sign in sign up
<<
Home , Dedham Vale, Kent Downs, Nidderdale AONB, Norfolk Coast AONB, Northumberland Coast, North Devon Coast

Out standingSpring/Summer 2010 THE MAGAZINE FOR AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Coastal gold Celebrating 50 outstanding years of the North AONB

Chris Packham’s Wild about blogging The naturalist paints a picture with Enjoy the virtual soap opera of ‘a palette of splendour’ Bowland’s wildlife Herita ge values Seaside students www.aonb.org.uk Fighting fl oods by restoring peatscapes Hands-on education Welcome Sustainable tourism

iscover the wildlife hotspots in the DForest of Bowland AONB and View from surrounding countryside by logging onto www.bowlandwildlife.org.uk The wilder side of Sixteen local businesses, that are themselves wildlife havens, are taking part in the venture, providing up-to-date details and images of wildlife THE CHAIR sightings via a blog on the site – a virtual wildlife soap opera. An online map of Bowland the area shows exactly where elcome to the Spring/Summer 2010 edition of different species, including rare Outstanding . birds, can be found. The United Nations General Assembly has declared A regular contributor to W the wildlife blog is Colin 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) to help raise Newsham, owner of awareness of the importance of biodiversity all over the world. Forrest Hills, a rural I recently attended a Conference on endangered species and for events venue. Colin me the most disturbing issue is that with millions of forms of life, said: “We’ve had people booking green we are still worryingly ignorant about how interdependent they conferences as a direct result of seeing the new site. People are really keen to find out are and how the extinction of any of them, known or unknown, about the wildlife that lives here and now might affect life as we know it. it’s just a click away.” We hear much about some of them – the ‘charismatic species’ Left: An Oystercatcher. Above: Bowland’s website. but it may well be the removal from the food chain, intention - ally or not, of uncharismatic ones – the hidden, microscopic, www.biodiversityislife.net uninteresting, uncuddly or downright nasty – that will have the greatest impact. Research has only scratched the surface. A global target was agreed in 2002 to significantly reduce the rate of loss of biodiversity by 2010. The IYB has been planned to align with the next Convention on Biological Diver - sity Conference in Nagoya, Japan in October which will assess progress towards this target. Saving biodiversity requires effort from everyone. Through activities around the world, the global community are working together to ensure a sustainable future for us all. AONBs are ideally placed to help raise awareness of the importance of this campaign and we are T o

using the year to work as a family to help achieve its goals to: m

M

• Enhance public awareness of the underlying threats to biodiversity a r s h a

• Raise awareness of what has already been achieved locally and nationally to safeguard it l l • Encourage individuals, organisations and governments to take urgent steps needed to halt the loss of biodiversity • Promote innovative solutions to accomplish this and plan for future years. This edition of Outstanding is one of the ways the family of AONBs is supporting the IYB Walks from Our Coast Our Sea campaign and the following pages highlight the good work that our AONB Partnerships acked with downloadable learn - ing activities and information are undertaking on a landscape scale to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the UK’s P your door sheets, www.ourcoastoursea.org.uk Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. offers an inspirational guide to the We are delighted that the three main political parties have been able to contribute to n interactive, searchable, web-based natural and historic heritage of the our publication clarifying their plans for AONBs. We look forward to working with them. Amap of all the promoted walking and Coast AONB. cycling routes in the Chilterns AONB is The site’s practical tools include a calendar of Ashley Thomas, NAAONB Chairman attracting thousands of hits each month. events, details of storytelling walks and Input a postcode, town or village and a detailed trails, advice on how to get involved in Ordnance Survey map, centred on the search location, conservation, and a fascinating insight into the 9th International NAAONB 12th is brought up, on which promoted walks, bike rides and area’s coastal icons such as puffins and Grace Cover image: Broad Strand Beach, Open Access sites are highlighted. You can further Darling, the lighthouse keeper’s daughter who Combe, Coast AONB. Junior Ranger Camp Annual Conference filter your search by specifying the type of walk or ride Above: Aisling Lannin and Mel Nicholls. heroically took part in a dangerous sea rescue in 24-31 July 2010 12-15 July 2010 you’d like. Some routes are plotted on the map base. Below: event. 1838. A dedicated section for teachers and The site encourages locals and visitors alike to make lecturers who are planning coastal trips is also Hosted by the Hosted by Downs AONB, Outstanding is published by Designed and produced by more of the recreational opportunities on their doorstep. available, including information about venues, AONB, the camp will provide a the conference will feature The National Association for Fellows Media Ltd (FML), The inclusion of Open Access accommodation, activity ideas and contact details range of experiences including inspiring visits to SE AONBs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Gallery, Manor Farm, sites in particular is opening for local experts. sustainable living, outdoor and French PNRs, high-profile Fosse Way, Northleach, Southam, Cheltenham people’s eyes to the wealth of activities, cultural visits and speakers and thought- Below: Seahouses First School classroom. GL54 3JH GL52 3PB and commonland evening social events. provoking discussions. Tel: 01451 862007 Tel: 01242 259241 areas within the AONB. Editor: Jill Smith Email: [email protected] For details see For details see Visit www.chilternsaonb.org Email: [email protected] Web: www.fellowsmedia.com www.juniorrangers.eu www.aonb.org.uk and click on ‘walks & rides’. Web: www.aonb.org.uk Spring/Summer 2010, Issue 18 Left: Walkers on Lodge Hill. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the NAAONB or FML. Items for publication should be sent to the Editor at the NAAONB.

2 • Outstanding • Spring/Summer 2010 Spring/Summer 2010 • Outstanding • 3 Biodiversity e l g A o B l

l

i n m h a o J g

f e s o

c y o s e u t r r t u e s o y c

o s e f

g R a o y m i

S l l p A r a y

Above: The project area linking the and . Bridging the gap Top: Facelina auriculata. Above left: Sunstar. Above right: Janolus cristatus crystal sea slug.

t just nine miles apart the AWye Valley and Malvern Hills AONBs are close neighbours and both have been designated as Biodiversity Into the deep Enhancement Areas by the Biodiversity Partnership. However, much of the land between the aunching the 2010 International Coast AONB Partner, the Norfolk two designations has become more LYear of Biodiversity, Ahmed Wildlife Trust (NWT), is doing key work in the intensively managed in recent years. The Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary of AONB in this regard, and has linked up with area has seen a loss of field trees and the United Nations Convention a diver, Rob Spray, whose stunning pictures hedgerows, a proliferation of polytunnels, on Biological Diversity, highlighted the illustrate this article. His organisation, and general landscape and habitat importance of the marine environment. He Seasearch, aims to establish a continuing degradation. These changes pose a stressed the problem caused by the current survey of the UK’s marine wildlife, to identify significant problem for wildlife that may lack of marine protected areas: “This is important habitats and vulnerable species, want or need to ‘bridge the gap’. Both serious, as the future of humanity will monitor change and better understand the AONBs are working together with local depend on what happens in the seas – effects of human and natural influences. partners to create a landscape link that will if we fail to take action we will face The Norfolk Coast AONB’s coastline enable species to move more freely between severe consequences.” supports significant breeding colonies of these two nationally important areas. Although land-based, coastal AONBs both grey and common seals. The presence of Andrew Nixon, Development Officer cannot afford to ignore his words. The these top predators in significant numbers with the Wye Valley AONB, said: “We see the formal AONB boundary lies at low water, indicates just how rich the Norfolk inshore benefits that this project can bring to the Above: Pearl-bordered Fritillary. Right: Duke of Burgundy. but the influence of the marine environ - waters are. biodiversity of both areas, making our ment beyond is crucial to the special Much of the seabed off the coast is flat wildlife populations more robust and qualities of coastal AONBs. Many over - and sandy but the chalk reefs between enabling them to cope with the pressures of lap with marine Special Areas of Conser - Weybourne, and West Runton climate change.” Landscapes fit for vation in their intertidal zone, and close provide a rich, alternative habitat for marine The project will deliver habitat connec - working relationships help to strengthen life, from coralline algae and red seaweeds tivity and nature conservation by providing management of the ecological links to elegant dahlia anemones and lobsters. advice and training opportunities to emperors and admirals between land and sea. The numerous sunken wrecks off the landowners, and by administering grants. But there are other links, particularly Norfolk coast become marine biodiversity To create a sustainable legacy, there will be oodlands have a long-held specific plants to feed on, such as violets and creating suitable habitats and improving visual (‘seascape’) and cultural. For hotspots over time, supporting shoals of fish, assistance for green enterprise and business, Wassociation with some of our primroses, which can’t grow under a dense corridors for woodland butterflies and moths. example, the local fishing industry, which still beautiful sea slugs and various crustacea. support for community initiatives, and most beautiful, and now rarest, woodland canopy. The Project Officers have directly helped contributes so much to the character of Animals such as mussels and sabellaria the creation of community volunteering butterflies. Butterfly Conservation’s Seventeen butterfly species are strongly landowners to apply for over £200,000 in Wood - coastal AONBs, depends on sustainable use of worms have bound the sediments of the opportunities. South East Woodlands Project (SEWP) is focusing linked to woodlands, including White Admiral, land Improvement Grants. a healthy marine environment. Many coastal seabed together, forming a stable habitat. A efforts to conserve these species at two key areas Purple Emperor, Duke of Burgundy and five AONBs are involved in groups such as the huge mussel bed (at least two kilometres Both AONBs are within the and High Weald AONBs. species of fritillary. Thirteen of these are in Coastal Partnerships Working Group, working long) lies just off the coast at Sea Palling. The Decline in active woodland management has decline nationally and have already been lost to strengthen the recognition and sand is completely covered in edible mussels working together led to a loss of open woodland areas that from many of our woodlands, including the Seventeen butterfly species coordinated management of the links and sea squirts, which form a stable platform provide nectar sources beautiful Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary. are strongly linked to between coastal protected landscapes and for all kinds of animals to move in. The mus - with local partners and basking opportunities The Denge Woods (Kent Downs AONB) and the sea. sels also attract huge numbers of predators, to create a for butterflies and many other Rother Woods (High Weald AONB) project areas woodlands, including White Coastal AONBs provide a key opportunity such as starfish and sunstars, and scavengers, invertebrates. The caterpillars of have been given a dedicated officer, based for the public to find out about and begin to such as whelks and hermit crabs. landscape link... many woodland butterflies need within the local AONB office for the three years Admiral, Purple Emperor, appreciate the incredible underwater riches Visit www.seasearcheast.org.uk for more of the project. Their aim is to locally promote we have, often just off shore. information on conservation. Left: White Admiral. sustainable and active woodland management, Duke of Burgundy...

4 • Outstanding • Spring/Summer 2010 Spring/Summer 2010 • Outstanding • 5 Biodiversity Climate change I m a g e

c o u r t e s y

o f

J o h n

S e a r l e

Above: Marlborough Climate Pledge. A climate for change “ oin us, a group of local people, convinced that national and international level. MCP’s pledge booklet Jif we work together we will make a covers four major areas: energy, food, transport and waste difference… to our energy use.” That plea, and the group calculates the amount of carbon dioxide the addressed to the people of Marlborough in the pledgers are saving. The first pledge feedback process of 100 AONB resulted in the formation of households has already resulted in savings of 125 tonnes of Marlborough Climate Pledge (MCP), launched in 2006 by carbon dioxide. former Environment Minister Michael Meacher. MCP organises a varied programme of public events, MCP’s main aim is to reduce the residents’ individual and including meetings with invited speakers, children’s ‘scrap - collective impact on climate change by promoting a change store’ workshops and information and pledge stalls, and has in their behaviour and culture, as well as a change in the also launched a community allotment project. institutions that underpin that culture at the local, Find the MCP pledge booklet at www.climatepledge.org.uk

Top: Monitoring freshwater pearl mussels using an Aquascope. Above: Freshwater pearl mussel. Fortifying the Left: River Clun at Hurst Bridge. For peat’s sake ne of the major problems posed by Oclimate change is increased flooding and in the North one of the solutions is right under your feet. pearl mussel The moorlands of the are a vast repository of peat. Peatland vegetation absorbs rainfall hought to be part of a family that has been substrate, but some will establish in stable sandy, gravelly and slows its flow into lower-lying ground, locking in Taround for 200 million years and capable of riverbeds, and in a healthy river may live for many years. billions of tons of carbon. Half a century ago, drainage living well over 100 years, the freshwater pearl The River Clun in the Shropshire Hills AONB is now one of channels (or ‘grips’) were dug into the peat to make land mussel is a truly remarkable creature. A Holarctic a small number of English rivers hosting the freshwater pearl more productive. This resulted in the peat drying out and species, it is threatened throughout its range and is mussel, formerly widespread in UK rivers. eroding, the release of carbon dioxide, and a greater classified by the International Union for Conservation of Unfortunately, in common with other rivers in the UK, the flooding threat to towns and villages downstream. Nature (IUCN) as endangered. Clun population has suffered a steady decline. Causes for The North Pennines AONB Partnership’s Peatscapes During late summer, females release millions of larvae in decline include siltation of riverbeds and eutrophication of Project is working to block up the channels so that the a synchronised event. To survive, the larvae have to be inhaled waters. Recently a coalition has been formed, headed by the peatlands can retain their moisture. For the first time, peat by juvenile brown trout or Atlantic salmon. Some will attach Environment Agency, Natural , Catchment Sensitive depth measurement work has been undertaken in the to the gills of the fish and will grow in the oxygen-rich Farming Initiative (CSFI) and the Shropshire Hills AONB area. environment. After about nine months and when about Partnership, which is working with local farmers and The Partnership’s Peatscapes Project Manager, Paul 0.4mm long, the glochidia (larvae) detach and descend to the organisations to address the issue. Leadbitter, said: “The readings will provide a riverbed. Most will perish as they fall onto unsuitable Funded by Environmental Stewardship schemes, farmers valuable basis for further research. throughout the catchment are establishing riparian buffer The United Nations estimates that ten strips to help intercept run-off, improving stockyards and percent of global carbon dioxide ...part of a family that has been around for farm tracks to minimise dirty water, and installing alternative emissions come from drying peat. 200 million years and capable of living stock watering facilities. We are working with other groups Demanding the highest water quality, the future of pearl Above: Volunteers test peat depth at Geltsdale RSPB Nature Reserve. and organisations all over the world well over 100 years, the freshwater pearl mussels is inextricably linked to the survival of other species. Right: Blocking up ‘grips’ or drainage ditches to restore the peatlands. to secure a sustainable future for By improving pearl mussel habitat, a host of other aquatic our peatlands.” mussel is a truly remarkable creature species will benefit.

6 • Outstanding • Spring/Summer 2010 Spring/Summer 2010 • Outstanding • 7 Politics

RT HO N DAVID CAMERON MP “We want to broaden the HOUSE OF COMMONS Lea SW1A 0AA

number of sites which are der of the Opposition

A n

Mr H d oward Dav r

ies e

protected in law...” w

Chief E

xecutive Office P

a r

The s Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats National Associat o ion for AONB n Fosse Way, Northleach s Glos. GL54 3JH

Tues day, March 9th 2010 NICK CLEGG Dear H L DEMOCRATS oward LEADER OF THE LIBERA DON SW1P 3NB 4 COWLEY STREET, LON Thank you for y our letter regarding A an reas of Outstanding d asking how a future Natural Beauty Conservative Governm Mr Ashley Thomas to the cha ent might equip them llenges of the future. to rise airman Ch Conservatives believe that Areas of Outstand NAAONB are vitally ing Natural Beauty (AO important, not only NBs) y for conserving some Fosse Wa beautiful environm of the UK’s most ental assets, but also Northleach natio for unlocking the va nal landscape. At a tim lue in our ire e when UK biodiversit Gloucestersh AONBs to help y is in decline, we nee us protect and enhan d 3JH ce our habitat and saf GL54 We recognise that th eguard wildlife. ey are uniquely place manage d to provide both ef ment of important ar fective ry 2010 eas of habitat and als 24 Februa initiatives and ta o proper delivery of rgeted local funding. Looking Over the next four pages, we hear from the three main to the future, we beli r Thomas eve that AONB partne Dear M trusted to have a g rships should be reater say in the deve ts’ approach futur lopment of local prio political parties about their plans for the future, g the Liberal Democra e Conservative Govern rities. A or your letter regardin ment will support and Thank you f by AONB Bo value the role played ards as groups of en ONBs. eauty. thusiastic people w to A outstanding natural b important local env ho can deliver including their vision for AONBs. d with many areas of ironmental and socio Britain is blesse t these areas effec -economic priorities in itted to ensuring tha tive way. One of the m a cost- l Democrats are comm ost valuable assets o The Libera ain beautiful for us all coordinated f AONBs is the close, ced – so they may rem relationship they ca protected and enhan a more n achieve with loca are mote biodiversity and community groups l authorities, “AONBs are , AONBs also help pro , farmers and land 2010 to enjoy. Crucially of sites which gover managers without c 11th February broaden the number nment direction or co entral e Britain. We want to stly top-down bureau national assets sustainabl ial, separate designa- We believ cracy. we’d bring in a spec e that this coordinatio protected in law – so aces of n at local level is vital House of Commons are ds and other green sp the huge challeng in addressing llotments, playing fiel es facing our natur 0AA governed by tion to protect a people. clima al environment, incl London SW1A nd wellbeing of local te change adaptation uding r value to the health a a and biodiversity particula ion, which can have decline. Un ckle litter and pollut der any future Con local people for We also need to ta tackled, servative Dear Minister, ntal crime isn’t being Government, AONBs AONBs – environme will have a critical rol major effect on nd it’s not clear to pla e the benefit of e real damage done a y to ensure that our m ral Beauty alties don’t reflect th the ost important s of Outstanding Natu the pen the buck stop with landscapes ca Area miles. ponsible. We’d make n continue to thrive ight thousand square who is ultimately res ment and and be total area of nearly e the nation” o co-ordinate enforce enjoyed by future g atural Beauty cover a y living, work- gency – requiring it t enerations. eas of Outstanding N ntry. Not only are the Environment A her agencies play The UK’s Ar landscapes in the cou sure councils and ot t beautiful and iconic e hearts of the many Ashley Thomas, Chairman, t real power to make are some of the mos lso remain close to th giving i Most of my They that live there, they a National Association for AONBs constituency, includin an a lot to the people their part. ’ is under g my ing places that me natural environment home, is in one (Co hether it’s the , most of Britain’s ‘ tswolds), and I am at visit. that cherish them. W Of course forestry – so our a big millions th s varied as the people s, for agriculture or fan. Natural Beauty are a lages of the Cotswold ercial management scale Areas of Outstanding ng fields and stone vil comm bring in landscape- st and Glens, the rolli tinctively flect this. We would r of the Causeway Coa s of Gower, these dis policies need to re uthorities – rugged splendou nderful, sandy beache ed between local a Yours David Pennines, or the wo al people for the ich would be agre oorland of the North ssets governed by loc policies, wh natural features of the wild m – they are national a toring and protecting t to a common thread cting biodiversity, res food ferent areas hold tigh prote nd encouraging local David Came dif ach with reducing flood risk a ron tion. ly elected members, e local environments, ing system benefit of the na r seven hundred local ake sure our plann ONBs is driven by ove ir natural beauty . We also have to m ork of the family of A n to another with the production t – so we’d require The w n from one generatio rs, y of our environmen se areas are passed o h dedicated voluntee unts for the capacit the passion to ensure the rtnership, often wit acco sity and promote a aged. Working in pa tect local biodiver ecial qualities undam councils to pro and inherent sp with very little. s. achieve much, often elivering a wide nt of wildlife corridor NB teams consistently ingly their value for d establishme natural environment small AO aces though. Increas our arate AONBs, or the re than just pretty pl the management of inally, we mustn’t sep nda – Our AONBs are mo a major role to play in F the wider green age cognised. They have levant in a more broadly, from nd services is being re e at a scale that is re nd in hand. suite of goods a rotecting our wildlif an and must go ha anaging carbon, in p additional to the the two c “Conservatives believe that Areas of l water resource, in m d happy. All of this is g enormous damage nationa he nation healthy an e of mate change is causin in helping to keep t al outcomes with thos Cli lans to hanging climate, and egrating environment ts and wildlife. Our p Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) c ake to successfully int to natural habita d contribution they m te homes and well understoo green energy, insula sure that our Areas invest in e and the economy. what will you do to en vital – the sheer scal are vitally important, not only for society the general election, ture? educe energy use are s into power following e challenges of the fu r e whole If your party come equipped to rise to th ge for Britain and th ain in good heart and of the challen g Natural Beauty rem up to, for the conserving some of the UK’s most of Outstandin needs to be faced world l- and also for the wel natural environment beautiful environmental assets, but incerely d the world. Yours s being of people aroun for writing. Thank you once again also for unlocking the value in our Ashley Thomas an national landscape...” Chairm Nick Clegg emocrats Leader of the Liberal D David Cameron, Leader of the Conservative Party

8 • Outstanding • Spring/Summer 2010 Spring/Summer 2010 • Outstanding • 9 International Year of Biodiversity t h g i r y p o C

n w o r C

a r f e D

International Year of Biodiversity

Huw Irranca-Davies , Minister for the Natural Environment, shares his ‘View’ on the importance of celebrating the diversity of life on Earth.

s a child I took the natural world for granted. I had the great privilege to Agrow up on the in south , a rich mix of heath, marsh, dunes and woodland, designated the first ever Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. My brothers and I spent nearly all of our time in the woodland behind our house, building dens, seeing who could climb the highest tree – doing what boys do. As a teenager I roamed the Gower, from the salt marshes and mudflats in the north to the sandy beaches of the south. So biodiversity – Above: Red Kite. although I would never have used that word – was a given. And now I’m Minister for the Natural Environment, Natural History Museum to establish and run the event I facilitated discussions between representatives from manage our ecosystems in the future. This work will furnish including, of course, biodiversity and ecosystem services. International Year of Biodiversity UK Partnership, a group of over 50 countries. Amongst the many issues we covered was us with clear narratives and accessible, compelling arguments These are heavy responsibilities, as just lately on this planet more than 340 organisations [including the family of AONBS the economic value of biodiversity and how this might be about the need to protect biodiversity. we’ve been losing species pretty fast: about 1,000 times faster - Ed] who are coming together to build a biodiversity incorporated into targets. I still live in south Wales, with my family. Our home looks than the ‘natural’ rate indicated by the fossil record. And this movement in this country. This partnership is working to Realising the true economic value of biodiversity, and the over a former mining valley, a beautiful landscape, but vastly is because of what humans have been doing: over-exploiting, promote the cause with the public, big businesses and other ruinous financial costs of continuing to destroy it, is vital, different from a few hundred years ago, before its trees were degrading habitats and causing climate change. organisations; and also encouraging individuals to make especially to developing countries whose rich biodiversity is stripped away by mining and heavy industry. The impact of So my relationship with the natural world has changed. I small behavioural changes to help support wildlife. endangered by industrial growth. Also this year, Pavan human activity on the natural world has been hugely no longer take it for granted. I strongly believe we have an The UK government has a critical role, both at home and Sukhdev’s study, ‘The Economics of Eco-systems and damaging. But our efforts to reverse this are already paying imperative to change our behaviour, and reverse this internationally. In October 2010, the crucial conference of the Biodiversity (TEEB)’ will be published. This study shows how off. Even 20-odd years ago, when I was first married, the rivers alarming biodiversity decline. It’s an aesthetic Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) takes place in markets fail to adequately consider the value of ecosystem in south Wales were heavily polluted. Now they are so much imperative, and a moral imperative; but it’s ...just Nagoya, Japan. CBD was adopted at the Rio Earth services, and estimates that the benefits of protecting cleaner that the otters have returned. And the red kites, nearly also about our own survival. Healthy, Summit in 1992. The nations involved – nearly ecosystems and biodiversity outweigh the costs by 100 to one. extinct in the UK in the early 1900s, are now thriving. I see thriving and diverse ecosystems are lately on this 200, including the UK – signed up to a global The TEEB report will be presented to the UN in September them often, soaring over Fan Hir – one of my favourite sights. essential to our health and well-being, target for a reduction in the rate of and to the CBD meeting in October. I don’t take the natural world for granted any more, but I our economy, and, ultimately, our planet we’ve been biodiversity loss by 2010. Although there know we can make the changes needed to allow it to recover lives. losing species pretty are success stories in specific localities, it’s National Ecosystem Assessment and thrive. We need to all do our bit. The challenge is to spread widely agreed that this target has not been Here in the UK, 2010 is the year the National Ecosystem this understanding, and make fast: about 1,000 times met. This will be discussed in Nagoya, and Assessment (NEA) starts to report. The NEA is the first-ever biodiversity part of mainstream it’s hoped a new, ambitious but achievable analysis of how the UK’s natural environment supports thinking and decision-making around faster than the target will be agreed. society and our economy. Phase one of the work looks back at FURTHER INFORMATION the world. That’s what the International ‘natural’ rate To help prepare for discussions at how ecosystems and the services they provide us with have For more ‘Views’ on the International Year of Year of Biodiversity’s all about. Nagoya, last month UK and Brazil hosted a changed over the past 50 years. Phase two will look forward, Biodiversity, visit www.biodiversityislife.net So my department, Defra, is funding the indicated... post-2010 target workshop. As co-chair of this with recommendations about how we might measure and

10 • Outstanding • Spring/Summer 2010 Spring/Summer 2010 • Outstanding • 11

Jewels in our landscape

k

k

i

n

a

t

S

e

l

l

i

v

e N Jewels Going for in our landscape gold 010 is a very special year for the North In 2006 a comprehensive community Devon Coast AONB as it celebrates its profile of the area’s wildlife, landscape and 250th anniversary with a packed other distinctive features was undertaken. programme of events. Two years later, the interactive Explore Ruby red letter day AONB’s special project was launched – a multi- landscapes are renowned for their rugged media ‘guided walk’ experience with video t’s just a coincidence that the Interna - AONB – the only cliffs, fantastic beaches, and pretty villages, clips and sound. Other initiatives have tional Year of Biodiversity should coin - pair in the whole of the UK. Now, thanks to and are made up of several distinct regions, included discovery days, library nature Icide with the 40th anniversary of the concerted management that has reinvigo - each with their own habitats and geology. courses, and poetry and photographic Suffolk Coast and Heaths and rated the AONB’s freshwater marshlands, Some receive extra protection, such as the competitions inspired by the stunning local AONBs, but there could hardly be a more these graceful birds are once more a feature Sites of Special Scientific Interest. This area landscapes. appropriate conjunction. These lowland of the landscape, floating low in the sky is also designated as a and is landscapes, designated in the early months over their reed land home. situated within the only UNESCO Biosphere The future of 1970, stand out as veritable oases of qual - The story is the same in the Dedham Reserve in England. The AONB Partnership’s objectives for the ity and abundance in the eastern region. Vale where, by working closely with For 50 years many organisations have next five years include continued commu - The two AONBs, though almost joined at farmers, landowners and statutory agencies, worked to enhance this spectacular stretch nity research, local landscape management their closest point, could hardly be more species that are scarce in the wider country - of coast, which covers some 66 square miles training, and support for local farmers, pro - different. The Suffolk Coast and Heaths’ side – like the enigmatic and playful otter – from the boundary of National Park ducers and North Devon’s Biosphere windswept beaches, patchwork heaths and have returned in greater numbers. at Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth on the Reserve. In addition, specific emphasis will majestic estuaries are a startling foil to the To celebrate their 40th anniversaries, Cornish border. be placed on environmental stewardship, quiet lanes and intimate river valley of Ded - both AONBs plan to serve up something sustainable tourism, carbon reduction and ham Vale immortalised forever by that most special. Suffolk Coast and Heaths has Successes providing specialist advice for wildlife sites. English of all landscape painters, John Con - teamed up with local brewers, Adnams, to Highlights include the first designation of A major tourism attraction, the value of stable. But common threads bind these produce a set of 24 new walks, starting from Braunton Burrows as a Biosphere Reserve in water sports goods and services alone on the AONBs together: their outstanding land - popular pubs. In the Dedham Vale, there is 1976 and the opening of the North Devon North Devon Coast were valued at £80mil - scapes, the richness of their biodiversity, a new AONB guide and an art exhibition to section of the two lion in 2009. This brings pressures for new and the commitment of the Partnerships celebrate the work of another artist inspired years later – Britain’s longest national trail, developments, severe traffic congestion and that work to conserve them. by the area, Sir Alfred Munnings. Both which stretches 630 miles from Somerset parking issues. Finding sustainable solutions Both still retain the wonderful features AONBs will be running events through the to . that enhance the landscape for people to for which they were originally protected – summer to celebrate these great landscapes The North Devon Coast AONB Partner - come and enjoy, while supporting the local indeed many are and the wildlife living in them. ship was formed in 2004. Among its first economy, is a major challenge for us all. now even better. Find out more information by visiting tasks was the creation of a management For more information about the host of There is no better www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org and plan and a sustainable development fund, anniversary events that are planned, visit

example of this www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org which has since granted around £280,000 www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk and also

k k

than the story of towards some 70 local initiatives, including www.northdevoncoast.org.uk i

n

a

t S

the marsh harrier. beach cleaning, farming, art, tourism and

Left: Stour Valley landscape, DV AONB. e

l

l i In 1971, one pair Main: levels, SCH AONB. environmental events. The partnership has v Top: Putsborough Sands e bred in the Below: Easton Broad, SCH AONB. also secured matched funding from Europe, and Baggy Point. N the National Lottery and other sources, rais - Below: Hartland. ing over £500,000 for the coastal commu - nity and economy over the past five years.

12 • Outstanding • Spring/Summer 2010 Spring/Summer 2010 • Outstanding • 13 News in brief Celebrity News in brief A taster of what will appear in the Autumn edition of Outstanding.

TAKING THE LEAD community-led biodiversity conservation in GREEN- AONB and Dales National Colwall. The Colwall Orchard Group has FINGERED TIPS Park are launching a two-year project to build commissioned wildlife surveys and planted new A new event called ‘Your Garden in Chichester sustainable communities. Funded by the York - fruit trees. Harbour AONB’ will be held in May. It will com - shire Dales LEADER, a project coordinator will plement a recently published booklet of top tips help to provide energy efficiency, community FUNDING PASTURES NEW for those living in or near to an AONB, including compost schemes and car sharing initiatives. The success of the landscape-scale approach footpath maintenance and gardening for wildlife. project, Pastures New, in Dorset AONB has led to COAST TO COAST the Partnership receiving funding to deliver BATTY INFORMATION A joint management plan has been prepared for one of the county’s 2008-2011 Local Area Radio tracking of bats carried out last summer the AONB and Berwick - Agreement Targets. by the East Devon AONB Partnership has Above: Heath. Right: Chris Packham. shire & North Northumberland Coast European revealed exciting new information about how Marine Site. It focuses on delivering an WHERE EAGLES DARE the local colony of rare greater horseshoe bats ecosystem approach, informed conservation and The Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Partnership uses the East Devon landscape. climate change adaptation. recently supported plans by and Chris RSPB to reintroduce white-tailed eagles to the EURO-CAMP TIME FOR CHANGE Suffolk coast. The project promises to be one of Forty youngsters from across Europe will gather Solar-powered, real-time information units have the most high-profile reintroduction schemes in the Mendip Hills AONB this July for the ninth Packham been installed at a number of bus stops in the ever attempted in the UK. international Junior Ranger Camp, which has Chilterns AONB. The units provide bus arrival biodiversity as its theme. times using satellite technology, which tracks CAUGHT ON CAMERA When it comes to celebrating the buses. Customers can also look at timeta - The Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust THE LAY OF THE LAND the 40th anniversary of the bles, route maps and local information. has produced postcards, bookmarks, posters, a South West Protected Landscapes has produced web-based image library and books illustrating a joint statement to build a more sustainable Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB, COMMUNI-TREES some of the amazing images as seen through future for our landscapes. The commitment there’s no better person to ask The Malvern Hills AONB SDF the eyes of over 300 children in the Bineve - statement will help to strengthen the Protected has been used to support nagh and Causeway Coast AONBs. Landscapes’ role as test beds for sustainability. than celebrity birdwatcher and naturalist Chris Packham. Chris is a regular visitor to the AONB, and the landscape and special wildlife have left a lasting impression on him...

n late summer the coastal heath around also extraordinary. Due to the great range of star to the local list would greatly reinforce the Dunwich is the most colourful I’ve ever seen. well-managed habitats, the AONB supports a region’s ecotouristic credentials. II recall walking from the coastguard cottages significant biodiversity and among it some of But to truly secure a future for this fantastic into a palette of splendour, complemented by the UK’s sexiest species: marsh harriers, night - part of Britain, I believe we must prioritise the the thickest scents of dry coconut sewn into the jars, nightingales, bitterns and bearded tits to establishment of a firm economic outlook for heady mix by pillows of sun-drenched gorse. name just a few. the communities that live and work here. These And then there’s ’s river mouth So it’s certainly a place to visit and to are the folks who are best placed to enjoy it, best where time’s stood still, and its impenetrable celebrate the positive impact that many forms placed to conserve it and, most importantly, reed beds where, on summer nights, water rails of conservation have had on the landscape, best placed to understand its true value, and screech maniacally and the windmill stands a but what of its future? Well, it’s sure to be a thus most likely to choose to look after it silhouetted sentry to another time now gone. dynamic one. With much of the area low- through the forthcoming difficult times. So And Minsmere too, where the fleeting bittern lying, sea level rise will play a major role and visitors… support them all, from the farmers to that flops from pool to pool distracts from the the need to implement adaptation to cope the grocers, to the publicans to the tea shop flurries of feathered anarchy on the busy with this is recognised and already afoot. ladies, the B&B’ers to the bus drivers, and all the scrapes, and beach where the big sun A new power station is also planned and rest. If we can help the humans survive then rises over miles of sand and tangos the shadows this will provoke concerns on many levels, not they’ll help us with the wildlife and nature, and of ’s stark and giant cube, and... least because the project threatens to bisect the once you’ve been here you’ll know it’s worth it. All these little beauties combine with a AONB and thus reduce its biological sustain - Ooh and then the fabulous shingle beaches contiguous host of others to synergise into the ability. But I, for one, am optimistic that we at and Orford… Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB, and there is now live in an age where the voice of conser - absolutely no contesting the title or what it vation is a force in planning such develop - means in a wider context. A significant part of ments, and that we can hope to mitigate for a Biographical note: A SOARING SUCCESS the picturesque comes from the apparent win/win solution. Let’s try to work it through Chris Packham is one of the UK’s foremost The South West Farmland Birds Initiative (SWFBI) has really taken off since its launch. ‘wildness’ of the place, and from the ‘unspoilt’ with effective mutual assistance. And then TV wildlife presenters and journalists, best It focuses on six key bird species associated with arable farmland: lapwing, grey partridge, nature of much of it; and yet it is sympatheti - there’s the potential re-introduction of white- known for the BBC’s ‘Really Wild Show’ turtle dove, yellow wagtail, tree sparrow and corn bunting. cally managed and essentially accessible to tailed eagles – we’ve proved it’s possible and and the hugely successful ‘Spring’ and many, the busy RSPB Minsmere car park while a few beaver might be better for wider ‘Autumn Watch’. regularly testifying to this. The wildlife value is biodiversity, the addition of this avian super -

14 • Outstanding • Spring/Summer 2010 Spring/Summer 2010 • Outstanding • 15 AONB map

THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR AONBS Launched in 1998, the National Association for AONBs is a national, independent organisation acting on behalf of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its membership is primarily local authorities that have AONBs and are concerned to improve their management and funding arrangements. The Association is managed and administered by a Management Board. The Management Board has 12 members who meet four times a year. The Chairman is Ashley Thomas, Chairman, Wye Valley AONB. The Vice Chairman is Paul Jackson, AONB Manager, AONB. For further information see www.aonb.org.uk

Images courtesy of: John Bogle, Chilterns AONB, Dedham Vale AONB, Defra Crown Copyright, Malcolm Farrow, AONB, Kent Downs AONB, Malvern Hills AONB, Tom Marshall, Norfolk Coast AONB, David North, North Devon AONB, North Pennines AONB, Northumberland Coast AONB, North Wessex Downs AONB, Shropshire Hills AONB, Rob Spray, Neville Stanikk, Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB, Wye Valley AONB.

16 • Outstanding • Spring/Summer 2010