, • This valley character area has a Victorian railway development, and the roughly flat valley floor with a narrow Fullers Earth workings. Remnants of flood plain and, complex landform this heritage remain, with the tree- reflecting the complex geology and lined disused railways and their number of small tributary valleys. The viaducts being the most prominent Midford Brook valley is relatively landmarks in the landscape and with narrow, generally steep-sided but with smaller scale remains of the some shallower slopes around Midford Somersetshire Coal Canal Castle. Cam Brook Valley is much • Combe Hay, Tucking Mill, Midford and wider and highly asymmetric Monkton Combe are all very small, • Agriculture in the valley is a mix of compact and well-treed settlements arable, short term leys and pasture situated on the valley floor. Southstoke with a tendency to permanent pasture is a small spring-line village set just and short term leys in the Midford below the plateau and also well-treed. Valley, and in the Cam Valley a much Elsewhere in the valley there are only more mixed landscape, with arable and a very few farms and individual short term leys on the shallower slopes properties on the valley sides and pasture on the steeper slopes • The end of the Two Tunnels Greenway • Woodland scattered throughout the has brought a significant increase in character area favours the steeper recreational activity to the valley. slopes. The tree –lined brooks and disused railway lines give the valley Project Suggestions bottom a well treed character. There are few field trees apart from the Views and Vistas. There is an important parkland at Midford Castle local vista at Monkton Combe celebrated by the location of a commemorative • This is an ecologically rich area Jubilee 2012 seat which will be lost if the with ecological designations recently planted woodland trees in the clustered in complexes throughout adjacent garden remain. the valley outside of the mainly arable shallow sloping areas. The whole Grasslands for the Future. Horsecombe valley is designated as a horseshoe Vale’s important grassland and bat corridor woodland habitat complex appears to be suffering from significant neglect and may well benefit from management and restoration work through this project.

Above: Cam Valley overlooking Combe Hay

46 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 47 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

HIGH WOLD DIP SLOPE LANDSCAPE TYPES • Historically important sites and Project Suggestions monuments scattered over the Woodlands of Bathscapes. The existing plateau: Beckford’s Tower and roadside beech tree clumps need a Lansdown Cemetery, the Racecourse, programme of management. the Civil War Battlefield and Grenville’s Monument, Little Down Hill Fort. Views and Vistas. The visual impact of Associations with “Riding out” in the Bath Racecourse grandstand canopy Georgian times could be much mitigated by a woodland screen planting to fill in important gaps • Lansdown Road running along the in the tree screen around the Race centre of the plateau with the hamlet course. Work should be done where this of Lansdown a prominent feature would be required and a programme associated with the racecourse and implemented in consultation with the set about halfway along the plateau Racecourse owners. • Proliferation of playing fields and the Caring for Heritage at Risk. Carry out Lansdown Park and Ride dominate the an audit of the condition of boundary character south-east of Lansdown stone walls. giving a suburban feel Grasslands for the Future. The stunning • Important expansive views and calcareous grasslands on the Kingswood vistas from close to the plateau edges, School playing fields could be twinned from Beckford’s Tower and from with a school in one of the target areas Prospect Stile. to carry out practical management activities. Seed could be collected from the grassland and use it to restore other areas on the plateau which must at one High Wold Dip Slope • Agricultural areas have arable and time have been very similar. Landscape Types pasture or grass ley fields bounded Access. The large number of with Cotswolds stone walls the footpaths on this flat plateau would traditional boundary material on lend themselves to development of HWDS1: LANSDOWN the Cotswold plateaus Access for all routes. PLATEAU • Distinctive clumps of beech trees Summary Landscape Character scattered along the Lansdown Road but overall trees do not detract from • Distinctive narrow plateau area with the openness of the plateau. Many a predominantly open and exposed areas around the plateau edge have landscape to the north-west of the some visual containment provided by hamlet of Lansdown and also in the woodland on the upper slopes of smaller agricultural areas to the surrounding valleys north-east of the playing field areas. The south-eastern end of the plateau has more trees giving a more enclosed landscape

Right: Lansdown plateau

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HWDS2: CHARMY DOWN Little Solsbury Hill AND LITTLE SOLSBURY HILL • Distinctive round hill top, isolated from the rest of the plateau by a steep sided Summary Landscape Character valley and with a commanding position Charmy Down over-looking the Avon Valley • Open, flat and extensive, rounded • The complete lack of trees and scrub plateau with a sense of elevation giving an absolute openness and the given by the views to distant skylines ability to see the strong form of the all around plateau and surrounding landscape • Intermittent visual containment from • The ramparts of the hill fort all around woodland just below plateau. Two the hill top give a sense of connection small copses on top of plateau within with history old airfield area are prominent features • Excellent grassland habitat with but slightly discordant ramparts covered with wild flowers • The majority of the plateau area still • Nesting skylarks on the hill top retains a strong air field character and a sense of the historical use of the • Stunning, uninterrupted and HWDS3: BANNERDOWN • Bannerdown Common is a very plateau in World War 2. The runways panoramic views, near and far, AND THE ROCKS distinctive landscape feature and remain visible and derelict air field from all around the hill top. popular walking destination with its Summary Landscape Character buildings and features own much more enclosed landscape • Narrow, mostly open plateau in and wildflower grasslands • The southern end of plateau retains Project Suggestions its historical field enclosure pattern in an elevated position with some • At the north-western end of the contrast to the open, unenclosed Grasslands for the Future. The spectacular and expansive views plateau the parkland landscape of The landscape of the air field area grasslands and disturbed ground habitat especially towards the east over Rocks Estate is yet another change in on Charmy Down have the appearance the By Brook valley and to Browns local landscape character with glimpse • A tree and stone-wall lined track runs of some deterioration from the Folly above Bathford views to the more pastoral parkland along the spine of Holts Down in the landscape assessment site visit. The area • The Fosse Way Roman road running landscape with a dairy herd grazing south-east of the plateau and is a very may benefit from a new assessment and amongst the parkland trees. The high distinctive local landscape feature north-south through the plateau is a from engagement with land-owners to strong, straight landscape feature boundary wall along the Fosse Way is • Much of the old air field is designated promote suitable habitat management. a distinctive feature north of the Beech for its calcareous grassland habitat • There is an interesting split between shelter belt. Access. Themed walks would be arable farming on the eastern side of and for the disturbed ground habitat interesting in terms of local history and on the runways. Skylarks sing over the Fosse Way; and pastoral farming would take people to an area which is on the western side Project Suggestions the plateau. perhaps lesser known. • Stone field boundaries are a typical Community. The stone field boundaries Cotswold plateau landscape feature are in need of repair and are an • Limited trees apart from a strong opportunity for community training beech shelter belt along the Fosse and involvement. Way beside the Rocks Estate and the Views. Look for opportunities to provide avenue and parkland trees within The more views and access to them. Rocks Estate • Tops of trees in woodlands just below Left: Turf Maze the plateau area are a feature of the on Little Solsbury character in places Hill Right: The Fosse Way

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HWDS5: SULIS PLATEAU • The land between the A367 and Combe Hay Lane is occupied by the Summary Landscape Character Odd Down Park & Ride and the Fullers • This is a very small, narrow and gently Earth Recycling Centre, giving a dipping plateau landscape falling away distinctly urban fringe character. very gently from a high point along The Park & Ride is visually well the A367 screened by trees • There are three distinctive local • The land to the east of Combe Hay character areas: the arable field to the Lane is a partially enclosed agricultural north-west of the A367; the land landscape which is largely open and between the A367 and Combe Hay relatively featureless apart from the Lane; and the land to the east of wooded Sulis Manor and some Combe Hay Lane relatively young tree-belts. It is heavily influenced by the urban edge of the • The gently dipping, arable field owned city on its northern border which by the Duchy of Cornwall, to the intrudes into the north-western north-west of the A367 is a large corner of the area • There is very significant archaeological open agricultural landscape heavily HWDS4: BATHAMPTON • The historic Wansdyke runs along AND CLAVERTON DOWN interest on Bathampton Down, with influenced by the open and expansive the Celtic field system, enclosure and views to the lower countryside to the the northern boundary of the eastern Summary Landscape Character pillow mounds, now mostly under the north-west, also largely owned by the plateau area. Duchy of Cornwall • This is a gently domed, flat or golf course slightly dipping plateau landscape • Bushey Norwood is a flat, relatively Project Suggestions which divides into the three distinctive narrow, rectangular strip of land on the None and linking local character areas eastern edge of the University campus of Bathampton Down, Bushey which links between Bathampton Norwood and Claverton Down Down and Claverton Down • Bathampton Down is characterised • Claverton Down is a traditionally by a slightly domed landform which farmed landscape centred around is occupied by Bath Golf Course. The Rainbow Wood Farm. The well- “roughs” are mostly important areas of managed pasture fields are bounded flower-rich limestone grassland. Much by walls and hedgerows, some with of Bathampton Down is surrounded by excellent hedgerow trees. On the woodland on the upper slopes of the western and southern edges of the adjacent valleys. Close to the golf Down are wooded areas and tree club-house is Ralph Allen’s Sham belts popular area for walking. Castle, once an important visual landmark but now shrouded in trees. The adjacent University campus is Project Suggestions out of view, hidden behind trees Views and Vistas. Possibility of opening • Bathampton Down has significant up and restoring views to Sham Castle. ecological interest throughout, Access. Restoring some of the focussing on limestone grassland carriage rides. across the top of the Down and Far Left: Bath bat interest on the eastern side Skyline Walk at Bushey Norwood Left: Odd Down East

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DIP-SLOPE LOWLANDS LANDSCAPE TYPE Dip-Slope Lowlands • The two smallest areas above Bathford are parts of arable fields Landscape Type and the largest most southerly area is dominated by Innwood DSL1 PLATEAU EDGES ancient woodland with very small AROUND MONKTON permanent pasture fields interspersed FARLEIGH by individual houses and a farm in semi-wooded settings on its southern Summary Landscape Character side and small arable fields north • These four very narrow slivers of land of the woodland form a skyline to the adjacent valleys • All four areas dip slightly down to the north and west. They are very towards the wooded plateau edge rural areas although the most northerly rather than the wider dip slope to is the far western edge of Kingsdown the east, and their characters are Golf Course dominated by the woodland settings which they face.

THEIR CHARACTERS ARE DOMINATED BY THE WOODLAND SETTINGS

WHICH THEY FACE Right: Towards Innwood

54 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 55 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

Low Limestone Plateau • Hedges are notably sparse and clipped Eroded Plateau and • The excellent and coherent very low, with some good hedgerow management by the Duchy of Cornwall Landscape Type trees. Apart from hedgerow and Valleys Landscape Type and its tenants, of land, trees, woods, roadside trees there are few other hedgerows and buildings within the LLP1: LIMPLEY STOKE trees apart from a length of beech EPV1: CORSTON AND area adds to its special character WATER TOWER AND avenue along a short length of track NEWTON BROOK VALLEYS • There are extensive open views over HAYES WOOD PLATEAU • There is an Iron-Age enclosure Summary Landscape Character the distinctive rolling countryside of adjacent to Hayes Wood although the character area from the much Summary Landscape Character this is not visible on the ground. • This is an open, gently rolling landscape higher plateau areas of the Cotswolds • This is a small area of relatively low, Neolithic and Bronze age finds of interweaving indented ridges, two to the east and north. open, limestone plateau forming a as well as a Roman pot have been main valleys and their tributary valleys. slightly domed hill topped by Hayes found in the enclosure area. It lies at a significantly lower level than Wood, with the nearby prominent the Cotswolds plateau immediately to local landmark of Limpley Stoke the east, and is overlooked by it. The concrete water tower visible from Project Suggestions lack of extensive tree cover enables the characteristics of the landform to some miles around Woodlands of Bathscapes. Hayes Wood predominate in the landscape character • The plateau forms a broad promontory is an ancient woodland last surveyed in with river valleys to the north, west and 1979 when it had a number of notable • This is a patchwork, mixed farming east and as such it can be seen from species. Its current management status landscape of very variable fields sizes, within all three is unknown. It would benefit from mainly clipped but with some tall re-survey and may need management. hedgerows, occasional small woods, • This is an entirely farmed landscape tree-lined meandering streams and with a mix of arable and grazing and lanes, and a predominance of arable Project Suggestions a small area of horsiculture over pastoral farming Access. This area is in easy reach of • Ecological interest is limited to areas Twerton, Whiteway and the whole of the on the steep slopes on the eastern south-west of Bath as well as being close edge of the character area, as well to both Newbridge and Odd Down as the Newton Brook Park & Ride. It would be interesting to re-engender some of the enthusiasm for • Largely hidden in the steep-sided rambling in the area which was apparent Corston Brook Valley is the Newton in the early C20th century. It would be Park Estate with its C18th mansion and simple to create some circular walks out Registered Historic Park, with artificial of the Park & Rides, taking in some of this lakes along the line of the brook and varied landscape and its views; and it may with excellent parkland and avenue be possible to work with the Duchy to trees. Considerable modern building establish some more permissive paths. has taken place as part of the University campus development within the centre of the park • Newton St. Loe and Englishcombe are two small, compact, Duchy villages within the character area, dominated by attractive 17th and 18th century freestone or ashlar buildings

Left: Hayes Wood Plateau Right: Corston Valley

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Settled Open River • On the north side of the valley the • There is an important transport • The well treed Corston village climbs steep, wooded river cliff with Kelston corridor along the flood plain with the up the hill to the west of the Corston Valley Landscape Type Park Mansion looking out from the busy A4 dual carriageway, GWR main Brook, straddling the A39 Wells Road top of the cliff over the valley, is a line railway and disused railway route • Ecological interest is limited to the SORV1: RIVER AVON VALLEY key focus to the character area carrying the Bristol-Bath Cycle Path. River Cliffs and ancient woodland, and WEST AND KELSTON PARK and an important landmark The largely well-treed embankments to the river corridor, with a geological carrying these routes break up the Summary Landscape Character • The parkland setting to the Mansion SSSI by the slip road from the A4 to with its many parkland trees has a flood plain into sections and visually Newbridge bridge • This is a largely open valley landscape distinctive character of its own, slightly isolate the tree-lined river with the River Avon leaving the • The winding, tree-lined river is a separate from the valley floor below • Playing Fields predominate along the busy recreational area with boating constraints of a narrow, wooded valley western, narrower flood plain between on the edge of the city and suddenly • The southern valley side divides into on the river and the popular River two distinctive sections. To the West the railway and the A4. At the narrow Avon Trail walking route. entering an area of wide flood plain. To eastern end of the character area, the north the valley butts up against of Corston village it is higher and has Project Suggestions a well treed appearance; to the east Newbridge Park & Ride, a caravan park the Cotswolds escarpment giving the and small marina are hidden in trees None appearance of high northern valley considerably lower appearing as a sides whereas to the south the valley separate rounded hill. It has sweeping, sides are much lower allowing strong open, arable farmed slopes up to the visual links with the countryside and distinctive Seven Acre Wood reinforcing the open character overall

Left: Kelston Park

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Where the River Avon cuts through One of the notable influences of 3.4 GEOLOGICAL the plateau between Bathampton and geology in the wider Bathscape is the HERITAGE Twerton its meandering course has prevalence of landslip and cambering effectively given rise to a hollow within where blocks of capping limestone The Landscape Character Assessment the Cotswold plateau; the base and sides break off and slip down-slope. This is revealed that the influence of geology is undulating where tributary streams have caused in large part by the alternating particularly strong in the Bathscape area eroded the plateau unevenly. The city layers of hard limestone and softer and it is a key under-pinning element of expanded from its original location on sands and clays, in particular Fullers the development of Bath as a city. The the gravel beds beside the River Avon in Earth, and has had a profound effect on striking and complex landform of the the centre of the hollow, spreading up the landscape character of the enclosed Bathscape was primarily created by the slopes of the hollow to the edge of limestone valleys giving them a complex the River Avon and its tributaries, in the plateau, and in places onto the and variable landform. Undulations and particular the Newton Brook and the plateau itself. This containment of bulges form both along the slope and Midford and Cam Brooks which cut the city by the bowl-like form of down the slope where the softer clays the landscape has given it one of and sands are squeezed out between through the southern tip of the Oolitic The influence of geology even its distinct characteristics of being and below the harder limestones; limestone Cotswolds plateau. At this permeated the cultural life of the compact and looking in towards with steeper angles where the point the plateau is dipping down and Bathscape. An essential part of a visit the historic centre. harder limestones are present gradually merging with a complex to Bath in the C18th was walking or usually at the top of the slope and surrounding geological landscape. riding out to appreciate the special then around halfway down where landscape, the views, the fine houses the Inferior Oolitic limestone often and parks, and the new engineering forms bench-like outcrops. feats associated directly or indirectly The influence of geology in Bathscape with the stone, coal and fullers earth. however is not restricted to landform The rocky landscapes of the Bath and pre-history. It has provided the Stone mines and quarries in the hydro-geological conditions necessary C18th and C19th were of particular for the hot springs, the stone that gives interest to landscape painters such the buildings of the Bathscape their as Gainsborough. The dramatic distinctive honey-coloured appearance landscapes and quarries around Bath and the calcareous soils so favoured at that time were an important source by the wealth of wildflowers that are of inspiration for the developing found across the area. 250,000 gallons “Picturesque” Movement in art of water still flow through the springs and literature. each day, representing the only hot springs in Britain. Bath stone continues to be quarried and used for local buildings, while wild orchids persist on many of the slopes.

Left: View of Bath from the South East John Sayer (1846) Right: Cambering at Chilcombe Credit: Courtesy of The Victoria Art Gallery, Bath and North East Somerset. bottom

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Given its geological interest it is fitting that William Smith, known as the “Father of English Geology”, has strong associations with the area. His 1799 circular geological map of five miles around Bath was the first-ever printed geological map, and it remains remarkably accurate today as well as coinciding surprisingly well with the Bathscape project area. Whilst supervising the building of the Somersetshire Coal Canal through Tucking Mill he was so impressed by its beauty that he bought an estate Today there are three geological there in 1798 for his own home. Below SSSI’s found in the Bathscape. One his house he created a fishing lake is a stone quarry exposing Oolite with behind the canal to drive a small mill dip and fault structures and interspersed which was intended to provide income with plateau gravel deposits important to support the estate. All of this, he lost for understanding the Pleistocene after his bankruptcy in 1819. However, sequence in the Avon Valley. The other Smith’s house still remains together with two are Pleistocene gravel beds close a gothic cottage which adjoined the mill to the River Avon, associated with which was itself demolished in 1927. The cuttings for the railway, and allowing Credit: Courtesy of The Victoria Art Gallery, Bath and North East Somerset. fishing lake, after being filled in later the history of early glaciation in the In the western part of the Bathscape The Fullers Earth, which in particular is for the Fullers Earth works, has been south west to be established. pits supplying rag coal to Bath were found on the upper valley sides of the restored by Wessex Water as a fishing being worked in the early C18th and by Enclosed Limestone Valley character lake for disabled anglers and storage the 1730s others had been sunk in and areas, was used from Roman times in reservoir. William Smith’s tramway around Newton St. Loe, on and close fulling, a process used to clean woollen was built between his stone quarry to the river valley floor. By the 1780s cloth of oil, dirt or impurities. Many of on Combe Down and his mill at Tucking pumping-engine houses also began the mills which existed in the enclosed Mill where stone was sawn into ashlar for to appear, and new shafts were in limestone valley character areas were export via the canal. The lower section of operation by the Cross Post turnpike initially fulling mills. The Combe Hay the old tramway now serves as a public house near Newbridge. By 1845 Mine was a Fullers Earth mine which footpath and stone sleeper blocks are however the pits had all closed, the operated until 1979. It is located next still visible in places. coal being exhausted. It is difficult door to the Odd Down Park & Ride and to imagine this noisy, dirty, industrial today a few remnants of its buildings past today although it is possible to exist in the current recycling centre. occasionally see dark marks in the soil when the fields are ploughed.

Top right: Somersetshire coal canal locks at south stoke Above: Stone Left: William Quarries, Smith Hampton Rocks, Anthony Devis Right: Portrait (19th Century) of William Smith Credit: Bath in Time

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In the wider Bathscape there are sixteen This interplay of buildings with 3.5 ARCHAEOLOGY scheduled monuments including round 3.6 BUILT their immediate and wider landscape barrows, an early iron-age hillfort, pillow represented a new development in The Bathscape area has a pre-built HERITAGE mounds, a Roman camp, a Romano- architecture and is typified by the history of several thousand years British settlement, 12th century castle The topography surrounding Bath works of John Wood the Elder and centred upon the city with its own remains and a significant stretch of the has provided unique architectural Younger in the city. Of the most famous near 2000 year built history. Many of the Wansdyke which crosses the Bathscape opportunities. The fine views have of the latter’s work, The Royal Crescent, historical and archaeological sites of the from east to west. Several of these early inspired architects to develop the high Pevsner says “Nature is no longer the surrounding area directly relate to the features are found clustered on the quality architecture of the crescents and servant of architecture. The two are different eras of Bath’s history but are plateaus and though often explored in terraces which characterise 18th century equals. The Romantic Movement is at also important in their own right. the 19th and early 20th century many development in Bath and for which the hand”. Bath’s Georgian crescents snaked Within the city the Roman remains, are now overgrown, listed as vulnerable city is so well renowned, while the along the hillside contours, integrating especially the Temple of Sulis Minerva or largely overlooked by the majority slopes and hilltops provide their with the landscape and making full use and the baths complex are amongst of residents and visitors. own backdrops. of the views afforded. the most famous and important Despite this lack of wider public From several city centre streets, views Roman remains north of the Alps, attention the evidence of Roman are channelled towards the fields and and marked the beginning of occupation and activities including woodlands of the rural skyline, while Bath’s history as a spa town. Roman roads, burials, cemeteries, throughout the city buildings are camps, villas and other buildings viewed set within, or against, a backcloth that related to the Roman town and of trees. New landscapes were often its hinterland are noted as significant created in association with the terraces features of the historic setting of and crescents to enhance the enjoyment the World Heritage Site. There is of their views further and many of these an active volunteer group in the have been conserved as important Bath and Counties Archaeological townscape features within the city. Society dedicated to studying the archaeology of the area.

Credit: Bath in Time

Top Left: Top right: Bath’s Archaeological northern slopes Excavations c. 1900 Right: sheep grazing in front Left: overgrown of Landsdown round barrow Crescent

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The World Heritage Site Statement of Today Prior Park (now a school and Beckford also purchased the land Outstanding Universal Value recognised National Trust property) still fulfils that behind his home in Lansdown Crescent this significance of the city’s Georgian role but Sham Castle, built as an ‘eye to create a mile-long ride through a architects in “transposing Palladio’s catcher’ to be seen from Ralph Allen’s series of gardens and landscaped ideas to the scale of a complete city, town house, is now partially hidden by features to reach the tower, planting situated in a hollow in the hills and trees and only really visible when lit orchards, tree avenues that still survive built to a picturesque landscape up at night. and finally declaring “I have crowned aestheticism”. Rev William Gilpin was Lansdown with a forest”. Credit: Courtesy of The Victoria Art Gallery, Later additions to the wider Bathscape Bath and North East Somerset. the first to use the term ‘picturesque’ in include Beckford’s Tower, designed by The close of the picturesque print, in his 1768 Essays on Prints where Bath architect Henry Goodridge for the movement in the Bathscape can be he defined it as “that kind of beauty wealthy novelist, art collector and travel said to be marked by Isambard Brunel’s that would look well in a picture”. writer William Beckford who moved to building of gothic inspired tunnel portals The many beautiful Bath Stone Bath in 1822 after selling Fonthill Abbey. of the Bristol to Bath railway in the buildings were, and still remain, essential Standing at 120 feet high on the plateau 1830s. Crenelated to appear as imitation attractions of the City of Bath, and of of Lansdown to the north of the city, castles and set into the picturesque those on the surrounding slopes two crowned with an octagonal lantern setting of the wooded slopes of were a particular draw for visitors in decorated with gilt gold columns, the Twerton’s Carr’s Wood to the west the 18th and early 19th century. Quarry tower forms an even more dominant of the city, leading the author Mary owner Ralph Allen’s Prior Park Mansion local landmark than sham castle and Mitford to conclude “even the railway at the top of Widcombe Brook Valley, can be seen from most of the (in Bath) contributes by a rare exception and Sham Castle on the western edge surrounding hillsides. At the time to the effect of the landscape”. of Bathampton Down, were both built Beckford reputedly regretted that Credit: Bath in Time with the specific intention of being seen it was not at least 40 feet higher, as prominent features in the landscape, commenting that “however, such and are also sites from which wonderful as it is, it is a famous landmark for Top Right: views over the city and the wider the drunken farmers on their return Lansdown and Beckford’s Tower, countryside could be had. from market”. Henry Venn Lansdown 1855 Left: Sham Castle Bottom right: Top: Beckford’s Twerton tunnel Tower in 1903

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The overall ecological status of the 5% of the Bathscape area is mapped Many of the best Bathscape grassland 3.7 BIODIVERSITY Bathscape paints a rather complicated as UK Priority Grassland however sites are within farm holdings. During picture. On the one hand the calcareous interpretation of aerial photographs, development phase 46 live stewardship 70% of the Bathscape project area is soils of its slopes give rise to a wide array anecdotal evidence and field agreements were identified in the rural in nature, with beef and sheep of wildflowers, its abandoned stone observations confirm that many areas project area, though by the time of the farming the dominant land use. There mines are of international importance of priority habitat grassland are reverting anticipated delivery phase in December is a relatively small amount of arable for bats and the green fingers reaching to scrub. Furthermore, the development 2018 this figure reduces to a potential cropping, with this generally restricted right into the city mean Bath is phase Grassland report highlighted that low of 29, dependent upon how many to the flatter areas, while the number of recognised as amongst the best urban there is little quantitative data about the agreement holders seek to renew and dairy farms has reduced considerably in areas in the country to see wildlife, with current rate of habitat change and that, are successful in doing so. With the the last ten years. The main habitats are otter and peregrine falcons resident in outside of Sites of Special Scientific continuing changes in countryside woodlands, grasslands and waterways, the centre. Conversely this juxtaposition Interest (SSSIs), very little is known stewardship there is uncertainty as which together form critical components with the city places a significant strain about the conservation condition to whether renewals are likely to be of the landscape and also incorporate on the surrounding countryside, with and status of remaining habitats. successful or to best meet the needs the UK Priority Habitats of deciduous pressure for development, overgrazing of local habitats without individual woodlands, lowland calcareous The continuing loss and fragmentation by horses and disturbance all adding to landowner guidance. grassland, and lowland meadows. There of Priority Habitat Grassland is the tensions. The landscape itself also are 8 Sites of Special Scientific Interest concerning and has implications for There are additionally several pockets of has a dual effect, with the awkward (SSSIs), several of which form part of the associated species. The diversity and high quality grassland within Bathscape character of steeper slopes likely to broader Bath & Bradford on Avon Bats abundance of butterfly species across either falling outside of agricultural have played a role in deterring wildlife- Special Area of Conservation (SAC). the region has declined in parallel with holdings, too small to meet the rich sites from being lost in the drive There are a further 142 Sites of Nature the loss of botanically rich grassland. requirements of stewardship schemes, for intensive management during the Conservation Interest (SNCIs) in the Populations that remain are small, or too small to be registered as priority latter half of the 20th century, but more project area totalling 2775Ha. isolated and fragile and therefore highly habitat. A sharp rise in the number of recently leading to them being amongst vulnerable to continuing deterioration ‘hobby farms’ and ‘lifestyle buyers’ in the first to be neglected. and fragmentation of grassland habitat. the Bath area has put added pressure The future is not necessarily bleak on priority habitat grassland, with new however and during the development owners often failing to fully appreciate phase a Bathscape volunteer discovered the value of botanically-rich grassland a population of marsh fritillary butterflies or understand that it needs managing to in the project area, a species thought to maintain its value, commonly thinking be extinct in the county since the 1980s. the complete opposite. The scheme will It is also thought that the landscape therefore take a two pronged approach might be important for chalkhill blue to target both agricultural and non- butterflies, which seem to be expanding agricultural holdings. their range in the Cotswolds. More widely the West of England Combined Authority’s Pollinator Strategy, seeks to establish pollinator corridors across the county, with the Bathscape a target area.

Left: Scrub encroachment Right: Marsh fritillary Credit: Mike Williams

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Woodland comprises just over 15% of the Few of the area’s woodlands are in In art, the contribution of ‘picturesque’ project area, making a critical contribution large holdings, which partially accounts 3.8 CULTURAL qualities of the Bathscape in both the to the setting of the World Heritage Site. for the high levels of neglect. 79% of the AND ARTISTIC designed and natural landscapes A woodland report commissioned in the unmanaged woodland in the Bathscape inspired landscape painters including project development phase identified that falls beneath the three hectare threshold ASSOCIATIONS Thomas Gainsborough and John 37% of this woodland has no record of to qualify for an Environmental Constable. Gainsborough was a resident active management and a further 12% Stewardship Woodland Management The cultural and artistic associations of of Bath for 16 years from 1759 and has no record of recent management. Plan capital grant, which would fund a the Bathscape are significantly enhanced although most acclaimed for portraits The potential quality of woodland in the management plan and allow woodland by the internationally recognised culture was also a keen landscape painter. He area though is high with around a third improvement capital grants to be of the city of Bath, its development as a rode in the countryside around Bath of the Bathscape woodland area accessed. With further woodlands fashionable resort and its celebrated with the author Uvedale Price who was characterised as Ancient Semi-Natural being sold off as small compartments, residents and visitors, but many outlying at the heart of the development of the Woodland, i.e. woodland that has the proportion of woods too small to areas and villages have a strong cultural Picturesque in art and literature, and continually existed since at least 1600. access national grant aid and being heritage of their own. who wrote a seminal essay on The Several red data book invertebrates have owned by people with little experience The local landscape is perhaps most Picturesque, As Compared with the been recorded in these woodlands and of woodland management is likely famously referenced in literature by Sublime and The Beautiful (1794). they still provide a stronghold for the once to increase. Jane Austen who was a regular visitor Price praises roughness and variety as locally abundant but now nationally rare As identified in the Landscape Character and subsequent resident of the city essential elements of the Picturesque Bath asparagus plant. The distribution of Assessment, the biodiversity value (and (albeit one ambivalent to its charms) and the varied landform around Bath ancient woodland closely matches that landscape value) of hedgerows across between the 1790s and 1805. Her provides just that. The old quarry of the blocks of underlying Oolitic the Bathscape varies considerably with heroine of Northanger Abbey, Catherine workings at Bathampton Down were a limestone, with several retained on the short cropped and sparse hedgerows Morland, walks up Beechen Cliff “That popular attraction for artists and a flat Cotswold scarps too steep for cultivation. dominating some character areas and noble hill whose beautiful verdure and rock there (now shrouded in woodland) Local Record Centre studies during thick hedgerows with good hedgerow hanging coppice render it so striking an is known as Gainsborough’s palette. development phase reported that of the trees in others. Larger hedgerows object from almost every opening in 71 ancient woodland blocks recorded over and hedgerow trees are particularly Bath”, while Jane Austen herself was a half of them (38) have no known survey important in the Bathscape for regular walker on the northern slopes of data and only 10 have any survey data greater and lesser horseshoe bats the Bathscape as recorded in her letters. more recent than 1990. Of the three which use them extensively for The writer Henry Fielding was another woodland SSSIs in the Bathscape two are hunting and commuting, and for famed resident, living in Twerton which in mostly favourable condition, however of woodland species where they link was at that time a village. He was a the third Natural England reports almost to wooded habitat. Creating a robust regular guest of Ralph Allen’s at Prior 90% of it to be in unfavourable condition mosaic of treed habitat at a landscape Park mansion and Fielding’s character of and declining. scale is of particular importance for Squire Allworthy in his novel Tom Jones such creatures. is thought to be based upon Allen.

Left: Bath Asparagus Right: A Scene at Bathampton near Credit: Courtesy of The Victoria Art Gallery, Right: Bath, early 19th Bath and North East Somerset. Horseshoe bat Century

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‘The country which surrounds the city ‘Instead of sweating in a hot bed and of Bath is so diversified and beautiful; 3.9 HEALTH AND close room at home for an hour of two, so full of picturesque scenes and SIGHTSEEING they should in general wash with and interesting views, the charms of nature, drink some cold water, and repose on and the elegancies of art, that were we to The Bathscape also has a strong their bed with open windows for an hour descend to minuteness or individuality, connection to health and recuperation. or two; and then making a meal of good the limits we have aligned to our labours The city itself, centred on the hot hearty living food and drink, should walk would be entirely insufficient for springs, has been known as a place of into the fields, or on the neighbouring that purpose. healing for over two thousand years. As mountains.’ Reverend Richard Warner, 1811, ‘Warner’s it rose as a spa town in the 18th century it Dr James Graham, 1789, ‘A Treatise New Guide to Bath and Its Environs’, was pioneering in linking exercise in the on the true Nature and Uses of the surrounding landscape as part of the Bath Waters ’ There are numerous lesser known cure offered by taking the waters. 18th stories and associations across the and 19th century doctors and physicians The many visitors to Bath that came for Bathscape, from Sally-in-the-wood the in the city urged their patients to take pleasure rather than health were similarly 19th century widowed gamekeeper’s exercise by walking or riding in the encouraged out into the surrounding wife who lived wild and gained a ‘Therapeutic Landscape’. hills with the views, rocky landscapes reputation as a witch, before becoming of the stone workings and engineering immortalised in the name of the road ‘Another circumstance of great feats such as the Caisson locks, and later that runs through the wood, to the importance, and particularly connected Combe Hay locks, particular attractions. imprisoned suffragettes recuperating in with the use of Bath waters is exercise. This, in a moderate degree, in cases Some of the known key routes for Northend tearing up golf course greens Georgian visitors include walks taking in at Bathampton Down in protest. where it is practicable, is especially necessary during the use of Bath waters, Primrose Hill, Beacon Hill to Charlcombe, in order to second their effects, in Widcombe to the Combe Down stone strengthening the organs of digestion, mines, Alexandra Park and Wells Road and increasing the diuretic and on to Oldfield Park. Of particular note is diaphoretic secretions, which are the Ralph Allen’s carriage drive around the Credit: Bath in Time best means of their passing off. I believe edge of Bathampton Down and that the method commonly practised in westwards to Foxhill. Another popular this way is extremely proper, viz. a gentle walk, often in conjunction with these walk early in the morning, between the walks and with ferry crossings, was intervals of drinking the waters, which alongside the river to places such as encourages the diuretic evacuation, and Newbridge to the west or Camden moderate horse exercise at noon, to Crescent. The Bath World Heritage keep up the perspiratory discharge’. Site Setting Study notes the significance of the walks, promenades and rides Dr William Falconer, 1752, ‘An Essay in understanding how Georgian on Bath Waters’ development was so fully integrated with appreciation and integration with the landscape. Valued views included to and from specific buildings, landmarks Left: and other places of interest as well as Gainsborough’s pallette an appreciation of the rural landscape Top: Hampton within easy access of the town. Rocks c1925 Right: luggage labels left by suffragettes after a night raid on Bath Golf links

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The Difficulty of ascending our Hills is By the late 19th Century excursions The city of Bath itself was reputedly born not so great as is generally reported; into the wider Bathscape for pleasure 3.10 THE of the healing qualities of the landscape. but when surmounted, what beautiful became easier for all levels of the LANDSCAPE According to legend Bladud, father of Prospects do they give? And what fine population thanks to the invention King Lear, contracted leprosy and was Air do the invalids breathe in upon them? of the bicycle and the introduction THROUGH TIME cast out of court, becoming a swineherd. I will venture to say, that thirty different of horse-buses and trams in the city When crossing the river near Bath his Rides, each sufficient for a Morning’s suburbs. When the electric tramway The Bathscape area is a remarkable pigs wallowed in the warm mud and Airing, with so many beautiful points system was laid in 1904, the line was palimpsest where you can view features were cured of a skin disease so Bladud of view and Matters of Curiosity may extended for this purpose into the in the landscape spanning several followed suit and was himself promptly be found about BATH, as conducive surrounding countryside to three rural centuries. This is typified by the plateau cured. He later became king and to the Health and Pleasure of Mankind termini; The Crown Inn at Bathford, of Bathampton Down rising above Bath founded the city of Bath in 860 BC. to the east. Here pillow mounds and in general, as can be met with in Ten The Globe Inn at Newton St. Loe and The area is famed however for its times the Space of Ground in any the Combe Down Convalescent Home. tumuli sit within a golf course bordered by disused stone quarries to the north, subsequent Roman history, and the other Country.’ The trams were popular with the working health giving qualities of the warm population of Bath who could escape the eye catching Georgian folly Sham John Wood 1765, ‘An Essay Towards Castle to the west, a 1960s university springs. The Roman Baths in the centre a Description of Bath’ from the city and take circular walks of the city are recognised as amongst across country between each terminus. campus to the south and a Georgian racecourse (itself on the site of a Roman the most famous and important Roman As a result, tea-gardens and other remains north of the Alps with a temple amenities soon began to appear in villa) to the east, with evidence of each period crossing the other. Even the golf built there around 50AD. In the previously out-of-the-way villages surrounding hills and villages evidence such as Englishcombe or Tucking Mill. course itself is notable as the second oldest golf club in the south west, of the Roman occupation is plentiful. As boasting a course redesigned in the well as the hilltop Roman forts, there are 1930s by renowned golf course Roman villas at Bathford, Newton St. Loe architect Harry Colt. and Southstoke, and camps at Landsown Hill and Bath Racecourse. The series of plateaus and surrounding valleys provide discrete and often intimate landscapes where it is possible to immerse yourself in different historical periods. The iron age hillfort site of Little Solsbury hill or Roman camp at Lansdown with their commanding views and defensible positions, the meadows at Bathwick alive with wildflowers and butterflies looking across the river to the Georgian centre of the city, or the overgrown remains of the Somerset coal canal in the valleys at Combe Hay, built to transport coal in the 19th century but quickly made redundant by the railway.

Left: Comforts of Bath Lansdown races 1798 Credit: Courtesy of The Victoria Art Gallery, Bath and North East Somerset.

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As the last Roman soldiers left The area’s second great heyday came England in the early 5th century the in Georgian times when the draw of the history of the area becomes less well warm springs was combined with the documented. It is known the Saxons development of Bath as a fashionable took over Bath following a decisive resort. The 18th century saw a boom in victory at Dyrham just outside the the city’s size and standing with the Bathscape area in 577AD, then in 973 AD development of the fine architectural Bath once again came to prominence buildings meeting the market for the with the crowning here of Edgar, the first rich summer visitors. With the area’s king of all England. In the 12th century, a association with artists, writers and time when the area’s prosperity was built tourism it is still possible to retrace walks on wool and the cloth industry the first taken centuries ago or stand within the great abbey was built, dominating the frame of countless paintings to take in walled mediaeval city. Throughout the the views that attracted visitors and middle ages people still came to Bath to artists. Thanks to the city’s long history bathe in the hot springs in the hope it of conservation much of what appears in would cure them of their ailments. As the these paintings is still to be seen today, wool trade declined during the 16th and though where it has been lost, replaced 17th century the area’s dependence on or augmented it often adds to the attracting cure seekers to bathe in the interest of uncovering the story. Credit: Bath in Time Credit: Bath in Time springs grew. In 1643 the hills at Alongside this history of the wealth of Lansdown to the north of Bath Bath and its surroundings, however, lies were the scene of a civil war battle that of the wider populace, often living between the parliamentarian troops The seasonal nature of Bath’s tourist By 1820 it was reckoned that a in squalor in the city or labouring on the economy made income uncertain for significant proportion of the nearby who held the city and the Royalists surrounding land. Six poor houses were who took it from them. those city residents employed in serving village of Monkton Combe was recorded in the city in 1776, while in 1837 it, while out in the villages people often employed in cutting stone from a further large workhouse was built at fared little better. To the south, in the the Combe Down quarries, with the hilltop south of the city at Odd Down village of Combe Down, Ralph Allen’s only seven people employed by to accommodate 600 people. By 1845 a stone mine business was the major agriculture. total of 758 adults and 374 children were employer and had a significant influence The demise of the Combe Down crammed into it. Most of the workhouse both upon the people and the landscape. dead were buried in unmarked graves on stone mines can be traced to the Allen built terraced housing here for his opening of Brunel’s Great Western the other side of the road in what is now workers, though not for their comfort a nondescript area of grass amongst the Railway in 1841. While excavating the but rather so that he could reduce their line in west Wiltshire large quantities growing urban edge. A total of 4289 pay rates by reducing the time they bodies were buried here between 1839 of good quality stone were uncovered spent commuting to work. Recognising and their proximity to the railway meant and 1899, their presence marked only the impact of the quarries upon the by slight undulations of the ground. significantly reduced transport costs. views from Bath, Allen also set about By 1851 over 86% of wives of the planting fir trees. It is estimated he labouring households in Combe planted over 55,000 fir trees on his Down were recorded in the census as estates, though aesthetics wasn’t his taking in laundry to make ends meet. Left: Battle of only concern as there was a ready Lansdown notice board market for the timber from the builders of Bath. Right: The Old Poor House, Twerton 1904 Far right: Quarrymen at Westwood 1880s

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The immediate surroundings of Bath The landscape beyond the city slopes have witnessed a steady urban spread is often remarkably unchanged over beyond the mediaeval city walls, the the past century, except for a gradual arrival of roads, the canal and railway gentrification of the larger old farms, and the coming and going of industry. conversion of mill buildings to pubs or The natural resources and topography residences, and intensification of the of the landscape – deposits of Fuller’s farmed grasslands. The people and Earth, coalfields, hilltops of Oolitic scenes of the area going back to the limestone and valleys with strong late 19th century are recorded in the flowing rivers – have had a strong extensive and publically accessible Bath influence on these industries. The rivers in Time resource of old photographs, powered mills initially for flour then for sketches and paintings. refining cloth and for paper mills, the A special attraction of the limestone, mined since Roman times, neighbourhood of Bath is the built much of the city and villages, opportunity it affords all round for while the combination of sheep enjoyable walks into secluded valleys pasture, Fuller’s Earth and water power with their tiny villages, old-world at sites such as Twerton led to localised manor houses and (mostly) picturesque development of the cloth industry. The churches: places which, though often wool would be pounded in a mixture of within earshot of the railway-whistle, water and Fullers Earth clay to clean and are the same as they were a century thicken it using wooden hammers driven ago, … Of course there are many parts of by water wheels. the country to which such a description might apply, but there is no part where nature has lent so much assistance. Credit: Courtesy of The Victoria Art Gallery, Bath and North East Somerset. M.J. Baddeley, 1902 ‘Thorough Guide Series: Bath and Bristol and Forty Miles Round’

Credit: Bath in Time Top: View of Bath from Bathwick Meadows by John Left: Twerton Parker 1792 Mills 1890 Left: View of Bath Above: Claverton from Bathwick village Meadows 2018

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Of the visitors profiled in the 2014 visitor The population of the Bathscape is Specialist interest groups abound in 3.11 PEOPLE IN survey report 16% lived within the wider predominantly urban and has some the area covering subjects such as social THE BATHSCAPE district or South West region (excluding distinctive characteristics. 2016 ONS history, archaeology, wildlife, geology Bath) and 52% of respondents were from demographic figures for the Bathscape and local studies. Centred on a compact city and elsewhere in the UK. 28% of all visitors wards reflect the high proportion of A Bath & NE Somerset wide 2017 international visitor attraction, the were from overseas with 8% visiting the students in the area with almost double Voicebox survey report into leisure Bathscape scheme area is enjoyed by city as part of an organised group or the national average of 20–24 year olds, time found respondents reporting large numbers of people and has a coach party. The most popular activities as well as a significant proportion of being outdoors as the second highest generous reach in terms of potential undertaken during a visit to the city were residents of 65 or over (17% against consideration (behind ‘having fun’) beneficiaries. The two universities and sightseeing/visiting attractions, eating a national average of 12.5%). when selecting a leisure activity. thriving tourism industry create a vibrant out and shopping. The most popular ANALYSIS OF 2016 DEMOGRAPHIC 47% suggested being outdoors city that spills out into the surrounding activities undertaken during an overnight DATA FOR BATHSCAPE WARDS mattered ‘a lot’ representing a steady countryside. The Office of National visit to the city were walking in the rise over recent years of repeated countryside nearby to Bath (46%) Statistics (ONS) mid-year data of 2016 AGE CLASS % OF POPULATION IN surveys. A 2016 Voicebox report shows the wards within the Bathscape and touring the surrounding area AGE CLASS found that 61% of people visit natural (41%), along with making day visits area to be home to just over 107,000 0–9 9.5 green spaces in their local area either residents, while a 2014 visitor survey to other places outside of Bath (28%) 10–19 13.1 on a weekly or daily basis (though report found the Bath & NE Somerset and visiting Stonehenge (27%). this figure dropped to 51% in the area attracted around 5,767,000 annual Visitors are part of the audience for 20–29 22.4 more disadvantaged areas) while a visitors from the UK and overseas, made Bathscape and likely to be a significant 30–39 10.2 sizable proportion of the population up of 4.8 million day visitors and a beneficiary in terms of improved paths, (approx. 40%) are infrequent visitors further 967,000 staying visits. maps and walking information. However 40–49 11.5 or non-participants. the local community will benefit most 50–59 11.6 Wealth is a subject of significant from initiatives to conserve and restore 60–69 9.6 variance in the area. Bath has a long the landscape and from learning and history of carefully promoting itself 70–79 7.0 participation activities. in a favourable light but this is not the 80–89 4.1 complete story. During the 18th century 90+ 1.0 Bath’s reputation was built on being a place where the upper classes could Locally these figures vary significantly enjoy the summer season with between wards with for instance 22% amusements provided under the of residents in Twerton being 16 years auspices of Beau Nash. In the 19th or under, compared to 14% in the more century, as its standing as a premier affluent Widcombe ward. The Black resort waned, it developed a name as and Minority Ethnic (BAME) population a genteel back water suited to retired is lower than the national average with colonels, while in modern times it has the highest concentrations in the less presented itself as a romantic city of affluent wards, though international architectural beauty. All these things students and visitors add to the have been true, however alongside cultural diversity. Sharp rises in house them there has always been another prices have been experienced across the Bath, one experienced by large Bathscape in recent years driven in part numbers of its residents. by people moving out from London and by increasing numbers of landlords buying properties to rent to the growing Left: Picnicking student population. As a result there is at Smallcombe strong demand for social housing. Fields

80 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 81 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

Traditionally the day-to-day working AREAS OF MULTIPLE DEPRIVATION IN THE BATHSCAPE class experience has been largely overlooked in the accepted story of Bath, or at best represented as an appendage to the genteel classes, and the city has tended to perpetuate the window dressing of its celebrity to the outside world. Historically the majority of Bathonians experienced the city not as a seasonal resort with theatre and dances but as a working city whose Credit: Courtesy of The Victoria Art growth required labour. However the Gallery, Bath and North East Somerset. seasonal nature of its visitors added an extra pressure on those employed in their service. Slums appeared as the city grew, particularly alongside the river Avon, presented so idyllically snaking through the Bathscape in a multitude of paintings though increasingly unsanitary with raw sewage by the 19th century. Today the 2015 Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) indicate that though overall Bath & NE Somerset

Credit: Bath in Time is one of the least deprived areas in the country, ranking 247 out of 326 English authorities (where 1 = most deprived), this hides pockets of high One area, Twerton West is within • Twerton (10% most deprived in deprivation, all of which fall within the most deprived 10% of the country, C&YP, education skills and training, the Bathscape area. scoring poorly on income, adult skills, employment and health deprivation children and young people (C&YP), and disability) education skills and training, • Fox Hill North (10% most deprived in employment, health deprivation C&YP, education skills and training) and disability. • Whiteway West (10% most deprived in Four further areas are within the most children and young people, education deprived 20% of the country. skills and training). The domains where each area falls into For the Children and Young People the 10% most deprived compared to subdomain of the education skills England are: and training component of the IMD, • Whiteway (10% most deprived in Whiteway is within the bottom 1% POCKETS OF HIGH income, adult skills, C&YP, education in the country and deprivation has

DEPRIVATION, ALL Left top: View skills and training and income worsened amongst all these areas from North deprivation affecting children) across nearly all the domains. OF WHICH FALL Parade. Henry Venn Lansdown WITHIN THE mid 19th Century Left bottom: BATHSCAPE AREA Little Corn St Bath 1890s.

82 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 83 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

The poverty gap in the Bath area is With the assemblage of wards suffering starkly visible in statistics such as access high levels of deprivation in the south to higher education. 2017 figures from west of the city there is an increasing the Higher Education Funding Council sense of widening disparity between for England reported that 100% of young different areas of the city. This is people in the Lansdown, Bathwick and heightened by the landscape, with the Widcombe areas of the city went on to river separating the slopes of south west higher education compared to just 12.1% Bath from the facing northern slopes of of young people in the Twerton area of Sion Hill and Lansdown which are the city. The Bath Chronicle reported amongst the most affluent areas. On one this made Bath the most unequal of 573 of the walks that Bathscape ran as part constituencies in England and Wales in of the walking festival pilot, an attendee terms of school leavers going on to from the Lansdown slopes reported this higher education. was the first time she had been in south 2017 End Child Poverty figures, based west Bath despite looking across it each on tax credit data, identified that 36% day from her home. South west Bath of children in Twerton and 29% of however has three of the best urban- children in neighbouring Southdown edge wildlife sites in the city in Carr’s were estimated to be in poverty after Wood Local Nature Reserve, Bath City taking into account housing costs, with Farm and Twerton Roundhill, with the percentage of children in low income residents’ housing immediately adjacent. families in those areas estimated at 28% Each of the sites features strongly in the and 21% respectively against a regional Bathscape project plans, while residents average across the south west of 14%. in this area are a specific target audience Public Health England in its 2014 in several of the scheme’s learning, Health Profile for the area reported training and skills projects. that life expectancy is 7.5 years lower for men and 4.7 years lower for women in the most deprived areas of Bath and NE Somerset than in the least deprived areas.

Credit: Bath in Time

Top Left: Fox Hill Above: Snow Hill Estate in the 1960s Top Right: Housing beside Carrs Wood Bottom Right: Bath City Farm

84 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 85 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

3.12 IDENTIFYING CHILDREN AND YOUNG LEARNING, SKILLS AND HEALTH AND WELLBEING/ NEEDS PEOPLE TRAINING DISABILITY • There is a need to improve mental • There is a need for opportunities for • There is a need for projects to support As part of the work for the phase 1 and physical wellbeing for children people and communities to engage adults to increase levels of physical bid in 2015/16 a series of consultations, and young people, and promote with the landscape and natural activity including a focus on the more questionnaires and research was learning through greater contact environment through skills deprived areas undertaken to identify the audience with the landscape and natural and learning development • There is a need for projects that and their needs, and engage them environment • Help tackle inequality by creating promote physical and mental in developing project proposals. • There is a need to work with families fairer life chances through improved wellbeing through increased Forty meetings with community who infrequently or never visit the skills, confidence and training that contact with the outdoors and representatives and officers took place natural environment as this will embed may lead to employment. This is natural environment and the findings are summarised below: a love of the outdoors in children that particularly important for the • Activities are needed where people will be carried forward in their lives – more disadvantaged areas can relax and enjoy themselves GENERAL and this will increase the confidence • Inspire people and communities to outdoors of parents/carers to support care for the natural environment • The findings from surveys confirmed their children to access outdoor • Walking is the most popular that a significant proportion of people environments for play, physical • Improve information, interpretation activity – so supporting target are infrequent visitors or non- activity and learning and signing audiences to walk more frequently participants and this proportion is • Tap into the potential to involve should be a focus higher in the more disadvantaged • There is a great need for outdoor students. • Obesity, poor diet and lack of areas where there is a greater need learning and play projects to support activity are more acute problems to engage people and communities children and young people in disadvantaged areas VOLUNTEERING in disadvantaged areas • There is a need to engage people in • Isolation is also a problem so projects their local green spaces, rather than • Obesity and inactivity is a growing • There is a demand for volunteering that bring people together and further afield problem for C&YP, so projects are opportunities from the community required to help address this. – for enjoyment and wellbeing, to increase confidence and mental improve understanding, to develop wellbeing are needed skills and confidence and to help • Long-term ill health and disability ACCESS manage and care for the landscape is a barrier for many and support is and natural environment • Improve access and links between required for people to benefit from urban areas and surrounding • There is a high level of enthusiasm from greater contact with the outdoors landscapes to improve accessibility community groups and volunteers to and natural environment. for all, including people with engage with Bathscape – friends mobility difficulties groups, access groups, archaeological/ historical groups, natural history/ NEEDS OF OLDER PEOPLE • Reduce the barriers for people biodiversity groups and local societies. – physical, information and • Use increased contact with the Groups in all these sectors have knowledge, cost, time landscape and natural environment to identified needs that are reflected improve physical and mental wellbeing • Encourage more walking in other sections of this summary. and cycling. • Use increased contact with the landscape and natural environment to reduce social isolation and • intergenerational projects to improve social cohesion.

Left: Carrs wood Local Nature Reserve

86 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 87 Section 3 The Bathscape area, its heritage and its people

In the development phase an online Asked how likely they would be Bath City Farm has built a strong 3.13 BARRIERS questionnaire was sent via a Facebook to take part in different activities, reputation among residents both advertisement to people within a 17km the most popular responses were locally and further afield as an attraction Landowner consultation as part of the radius of Bath, in July 2017. During the independent exploration with a for informal visits and its events are well initial bid and during the development month that the questionnaire was printed or digital guide (30% very likely attended. Nearby Carr’s Wood, a large phase highlighted a general recognition available 631 responses were received. and 52% quite likely) and downloading local nature reserve on the edge of of the conservation value of the area but It found the most common barriers information to read (27% very likely and Twerton, however remains underutilised. also the difficulties faced in undertaking preventing people visiting and enjoying 53% quite likely). Other activities people It is highly prized by the mainly dog- conservation work with limited farm the local countryside to be lack of time would like to participate in included walking regular users but its limited labour and a challenging topography. (46%) and lack of information (40%). training events, talks and workshops, use heightens safety concerns by Increased knowledge/training and 15% felt there was insufficient access to guided walks and volunteering. some locals while dumping, graffiti assistance through grants and public transport. Lack of parking and and air–rifle shooting put off others. volunteers were raised as key Consultation by Bathscape staff health issues were also mentioned. needs as well as awareness raising with local people in the more deprived Interestingly, 30% of people felt nothing of how the countryside works. south west area of Bath found that prevented them visiting the countryside. neighbouring areas of greenspace such as Bath City Farm and Carr’s Wood were particularly valued by users, especially where health issues limited their journeying further afield.

OTHER ACTIVITIES PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN INCLUDED TRAINING EVENTS, TALKS AND WORKSHOPS, GUIDED WALKS AND VOLUNTEERING Left: Dumping at Carrs Wood

88 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 89 Section 3

Previously in 2005 when the Wood With a mix of Park and Ride buses, a was designated a Local Nature Reserve, standard bus network that has lately a questionnaire of neighbouring undergone a renumbering exercise residents found 20% of people often and recent additions such as the 2017 visited, 60% sometimes and 20% never, disabled access waterbus, people are with litter, safety, poor pathways and understandably in the dark about the lack of information cited as the main options. It is considered important things that put people off. therefore to underline the available While insufficient access to public public transport options in interpretative transport was highlighted in the materials as proposed in the online survey as amongst the perceived interpretation plan. barriers preventing people visiting the Bathscape it is likely that compared to the more rural Landscape Partnership Schemes the area is relatively well-served. 4 MANAGEMENT INFORMATION Left: Bushey Norwood history tour

90 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Section 4 Management Information

Bathscape comprises a The major landowners and land complex mosaic of land managers are: ownership, management • National Trust owns and manages arrangements and designations. key tracts of land within the World Heritage Site (WHS) setting: Little There are significant areas Solsbury Hill, Bushey Norwood, in single ownership with the Rainbow Wood, Bath Skyline, remainder small landholdings Prior Park in private ownership. • The Duchy of Cornwall owns a significant proportion of land in the Major landowners are shown west of the WHS setting including on the map below. Newton Park Estate which contains the main campus of Bath Spa University

MAJOR LANDOWNERS

92 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 93 Section 4 Management Information

• Wessex Water owns and manages Designations and other management Bath & NE Somerset Council is the main HISTORIC ENGLAND land, including Sites of Nature standards to be considered are shown planning authority, except for the far – HERITAGE AT RISK Conservation Interest on the map below. east of the Bathscape area, where it is Wiltshire Council. Historic England’s Heritage at Risk • Avon Wildlife Trust owns and manages Programme protects and manages the nature reserves at Bathampton Policies, duties and management plans historic environment, so the number of Meadow and Browne’s Folly relating to land in the Bathscape are ‘at risk’ historic places and sites across • The Hignett Family, University of Bath, outlined here. England is reduced. The American Museum and Bath Golf The three landscape related Scheduled Club all have areas of land within the Monuments on the Register within the Bathscape area 4.1 Bathscape area are: • Bath & NE Somerset Council and Curo INTERNATIONAL Little Down camp, North Stoke – own and manage land, mainly within PLANS AND Declining condition with extensive the urban area and urban fringe. significant problems principally from POLICIES arable ploughing UNESCO OPERATIONAL Lansdown Roman camp, North Stoke – LANDSCAPE DESIGNATIONS GUIDELINES (2015) FOR Declining condition with significant localised problems principally from THE IMPLEMENTATION OF arable ploughing THE WORLD HERITAGE CONVENTION (NOV 2011) Wansdyke, Southstoke – Declining condition with major localised problems The convention requires the government A Management Plan for the Wansdyke is to promote, interpret and protect WHS’s also referenced in Bath & NE Somerset and their Outstanding Universal Value Council’s Core Strategy Policy B3a. and to transmit them to future generations. The key principles relating to setting include ‘the proper protection of the property’ with ‘an added layer of protection’ which should include ‘the immediate setting of the nominated property, important views and other areas or attributes that are functionally important as a support to the property and its protection’.

Right: Sham castle

94 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 95 Section 4 Management Information

4.2 LOCAL PLANS BATH & NE SOMERSET Policy B1: Bath Spatial Strategy WEST OF ENGLAND JOINT AND POLICIES COUNCIL’S CORE STRATEGY The strategy for Bath is to: SPATIAL PLAN (DRAFT 2018) AND PLACEMAKING PLAN 1 Natural and Built Environment: Bath & NE Somerset Council, Bristol (BATH) (2017) WORLD HERITAGE SITE Sustain and enhance the significance City Council, North Somerset Council MANAGEMENT PLAN The Core Strategy is a key policy of the city’s heritage assets and green and South Gloucestershire Council document for Bath & NE Somerset infrastructure, including: have joined forces to prepare the Joint 2016–2022 Spatial Plan (JSP). The JSP is a statutory that puts in place a strategic planning • The Outstanding Universal Value The Management Plan describes Development Plan Document that framework to guide change and of the City of Bath World Heritage the WHS and sets out its special will provide the strategic overarching development in the District over the next Site and its setting significance. It identifies management 20 years and beyond. The Placemaking development framework for the issues and objectives with an action Plan complements the adopted Core • Archaeology, scheduled ancient West of England to 2036. plan for addressing them. Strategy by providing a set of detailed monuments, and historic parks Strategic priority 4 is to protect and and gardens Bathscape will contribute to planning policies and site allocations for enhance the sub-region’s diverse and Objective 6: Bath & NE Somerset. It incorporates the • Non-designated heritage assets of high quality natural, built and historic Green Infrastructure Strategy. local interest and value environment and secure a net gain in • Work to increase interpretation of the biodiversity. Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), Strategic issues identified include • Giving great weight to conserving that there are considerable areas of especially intangible values and landscape and scenic beauty in the BATH & NE SOMERSET continue to encourage co-ordination derelict and underperforming land and Cotswolds Area of Outstanding amongst providers and promote a number of prominent sites in need of Natural Beauty GREEN SPACE STRATEGY citizen involvement. redevelopment in order to enhance the 2015–2029 World Heritage Site and protect its • The network of green spaces and Objective 11 is also particularly relevant setting and the Green Belt from incursion. wildlife corridors including the River This strategy includes the following to Bathscape: Avon and Kennet and Avon Canal, set of objectives for green spaces The Vision and Spatial Strategy for Local Nature Reserves, formal and until 2029: • Ensure that the natural setting of Bath, the City is: Bath’s natural, historic and informal parks and recreational as a key attribute of OUV, is afforded • Deliver spaces which help support cultural assets, which combine to create areas, trees and woodlands equal importance to the built element a unique sense of place of international fit and healthy communities and is protected, conserved and significance, will be conserved and • The biodiversity resource including • Support communities to connect interpreted. enhanced to maintain the city’s key species and habitats of European with their green spaces importance. Action 31 under this Objective is: competitive advantage and unique • Enhance the unique and beautiful selling point as a high quality Support the ‘Bathscape’ partnership landscape of the district environment, to live, grow a as a mechanism for delivering projects business, visit and invest. • Reveal and celebrate the unique aimed at conserving the landscape local heritage of the WHS and of opening up and maintaining historically important • Showcase excellence. views and vistas.

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COTSWOLDS AONB It outlines four ambitions: THE NATIONAL TRUST IN Local management plans MANAGEMENT PLAN • Promotion of the Cotswolds as BATH – BUSINESS PLAN Wessex Water and Duchy of Cornwall 2018–2023 (DRAFT) the Walking and Exploring Capital SUMMARY 2015–18 estate have management plans to of England cover the areas of Bathscape under The Management Plan seeks to define The vision is ‘by being champions of the their management. the approach to conserving, enhancing, • The local design and delivery green setting we will weave our special understanding and enjoying the natural of a Cotswolds package of places into the life of the people and the Natural England Special Area of beauty of the AONB. It aims to inform agri-environment payments for City of Bath’. By 2025 the National Trust Conservation (SAC) designation public good and services and the activity of a multitude of partners, wants Bath to be seen as a showcase for Bath and Bradford-on-Avon Bats SAC stakeholders, landowners, businesses, rural development support how it can work with urban communities. Primary reason for site selection: communities and visitors to contribute to • Ensuring communities and businesses Key elements of its work include: presence of Greater Horseshoe the enhancement and enjoyment of this within and around the AONB identify and Bechstein’s Bats. nationally designated landscape. and celebrate being part of a nationally • Looking after and promoting access recognised landscape to the landscape setting of the city Principal landscape management mechanisms • To fully explore the case for and • Promoting walks and access both against the Cotswolds being to and from the city Two consultant’s reports from the designated as England’s next • Improved way-marking and development phase provide the National Park. interpretation of the Bath most up-to-date assessment of Skyline Walk management mechanisms. AVON WILDLIFE TRUST • Working with local schools on VISION 2015–2020 developing natural play areas and The Trust’s vision is to enable nature encouraging greater use by locals to ‘recover on a grand scale’. and visitors. Goals for 2015 to 2020: • Create ecological networks through landscape-scale habitat management and enhancement • Inspire people and communities to care for nature Champion the value of nature.

ENSURING COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES WITHIN AND AROUND THE AONB IDENTIFY AND CELEBRATE BEING PART OF A NATIONALLY

RECOGNISED LANDSCAPE Left: Smallcombe field

98 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 99 Section 4 Management Information

SCHEME TYPE NUMBER SCHEMES NUMBER 2018 SCHEMES Training and heritage skills The areas of skills development required CURRENTLY The organisations of the Bathscape to deliver the Bathscape scheme are: Higher Level Stewardship 5 4 Partnership Board were asked what they • habitat management; rural skills; green (HLS) considered to be key heritage skills gaps space care and management; growing HLS plus Entry Level 21 19 in the Bathscape area. They suggested and horticulture Stewardship(ELS) botany (to survey sites and lead • surveying and recording training), hedge laying (insufficient HLS plus Organic ELS 3 2 skilled people/volunteers for work that • outdoor learning; supporting outdoor ELS 11 0 could be done) and interpretation of activities for health and wellbeing Organic ELS 3 1 heritage (in its widest sense including • developing interpretive resources, attracting new audiences) were the key print and digital Countryside Stewardship 3 3 skills gaps relating to Bathscape works, • heritage research; archaeology Total 46 29 while more widely, specialist building conservation, historic ironwork and • project management; event Grasslands Woodlands mortar walling were raised. management; marketing and promotion; work planning FWAG’s Grasslands for the Future Forest of Avon’s Woodlands of In order to deliver the scheme projects, Consultation Report, November Bathscape report from October Bathscape will be using at least 795 • volunteer leadership 2017 reports: 2017 reports: volunteers. During the development • risk assessment and first aid phase an assessment has been carried There are currently a total of 46 live The Government’s Magic website • digital photography and video editing agreements in the project area, broken provides details of woodlands totalling out of: existing training offered by down by scheme type as shown in the 1,485.09ha in the Bathscape area. partners; current formal training • community empowerment: running table below. In December 2018, when provision in relevant fields; and a local community group; strategic Of this: Bathscape is expected to start, this the known heritage skills gaps. planning and fundraising number reduces to 29. A number • 550.28ha (37%) has no record of • evaluation and monitoring. of these expiring agreements will management almost certainly renew to Countryside • 178.31ha (12%) has had some Stewardship; however, it is difficult to management over the last 10–20 years say how many, as agreement holders would be changing to a new scheme • 237.37ha (16%) has been managed and not simply renewing their within the last 10 years (and includes existing scheme. Under Environmental many recent woodlands); 342.27ha Stewardship the renewal rate was high. (23%) has a current grant (including Since its launch in 2015, the uptake of an existing Environmental Stewardship Countryside Stewardship has been poor. Scheme agreement) Whether this will change in the coming • 176.86ha (12%) has a current years is difficult to say but experience Forestry Commission Woodland during the current 2017 application Management Plan. round would suggest that landowners Overall 49% of Bathscape’s woodlands are warming to the scheme. have had no management at all or no recent management.

Left: Identifying fungi

100 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 101 Section 4 Statement of significance

4.3 PARTIES WITH INTEREST IN THE BATHSCAPE WORK AREAS

THEMES LOCATION AFFECTED OWNERSHIP/ USERS/INTERESTS STATUTORY INTEREST Conserving Grasslands/woodlands Private and major Farmers/graziers and restoring public ownership (e.g. landowners Walkers and dog Carr’s Wood) Bath & NE Somerset walkers Grasslands/woodlands Council Planning BACAS in private ownership Natural England Community groups Views Historic England Friends groups Scheduled ancient Forestry Commission monuments Bath Naturalists Existing volunteers Therapeutic Bathscape wide, Bath & NE Somerset Walkers (individuals, Landscape including public Council – Parks, Public organised groups footpaths, parks, Rights of Way, Sport & e.g. ramblers) nature reserves, Active Lifestyles Cyclists school grounds Bath City Farm Community groups Bathscape walking routes Support groups Bath City Farm Teachers and Forest School providers Entry Hill Golf Course

Access Bathscape walking Bath & NE Somerset Landowners and routes, including circular Council – Parks, Public farmers walks and radial routes, Rights of Way, Sport & Walkers (individuals, cure walks etc. Active Lifestyles, organised groups Transport (Park & Ride) River and canal e.g. ramblers) Parish Councils Park & Ride sites Cyclists Landowners Users of public Planning authority, transport Cotswold Conservation Residents along routes Board and National Local businesses, Trust (waymarking) e.g. cafes Julian House 5 Learning, As per above sites As per above Special interest groups training Teachers and Forest and skills School providers STATEMENT OF Students and academic staff Community groups SIGNIFICANCE Walkers

102 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 103 Section 5 Statement of significance

This section describes the Its significance is explicitly significance of the Bathscape recognised by UNESCO in criterion (i) of its statement of Outstanding scheme area, why it is important Universal Value: and to whom. It outlines existing “Bath’s grandiose Neo-classical designations and forms of Palladian crescents, terraces and protection alongside the squares spread out over the surrounding value placed on the heritage hills and set in its green valley, are a by local people. demonstration par excellence of the integration of architecture, urban design and landscape setting, and the deliberate creation of a beautiful city.” 5.1 LANDSCAPE The statement goes on to cite the cultural attributes for which the City The Bathscape area is defined in its of Bath is considered of Outstanding capacity as the landscape setting of Universal Value, which are subsequently the Bath World Heritage Site, giving it expanded in The Bath World Heritage internationally recognised status. Site Setting Study of 2009 produced by Bath & NE Somerset Council.

Left: Overlooking Bath from Bath City Farm

104 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 105 Section 5 Statement of significance

CULTURAL ATTRIBUTES OF THE CITY OF KEY ASPECTS OF THE LANDSCAPE SETTING Bath’s landscape setting and its While such valuing of Bath’s BATH WORLD HERITAGE SITE CITED IN THE WHICH PARTICULARLY REINFORCE THE OUV relationship to the city is highly prized surrounding landscape from the city STATEMENT OF OUTSTANDING UNIVERSAL AS OUTLINED IN BATH WORLD HERITAGE by local residents as evidenced by a perspective reinforces the appreciation VALUE (OUV). SITE SETTING STUDY 2008 furore over development of the of the Bathscape it perhaps more rarely The Roman remains, especially the Temple of Features or remains associated with the city’s Southgate shopping centre. The extends to considering the intrinsic value Sulis Minerva and the baths complex (based founding or workings of the Roman town of Bath Preservation Trust was quoted at of the setting alone. The steep hillsides around the hot springs at the heart of the Bath particularly associated with characteristic the time as saying “From the centre of interspersed with intimate hidden valleys Roman town of Aquae Sulis, which have landscapes or landforms will be of particular Southgate, you can’t see out to views create a remarkable landscape that remained at the heart of the City’s significance. Prehistoric hill forts and camps beyond – a feature of Bath over the merits recognition in its own right. development ever since) are amongst the such as Little Solsbury Hill and Bathampton centuries. It misses the spirit of Bath.” The majority of the area receives this most famous and important Roman remains Down, Roman roads and their adjoining recognition through its incorporation north of the Alps, and marked the beginning landscape and Roman villas which often The importance of this sense of in the Cotswolds AONB, the largest of of Bath’s history as a spa town. were located in prominent and commanding connection between the city and the 38 AONBs of England and Wales. locations fall within this category. its countryside was underlined by residents during consultation for The juxtaposition of the city and the The Georgian city reflects the ambitions This includes both landscapes such as valleys of John Wood Senior (1704–1754), and their associated slopes and surrounding the development of the Bathscape countryside is an essential feature of Ralph Allen (1693–1764) and Richard ridges and plateaux, which may contribute scheme with comments such as: the Bathscape. Standing on top of “Beau” Nash (1674–1761) to make Bath into over a wide area, and more local landscapes • I love the fact that from the city one of the seven hills that form the one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, associated directly with particular buildings bowl surrounding Bath, facing inwards with architecture and landscape combined or groups of buildings such as the lawns in centre you’re surrounded by green spaces on every horizon – please affords striking views of a city designed harmoniously for the enjoyment of the front of the Royal Crescent. These landscapes in harmony with its surroundings, with spa town’s cure takers. were and are valued both as part of the don’t let it be spoiled! view and as a recreational resource and the countryside creeping along sheltered background to the life of the city. • I love looking at the views of the trees valleys and protected hillsides to reach and historic buildings surrounding almost to the centre of the city. Looking The individual Georgian buildings reflect the The open countryside outside the hollow in Bath every day and it is very important outwards gives the contrast of rolling profound influence of Palladio (1508–1580) and the hills and the undeveloped landscape both to me that they are preserved. landscape that seems to be a world their collective scale, style and the organisation within and outside the WHS are relevant. In the away from city life but holds within it of the spaces between buildings epitomises the Georgian period the Picturesque landscape success of architects such as the John Woods which includes features such as dramatic half-hidden reminders of the historic (elder 1704–1754, younger 1728–1782), changes of slope, trees in pasture and city links. Robert Adam (1728–1792), Thomas Baldwin comparisons with the Italian landscape (1750–1820) and John Palmer (1738–1817) were particularly valued. in transposing Palladio’s ideas to the scale of a complete city, situated in a hollow in the hills and built to a picturesque landscape aestheticism creating a strong garden city feel.

Right: Overlooking central Bath

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Historically, however, the priority 5.2 BIODIVERSITY habitats were more extensive and bio-diverse than today. Ancient The topography, geology and history woodland and unimproved limestone of the Bathscape provide exceptional grassland and meadows are priority opportunities for wildlife to thrive. The habitats recognised by both the steep hillsides and alkaline soils have Cotswolds Conservation Board and created a landscape suited to woodlands Natural England as key features for and wildflower-rich grasslands while the the Cotswolds but are today found remnant stone workings afford bat in the Bathscape typically as roosting conditions of international isolated fragments. importance. Connecting it all is the network of tree lined rivers and Natural England has a particular interest tributaries. A legacy of species in the southern and eastern portions of and habitats of local, national and the Bathscape area as home to the Bath international importance includes and Bradford on Avon Special Area of 8 SSSIs, 780ha of Priority Habitat Conservation (SAC). The SAC consists (ancient/other woodland, grassland) of a collection of abandoned limestone and 12 of the 17 UK bat species. A further mines which are of international three European protected species are importance for bats. The SAC as recorded and over 2000ha is a whole supports 15% of the UK designated as SSSI /SNCI. population of greater horseshoe bats and internationally-significant The Cotswolds Conservation Board, populations of lesser horseshoe and however, recognises the Bathscape The South West Biodiversity The Bath Natural History Society Bechstein’s bats. The mines are used area as being relatively degraded in Partnership’s Nature Map of 2006 is an active group that covers the for breeding, hibernation, swarming comparison with much of the rest of the represented an assessment of the best Bathscape area and is keen to work and dispersal and the designation AONB, facing particular issues around areas in the south west to maintain and with the scheme and broaden the includes areas of supporting habitat: proximity to the urban environment and expand terrestrial wildlife habitats at Society’s membership. Its president, broadleaved woodland and species-rich a community disconnected from their a landscape scale. It identified three David Goode, author of the book grassland. The surrounding landscape landscape. It is consequently deemed Strategic Nature Areas partially within Nature in Towns and Cities, lists the is recognised as providing feeding and a priority area for intervention. Bathscape, in the north, east and south following as amongst his favourite commuting opportunities between the of the area. At a finer grain, the West wildlife features of the city and Undoubtedly there are both positive component SSSIs, other SAC sites and of England Nature Partnership its surroundings: and negative consequences of the other undesignated roosts, vital in opportunity maps produced in 2016 “Among my particular favourites are close connection of city and countryside. supporting the bats throughout illustrated a selection of the region’s meadows full of orchids around the The stone mines that served to build the their life cycle. Features highlighted natural assets and identified where skyline walk; a huge colony of ivy mining city support horseshoe bats of European as being of significance within the investment could help enhance these bees that have recently colonized sandy importance. The green hillsides that flow wider landscape are watercourses, assets for the benefit of people, wildlife banks near the Pavilion Restaurant in into the city and its built environment woodland, grazed pasture, hay and the economy. The grassland and Victoria Park; a night time roost of up to enable these bats, together with swifts, meadows, hedgerows, linear woodland maps highlighted the 300 pied wagtails in the solitary tree in house martins, peregrine falcons and trees and scrub. Bathscape area as a hotspot of Southgate shopping centre; and perhaps others to survive right in the heart of opportunity for targeted enhancement. the city. The nationally scarce Bath best of all the pair of Peregrine Falcons asparagus, uniquely characteristic that nest on the spire of St John’s church of our hedgerows and verges, is in the city centre. Unseen by many linked to the city’s Roman heritage. people, they are for me an important link with the natural world that can bring enjoyment, stimulation and Above: Bee on a sense of wonder.” Knapweed

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The Society builds on a long In 1855, over 300 years since its first tradition of recording wildlife in the sighting, it is noted once more in the Bathscape area, such that the action same location within the Bathscape in of biological recording itself can be seen the inaugural proceedings of the Bath as part of the local heritage. This is best Natural History and Antiquarian Field exemplified byEuphorbia pilosa, a rare Club, a forerunner of the Bath Natural and rather unassuming plant which was History Society. The author notes that first noted in Britain in a wood in the where it was described by de Lobel as south of the Bathscape belonging to plentiful it is now decidedly scarce, and a John Coates in 1576 by Matthias de appearing to grow scarcer each year. Lobel, botanist to King James the First. He ends by asking that members are In 1634 it is subsequently recorded on a sparing in gathering specimens lest botanical excursion in the same locality it becomes entirely extinct. Thanks by Dr Thomas Johnson, best known for to online archiving projects such trails his edition of Gerard’s Herbal. Being can now be traced with a few clicks noted, however, in only two other of a mouse. The Bristol Regional localities in the country, it remained a Environmental Records Centre questionable record as a British native (BRERC) records for the plant are “There is a wonderful order and until 1836 when it was located again confined to that final 1855 account 5.3 GEOLOGY regularity with which Nature has by a Mr E Simms and Dr Hinneage and it is not known whether it was disposed of these singular productions The area’s three geological Sites of Gibbes and confirmed by Edward ever searched for or found again. and assigned to each class its particular Special Scientific Interest, Hampton Foster as a British plant in his paper stratum…Masons, miners and quarrymen Rocks Cutting, Newton St Loe and North in the transactions of the Linnaen can identify particular beds of stone dug Road Quarry, are recognised for their Society the following year. many miles apart. Indeed every cliff and value in interpreting the Pleistocene quarry represents a true section of a deposits. Like so much of the area’s great many beds of stone which may be heritage they too are connected to the found in the same position in all or most growth of the city, owing their discovery of the neighbouring cliffs and quarries. to stone mining and the building of the And this regularity is nowhere more railway. They are perhaps overshadowed conspicuous than in the lime quarries in significance by the area’s association of Somersetshire.” with William Smith, ‘the Father of English Geology’ who through studying the local In 1799 Smith produced his ‘Table quarried beds of stone and mined coal of Strata near Bath’ a hand-coloured developed the theory of stratigraphy. map of the geology in the five miles surrounding Bath, a remarkable fit for Smith bought a mill and 26 acres of land the Bathscape area and the first such in the south of the Bathscape at Tucking map to be produced. He went on to Mill in 1798 where he lived for 20 years. THE SOCIETY BUILDS expand his work and in 1815 published While working in the area surveying for the first geological map of Britain, ON A LONG TRADITION the Somersetshire Coal Canal he noted which became known as ‘The Map that OF RECORDING WILDLIFE the distinct fossils in the fresh cuts of Changed the World’ for the inspiration IN THE BATHSCAPE AREA, strata, writing: it gave in scientific dating of the planet. SUCH THAT THE ACTION OF BIOLOGICAL RECORDING ITSELF CAN BE SEEN AS PART OF THE LOCAL HERITAGE

110 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 111 Section 5 Statement of significance

The historical significance of the area in In the scattered villages there are Despite its change through time, the 5.4 terms of art, literature, urban design and further stories of note. In the east, landscape of the city in a bowl is so ARCHAEOLOGICAL health has already been outlined in the suffragettes given shelter at Eagle distinctive as to be more remarkable for earlier section “the Bathscape Area its House in Northend after periods in the similarities across the years than for AND HISTORICAL Heritage and its People”, however prison planted an arboretum in the the differences. The first impressions of SIGNIFICANCE perhaps its greatest significance is its grounds, selling photographs of each the area documented three hundred relationship to the city it contains. The tree planting as a fund raiser for the years ago remain much the same as The archaeological and historical Bathscape not only provides the ‘green cause of women’s suffrage. In the 1960s those given today. setting’ for the World Heritage Site, it the arboretum was subject to the same interest of the Bathscape is as abundant “Bath is a spot of ground which our also reflects the changing face of the unrestrained development that saw as it is diverse. The sixteen scheduled country ought to esteem as a particular city and the people within it. The many of the city centre’s historic monuments of the Bathscape area favour from heaven. It lies in a valley surrounding hills have served as sites for buildings torn down. It was bulldozed stretch in time from an early iron-age amphitheatrically surrounded by hills, Roman camps and villas, grazing for the and replaced by a housing estate, hillfort to 12th century castle remains, and its situation on the west side of wool industry, quarries for the Georgian leaving just one tree to survive while there are dozens of smaller the Island is a considerable addition buildings and leisure for visitors. Today to the current time. barrows, earthworks and Roman sites to its delights.” recorded. The plateaus of Lansdown, the Bath Skyline Walk is the National In the west His Imperial Majesty Emperor Little Solsbury Hill and Bathampton Trust’s most downloaded walk. Daniel Defoe 1724 A Tour through Haile Selassie, exiled from his homeland the Whole Island of Great Britain Down are particularly well regarded, Stories and social history abound in by Mussolini’s invasion, spent five years with each containing multiple sites of the area. Eighteenth century gamblers living at Fairfield House taking regular Climbing up on Solsbury Hill, I could archaeological interest. The Bathscape have climbed the slopes to meet for walks in the countryside and making it a see the city light, Wind was blowing, area is served by the Bath and Counties illegal duals, highwaymen to ambush place of reverence to Rastafarians. Today time stood still. Archaeological Society (BACAS) whose incoming carriages and wartime Fairfield House is home to Bath Ethnic Peter Gabriel Solsbury Hill aim is the promotion of archaeology residents to escape the nights of the Minority Senior Citizens Association in all its branches. The scheduled Bath blitz as the city burned below them. (BEMSCA) day centre. ancient monuments at Lansdown The hills have housed camps of 17th are of particular current interest to century Royalist soldiers, Buffalo Bill’s the society and they hope to extend 19th century travelling Wild West Show their studies in the area through the and 20th century road protesters. Bathscape scheme.

Left: Poster advertising Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in Bath Right: Emperor Haile Selassie in exile Far Right: Suffragettes Adela Pankhurst and Annie Kenney Credit: Bath in Time 1910. Credit: Bath in Time Credit: Bath in Time

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When asked what they valued about 5.6 THE VALUE these green spaces, health benefits PEOPLE PLACE ON were most often cited, with experiencing wildlife, flowers etc., visual interest and THE LANDSCAPE quiet relaxation also featuring highly. A Bath & NE Somerset-wide Green The sense of visual ownership of the Space Study report undertaken in 2015 landscape was repeatedly voiced by attracted 594 respondents. It recorded Bathscape residents during the outreach 67% of local households reporting open/ events of the development phase. It green spaces as very important in their extended both to the built heritage such everyday lives. An additional 26% rated as Beckford’s Tower and Sham Castle them as quite important, while only and natural heritage such as the hills, 5% thought them unimportant. fields and wooded skyline. Once again the most popular activity 5.5 HOW DO PEOPLE when visiting the Bathscape was found CURRENTLY USE to be walking (86%). People were also dog walking (28%), cycling (26%), WHAT DO HOUSEHOLDS VALUE ABOUT OPEN/GREEN SPACES? THE LANDSCAPE? running (24%) and picnicking (25%). Other activities mentioned include Health benefits 80% The Bath World Heritage Site Setting geocaching, going on a guided walk, Experiencing wildlife, flowers etc 74% Study highlights that getting out of Bath attending talks or workshops run by Visual interest 72% to enjoy the immediate countryside was experts, wildlife watching, photography, a popular pursuit amongst Georgian boating and visiting family. Interaction with other people 46% visitors, particularly with the views of the Quiet relaxation 69% city that could be seen from the hilltops. With the steep topography of much As part of the background work for the of the Bathscape, unsurprisingly Opportunities to play sports 30% phase 1 bid today’s residents were asked discussions with residents with mobility Facilities for children and young... 52% issues or with pushchairs showed that ‘How do you use the Bath Landscape?’ Informal space for picnics, dog... 66% Walking was the most popular activity flatter parts of the landscape with with running, cycling, exploring and reasonable surfaces were highly driving also mentioned. More passive prized. The restrictions of current Bath & NE somerset green space study behaviours such as relaxing, drawing, access provision and lack of knowledge looking out from the city and looking of accessible sites was highlighted by in to view Bath were also highlighted. care providers such as Carrswood Day Centre. Accessibility was further An online questionnaire circulated in reflected in the online questionnaire July 2017 via a Facebook advertisement with the popularity of the Kennet and and receiving 631 responses found the Avon Canal as a favoured place to visit. Kennet and Avon Canal (61%) and Bath The canal and river are incorporated in Skyline Walk (45%) were the most a smaller focussed local partnership popular places visited in the Bathscape. project called Waterspace and so Within south west Bath, where levels do not feature as habitats in the of deprivation are higher, Bath City Bathscape scheme, however they Farm (17%) and Carr’s Wood (4%) will be promoted as accessible Top Left: View also featured. south from routes to access the countryside. Twerton Roundhill. Left: Bath City Farm Family Fun Day.

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What does the Bath Landscape • ‘The green spaces around Bath are 5.7 HOW PEOPLE mean to you? so important because they encircle VIEW THE • Harmony between human influence the city in green – wherever you are in and nature Bath you can see a green skyline. It’s a SIGNIFICANCE OF constant backdrop and I think many THE LANDSCAPE • A perfect frame for a perfect city of us take it for granted’ • Works in harmony with the city • ‘Lovely dry stone wall marking Iron During the consultation for the phase 1 • Enhancing the built environment Age ditch enclosure. Great sky and bid, Bath Preservation Trust staged a to ensure a place exists to relax, landscapes reaching far into the ‘Buildings in the Landscape’ exhibition at appreciate nature and enjoy the distance’ the Museum of Bath Architecture. As part beautiful surroundings of the exhibition a noticeboard for post-it • ‘The rural landscape is very visible comments and a short questionnaire • Pitched roofs only for all new and encroaches on the edge of the survey were provided to obtain people’s builds in Bath City and is within our reach; I can be views on the landscape around Bath. in the countryside within a ten minute • A chance to see man-made nesting walk from my house. We have on Sixty-nine people completed within fantastic countryside questionnaires or recorded comments occasions sheep grazing below • Space, peace, history on the board. A summary of the Lansdown Crescent; there are not findings are below. • Gives Bath its uniqueness many cities where you would see that!’ • ‘In truth I suppose it’s not that What does Landscape mean to you? • The joy of living in a city where just to raise one’s eyes means a view of Comments recorded from the public in special, but what’s important is that • Big playgrounds, clean air, no trees and countryside – refreshing, the development phase on what makes it’s ours, and it’s close by, and it’s easily boundaries comforting and shielding the Bathscape area so special included: accessible, and there is variety, and • Peace and the calming of the soul • ‘I think the variety and diversity of there’s history, and it’s lovely, so • Space to breathe that’s good enough for anyone.’ • Landscape means everything hidden walkways and accessible • That no matter where I stand in the city routes that people can go on are really • Freedom my view should always include green special. I love how there are so many • Beautiful countryside to photograph • Having lived in more urban beautiful natural places to explore. It makes the city richer and full of life. • Landscape is the epitome of environments, the Avon valley and It’s the character of these places that natural beauty surrounding hills are the reminders that life and work doesn’t have to makes Bath an incredible place to live. • Relax, get mind off things. be separate from nature and rural It’s charming and has such a huge environments. Bath Landscape range of opportunities to connect holds that symbolism for me and appreciate nature’ • Natural Beauty and heritage.

Far Left: Walkers on Solsbury Hill Left: Pyramidal orchid Above: Consultation comments Right: Climbing the hills

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What is apparent is that people This public valuing of the Bathscape value the Bathscape for a wide largely reflects that outlined by variety of purposes including: UNESCO but extends it to the day • a backdrop when in the city to day experience of a contemporary looking out audience. What is crucial to the landscape’s significance is this • a place to appreciate the city connection with people including the from outside harmonious relationship between the • a place of peace, calm and reflection city and surroundings, the rich natural and historic heritage, the deliberate • as somewhere with historical and consideration of beauty, and the wildlife interest encouragement of residents and • as providing opportunity for leisure visitors to experience it. and exercise • a personal connection • as accessible green space. 6 RISKS AND

Left: Bath & Counties OPPORTUNITIES Archaeological Society volunteers

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Habitat loss and fragmentation 6.1 THREATS has seen a decline in both rare and TO THE common species while archaeology has been vulnerable to disturbance through LANDSCAPE AND ignorance or competing interests. The OPPORTUNITIES essential character of the landscape as a setting for the World Heritage Site TO ADDRESS suffers progressive impoverishment through small individual changes THESE collectively diminishing its quality. While there is an acceptance of the The Bathscape is a landscape as a mutable feature rather dynamic landscape, strongly than a wish to fix it in a particular time, influenced by the growing city there are fundamental components it encompasses and which such as the retention of key views, helps to characterise it, but incorporation of a natural (often treed) edge to the landscape as viewed from with important cultural and the city, green fingers reaching into the natural landscape features centre and an overall sense of the city in and assets that define its a bowl that are crucial to its character. special character. The ‘story’ of Bath as told through the landscape is also a key constituent of A number of these features are at risk its heritage though in danger of being from deterioration or permanent loss. overlooked with its physical remnants As a landscape with an urban centre, often subject to neglect. development pressures, piecemeal land ownership and competing land use are significant concerns.

Left: Increasingly fragmented ownership

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FRAGMENTATION OF LAND LOSS OF SKYLINE PRIORITY GRASSLANDS ARE 6.2 LOCAL ISSUES OWNERSHIP AND HABITATS TREES AND INTRUSION DECLINING WITH A LOSS OF PRESSURES FROM A In its site improvement plan for the OF DEVELOPMENT ON WILDFLOWER MEADOWS VIBRANT, GROWING CITY Bath and Bradford on Avon Bats Special SKYLINES AFFECTING THE TO SCRUB ENCROACHMENT WITH ITS COMPETING Area of Conservation, Natural England LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND POOR GRAZING DEMANDS AND USES highlighted the issue “land ownership Skyline trees are vulnerable as a result MANAGEMENT. is fragmented and management has of a lack of a varied age structure and Across the Bathscape wildflower-rich The UNESCO statement of Outstanding lapsed, particularly around the urban reliance on a few species. This is often grasslands are declining both in size and Universal Value highlights that as a fringe of Bath”. With the rising costs of exacerbated by the narrow width of quality. As they typically occur on poorer modern city “Bath remains vulnerable land and uncertain income from farming, many tree belts on the skyline and soils and steeper slopes they are often to large-scale development and to large landholdings around Bath are because of development pressures challenging for landowners to tackle due transport pressures, both within the increasingly being sold in lots. For and the proximity of housing nearby. to poor machinery access and limited site and in its setting that could impact woodland this trend has been driven available farm labour. They form a critical adversely on its garden city feel and by companies such as Woodlands.co.uk Opportunities on views across the property and to its component of the Bathscape not only buying larger tracts of woodland Improved woodland management green setting”. Such developments are for the species they support but also for and selling them off as small units. and additional planting to restore considered through the planning system their visual quality and reflection of the The economies of scale can make wooded skylines and create them with the requisite public consultation landscape as it would have been. management of such small land where considered beneficial. Trees and scrutiny. The long-running search parcels financially challenging. of Bathscape will bring the importance Opportunities for an acceptable site for a Park and of trees to the landscape to a wider Ride to the east of Bath has been the Opportunities Management advice and help with audience, raising awareness of the stewardship or grant applications most high profile such development The purchasers of such land parcels significance of trees on private land coupled with access to volunteer work in recent years with the latest proposal are often well-intentioned and wishing and throughout the Bathscape. parties can restore sites to more open overturned largely through public to protect the land. While they may grassland that can be maintained opinion. Planning issues are not have the background in land through suitable grazing. outside of the auspices of management, they are often more the Bathscape scheme. amenable to accepting advice, and Opportunities where that advisory service operates at a landscape scale significant change The Bathscape Partnership has made may be achieved. Grants via Bathscape clear that it is not its role to oppose, Small Grant Scheme can help to endorse, or comment upon any planning kick start activity and a network proposals that affect the landscape of landowners will provide mutual setting. For many residents, however, support and spread of best practice. such proposals are the flashpoint around which they realise how strongly they value their local landscape. The Views and Vistas project, while not involving any specific planning concerns and stressing that landscapes are inevitably subject to change, will give people the skills to assess key views, monitor their change and identify issues.

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL RISKS TO HERITAGE FROM 6.3 BROADER ASH DIE BACK AND HERITAGE UNDER PRESSURE INCREASED VISITOR IMPACT ISSUES FUTURE TREE DISEASES Scheduled ancient monuments and Encouraging more people to enjoy the Ash die back has recently appeared other sites of historic interest around landscape can put significant strain on ATTITUDES AND at sites around the city and estimates the Bathscape are an important element habitats, particularly sensitive ones. UNDERSTANDING suggest it could kill approximately of the story of the Bathscape but subject For example wildflower-rich sites can 20–30% of trees in the Bathscape area. to degradation due to land use pressures suffer trampling by walkers or nutrient There is an increasing general Though Ash only occasionally appear and lack of understanding. Sites such enhancement through dog faeces while disconnect between people and the as important individual feature trees as the Wansdyke sit alongside the rare species may suffer significant loss landscape which is considered to apply within the Bathscape, collectively they urban fringe of Bath adding to through single events. With a resident in the Bathscape area. With children form a significant proportion of the their vulnerability. At Odd Down population of over 100,000 people shown to be playing outside less area’s tree cover. the Wansdyke has suffered through and more than 5 million visitors a frequently, increased concern of Opportunities people damaging it to create rear year the key natural heritage sites ‘stranger danger’ and reduced access to their gardens, while the of the Bathscape area could see a motivation and knowledge, the Projects involving planting of trees dramway used to transport stone significant increase in foot-fall if next generation risks becoming will take into account the best species from Bathampton Down has suffered widely promoted. further alienated from the to plant to replace Ash, and those the removal of stones. Out in the landscape around Bath. better adapted to changing climate. Opportunities Management advice for existing countryside a tumulus has recently Opportunities been lost as a surface feature through The habitats and species of the more woodlands will consider the gradual ploughing. A nearby earthwork remains accessible wildlife-rich sites in Bathscape Access projects will ensure that diversification of species at sites within a ploughed field but is of are relatively resilient to visitor pressure people will be linked from local dominated by ash through unknown extent and a further having co-existed with people for some residential areas and the centre of selective thinning. tumulus in the same area is no considerable time. The wildflower-rich the city to the landscape, via the longer visible through being sites likely to attract most visitors are radial routes, cure walks, easy access/ covered by encroaching scrub. biodiverse but typically lack the most phototrails and active landscapes. rare and fragile species. Plants of public The therapeutic landscape projects Opportunities interest such as common spotted orchids will provide a walking programme and With a keen and knowledgeable and pyramidal orchids are widely spread other resources to help people of all volunteer archaeological society active across the Bathscape rather than abilities access the landscape, or in the Bathscape area with access to restricted to single ‘honeypot’ sites and provide a first step to exploring it, geophysical survey equipment, such so less vulnerable to suffering through via e.g. Naturewatch and community sites can now be recorded affordably increased exploration of the countryside, arts events. Interpretation material, and without disruption. The greatest while perhaps the most compelling events, exhibitions, online resources, threat to the sites is lack of information species in the area is the Peregrine falcon printed leaflets and guided walks will and understanding. Studies to assess which breeds each year on a church build confidence to visit the landscape. and record features coupled with tower in the centre of the city and is there Bathscape will work on joint research dissemination of identified issues to to be seen by any visitor who knows to with Bath Spa University and University landowners and agencies can help to look up. Encouraging people to explore of Bath to explore effective strategies secure their future. and experience the richness of the area’s for behaviour and attitude change. wildlife can be achieved without exposing Opportunities to find out more about vulnerable sites to undue pressure when the landscape via volunteering and done thoughtfully. training will be provided and online resources and community events will include opportunities for people to get directly involved.

Right: Dying Ash tree

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LOSS OF WILDLIFE ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR POLITICAL ISSUES AND CLIMATE CHANGE IDENTIFICATION SKILLS Antisocial behaviour, specifically POLICY CHANGES PRESSURES DUE TO AN AGEING COHORT increased fly tipping, low level vandalism The next few years are likely to see The unpredictability of future weather OF SKILLED PEOPLE (e.g. graffiti/fires) and use of motorbikes significant national policy change patterns in the face of climate change The large majority of skilled wildlife is a general problem that exists at a with the potential loss of some wildlife and the combined effects on species recorders in the area are of an older number of urban fringe sites in the protection and uncertainty over the distribution and dispersal coupled with generation with groups such as Bath Bathscape and is cited as a reason for future of stewardship schemes when potential changes to farm economics Natural History Society having an ageing other residents no longer using local the United Kingdom leaves the EU, and putting grazing regimes at risk could have demographic. There is a concern that green spaces. potential changes in national and local wide ranging effects on the Bathscape. there are too few skilled people from Opportunities planning policies leading to greater Opportunities the younger generation to replace development pressure. Bathscape will work with Friends While the trend of key grassland their skills in the coming decades. groups at key sites, including support for Opportunities habitats of the area is currently Opportunities litter picks, and promote increased use The Bathscape themes align well heading towards a reduction in Bath Natural History Society is an particularly through projects under the with A Green Future – Defra’s 25 extent and greater isolation, they outward looking group keen to Therapeutic Landscape theme. Through year plan for the Environment, which are still relatively widespread. The expand its membership both in number activities which encourage using the outlines goals for restoring nature and Bathscape scheme provides the and age range. The scheme will work sites for volunteering, family events, reconnecting people to it. While the opportunity to reverse this trend with Bath Natural History Society to nature watching and guided walks projects are not dependent on current while there are still sufficient remnants upskill volunteers while also targeting local people will be encouraged to EU protections they will encourage of wildflower-rich grassland to form new and younger audiences through see the area in a new way and to get greater care for the local environment the basis of a robust network. Such a events and training. The Grassland involved in its care and protection. through active participation. network will be vital to reduce the risk of Restoration Volunteers, Habitat Stewardship schemes are likely to local extinctions. Supporting landowners Recording and Monitoring and Trees continue to be attractive for Bathscape into stewardship schemes will encourage of Bathscape projects will specifically grassland sites which due to their often them to see the value of their land in involve training on wildlife recording. steep topography are less suited to terms beyond that of production-driven Entry level mass-recording opportunities intensive farming, while the Bathscape economic returns. The increased risk will be developed involving social media grant scheme should prove a draw of flooding is likely to see a greater as a first step to engaging wider to those sites and works which fall recognition of the role of tree cover in audiences and Bathscape will participate outside of stewardship. Previous the Bathscape leading people to value in national and local engagement and changes in stewardship schemes woodlands and their management more learning events that contribute to skills have led to increased interest from highly. The need to reduce fossil fuels development, such as Bath Festival of local landowners in taking up the has led to increased interest in the use Nature and Bioblitz. Participants will offer of land advisor visits or of wood for fuel as recognised by The then be encouraged to develop skills attending workshops to hear Forestry Commission in its Woodfuel further through training or at more of new options. Strategy, which could in turn drive involved events where Bath Natural increased woodland management. History Society will have a presence. Skills development pathways have been identified for the key volunteer roles, from basic familiarisation through to expert knowledge.

Left: Graffiti at Carrs Wood

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PARTNERSHIP-BASED RISKS Opportunities The Bathscape Partners are all While the risk of partners stepping committed to the successful delivery of back if they fail to secure work they the scheme and their success to date has tender for exists, this has not proved attracted further organisations such as so in development phase where two the Woodland Trust, Bath and Counties partners tendered to produce different Archaeological Society, Bath City Farm studies, one of which secured only part and Bath Natural History Society to seek of the work and the other lost out to a an active role in delivery. The success of bidder from outside the partnership. This the scheme relies on the broad range of track record of transparency and strong skills that a large and active partnership shared values is expected to retain the brings and it is important to ensure that full partnership through the entire involvement of partners is retained. delivery and hopefully beyond. The There is considerable interest from partnership is open to the involvement partners in helping to directly deliver of further organisations in delivery of the projects and to bid for items of paid scheme and recognises the wider skills work. As a result of not wishing to base this can bring. jeopardise the ability of partners to bid for works (through being seen to have an unfair advantage) or to prioritise one partner above another, the majority of projects have the Bathscape team listed as the lead partner.

THE PARTNERSHIP IS OPEN TO THE INVOLVEMENT OF FURTHER ORGANISATIONS IN DELIVERY OF THE SCHEME AND RECOGNISES THE WIDER Above: Burnt out car below SKILLS BASE THIS CAN BRING Springfield Park, Fox Hill

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LONG TERM MANAGEMENT The proper recording and dissemination of information can make a Retaining priority grassland habitats and lasting difference to the ability to protect developing enhanced wildflower-rich heritage. Bathscape will ensure that all grassland will require suitable long term heritage works are properly documented grazing and other management beyond and information disseminated to the the end of Bathscape. Protection and relevant landowners, authorities and promotion of heritage through events, interested parties. The involvement of management advice and publicity can a wide partnership and incorporation have a shelf-life in terms of its effect, of active volunteer groups such as Bath with a slow return to neglect. Natural History Society and Bath and Opportunities Counties Archaeological Society will reduce the risk of works being Bathscape will select sites for active ‘forgotten’ or agreed management enhancement works based in part on reduced unseen. Landowner records the owner’s ability to reinstate or begin will be retained alongside that of works suitable management. With regard to done and the schemes mid-term review priority grasslands, a concentrated effort will set out the process whereby legacy to clear sites of scrub can often be the is to be secured and assessed. bottleneck action that can then allow a resumption of management through grazing, and the incorporation of the small grant scheme can support further action such as fencing or provision of water where these are required to allow the addition of stock. In terms of funding, stewardship remains the most secure and available source of long-term land management funding and this will 7 be promoted through the scheme’s landowner advisory works. AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

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7.1 VISION OUR VISION IS THAT The Bathscape scheme will ensure Bath The Bathscape Partnership and its setting are better recognised, initially came together through managed and experienced as a a common recognition of the landscape city, with the surrounding value of the Bathscape, the hills and valleys enhancing the World Heritage Site and actively enjoyed by threats it faces if neglected and all. A greater number and wider range the opportunities it affords for of people will feel connected to their improving the lives of residents local landscape and inspired to explore and visitors. In refining our the outstanding built and natural environments, improving health vision themes such as active and wellbeing. management, connection, Our scheme vision will be achieved inclusivity, partnership, through implementation of the inspiration and enjoyment proposed projects, grouped under were repeatedly voiced. our four themes, which collectively incorporate ten underlying objectives with two further scheme-wide objectives. The objectives are listed below, while the remainder of this section outlines: the strategies and consultation which have informed the objectives; threats facing the heritage; and how the Bathscape scheme meets HLF outcomes.

132 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 133 Section 7 Aims, objectives and outcomes

THE THERAPEUTIC LEARNING, TRAINING SCHEME–WIDE OBJECTIVES: 7.2 BATHSCAPE LANDSCAPE & SKILLS THEMES AND • Activities that help to mitigate or adapt Projects and activities that develop the Activities to improve the understanding to the impacts of climate change are OBJECTIVES therapeutic tradition associated with the and skills of target audiences, volunteers supported and promoted heritage of Bath to support health and and participants. CONSERVING & RESTORING • Partnership working is improved wellbeing through greater contact with Objectives: and increased to help deliver the the landscape and natural environment. objectives of the Bathscape Projects and activities that will enable • Attractive opportunities are provided scheme and its legacy. the heritage to be better managed and Objectives: for people to develop their skills and in better condition. • The landscape will be used to benefit knowledge which can be utilised within Objectives: the health and wellbeing of residents, the scheme and beyond with barriers for use identified and • The green setting is cared for with • Communities take care of and make overcome, where possible more land managed, understood and decisions about their local heritage in better condition, involving a greater • Teachers, community groups and • People are aware of the importance number of people taking action to support workers will have greater of the Bathscape and of opportunities enhance our local heritage confidence in encouraging to help protect it. outdoor activity • The Bathscape area is recognised and valued as a notable landscape, with • People are inspired to actively explore landowners, managers, farmers and the landscape through celebration of communities working in partnership its natural, cultural and built heritage. and understanding the collective benefits they can achieve. ACCESS Projects and activities to improve access to the landscape and natural environment and reduce physical and other barriers. Objectives: • Increased and improved opportunities for people to access the landscape are presented • Confidence in accessing the countryside is enhanced with barriers to access identified. THE LANDSCAPE WILL BE USED TO BENEFIT THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF RESIDENTS, WITH BARRIERS FOR USE IDENTIFIED AND OVERCOME, WHERE POSSIBLE

134 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 135 Section 7 Aims, objectives and outcomes

7.3 LINKS TO • UNESCO operating guidelines 2014 There are a number of policies and The common thread in these strategies • National Policy Planning Framework strategies that focus on the needs of is the need for activities and accessible STRATEGIES 2012 people, their relationship to landscape, green spaces that enable and motivate and the health and wellbeing benefits people to move more and sit less and to AND NEEDS • A Green Future – 25 year plan 2018 of being with nature. look after their health and wellbeing. ASSESSMENTS • Biodiversity 2020: A strategy Developed under the leadership of for England’s wildlife and Bath & NE Somerset Council, but with There are a number of strategic plans, ecosystem services comprehensive consultation with the outlined in detail in the Management • Forestry Commission England’s community, these plans share objectives Information section of this plan, that Corporate Plan 2017/18 with Bathscape’s projects and have have helped to identify the need for informed the outcomes the projects the scheme and the priorities of • Natural Childhood Report 2012 – will achieve: communities in the Bathscape area, National Trust • Getting around Bath – a transport driving the vision, objectives and • National Trust Strategy 2025 development of projects. strategy for Bath 2014 • World Heritage Site Management • Health & Wellbeing Strategy 2015–19 The following policies and strategic Plan 2016–2022 plans afford protection and promote • Fit for Life Strategy 2014–19 • Bath & NE Somerset Council’s Core enhancements to the landscape setting, Strategy and Placemaking Plan • Shaping Up – Healthy Weight Strategy and encourage its enjoyment, (Bath) 2017 2015–2020 complementing and reflecting Bathscape’s vision: • West of England Joint Spatial Plan • Children’s and Young People Plan Draft 2018 (Draft) 2018–2021. • Bath & NE Somerset Green Space Strategy 2015–2029 • Avon Wildlife Trust Vision 2015–2020 • Cotswolds AONB Management Plan Draft 2018–2023 • The National Trust in Bath Business Plan Summary 2015–18 • Wiltshire Council Countryside Access Improvement Plan 2015–2025.

Right: Running in the Bathscape

136 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 137 Section 7 Aims, objectives and outcomes

People have also told us what they want Projects to restore and create better The spread of votes was fairly even. It 7.4 WHAT Bathscape to deliver to safeguard and habitats for nature in and around perhaps reflects perceptions of threats PEOPLE THINK build interest in the landscape. As part of the city and projects that provide to the landscape, with protection of the phase 1 bid background consultation opportunities for children and young habitats and opportunities to help care IS IMPORTANT people were invited to vote for the type people to explore and enjoy nature for them scoring most highly, rather than TO DO FOR THE of nature projects they would like to see received the most support. increasing levels of interaction which happening. 225 votes were cast and the At the subsequent Bath City Conference other surveys showed to be primarily LANDSCAPE results are shown in the table below. voting was widened to provide further visual or through walking. The Statement of Significance feedback on the types of projects that We also know from the pilots undertaken section of this plan outlines what the public wished to see, collecting during development phase that people people have told us they value 142 responses. value activities and events which enable about the landscape setting. them to explore new places and learn new things about the heritage.

Voting Results from Bath Festival of Nature June 2015 Voting Results from Bath City Conference 2015

TYPE OF PROJECT VOTES % TYPE OF PROJECT VOTES %

Hands on projects. Projects where I can get 36 16% The protection and enhancements of views 29 20% involved with improving spaces for nature and vistas Monitoring and ID projects. Projects where 39 17% The protection and enhancements of 47 33% I learn how to identify, record and help woodlands, grasslands and other habitats monitor wildlife The extent to which people access and enjoy the 30 21% Habitat restoration and creation. Projects that 69 31% outdoors will restore or create better habitats for nature in and around the city The opportunities for people to help care for 35 27% Education and Play. Projects that provide 70 31% green spaces and wildlife habitats new opportunities for children/young people to enjoy and explore nature I have no particular concerns 1 1%

My Project. Your project ideas 11 5%

138 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 139 Section 7 Aims, objectives and outcomes

• Priority grasslands declining with a Bathscape projects delivery against P1 – People will have developed skills 7.5 HERITAGE loss of wildflower meadows to scrub the nine Landscape Partnership P2 – People will have learnt about heritage THREATS AND encroachment and poor grazing programme outcomes P3 – People will have volunteered time C1 – Environmental impacts will be reduced management. KEY OPPORTUNITIES C2 – More people and a wider range of people • Archaeological Heritage under H1 – Heritage will be better managed will have engaged with heritage The strategies and policies pressure H2 – Heritage will be in better condition C3 – Local area/community will be a better H3 – Heritage will be identified/recorded place to live, work or visit recognise that the landscape needs • Attitudes and understanding – to be protected and enhanced. The an increasing general disconnect value people place on the landscape between people and the landscape demonstrates its importance to their • Ash die back and future tree diseases wellbeing. The landscape setting does face threats, and Bathscape projects are • Loss of wildlife identification skills due Outcomes for Outcomes for Outcomes for Heritage People Communities designed to counter these – whether in to an ageing cohort of skilled people the habitats themselves or in attitudes • Antisocial behaviour causing residents H1 H2 H3 P1 P2 P3 C1 C2 C3 and behaviours. to no longer use local green spaces. Threats to the heritage are detailed Conserving and 1.1 Grasslands for Y Y Y Y Y Y Our vision, objectives and projects in the Risks and Opportunities section Restoring the future seek to reflect the importance that of this report and summarised here: organisations and local people place 1.2 Grassland restoration Y Y Y Y • Pressures from a growing city with upon the Bathscape, address the volunteers its competing demands and uses threats it faces and encompass the 1.3 Woodlands of Y Y Y Y Y • Fragmentation of land ownership opportunities it affords. These are Bathscape and habitats outlined in further detail next. 1.4 Small grant scheme Y Y • Loss of skyline trees and intrusion of development on skylines affecting 1.5 Views and vistas Y Y Y Y Y the landscape character 1.6 Caring for Y Y Y Y Y Y Heritage at risk

The Therapeutic 2.1 Landscape on Y Y Y Y Y Landscape prescription

2.2 Connecting with Y Y Y nature

2.3 Bathscape Y Y Y Y Naturewatch

2.4 Bathscape Green Y Y Y Y Y Spaces

2.5 Therapeutic walks Y Y Y Y Y OUR VISION, OBJECTIVES programme AND PROJECTS SEEK TO 2.6 Connecting families Y Y REFLECT THE IMPORTANCE with landscape THAT ORGANISATIONS AND 2.7 Outdoor seasonal Y Y LOCAL PEOPLE PLACE UPON celebrations THE BATHSCAPE

140 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 141 Section 7 Aims, objectives and outcomes

Outcomes for Outcomes for Outcomes for • Woodlands of Bathscape will ensure Heritage People Communities 7.6 OUTCOMES 70ha of woodland are better managed FOR HERITAGE with 40 woodland owners given H1 H2 H3 P1 P2 P3 C1 C2 C3 management advice. Landowners will THE HERITAGE WILL BE be part of a network and will receive Access 3.1 Bathscape circular Y Y Y Y BETTER MANAGED training to support them to continue to path & radial routes manage their woodlands. Marketing of A Landscape Character Assessment timber products will be supported to 3.2 Area and local hubs Y Y has been produced and will ensure generate income to sustain woodland that decision making is based on a management 3.3 Cure walks and Y Y Y Y Y sound understanding of the area’s • Bathscape Small Grant Scheme carriage rides landscape values. will provide grants of up to £5,000 3.4 Easy access routes Y Y Y Y Bathscape will work with a number of to support landowners to undertake and phototrails delivery partners to implement a suite targeted landscape conservation of projects, supporting land managers and enhancement work which fall 3.5 Active landscapes Y Y Y to improve the management of vitally outside the scope of the Countryside important habitats and landscape Stewardship and Woodland grants, Learning, 4.1 Interpretive media Y Y Y Y features through advice, skills enabling better management of training and development and training, making woodlands and grasslands skills more use of existing resources and 4.2 Habitat recording Y Y Y Y • Caring for Heritage at Risk will and monitoring grant support. promote better management and 4.3 Bathscape Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y The projects and activities that will care of historic features within Bath’s community skills lead to better management of the landscape. Ten sites will have been heritage at the landscape scale are identified and a management plan 4.4 Bathscape student Y Y Y Y Y Y summarised below: produced. The sites will be surveyed placements • Grasslands for the Future will and recorded and better protected 4.5 SW Bath primary Y Y Y provide targeted support to as a result schools learning landowners and land managers to • Bathscape Green Spaces will 4.6 Trees of Bathscape Y Y Y Y help reverse the decline of lowland support and develop local Friends calcareous grassland and lowland and community groups to take on meadow priority habitats. 40 priority the care of local green spaces. This 4.7 Intergenerational Y Y Y Y Y Y sites will have been brought under will include developing three year oral history stewardship and 60 landowners management plans and working outside stewardship will have been to improve the areas. advised on improved management strategies. A Meadow Owner’s Guide will have been produced and distributed

142 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 143 Section 7 Aims, objectives and outcomes

Volunteers will contribute to the • Bathscape Small Grant Scheme THE HERITAGE WILL BE • Grassland Restoration Volunteers improved management of the heritage will provide grants to support BETTER IDENTIFIED AND will provide additional support to the in these projects and under Bathscape landowners to undertake critical RECORDED Grasslands for the Future project and Community Skills. Support networks landscape conservation and undertake a range of surveying and for landowners will be developed to enhancement work, e.g. stock The projects that involve identifying recording works of species-rich share best practice and training. These fencing, small scale inter-planting, and recording the heritage will work grasslands, auditing the condition of projects and initiatives will ensure that scrub clearance and coppicing, closely with relevant agencies: Historic key sites with outdated information the landscape remains resilient and thus improving the condition of Environment Record; Bristol Regional to help target resources and improve healthy by fully engaging landowners woodlands and grasslands Environmental Records Centre (BRERC); management. Records will be digitised and local people in the care and • Views and vistas will undertake Archives; Bath in Time; Ancient Tree and held by BRERC management of the heritage. practical work to enhance or Hunt; and Know Your Place, to ensure • Woodlands of Bathscape will record maintain significant view-points that all assets identified or surveyed will updated information on the condition THE HERITAGE WILL BE be added to the established resources. of local woodlands and identify key IN BETTER CONDITION • Caring for Heritage at Risk will support volunteers to undertake The following projects will ensure that sites for surveying by volunteers There are a number of projects that restoration works identified in the the heritage is better identified and under the Habitat Recording and will lead to the heritage being in management plans to prevent further recorded: Monitoring project better condition: decline and improve condition of local • Grasslands for the Future will record • Views and vistas will train volunteers • Grasslands for the Future will reverse heritage assets updated information on the condition in view monitoring methodology. They the decline and improve the condition • Landscape on prescription will of key sites and ensure landowners will undertake full view assessments of of lowland calcareous grassland and establish regular volunteer work and managers recognise and fully 30 sites, producing reports that will be lowland meadow priority habitats by parties combining outdoor exercise understand the habitats in their care, made available to the public and to working with landowners. 12 new with practical management works. recording this in their management relevant partners meadows will have been enhanced or An area of woodland and grassland plans. Training will include key • Caring for Heritage at Risk will created. Seeds propagated from at Bath City Farm will be in better species and priority habitat achieve improved recording of historic target sites will have been distributed. condition, other sites will have been identification. Records will be features. Ten sites will be surveyed and A match-maker service for sites and improved and a nursery for seed digitised and held by BRERC new and updated information added grazing stock will help to resolve issues propagation will have been to the Historic Environment Record of under-grazing established. • Habitat Recording and Monitoring • Grassland Restoration Volunteers will Volunteers will contribute to the will train and support 30 volunteers undertake a range of works in support improved condition of the heritage in in habitat recording and monitoring. of the Grasslands for the Future these projects and under Bathscape 12 woodland sites will be surveyed project, bringing species-rich Community Skills. and 12 enhanced grassland sites will grasslands into better condition be monitored. Key species will have • Woodlands of Bathscape will enhance been promoted and recorded via 10ha of publically owned woodland for mass-participation social media people and wildlife. 70ha of woodland campaigns. Records will be in private ownership, brought into digitised and held by BRERC management, will be in a better condition

144 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 145 Section 7 Aims, objectives and outcomes

• Bathscape Student Placements will 7.7 OUTCOMES The Bathscape target audiences are: work with other projects to include • Farmers and landowners students in recording community FOR PEOPLE events, collecting memories and • Local people stories and making them available The 25 projects of the Bathscape • Special interest user groups/ to the public Scheme have taken into account our individuals target audiences and target groups. • Trees of Bathscape will support • Friends and community groups volunteers to survey and collect Projects will encourage people to data on veteran trees, significant volunteer, learn new skills, learn about • Students to the landscape and upload to the heritage and take on the care of the • People living in the more deprived the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Bathscape. The Volunteer Strategy and areas of Bath Tree Hunt and Treezilla Training Plan outlines how we will reach the target audiences, the skills • Young people • Bathscape Intergenerational Oral development pathways for volunteers, • Family groups History will use the creative and digital training opportunities and how we will • Older age/those receiving social care expertise of Bathscape partners to work with partners. The Training, explore and record people’s Learning and Skills theme incorporates • People needing to improve physical/ memories of the recent past. projects aimed at increasing heritage mental wellbeing Volunteers will contribute to the skills and understanding. • Children and adults with mobility/ improved condition of the heritage in additional needs these projects and under Bathscape Community Skills. • Schools & organised youth groups As part of Bathscape public engagement • Tourists & visitors activities, we will promote citizen science • Walkers – local people & visitors. and social media campaigns to gain additional images of heritage assets and The audience groups benefitting wildlife sightings. These will be shared from each project is summarised with appropriate partners and archives. in the table below:

Right: Twerton railway tunnel

146 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 147 Section 7 Aims, objectives and outcomes

Farmers Local Special Friends Students More Young Family Older Improve Mobility Schools Tourists Walkers and people interest and depri- People Groups people well- needs and land- groups comm- ved being visitors owners unity areas groups

1.1 Grasslands for the future

1.2 Grassland restoration vols

1.3 Woodlands of Bathscape

1.4 Small grant scheme

1.5 Views and vistas

1.6 Caring for Heritage at risk

2.1 Landscape on prescription

2.2 Connecting with nature

2.3 Bathscape Naturewatch

2.4 Bathscape Green Spaces

2.5 Therapeutic walks programme

2.6 Connecting families

2.7 Outdoor seasonal celebrations

3.1 Circular path & radial routes

3.2 Area and local hubs

3.3 Cure walks and carriage rides

3.4 Easy access routes/phototrails

3.5 Active landscapes

4.1 Interpretive media

4.2 Habitat recording/monitoring

4.3 Bathscape community skills

4.4 Bathscape student placements

4.5 SW Bath primary schools

4.6 Tree survey training

4.7 Intergenerational oral history

148 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 149 Section 7 Aims, objectives and outcomes

PEOPLE WILL HAVE • Bathscape Student Placements: PEOPLE WILL HAVE LEARNT • Connecting with nature will enable DEVELOPED SKILLS projects that further individual study; ABOUT HERITAGE school children to learn about research projects around behaviour Bathscape iconic species, biodiversity, There are 600 training opportunities change for health; and community The audience profile is broad, and there view points and landscape heritage. provided within projects. multimedia projects are a wide range of activities, events and Entry Hill Golf Course and Bath City interpretive materials across projects Projects that enable volunteers to • SW Bath Primary Schools learning: Farm will become well used as outdoor that will enable people to learn about the develop skills in order to deliver the using the landscape for teaching, learning sites heritage. The stories that people will learn project to a high standard are: with new learning resources • Bathscape naturewatch will provide are outlined in the Interpretation Plan. • Grassland Restoration Volunteers: • Trees of Bathscape: veteran tree public engagement sessions that: practical conservation and habitat identification; and surveying skills Projects with a particular learning highlight and promote Bathscape element are: iconic species (e.g. bat walks, finding management • Intergenerational oral history: multi- • Grasslands for the Future through Bath asparagus); showcase key sites • Views and vistas: surveying, assessing media skills; and collaborative working. and habitats within the Bathscape and recording views which landowners will have learnt In addition, the Bathscape Community about the importance of priority area; build understanding and • Caring for Heritage at Risk: research Skills project focuses specifically on habitats, via training, visits and appreciation of the relationship and archaeological explorations people from disadvantaged groups, networks between the city and landscape, encouraging access to general including both natural habitats • Landscape on Prescription: leading • Caring for Heritage at Risk will engage volunteering and skills development, and formal parks (e.g. from key walks volunteers from the Bath and Counties and delivering: viewpoints); contribute to the • Connecting with Nature: confidence Archaeological Society (BACAS) to learning objectives identified in to use the network of outdoor • Induction and essential skills provided demonstrate geophysical surveys of the interpretation plan. 200 learning sites to all volunteers sites, inviting members of the public people a year will attend • Rural skills training courses to take part and receive training in • Bathscape Naturewatch: delivering the use of equipment and learn public engagement events • Learning via skill sharing on practical about the archaeological site • Bathscape Green Spaces: develop conservation tasks Friends groups; managing local green • Courses run by adult learning spaces; and running events specialists for volunteers far from • Therapeutic Walks Programme: education leading walks and event management • City & Guilds community facilitator • Connecting Families: bush-craft; course or similar outdoor activities; building confidence; • Accredited six week course for those family communication; and teamwork not in employment, education or • Interpretive Media: developing multi- training media interpretive materials and • Certificates of attendance and skills running community events development issued from Bathscape • Habitat Recording and Monitoring: and partners. identifying key species and surveying In all projects, a range of volunteering techniques is included from entry level through to supervising other volunteers and leading community action. Project leads will encourage and assess volunteers and ensure that they progress.

150 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 151 Section 7 Aims, objectives and outcomes

• Bathscape Green Spaces will PEOPLE WILL HAVE MORE PEOPLE AND A support community groups to run VOLUNTEERED TIME 7.8 OUTCOMES WIDER RANGE OF PEOPLE public events. People attending will FOR COMMUNITIES Of the 25 projects comprising the WILL HAVE ENGAGED learn about the significance of green WITH HERITAGE spaces in the planned landscape Bathscape Theme, only four projects NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL • Therapeutic Walks Programme of do not use volunteers. IMPACTS WILL BE REDUCED In addition to the 14 audience groups guided walks throughout the year and The remaining 21 projects require outlined above, five target groups have at the Bathscape Walking Festival will a significant and skilled group All Bathscape activities and interpretive also been identified, those who are be led by people able to talk about of volunteers to deliver. In total materials, such as trail guides, will currently unlikely to be engaged with the landscape heritage and the 795 volunteers will provide over promote the use of public transport. heritage, or those unlikely to have stories and themes outlined in the 3000 volunteer days. Walking activities feature prominently access to it. across projects, particularly those in the Interpretation Plan. Over 300 people The main volunteering activities These are: a year will benefit Therapeutic Landscape and Access spread across projects and themes. Activities encourage people to • Communities in more deprived • Outdoor Seasonal Celebrations will delivery partners are: visit and care for their local green spaces areas where there are low levels provide participatory arts events and • Conservation and habitat restoration and then to explore further afield, on of engagement with the heritage – accompanying workshops with schools foot where possible. particularly Twerton, Whiteway, • Developing interpretation resources and community groups. People will Southdown, Foxhill and Snowhill have a better understanding of the and taking those to audience groups Projects specifically reducing negative impacts are: • Schools and organised youth groups relationship between natural world, • Monitoring, surveying, spotting and seasons, food and local heritage recording “iconic species” and habitats • Grasslands for the Future will • Students in further and higher • Projects in the Access Theme will increase the biodiversity on 40 education • Developing community capacity to priority grassland sites, reversing enable people to learn about the care for the natural heritage • People with mobility needs heritage via the accompanying their decline, and will enhance 12 • People over 65 – due to growing resources. Walking leaflets, trail • Encouraging and leading outdoor meadows helping to build more numbers in this age group, including guides and digital resources will activities, particularly guided walks robust networks of sites allowing those receiving social care. include interpretive elements about • Researching local heritage species to adapt to climate change the heritage. For example, the Cure • Uploading resources and data input, • Woodlands of Bathscape will Our activities, interpretative materials, Walks leaflets will outline the history working with established resources improve the biodiversity and reverse events and approach to volunteering are of Bath as a spa town and the use of the decline of 80ha of woodland aimed at increasing the understanding cure walks in the 18th century, as well • Mentoring and supervisory and commitment of the existing support to other volunteers. • Bathscape Circular Path & Radial as providing information about the Routes will provide and promote radial audience to safeguard the heritage and modern cure walk trails routes to the circular path from the city attracting new and wider audiences • The Interpretive Media project brings centre. This will encourage people to from the most disadvantaged together all the media that Bathscape explore the landscape within easy communities and groups. will use to enable people to learn walking distance of the city, without about the heritage, including an the need for cars. Public transport interactive website, community hubs and the Park and Ride sites will events, exhibitions and projects be promoted as ways to access the • The remaining projects in the countryside in a sustainable way. Learning, training and skills theme include elements of volunteer skills development through which people learn about the heritage.

152 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 153 Section 7 Aims, objectives and outcomes

We will achieve this through a number • Cure Walks and Carriage Rides is • Bathscape Student Placements The Volunteer Strategy and Training of specific projects and activities: aimed at finding and promoting trails enables students to engage with the Plan takes account of the barriers • Landscape on Prescription will work that are accessible for people with heritage via projects, placements and to volunteering and participation closely with GP surgeries and offer mobility needs, young families and community activities, working and ensures we provide flexible conservation volunteering and guided those wanting to improve their health. alongside local people opportunities to suit those who are walks to people in Twerton and It includes accessible walks, walks • SW Primary School learning will short of time and resources and people Whiteway, those with mobility needs starting at Royal United Hospital and develop educational resources about wanting to improve their physical health and people over 65. It will also enable fitness trails at Springfield Park and the heritage, working with schools in and mental wellbeing. those people to explore further in Entry Hill south west Bath Across all projects, we will work closely the landscape • Easy Access Routes and Phototrails • Intergenerational oral history will with community groups, partners and • Connecting with Nature will provide will promote the more accessible walks bring together students, young people sites, such as Bath City Farm, and build additional outdoor learning facilities at from other projects, reducing barriers in more deprived parts of Bath and on the relationships already established Entry Hill Golf Course, near Foxhill, and to access. Photo and video trails will older people to work on joint heritage during development phase. ensure that schools in South West Bath enable people with additional needs research and interpretation projects. have outdoor learning sites within to assess the routes against their A number of projects in the Therapeutic walking distance, building teacher own requirements Landscape and Access themes enable confidence in their use • Active Landscapes will provide collaborations between students, • Bathscape Naturewatch and the bespoke activities for young people academics and community groups. Therapeutic Walks Programme will from more deprived parts of Bath and operate area-wide, but will include those with additional needs to explore bespoke events for target groups. We the natural heritage, working with will work closely with local community partners such as Mentoring Plus groups and support groups and Time-2-Share • Connecting Families with Landscape • Interpretive Media provides activities, is aimed specifically at families with multi-media production and social young people with high emotional media strategies covering all target and behavioural needs audiences and based on heritage storylines and themes • Outdoor seasonal celebrations will deliver community arts events and • Bathscape Community Skills provides workshops with schools in Foxhill, skills development for people from Whiteway, Twerton and Snowhill target areas and those currently a long way from education or employment. • Bathscape Circular Path and Radial It includes entry level, taster sessions Routes will increase the number of and micro volunteering people who access natural heritage. Improved pathways and signage and high quality trail guides and promotion, along with guided walks, will enable more people to access the countryside from the city centre ACROSS ALL PROJECTS, WE WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS, PARTNERS AND SITES

154 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 155 Section 7 Scheme Costs Summary

YOUR LOCAL AREA/ Projects that both make physical COMMUNITY WILL BE A improvements and make it easier BETTER PLACE TO LIVE, for people to visit and appreciate WORK OR VISIT the heritage are: • Views and vistas Bathscape projects that make physical • Landscape on Prescription improvements to the area, increasing biodiversity and making it more • Bathscape Green Spaces interesting to visit are: • Bathscape Circular Path and • Grasslands for the Future Radial Routes. • Woodlands of Bathscape. Projects that focus on reducing inequality of access to the landscape and increasing community cohesion, particularly amongst target groups are: • Therapeutic Walks Programme • Cure Walks • Bathscape Community Skills • Bathscape Student Placements • Intergenerational oral history. 8 SCHEME COSTS SUMMARY

156 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 157 Section 8 Scheme Costs Summary

The Bathscape scheme will 8.1 PROJECT deliver twenty five projects across the four themes of LEADS Conserving and Restoring, The projects will be overseen by the The Therapeutic Landscape, Bathscape Team with support from Access, and Learning, Training & project partners and/or external Skills. Summaries of the twenty providers. This reflects that the projects operate across multiple landholdings five projects are given at the end rather than sites owned by individual of this section. Further details organisations and will allow both project are provided in the appendices partners and external contractors to bid including role profiles for posts, for items of commissioned work without projected spends across the unfair advantage. delivery period and details The governance review for delivery of match funding. phase broadens the support to the Bathscape Team, creating subgroups by theme (outlined in the appendices). Membership of the Landscape Partnership Delivery Group and the subgroups are drawn from the board and wider partners, creating a broad base of experience and skills in overseeing projects. They will not be involved in assessment of tenders for commissioned works where conflicts of interest could arise.

158 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 159 Section 8 Scheme Costs Summary

REF PROJECT PROJECT LEAD REF PROJECT PROJECT LEAD

1.1 Grasslands for the Bathscape Team 4.1 Interpretive Media Bathscape Team with oversight from the Landscape Partnership Future Delivery Group

1.2 Grassland Restoration Bathscape Team supported by Conserving and 4.2 Habitat recording and Bathscape Team supported by Bristol Regional Environmental Volunteers Restoring subgroup monitoring Records Centre

1.3 Woodlands of Bathscape Team working with commissioned external provider 4.3 Community Skills Bathscape Team with oversight from the Landscape Partnership Bathscape Delivery Group

1.4 Bathscape Small grant Bathscape Team supported by Landscape Partnership 4.4 Bathscape Student Bathscape Team with University of Bath and Bath Spa University scheme Delivery Group Placements 1.5 Views and vistas Bathscape Team supported by externally commissioned expert 4.5 SW Bath Primary Bathscape Team working with a Partner’s Learning Manager 1.6 Caring for Heritage at Bathscape Team supported by Bath and Counties Schools learning Risk Archaeological Society 4.6 Trees of Bathscape Bathscape Team supported by commissioned external provider 2.1 Landscape on Bathscape Team working with Wessex Water and Public Health for 1.3 Woodlands of Bathscape prescription

2.2 Connecting with Bathscape Team supported by Therapeutic 4.7 Intergenerational oral Bathscape Team supported by the Landscape Partnership Nature Landscape subgroup history Delivery Group

2.3 Bathscape Bathscape Team supported by Therapeutic Landscape Naturewatch subgroup and Bath & NE Somerset Council’s Ecologist

2.4 Bathscape Green Bathscape Team Spaces

2.5 Therapeutic Walks Bathscape Team supported by Therapeutic Landscape Programme subgroup

2.6 Connecting Families Bathscape Team working with commissioned external provider with Landscape

2.7 Outdoor seasonal Community Arts provider commissioned by Bathscape Team celebrations

3.1 Circular Path and Bathscape Team working with commissioned external provider Radials Routes

3.2 Area and local Hubs Bathscape Team

3.3 Cure walks and Bathscape Team supported by Bath & NE Somerset Council’s carriage rides Public Health and Sport & Active Lifestyles Teams

3.4 Easy access and Bathscape Team supported by Access subgroup phototrails 3.5 Active Landscapes Bathscape Team with local instructors supported by Bath & NE Somerset Council’s Sport & Active Lifestyles Team

160 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 161 Section 8 Legacy

9 LEGACY

216 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 217 Section 9 Legacy

The Bathscape partnership first As proposed in the HLF Guide came together with the intention ‘Legacy planning for Landscape Partnerships’ Bathscape staff will revisit of making a lasting difference to legacy ambitions and arrangements at the landscape setting of Bath. the scheme’s mid-term evaluation review Landscape Partnership Scheme to provide detailed planning and a funding is seen as the vital step legacy strategy that fully reflects the in achieving that ambition, but it activities and findings of the scheme. This will be used as a tool to help secure has been recognised throughout resources and create suitable structures the five years of partner and mechanisms to progress the discussions thus far that the Bathscape Partnership and its work process is much longer if into the future. It is the ambition of benefits are to endure. the board that Bathscape develops beyond the five years of Heritage This section details the legacy of the Lottery Funding, continuing scheme at the project, organisational partnership working and and landscape scale and how this seeking further resources. will be achieved.

Project legacy – the lasting impact individual projects have on heritage, people and communities

Organisational legacy – the lasting legacy and learning that partner organisations gain from involvement in the Bathscape LPS

Landscape scale legacy – the lasting impact the Landscape Partnership will have on the green setting of Bath

218 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 219 Section 9 Legacy

£22,000 has been budgeted for With a significant proportion of the THEME 2 an external consultant to carry out 9.1 PROJECT areas grassland and woodland owners THE THERAPEUTIC detailed evaluation and monitoring LEGACY being small or hobby landowners, LANDSCAPE work, which will include developing networking is seen as a key way to build the legacy strategy to present to the In each project plan we have support, knowledge and understanding Projects in this theme focus on health Board for comment and agreement. considered individual legacy of shared goals in the long-term. and wellbeing. There are two main The Final Evaluation Report will make Bathscape will create woodland and approaches to legacy planning. One an assessment of Bathscape Scheme’s and throughout the scheme grassland owner networks, recruiting will be to develop the case for different longer term impacts and how the the ways in which people can owners through training and visits, funding models and approaches, Partnership’s legacy strategy will be involved in the long-term developing the networks during the building on the delivery phase work be implemented. It will also inform care of the landscape have scheme’s lifespan and building and the mid-term evaluation. The other a review of the legacy strategy drawn towards light touch coordination. will be increasing community capacity up at the mid-term review stage. The been incorporated. A successful model for this is the to continue the activities without the legacy strategy will be amended and/or Sustainability issues are county meadows groups. need for additional future funding. updated in response to final evaluation summarised for each of The involvement of specialist volunteer For the Walking Festival in the and will set out the long-term vision for the four themes below. groups such as Bath Natural History Therapeutic Walks Programme, once its sustaining the scheme’s achievements. Society and the Bath and Counties reputation has developed, sponsorship THEME 1 Archaeological Society alongside will be trialled and charging policies CONSERVING AND partner organisations with a strong piloted. Walks aimed at target groups RESTORING volunteer base such as National will remain free, taking into account the Trust, Avon Wildlife Trust and Bath need to be accessible to people on low Capital works undertaken in this theme, Preservation Trust allows opportunities incomes, but a blended approach will such as woodland works or species-rich for Bathscape trained volunteers to be considered and tested. The Walking grassland restoration will be protected further their skills and continue their Festival will become a regular feature by agreements to ensure the benefits volunteering activities. of Bath Festival season and encourage are maintained for a minimum five year people to become more active as period. Management plans stretching The records from habitat and well as showcasing Bath and its over at least five years will also be species surveys will be held by the surroundings as a walking destination. put in place. Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre (BRERC). Archaeological survey The Landscape on Prescription and Priority grassland works on farm findings will be added to the Historic Connecting Families with Landscape holdings under the Grasslands for Environment Record (HER). Survey and projects should be suitable for new the Future project will be supported monitoring reports from the Views and funding bids, once their value and by Countryside Stewardship. Works Vistas project will be held by Bath & NE impact has been demonstrated. These undertaken through the Bathscape THE LEGACY Somerset Council Landscape Architects. are both projects which have extensive Small Grant Scheme will be subject to evaluation built in, including from the STRATEGY WILL applicants having signed a five year Where equipment has been bought, University of Bath, and we are expecting BE AMENDED AND/ management agreement. such as the brush harvester and tools, these to provide robust evidence for a these will be held and maintained by OR UPDATED IN case for future funding. RESPONSE TO FINAL Bathscape partners for continued use. EVALUATION AND WILL SET OUT THE LONG-TERM VISION FOR SUSTAINING THE SCHEME’S ACHIEVEMENTS.

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For all the projects in this theme, the THEME 3 ACCESS The skills development programmes For five years after the end of the events, interpretive material, marketing include community facilitation, i.e. scheme, the website content that and evaluation processes will encourage An enhanced Cotswold Voluntary developing skills in volunteers to enables people to access and learn people to take on activities themselves, Warden service will be used to check lead projects independently and about the heritage will remain useable. individually and for the benefit of the maintenance requirements of the supervise and motivate other volunteers. It will be maintained by Bath & NE community, using Bathscape to recruit, circular path and radial routes. They Community based organisations and Somerset Council as the lead partner, train and empower volunteers. People will be trained and equipped with basic groups will continue activities and to unless a new body is created as part will be encouraged to, for example, start maintenance tools during the lifespan of care for the green spaces and run events of the scheme legacy, or a preferable local walking groups or lead outdoor the scheme and will build checks of the and activities. Support and guidance will website option becomes available. learning sessions and guided walks. routes into their existing programme. continue to be available to these groups An allowance has been made in the As the routes are on existing Rights via networks and partners, particularly budget for adapting materials, if Other engagement projects, aimed at of Way, maintenance will ultimately be helping people learn about the heritage Avon Wildlife Trust and National Trust. required. Specific resources, such as the responsibility of the Local Authority those developed for schools, may be and care for the landscape, such as Public Rights of Way Team who will liaise The Bathscape website is viewed community arts events and Naturewatch as an important part of the legacy, hosted on relevant Partner websites with the Wardens and undertake larger where it complements their own sessions, will be used to promote the maintenance operations. as it will hold many of the outputs idea of regular volunteering in the from the scheme including walking educational resources. landscape. They will seek to recruit Trail leaflets and downloadable routes, interpretation of the landscape, additional volunteers to local community resources for Cure Walks and Easy summaries of the projects activities, groups and Bathscape partners. Access Routes will form part of the oral history recordings, school Bathscape Green Spaces will have legacy planning for the website and resources, images and artworks. worked with local people to develop digital content. friends groups, with long-term planning, Evaluation strategies for Access who will continue to use and look after projects, particularly Active Landscapes, the heritage assets. will monitor people’s likelihood to One of the most important results for explore the landscape independently, Bathscape to achieve is inspiring people following a Bathscape-led event. to care more for the landscape setting, to enjoy being active in it and feel the THEME 4 LEARNING benefits to their wellbeing as a result. TRAINING AND SKILLS Through the programme of events, work Bathscape will equip volunteers with with schools, activities and volunteering, repeatable skills to continue activities the legacy will be: people taking on their beyond the life of the scheme. Specialist own projects; continuing to actively skills, such as habitat recording and enjoy their surroundings; and to pass monitoring skills and archaeological that on to future generations. survey and assessment skills can be best supported in the long term through volunteers’ engagement with existing volunteer specialist groups such as the Bath Natural History Society and the Bath and Counties Archaeological Society. Both societies are keen to take key roles in relevant projects and see increased and more diverse membership as a result. Both have a long and active history in the Bath area.

Left: Grazing at Bannerdown

222 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 223 Section 9 Legacy

9.2 People Legacy • Enduring therapeutic landscapes ORGANISATIONAL to actively enable and encourage healthy lifestyle and reduce LEGACY pharmaceutical use The Bathscape partnership met in • Students more connected with December 2017 to discuss evaluation town and landscape and legacy. Strengthening individual • Projects – art, science, ecology Partners and the relationship and coordination between partners are • Increased opportunities for crucial to the overall Scheme legacy. outdoor activities Partners identified the legacy elements • Improve knowledge of Bath they hoped would be achieved, both by environs among those in the city the scheme and for their organisation: • Improve traffic free routes within Bath Heritage Legacy • More activities in the community for Organisational/partnership ambitions These legacy ambitions are well • Volunteer networks to help actively referrals for social prescribing • Working in partnership to achieve: covered within the scheme and will manage all landholdings • Bathscape to excite members more land managed and in better be revisited at the mid-term evaluation • Landscape better connected, heritage about their roles in stewarding condition; more communities taking review to provide detailed planning better preserved and both are making access to land by the public. action for nature – urban and rural; a and a legacy strategy. a full contribution to the lives of people business network created to support Bathscape has multiple routes for Community Legacy • Healthy landscape and community future conservation strategies delivering better management of • Improved community connection the landscape setting and greater • Better managed landscape • Develop an understanding of how and presence within communities to bring the skills, experience and community involvement. Its own governance structure, with a Board, • The most walkable ‘landscape city’ • Student/staff/town together energy of all the organisations in Europe involved to deliver a world leading Landscape Partnership Delivery Group, • Outdoor learning/enjoying space Advisory Group and themed subgroups • Green setting is cared for and relevant Bathscape project together will allow for regular review and forging to engaged local communities and • Shared vision/activity new ways for partners to work together. visitors • Bathscape will help us deliver conservation and community • Greater partnerships with external The projects involve mentoring of friends • Farmers rewarded for conservation. engagement in Bath and around agencies for collaborating/funding groups, skill sharing between partners Bath for wildlife and people for projects that benefit health and and landowners networks. These well being will bring together different groups • Improve awareness of each other’s working towards a shared vision for communities within Bath (high • For the whole organisation to the landscape and add to potential income/low income, inner area/ understand and value the ‘Landscape future scheme partners. outer area). city’ i.e. its sense of place Bathscape Partners and wider networks • Strong partnerships will have benefited from increased • We are perceived to fulfil the second awareness of the importance of the aspect of our chartable remit landscape and boosted volunteer (enjoyment of green countryside) as numbers and their skills. much as we do the first (preservation/ conservation of built heritage) • Stronger links with the Bath area. Above: Bath Natural History Society passing on skills

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Existing and new audiences, both 9.3 LANDSCAPE visitors and residents, will value the LEGACY landscape and be involved in its long- term care. Bathscape partners will “Bathscape” will be used to refer to the have more volunteers with more skills landscape setting of the World Heritage who are motivated to continue their Site. It will be synonymous with the idea work. Community groups will look of a landscape city and therapeutic after their local green spaces and landscape. anti-social behaviour or neglect will have been reversed. A greater area of the Bathscape will be better managed and in better condition, There will have been a shift in with long-term management plans and how parts of South West Bath are stewardship schemes in place for the perceived, with its natural heritage newly created meadows and restored and thriving community groups grasslands and woodlands. More and properly recognised. richer records will be available for planning and other authorities to protect the landscape. There will be greater connectivity of key habitats and an increase in biodiversity of Bathscape. 10 EVALUATION AND

Left: The southern MONITORING Bathscape from Twerton Roundhill

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Evaluation and monitoring are Evaluation refers to a deeper the processes through which assessment of how efficient something is, the impact it is having, its relevance, Bathscape can be sure that it is and sustainability. Evaluation is often achieving its vision. Evaluation used as a spot check to investigate how and monitoring have two well a project has done for example in purposes: demonstrating that the middle or at end of a project, to change is taking place; and a capture lessons learnt for the future. This might include a range of factors for continual process of learning example understanding how a project and growth. has helped to improve wellbeing, how skills development has impacted on a Monitoring refers to the continual young person or how learning practical monitoring of data to check whether conservation techniques has helped a programme or project is reaching its to bring a community together. goals and to generally assess how it is doing. An example of monitoring data The Bathscape Partnership will is monitoring the number of people embed evaluation and monitoring attending a guided walk to see if they into its work programme in the start-up have increased following more targeted phase to inform subsequent reporting marketing. Monitoring is generally done and to take full advantage of lessons regularly as a progress check, and the learnt through delivery. An Evaluation data can be used to adapt activities Framework has been produced as part and overall plans. of Bathscape’s development phase work and the external evaluators have been provisionally retained to oversee the five stages outlined here.

228 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 229 Section 10 Evaluation and Monitoring

1. PROJECT START-UP, 2. FORMATIVE MONITORING 3. INTERIM The review will make recommendations DEVELOPING THE DETAILED AND EVALUATION EVALUATION REPORT for changes and delivery improvements PLAN AND TRAINING for the second half of Bathscape. As part Throughout project delivery, monitoring An interim evaluation will be carried of the interim evaluation the consultants The aim of the project start-up phase, and formative evaluation will take place. out by consultants in the 21st month of will also work with the Partnership to during the first six months, is to double The majority of data will be collected the scheme to check progress, project develop a draft legacy strategy. The check that plans for evaluation and by the project team and partners with management structures and the quality consultant will be required to present monitoring are still fit for purpose, additional qualitative data collected of delivery. The review will assess their interim evaluation and the draft develop detailed plans and tools, to by the external consultant where this whether Bathscape’s wider level legacy plan to the partnership board ensure all project team members are requires a higher level of skill. Key outcomes are being achieved in addition for review and discussion. aware of their role and responsibilities monitoring data for each area of work to that of the individual projects. The This will primarily be a process and in this area and provide training to up will be recorded on a central monitoring interim evaluation will identify what has progress evaluation to assess whether skill them. spreadsheet and annual Landscape been achieved to date, difficulties and the project is appropriate, effective Partnership events will provide an challenges and the extent to which HLF and efficient half way through the opportunity to gather further data and Bathscape outcomes/objectives are delivery stage. as well as review findings and being met. It will also assess whether recommendations. Bathscape is meeting the aspirations of Outputs of the interim evaluation partners and project beneficiaries and will be: Outputs of formative monitoring and look at how effectively the Partnership evaluation will be used to inform the: • A written report interpreting is working. monitoring and evaluation data from • Bathscape Board and Delivery across all project outcome areas Group of progress and alert them The mid-term evaluation report to risks that need to be addressed will draw on:- • A facilitated group critical reflection session – this workshop will explore • HLF progress reports • Output data which the project team and partners will need to compile to the findings of the review with key • HLF output data sheet meet HLF’s reporting requirements stakeholders e.g. core project team • Interim evaluation report and discuss recommendations and • Project documentation – in particular how they can be taken forward. • Summative report. relating to delivery targets This session will also review and build • Interviews with a number of key upon legacy planning for the project individuals including funders, • A face-to-face presentation partners and volunteers of results. • Selected visits to project delivery sites. THE AIM OF THE PROJECT START-UP PHASE, DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS, IS TO DOUBLE CHECK THAT PLANS FOR EVALUATION AND MONITORING ARE STILL FIT FOR PURPOSE

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4. SUMMATIVE REPORT The evaluation report will provide an Outputs of the summative • A facilitated group critical reflection honest assessment of Bathscape, being evaluation will be: session- this workshop will explore During the last six months of the open both to successes and failures. • A written report (no more than 100 the findings of the review with key scheme, the Bathscape team and A collaborative approach with the pages) and stand-alone summary stakeholders e.g. core project team consultants will produce a final Scheme Delivery Team and Bathscape (no more than 6 pages) interpreting and discuss recommendations and project evaluation report (following HLF Partnership Board will underpin monitoring and evaluation data from how they can be taken forward suggested format) which will be shared preparation of the report. across all project outcome areas with HLF and all participant groups, • A face-to-face presentation including all of the essentials required partners, funders and stakeholders. The final evaluation will draw on:- of results. by HLF (for example, who benefitted This will be a meta-analysis and impact • The mid-delivery review from the project, what were its evaluation. This will assess whether the • A wide range of written materials impacts for heritage, people 5. LEGACY project was appropriate, effective and including the original bid document and communities and what the efficient but will go beyond this to to HLF, the LCAP and supporting organisation has learnt from the Ensuring a legacy is key to the long-term influence legacy and look at the documents project). The report will also focus success of the scheme and to attaining project in a much wider context. upon telling the story of the scheme. the vision. The interim and summative This report will tell the scheme’s • Monitoring data collected Qualitative and quantitative data evaluation processes and reports will story, examine the extent to which throughout the scheme delivery from all areas of the scheme will provide valuable points at which to outputs and outcomes were met, • Additional information and insights be synthesized together to create a further plan and ensure a robust legacy identify weaknesses and shortcomings gathered by the consultant during rounded picture of the scheme and for Bathscape Landscape Partnership. and review how effectively Bathscape the end of the evaluation period. the impacts across its aims as well was governed and managed. It will also This might include additional as unexpected outcomes. The final make an assessment of Bathscape’s stakeholder surveys, focus groups evaluation is part of the legacy of longer-term impacts and how the and key informant interviews (with the scheme and its final ‘sales pitch’ Partnership’s legacy strategy will delivery partners, project beneficiaries be implemented. The final evaluation and other stakeholders, the HLF report will also inform a review of the monitor/case officer etc.) legacy strategy drawn up at the interim evaluation stage. The legacy strategy • Visits to sites around the Scheme area. will be amended and/or updated in response to final evaluation and will set out the long-term vision for sustaining Bathscape’s achievements.

232 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 233 Section 10 Sources of information

11 SOURCES OF INFORMATION

234 Landscape Conservation Action Plan Landscape Conservation Action Plan 235 Section 11 Sources of information

Bath & NE Somerset Council 2013 SOURCES OF The City of Bath World Heritage Site INFORMATION Setting Supplementary Planning Document http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/ environment/landscape/city-bath- Development phase Consultant’s world-heritage-site-setting reports (see appendices): Bath & NE Somerset Council 2015 Bath & NE Somerset Council 2017 Indices of Multiple Deprivation in Bathscape Landscape Character Bath & NE Somerset Assessment http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/ Bath & NE Somerset Council 2018 your-council-and-democracy/local- Bathscape Volunteering Strategy research-and-statistics/wiki/socio- and Training Plan economic-inequality Cotswolds Conservation Board 2018 Bath & NE Somerset Council 2015 Circular Path & Radials report Bath and North East Somerset Green Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group Space Strategy 2015–2029 South West 2017 http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/sites/ Grasslands for the Future default/files/banes_green_space_ Consultation Report strategy_v10_0.pdf Fiona Fyfe Associates 2017 Bath & NE Somerset Council 2017 Views and Vistas Report Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan (Bath) The Forest of Avon Trust 2017 http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/sites/ Woodland of Bathscape report default/files/sitedocuments/Planning- Red Kite Environment 2017 and-Building-Control/Planning-Policy/ Bathscape Interpretation Plan Placemaking-Plan/cs_pmp_vol_2_ bath.pdf City of Bath World Heritage Site Other Sources of Information: Steering Group 2016 Bath & NE Somerset Council City of Bath World Heritage Site Bath and North East Somerset Short Management Plan 2016–2022 List of Priority Species and Habitats https://www.bathworldheritage.org.uk/ http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/sites/ sites/world_heritage_site/files/ default/files/sitedocuments/ heritage/World%20Heritage%20 Environment/Ecology-and-Biodiversity/ Site%20Management%20Plan%202016- short_list_of_priority_species_and_ 2022.pdf habitats_2014.pdf Combe Down Heritage Society Bath & NE Somerset Council 2009 http://www.combedownheritage.org.uk/ City of Bath World Heritage Site Setting Study https://www.bathworldheritage.org.uk/ setting-study

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Cotswolds Conservation Board 2018 Pound, C. 2016 Cotswolds AONB Management Plan Bath as a Spa 2018–2023 (draft) Unpublished http://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/ Proud of Twerton planning/cotswolds-aonb-management- http://www.proudoftwerton.com/ plan/ articles/ Davis, Graham 2009 Ragg, Laura M. 1938 Bath as Spa and Bath as Slum: The Jane Austen in Bath Social History of a Victorian City De La More Press Edwin Mellen Press Ltd Sheppard, Diana 2017

Historic England Geology and the Landscape Heritage at Risk Palimpsest of Bath https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/ Unpublished heritage-at-risk/ Simkin, J 2017 Little Down camp, North Stoke: https:// Emily Balthwayt historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/ http://spartacus-educational.com/ list-entry/1004677 WblathwaytE.htm Lansdown Roman camp, North Stoke: Swift, Andrew 2012 https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/ On Foot in Bath: Fifteen Walks the-list/list-entry/1005422 Around a World Heritage City Wansdyke, Southstoke: https:// Akeman Press historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage- UNESCO 2013 at-risk/search-register/list-entry/32366 Statement of Outstanding History of Bath Research Group Universal Value http://www.historyofbath.org/ https://www.bathworldheritage.org.uk/ sites/world_heritage_site/files/heritage/ Howells, David A 2011 City%20of%20Bath%20WHS%20 “Sally-in-the-Wood” A Local Legend Statement%20of%20Outstanding%20 & the Name of a Road Universal%20Values.pdf The Bathford Society http://www.bathfordsociety.org.uk/ UNESCO 2017 content/pdfs/sally_in_the_wood_full.pdf Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Joint Nature Conservation Committee Heritage Convention (JNCC) http://whc.unesco.org/en/guidelines/ Bath and Bradford-on-Avon Special Area of Conservation (SAC) selection West of England Councils 2017 http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/ West of England Joint Spatial SACselection/sac. Plan (Draft) asp?EUCode=UK0012584 https://www.jointplanningwofe.org.uk/ consult.ti/JSPPublication/ Melville, L 1910 consultationHome The Life and Letters of William 12 Beckford of Fonthill William Heinemann APPENDICES

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APPENDICES

1. Landscape Character Assessment 2. Supplementary Reports 3. Partnership Agreement 4. Cash Flow for the Scheme 5. Scheme Management Structure 6. Budget Summary 7. Outline of Financial Arrangements 8. Briefs for Commissioned Work 9. Job Descriptions 10. Proof of Ownership 11. State Aid Statement 12. Letters of Support 13. Statement of Outstanding Universal Value 14. Bathscape Iconic Species List 15. Bathscape Small Grant Scheme Documentation

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