Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Image #1 Five Year Strategy: 2019–2024 Trimingham Norfolk Coast Area of 0 10km Outstanding Natural Beauty N Contents

This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of the Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller Note that the seaward boundary of her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown copyright. extends to the mean low watermark Wells-next Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may 1. Introduction -the-Sea lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Norfolk County Council. Licence No. 100019340 2020 Working together to protect a landscape 3 Holme-next How the Partnership operates 4 Weybourne West -the-Sea Runton East Who is in the Partnership? Burnham Cley Runton 5 Brancaster A149 Blakeney Thornham Overy Staithe Stiffkey Delivering through effective relationships 7 Warham Upper Burnham Thorpe Sheringham Overstrand Project focus #1: Supporting local habitats and wildlife 8 Langham Ringstead Holt Trimingham Wighton North Creake Aylmerton Northrepps 2. Understanding the area Heacham A148 Southrepps R. Glaven Roughton A special place 9 Gimimgham How designation informs management 10 R. Stiffkey Snettisham Trunch Paston Bacton National Landscapes 11 Statement of Significance 12 Fakenham Summary of special qualities 13 Happisburgh Dersingham Project focus #2: Defending the character of the built environment 14 North Wolferton Walsham Key external factors 15 – Climate change 15 A148 Aylsham Sea Palling Babingley River A149 – Sea level rise 16 Stalham Waxham Castle Rising – Public policy 16 – Coastal processes 20 King’s R. Bure Horsey – Local development 20 Lynn A140 A149 – Visitor numbers and activities 21 A1067 R. Ant A1065 Project focus #3: Removing overhead electricity lines 22 A17 Gaywood River Winterton R. Wensum Martham 3. What we plan to achieve Hemsby Managing change 23 A47 R. Nar A1270 A1151 A149 Norwich Strategic strand 1: Natural environment 25 A47 Dereham Strategic strand 2: Recreation 29 A47 A1064 Caister Project focus #4: Enhancing public understanding 32 A1270 -on-Sea A47 Strategic strand 3: Built environment 33 A47 R. Bure Strategic strand 4: Local communities and the rural economy 37 R. Yare Project focus #5: Harnessing art to engage with new audiences 40 A10 Swaffham

R. Great Great 4. Moving forwards 43 Ouse Yarmouth

A1075 A47 R. Yare Wymondham Downham Market A1065 Watton A1122 A146 A134 A143

A11 A140 R. Waveney

1 Attleborough A143 Image #2 Blakeney Quay 1. Introduction

Working in such a multi-faceted context, management Working together can only be achieved through effective collaboration between the organisations in the Norfolk Coast Partnership, to protect a landscape and effective collaboration relies on agreeing clear objectives. These clear objectives are the focus of this The role of the Norfolk Coast Partnership (the Partnership) strategy, which is the fourth that the Partnership has is to manage the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding published since it was established; in Section 3 (‘What Natural Beauty (the Area) on behalf of the four local We Want To Achieve’) we outline objectives for work in authorities who share responsibility for it: Norfolk County four areas over the next five years, a summary that provides Council, North Norfolk District Council, Borough Council a strategic framework for each of the Partnership’s annual of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, and Great Yarmouth Borough action plans2. All of the organisations and interest groups Council. Having evolved out of a 1991 initiative to manage that belong to the Norfolk Coast Partnership have worked the impacts of visitor numbers in the Area, the Partnership together to produce and agree these objectives, and are now fulfils these councils’ statutory duty1 under the committed to their delivery. 2000 Countryside and Rights of Way Act to conserve and enhance its natural beauty. Its duty to manage the Area means the Partnership has to coordinate and lead work involving a broad spectrum of organisations with a stake in it: in addition to the four local authorities and a number of other public bodies responsible for aspects of landscape or heritage (that also have a statutory duty to have ‘due regard’ for conserving and enhancing what makes the area special), the Partnership also features interest groups such as land managers, the academic sector and the tourism industry, and, crucially, the local community. The work of the Partnership balances the statutory Image #3 duty of conserving and enhancing natural beauty with Burnham Norton non-statutory requirements to meet the Area’s social and economic needs. This means that protecting the landscape of the Area relies on a principle of sensitive management rather than on the attempt to preserve the area entirely unchanged. In practice, issues are looked at in the round, with goals on wildlife, landscape, water, soil, community and visitor needs, etc., integrated rather than acted on in isolation, yet with work kept at a scale that respects natural systems.

The work of the Norfolk Coast Partnership balances the statutory duty of conserving and enhancing natural beauty with non-statutory requirements to meet the Area’s social and economic needs

1. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/statutory-duties/1051 2. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/action-plan/1231

2 3 Introduction Introduction

Day to day, the work of the Partnership centres How the Partnership on delivering the objectives of the Management Plan Who is in the Partnership? through the implementation of projects that focus on operates topics as diverse as visitor understanding, removal of The Norfolk Coast Partnership brings together overhead electricity lines, housing development and coastal representatives from a broad range of partner The Norfolk Coast Partnership comprises a staff team3 defence, as well as setting strategy. Underpinning this and two organisational bodies: the Partnership Forum4 organisations and interest groups with a stake work is an energetic commitment to facilitating productive and the Core Management Group5. At least twice a year, in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding The entire circle shows the whole relationships between the partner organisations, both at representatives from each of the partner organisations Natural Beauty: of the Partnership Forum (PF) strategic level via regular meetings, and via the network of and interest groups, including representatives of the local relationships that drive forwards individual projects on the community, attend meetings of the Partnership Forum ground. Funding for the work of the Partnership is provided to help develop policy, and to develop, review and agree The centre circle shows the by Defra7 and the four local authorities on whose behalf programmes to implement the main elements of the Core Management Group (CMG) it manages the Area. However, core funds alone are not management plan: the strategy for the next five years sufficient to undertake many of the actions in the annual (this document), and the annual action plan6. Each year action plan, so one of the functions of the staff team is to representatives from the four local authorities, the Broads source additional funding to enable delivery. Authority and Natural , as well as two community representatives, also attend three to four meetings of the Norfolk Wildlife Core Management Group, which agrees the budgets and Marine Trust National programmes for the work of the staff team, and provides The work of the Norfolk Coast Management Trust public and financial accountability. Ensuring community Organisation Royal Society for representatives (each elected by the Area's parish councils) Partnership centres on managing the Protection have a role in not only strategic review but also in steering Historic England projects that focus on topics as Representing the of Birds (RSPB) the day-to-day work of the Partnership reflects our academic sector: commitment to understanding and acting on the Environment needs of local people. diverse as visitor understanding, University of East CLA removal of overhead electricity Anglia (UEA) Agency Representing lines, housing development Common the arts sector: rightholders GroundWork Gallery and coastal defence, as well Norfolk County Council

Image #4 as setting strategy Local landowners, North Norfolk District Council Overstrand National Farmers land managers Borough Council of King’s Lynn Union (NFU) and farmers & West Norfolk Norfolk Rivers Agents Great Yarmouth Borough Council Trust of Change Broads Authority (Cromer Shoal Natural England Chalk Beds Norfolk Farming Marine Community representative and Wildlife Advisory Group Conservation Community representative Zone) (Norfolk FWAG)

The Wash and North Wells Harbour Norfolk Marine Commissioners Partnership Community Community representative Community representative representative

Norfolk Association Visit North of Local Councils Norfolk

3. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/staff-team/289 4. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/partnership-forum/168 5. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/core-management-group/169 6. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/action-plan/1231 4 7. http://www.tinyurl.com/klvcdo7 5 Image #5 Thornham Introduction

Image #6 Holkham Delivering through effective relationships In addition to taking the overview on what issues face the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and bringing people together to agree on its management, the staff team plays a central role in realising the strategic objectives of the Norfolk Coast Partnership. This means that alongside their work both championing and facilitating the creation of effective policy, staff members also coordinate or lead individual projects that make things happen on the ground. Ideas for the collaborative projects run or contributed to by the Parternship come from many sources: partner representatives or members of their wider organisations, the local community, topic experts and members of the staff team themselves, or as a result of national initiatives requiring local interpretation. The Partnership’s five-year strategy is always the filter for what gets the go ahead, with the staff team assessing the viability of each idea on the basis of four factors: its relevance to agreed objectives, the complexity of delivering, its positive impact and the duration of the benefit. The staff team also identifies whether a partner is working independently on something with wider relevance, and helps get other partners involved as a means of enhancing its impact. If a proposed project is deemed a good strategic fit, it is presented to the Core Management Group, which has the final say on the work of the Partnership and its staff team, and how its budget is allocated; if accepted, the project is added to the annual action plan. The extent to which the staff team is actively involved in projects varies according to their individual requirements. For example, it sometimes secures external funding for as well as project manages an idea that has come from outside of its own membership (e.g. Glaven Eel; see overleaf); sometimes funding has already been secured and there is a pre-existing management framework, so that the staff team offer project management and local expertise to enable delivery on the ground (e.g. undergrounding of overhead lines; see p.22); in other cases the team offers standalone help in the form of expert input (e.g. planning applications; see p.14), The Partnership’s five-year assistance with gaining the local knowledge and support needed to enable delivery (e.g. Wayfaring; see p.40), strategy is always the filter for or the creation of a communications strategy (e.g. what gets the go ahead, with enhancing public understanding of the Area; see. p32). Day to day, this mixture of projects creates a complex the staff team assessing the timetable of management work that runs over both the short and long term. For each project, the staff team works viability of each idea on the with contacts from the relevant partner organisations, including the wardens of individual sites, and staff from basis of four factors: its fit with an organisation’s communications team, and other individuals brought in for expert support and advice. agreed objectives, the complexity Creating and supporting dynamic collaborative of delivering, its positive impact relationships between individuals both inside and beyond its own membership is what lies at the heart and the duration of the benefit of the effectiveness of the Partnership.

6 7 Project focus #1: Supporting local habitats and wildlife 2. Understanding the area

Chalk rivers are a valuable habitat Inspired by local aquatic The Glaven Eel project used characterised by clear water and conservationist Carl Sayer, this 2015–18 monitoring work to increase scientific A special place a diverse flora, with only 210 found project was led by the Norfolk Coast knowledge about the European eel, worldwide and more than 75 per Partnership, delivered by the Norfolk and worked to improve eel habitat. The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty The Area was legally designated in 1968, following cent of those found in England – Rivers Trust and involved a wide range It also delivered a wide range of is a protected National Landscape that sweeps around a five-year process of consideration of its landscape quality, nine located along the Norfolk coast. of local partners. It used the threatened community activities, engaging with most of the coast of Norfolk, England. Comprising 451 statutory assessments by national conservation agencies, In 2012, the staff team of the Norfolk European eel as a focus to reconnect over 1,000 local primary school children; square kilometres of intertidal, coastal and agricultural and consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, Coast Partnership applied for and won current generations with the history, offering 13 community walks and land that stretches across the territory of three different including local landowners, residents and businesses, 14 £1.3 million of funds from the Catchment folklore and traditions of their local river. talks; creating an Eel Trail featuring local authorities and one county council, the Area is as well as visitors and the wider public . It runs along just Restoration Fund8 towards a £1.9 million The eel has a major but now largely three themed artworks; and capturing characterised by remarkable natural landscapes, over 90 kilometres of the Norfolk coast, stretching from the Nine Chalk Rivers9 project. Following the forgotten place in Norfolk’s rural history. interviews with 12 local residents with and renowned as one of the few lowland areas in the mean low water mark and up to eight kilometres inland; conclusion of this suite of conservation, We know that eels were caught for food an interest in eels, including a number UK to have a genuine ‘wilderness’ quality. It is physically within its boundaries there are a wealth of different education and community projects, we during the British period, of retired eel catchers – work captured split into three separate zones that encompass large natural and manmade landscapes, many rich with wildlife: applied for and won a further £98,000 and this practice still continues today, by a dedicated short film12. sections of the coast: heaths and moors, salt marshes and high cliffs, chalk rivers of funding, this time from the Heritage though is no longer common. and busy harbours. Lottery Fund (now the National Lottery)10 • The western zone lies just north of King’s Lynn, for a £130,000 project about the taking in parts of the Sandringham Estate (including 13. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/mediaps/pdfuploads/pd003377.pdf 14. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/mediaps/pdfuploads/pd001161.pdf Glaven Eel11. Sandringham House) and an area of the south-eastern corner of • The central zone runs from Old Hunstanton to Weybourne (a stretch protected under a separate designation: the ‘North Norfolk Heritage Coast’13) and then on to a point near Bacton in the east, excluding the resort areas of Sheringham, Cromer and Mundesley • The eastern zone runs from Sea Palling to Winterton-on-Sea, taking in Winterton Dunes

Landscape character areas

Open coastal marshes Rolling open farmland Tributary farmland Large valley Settlement

OpenDrained coastal marshescoastal marshes Rolling open farmlandPlateau farmlandTributary farmland WoodedLarge valleywith parkland SettlementEstuarine marshland Rivers

DrainedCoastal coastal slopes marshes Plateau farmland Rolling heath andWooded arable with parkland CoastalEstuarine plain marshland Rivers Settled farmland Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty Coastal slopes Rolling heath and arable Coastal plain Settled farmland Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty (outline) (outline) WoodedWooded slopes slopes with estate with land estate landSmall valleys Small valleys Coastal towns and villages CoastalDunes, towns coastal andlevels andvillages resorts Dunes, coastal levels and resorts

N 0 10km Wells-next 0 10km -the-Sea N Wells-next Information based upon © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. -the-Sea Sheringham Licence No. 100019340 2020 Cromer Hunstanton Information based upon © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Sheringham Licence No. 100019340 2020 Cromer Hunstanton A148 Holt

Fakenham A148 Holt North Walsham A148 Aylsham A149 Stalham

King’s Lynn Fakenham A140 A1067 North Walsham Aylsham A148 Hemsby A1151 Norwich A149 A47 Dereham Stalham

King’s Caister A47 -on-Sea Lynn A140 A10 Swaffham A1067 8. http://www.tinyurl.com/y83wo3k6 Great Yarmouth 9. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/9-chalk-rivers-project/1098 10. https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/ 11. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/the-glaven-eel-project/1105 Wymondham 12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBeh_XGLXOU Downham 8 Market Watton Hemsby A1151 Norwich A47 Dereham

Caister Attleborough A47 -on-Sea

A10 Swaffham Great Yarmouth

Wymondham Downham Market Watton

Attleborough Understanding the area Understanding the area

These two layers of official purpose mean designation Although they are protected by law, the UK’s AONBs How designation helps to protect not just an AONB’s natural features National Landscapes are far from being unchanging physical museums. Instead (its trees, fields and open spaces) but also the settlements they are vibrant, living, working landscapes that contribute The desire to designate a number of special areas of the informs management and working environments that are distinctive characteristics some £16bn every year to the national economy. Over two countryside to be managed in the interest of everyone – of the local countryside. This nuanced status allows thirds of England’s population live within half an hour’s The statutory purpose of designating an area of land as an local residents, businesses, visitors, and the wider public – for the sustainable development of communities and drive of an AONB and around 150 million people visit English Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is to conserve and protected for future generations, irrespective of wider economic activity, including rural businesses, in ways AONBs every year, spending in excess of £2bn. In addition and enhance natural beauty. It is important to note that political and economic pressures, emerged from the mood that further enhance the character of the area – an AONB to being part of a UK family of National Landscapes, AONBs ‘natural beauty’ is a definition not limited simply to of civic renewal that characterised the decades following the may be uniquely beautiful but that doesn’t mean its are recognised internationally as part of a global family of aesthetics; it includes everything that contributes to end of the Second World War. The principles of protecting landscape should be preserved entirely unchanged. protected areas, identified by the International Union for a unique sense of place, so not only an area’s landscapes areas of intrinsic worth from inappropriate development A degree of sensitive pragmatism has to be factored into the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as ‘Category V: Protected but also its plants, wildlife, biodiversity, geodiversity and taking action for ‘preserving and enhancing natural the management of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Landscapes’ as those ‘where the interaction of people and and manmade historical and cultural features. beauty’ were first defined in law by the 1949 National Parks Natural Beauty because, like many others, the Area relies nature over time has produced an area of distinct character There are also secondary, non-statutory recognised and Access to the Countryside Act17, and have been further heavily on tourism to drive a thriving economy; also, more with significant ecological, biological, cultural and scenic purposes of AONBs: firstly, to take account of the needs shaped by a number of subsequent legislation and guidance recently, it has started to rely on power generation – both value, and where safeguarding the integrity of this of agriculture, forestry, fishing and other local rural industries documents18; most notably, the 2000 Countryside and Rights via offshore wind power and by the importation of a large interaction is vital to protecting and sustaining the area and of the economic and social needs of local communities, of Way Act (CRoW)19 strengthened the provisions of the portion of the nation’s gas supply via a site near Bacton and its associated nature conservation and other values.’21 paying particular regard to promoting sustainable forms 1949 Act, confirming the purpose and significance of AONBs (a pipeline to Zeebrugge in Belgium connects the UK to of social and economic development that in themselves and creating a firm legislative basis for their designation, mainland Europe’s gas network). conserve and enhance the area’s natural beauty; protection and management. The resultant 46 Areas In managing the Area, the Norfolk Coast Partnership and secondly, to seek to meet the demand for recreation of Outstanding Natural Beauty20 and 15 National Parks also has a non-statutory responsibility to protect the so far as this is consistent with the statutory purpose (one of which, the Norfolk Broads, overlaps a small portion North Norfolk Heritage Coast15, a stretch running from of conserving and enhancing the area’s natural beauty – of the eastern zone of the Norfolk Coast AONB) represent Holme-next-the-Sea to Weybourne that is an officially Northumberland and which preferably supports this purpose by increasing the UK’s most outstanding and cherished landscapes: Northumberland defined landscape in its own right, and which is recognised Coast understanding, valuation and care for the area – unique and irreplaceable national assets, each with its as one of the finest stretches of undeveloped coast in and is also consistent with the needs of rural industries. own distinctive character and natural beauty. Heritage Coast England and Wales. In addition, the Area also encompasses

Settlement and has to be managed within the context of a range Solway North Rivers of other designations and important features, including Coast Pennines Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty (outline) 85 County Wildlife Sites, 59 Scheduled Monuments, 42 Lake Conservation Areas, 28 sites of Special Scientific Interest District North York Moors (SSSIs), and numerous listed buildings. It's also worth noting Yorkshire Dales Heritage Coast that although the statutory boundaries of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Howardian North NorfolkSettlement Heritage Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty remain as originally Arnside & Silverdale Hills Rivers designated in 1968, there is a national move towards National Park Nidderdale Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty Forest of Wells-next (outline) a landscape-scale approach with less dependence on rigid Bowland -the-Sea Heritage Coast 0 10km N boundaries, and there is also some local pressure from parish Anglesey Clwydian SheringhamSettlement Information based upon © Crown copyright. Range All rights reserved. councils and other organisations to extend the boundaries Blakeney Peak Cromer Lincence No. 100019340 2020 16 District Hunstanton Rivers of the Area to cover a larger physical territory . Norfolk Coast Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty Lleyn (outline) 15. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/mediaps/pdfuploads/pd003377.pdf A148 Holt 16. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/aonb-designation/1050 Snowdonia Wells-next Cannock -the-Sea N 0 10km Chase Shropshire The Broads Sheringham Information based upon © Crown copyright. Hills England Fakenham All rights reserved. Blakeney Cromer Lincence No. 100019340 2020 N Hunstanton North Malvern Suffolk Coast Walsham Hills & Heaths A148 Aylsham A149 Dedham Stalham Wales Vale A148 Holt Pembrokeshire Brecon Beacons King’s Coast Chilterns Lynn A140 Gower A1067 Fakenham Wells-next North Wessex North Downs Hemsby -the-Sea Walsham 0 0 100km10km Quantock Surrey Hills Kent Hills Cranborne A1151 Aylsham Mendip East Downs A148 N North Chase & West Dereham Norwich A149 Devon Exmoor Hills Hampshire A47 Stalham Wiltshire High Information based upon © Crown copyright. Downs South Weald Sheringham Blackdown Downs King’s Caister All rights© reserved. Crown copyright. All rights reserved Hills New -on-Sea Blakeney Forest Lynn A47 A140 Cromer LincenceNatural No. 100019340 England, Lincence 2020 No. 100046223 2020 Dorset A1067 Tamar Sussex Downs Hunstanton Valley Chichester A10 Swaffham Dartmoor East Harbour Devon Great Isle of Wight Yarmouth Hemsby A1151 Norwich South Devon Wymondham A47 Dereham Downham Market Watton A148 Holt Caister -on-Sea A47

A10 Swaffham 17. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/12-13-14/97 18. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/supporting-information/409 Great Yarmouth 19. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37 Attleborough Fakenham 20. https://landscapesforlife.org.uk/about-aonbs/aonbs/overview 21. http://www.tinyurl.com/y82jqgdb Wymondham 11 Downham Market Watton North Walsham A148 Aylsham A149 Stalham

Attleborough King’s Lynn A140 A1067 Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty National Park Hemsby A1151 Norwich A47 Dereham

Caister -on-Sea A47

A10 Swaffham Great Yarmouth

Wymondham Downham Market Watton

Attleborough Understanding the area Understanding the area

Image #7 Waxham Statement of Significance Summary of The special qualities that underpin the designation of each one of the UK’s special qualities Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are outlined in documents called Statements of Significance. The Statement for the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding To help to decide on management priorities, it’s useful Natural Beauty is based on a Landscape Assessment produced by the Countryside for the Norfolk Coast Partnership to summarise the special Commission in 1995, which is summarised as: qualities that underpin the designation of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; here they are divided into the same categories used to organise the strategic objectives (outlined in the next section, starting on p.23):

The landscape of the Norfolk Coast is complemented by the rising backdrop inland habitats such as heathland, are unique, with qualities of natural beauty of largely agricultural land, which particularly important. The area also Natural environment that define its character and make the includes open chalk downland, quiet, has geodiversity features of national area distinctive. These encompass its secluded river valleys and the woodlands importance, including outstanding • The dynamic character of the coast scenic and aesthetic value, the geology and heath of the Cromer Ridge. examples of coastal, glacial and • The strong and distinctive links between the land, and landform, its climate and soils, The coastal areas of north Norfolk are glacio-fluvial landforms such as eskers rivers and sea its wildlife and ecology, the rich history marked by the sharp contrast between and outwash plains, as well as significant • The exceptional, internationally important, varied of human settlement and land use the flat marsh area and open farmed geological sites. and distinctive habitats and species over the centuries, its chalklands that are separated by the The landscape of the Norfolk • The nationally and internationally important geology and buildings, its cultural associations, coastal road. Elsewhere the transition Coast is also the result of a complex and the people who live in it, past between distinctive landscapes covers interaction between people and their Recreation and present. a wider area. At national level, the environment. Many of the smaller-scale The basic shape and contours Norfolk Coast AONB is one of the features that give the area its unique • The sense of tranquillity, wildness and remoteness, and the of the land and the coast are the product few remaining examples of relatively character are the result of the actions Image #8 opportunity for quiet enjoyment of the area of natural processes, linked to long- undeveloped and unspoilt coastal of people who have lived in and used Wells-next-the-Sea term climate changes acting on the areas of this character; at a regional the area for thousands of years. Even underlying geology, particularly level it forms a wild, rich and diverse the present ‘wild’ coast is a product Built environment the action of ice sheets and water. compliment to the intensive agricultural of a combination of natural processes The action of the sea, both eroding landscapes that dominate . and human activities, with enclosure • The richness of archaeological heritage and the historic and building, produces an ever-changing The AONB offers a wide variety of saltmarsh by protective banks to environment coast. The influence of the sea provides of landscape character and local provide agricultural land influencing • The low level of development and population density, a unifying theme, with the variety and distinctiveness, including variation coastal processes over a much wider and the lack of major roads and settlements compared interrelationship of dynamic coastal in the character of coastal settlements, area. Connections between people to much of lowland England features such as saltmarsh, sand dunes, buildings and settlement patterns. and the landscape remain important. • The variety, richness and interrelationships between shingle and eroding sand and gravel There is a strong contrast between Employment in ‘traditional’ industries landscapes, settlements, settlement patterns, building cliffs especially important. The links the coastal communities and those such as agriculture and fishing has character and archaeology across the area between land and sea are an essential in the hinterland. The area is rich declined but these still have a key • The lack of light pollution and the resultant dark night skies part of its unique character – the quality in archaeological and historical sites, role to play in the area’s character and of coastal landscapes, looking to, from with remains and features covering contribute to the wealth of distinctive and along the coast, the dynamic coastal all periods from the Palaeolithic to local produce. Local communities landforms and processes, ecological the Second World War giving a strong The area’s perceived qualities and the rural economy interdependencies, biodiversity and ‘time depth’ to much of its landscape; of remoteness, as an area apart from cultural, architectural, economic, its important heritage of Ice Age the pattern of life elsewhere, and of • The strong connections between people and the landscape historical and archaeological character. landforms contributes another tranquillity – it’s quiet and peaceful • The quiet and peaceful atmosphere and relaxed pace of life The area is noted for the quality dimension of this kind. atmosphere and relaxed pace of life – • The distinctive local produce and vibrant art scene of its night skies, the relative lack Its many nature conservation are qualities reflected in the vibrant of artificial lighting away from main designations testify to the area’s national local art scene and in literature. roads and towns providing fine views and international importance for The opportunity for quiet enjoyment of constellations and, occasionally, wildlife. Coastal and intertidal habitats of the area is often mentioned as the Northern Lights. (cliffs, shingle banks, sand dunes, something that people particularly The coastal plain of the North , saltmarsh, mudflats, sandflats value and which contributes to their Norfolk Heritage Coast, a section and freshwater marsh) and the birds and health and wellbeing. of the coast from Holme-next-the- other wildlife they support (particularly Sea to Weybourne, in particular the wildfowl and waders in areas along has a wilderness quality rare in the North Norfolk Heritage Coast lowland England, distinct from but and in the Wash), together with some

12 13 Project focus #2: Understanding the area Defending the character of the built environment

A huge contribution is made to the Although the Norfolk coast The Partnership also responds unique character of the Norfolk coast Partnership is not a planning authority or proactively in other ways to the challenge It is generally accepted that Key external factors by its built environment, much of which even a statutory consultee on planning of preserving the special character of emission of ‘greenhouse comprises modest vernacular buildings. applications, as a designated landscape the local built environment: in 2017 The purpose of the work of the Norfolk Coast Partnership But in recent years the area has begun to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty the staff team organised a Developing gases’ (mainly carbon dioxide is not to preserve the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding change: there is less new social housing, must be taken into consideration by the Solutions planning conference attended Natural Beauty as unchanged. External factors – both a higher number of private residential local planning authorities. The Partnership by a wide variety of participants, from from burning fossil fuels) environmental and human – inevitably alter any physical developments, and a gradual change in works hard to ensure appropriate parish councillors to planners and area over time, and it is the role of the Partnership to actively style as buildings (often second homes) development maintains the Area’s developers; they also run a planning is now accelerating the rate manage that process of change where it impacts on natural become bigger and more ostentatious; special character as well as providing group that enables planners from the beauty and landscape character. The key external factors adding to this picture is the steady enough affordable homes for the local local authorities and officers from of change in the global that drive change in the Area have the potential to create increase in glamping and holiday community. This relies on good working environmental organisations to discuss significant and inter-related effects both within the five-year home applications, as well as planning relationships with the planning officers of pressing issues and share experience climate, and that urgent period covered by the strategy detailed in this document, applications for new small businesses the local authorities to help them deliver and expertise; in addition, the Partnership action is needed in response and in the longer term. They are: and to enable the diversification their statutory duty of regard22 towards works on a programme of support for of farm businesses. the Area – the staff team currently communities to create their own statutory Climate change comment on around 20 planning neighbourhood plans and become more applications a month. influential in the local planning process. Scientific research and historic records show that over time, both global and local climates have gone through a series of natural cycles. However, it is generally accepted that emission of ‘greenhouse gases’ (mainly carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels) is now accelerating the rate of change in the global climate, and that urgent action is needed in response. The latest series of reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Image #9 23 Stiffkey published in 2019 , concluded that the world has arrived at a crucial crossroads, characterised by the following factors:

• That climate change is here, is man-made, is accelerating and is already having dangerous impacts across all continents and in the ocean • That it is possible to keep global warming below the politically agreed limit of 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, but only if action is taken without further delay • That securing a safe climate future is possible and economically viable if immediate action is taken to transition to a low-carbon economy, with restricted emissions from additional fossil-fuel burning matched by a move to dependence on renewable energy (the capacity of which will need to triple or quadruple by 2050)

There are many indirect effects of the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide and the acceleration of climate change that are likely to have additional impacts24, including disruption of the jet stream, increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the recession of polar ice, changes in ocean currents, and ocean acidification. All this means that the Norfolk coast can in the future expect, on average, warmer, drier summers and wetter winters, more erratic weather patterns, and storms of increased frequency and severity. Significant potential impacts include increased flooding, changes to habitats and species, changes to the availability of water resources, harm to agricultural yields and changes in viable crops, changes in population and distribution, and changes to the desirability of the area for tourism and the income related to it.

22. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/statutory-duties/1051 23. https://www.ipcc.ch/ 24. https://350.org/10-important-findings-from-the-ipcc-reports

14 15 Understanding the area Understanding the area

Sea level rise If allowed to continue on the cliffed coast from landscape and scenic beauty in National Parks, the Broads Energy policy Weybourne to Bacton, natural erosion and slumping of the and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which have The 2019 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report38 In the main, sea level rise is caused by two factors: isostatic cliffs would maintain biodiversity, geological importance and the highest status of protection in relation to landscape is clear that meeting climate change targets requires an readjustment25 and climate change. The first of those two landscape character. There would, however, be implications and scenic beauty. The conservation of wildlife and increase in low-carbon energy investment. In response, processes means that the British landmass is still adjusting for some coastal communities where the cliffs are not cultural heritage are also important in all these areas’ the UK government has declared a ‘climate emergency’39 to the removal of the huge weight of ice sheets over its fronted by defences or where they become ineffective. and that ‘planning permission should be refused for and committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the northern parts during the last Ice Age, by tilting on a north From Horsey to Winterton, the prospect of significant major developments except in exceptional circumstances United Kingdom by 50 per cent on 1990 levels by 2025, and west/south east axis. On the Norfolk coast, this process is sea level rise is likely to threaten existing coastal settlements, and where it can be demonstrated they are in the public by 80 per cent on 1990 levels by 2050, thus driving the need 34 causing a relative sea level rise of around 1–2mm a year. archaeology and buildings, including some of architectural interest.’ However, this policy also includes a strong for the introduction of renewable energy technologies. For the Although this has some impact on erosion rates on the and historical value. It also threatens to damage or destroy ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ Area, this is currently apparent in the development of wind cliffed section of the coast of the Area of Outstanding characteristic and designated coastal habitats, although as a driver of economic growth, which may lead to further and solar farms. With wind energy, the main focus at present Natural Beauty, saltmarshes have easily been able to keep it could also lead to the creation of other valuable and pressure for development in or on the fringes of AONBs. is on offshore development, although a few relatively up with this rise through sediment accretion. Sea level rise characteristic habitats. Though it might be possible Local Plans (previously known as Local Development small-scale onshore wind farms are present in or close to 35 driven by climate change is a result of both the thermal (if not necessarily desirable in some quarters) to continue Frameworks) , developed and administered by local the area. Offshore, large wind farms are operating and expansion of sea water and the input of additional water to maintain and even extend existing sea walls in some authorities, are the prime local planning policy documents frequently clearly visible from the area in the Wash off the through melting of land ice (Antarctic and Greenland ice places for a considerable period, rapid sea level rise would for managing development in the Area. Although the Lincolnshire coast (Lincs, Lynn, Inner Dowsing), off Sheringham sheets, and mountain ice caps and glaciers). cancel the viability of this work. majority of areas earmarked for significant development (Race Bank, Sheringham Shoal, Dudgeon) and off Winterton- Allowing for isostatic readjustment, Norfolk coast sea within Norfolk Coast local authority Local Plans are well on-Sea (Scroby Sands), with significantly more planned; levels rose by about 1mm a year during the 20th century, outside of the Area, at North Walsham and south of King’s their onshore cable routes cause temporary disruption to with the rate since the 1990s climbing more quickly, Public policy Lynn around the A10 road, significant development has the landscape. One solar farm has been granted planning at about 3mm a year. The 2019 IPCC Special Report on occurred just outside the boundary around Heacham and permission in the Area along with a few others on its edge, the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC)26 Hunstanton, and there is a proposal for a significant housing although visual impacts from these are expected to be Policy decisions and changes at national and international development within the Area on the outskirts of Cromer36. predicts increasing sea level rise, with global mean level can affect what happens in the area, either directly limited compared to wind farms. levels rising between 0.29m and 1.1m by the end of this Other development over the life of the current Local Plans is or by influencing local policy. anticipated to be at a relatively low level in the larger villages century – the largest sea level rise projections ever made Marine policy by the IPCC. and towns (the local service centres), and via infill between Environmental policy 37 Since the Area includes an intertidal zone, and has many Shoreline Management Plans and Strategic Flood Risk existing properties . ecological, cultural and visual links with the sea, what happens Assessments model these effects. In the low-lying coastal Following the economic crash of 2008, central government Image #11 in the marine area is highly relevant to the conservation areas from south of Hunstanton to Weybourne, a rise of policy included reducing the cost of the public sector as part Titchwell and enhancement of its natural beauty. An important between 0.29 and 1.1m, considered without the influence of reducing the UK budget deficit. This included reductions provision of the 2009 Marine and Coastal Access Act40 is the of human-made sea walls, would cover much of the in funding for local authorities and AONB partnerships, development of Marine Plans, which interpret the principles saltmarsh and freshwater marshes, reaching back as far followed by an agreement for an extended period of stable of the high-level marine objectives from the government’s as the rising ground of the coastal slope and affecting funding during 2016–20. Since 2015, central government Marine Policy Statement41 in a detailed spatial management some coastal communities. has committed to work ‘to make ours the first generation to leave the natural environment in a better state than plan for sections of offshore and inshore waters, up to the 27 mean high water mark on the coast. The combined East Image #10 we found it.’ It has produced an ambitious 25 Year 42 Scolt Head Environment Plan28 (with a new Environment Act to follow) Marine Plan , covering inshore and offshore areas from and committed to Nature Recovery and use of Biodiversity Flamborough Head to Felixstowe, and so including and Net Gain29 and eco-systems services30 assessments, relating to part of the Area, was published in April 2014. joint concepts that ensure decision-making includes The objectives and policies of the plan need to be taken into appropriate consideration of biodiversity value. In 2018, account by public bodies in making decisions that may affect central government commissioned a review of protected the marine environment. The plan can potentially help to landscapes, the Glover Review31, which was very positive for protect the area by managing development in the marine AONB partnerships and, amongst other findings, concluded area to conserve seascapes, habitats and species that that they require better funding and increased resources. contribute directly or indirectly to natural beauty. Likewise, The National Association of Areas of Outstanding Natural the local small-scale fishing industry makes an important Beauty published a response to Glover, the Colchester contribution to the distinctive character of the area and its Declaration32, with commitments for delivery of its communities as well as to the local economy, and new recommendations. It remains to be seen whether, legislative structures are due for implementation, following the and if so how, the funding, resourcing, roles and operation UK’s exit from the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy. of AONB partnerships, and other partner organisations that play a critical role in meeting AONB objectives will Health and wellbeing policy change as a result. A growing body of evidence indicates that greater access to, or contact with, natural environments (such as Development policy parks, woodlands and beaches) is associated with better The UK’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)33 health and wellbeing, particularly in urbanised societies. retains strong protection for AONBs and National Parks, The pattern is consistent across key groups, including older stating that ‘Great weight should be given to conserving adults and those with long-term health issues.

25. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/glacial-adjustment.html 30. https://biodiversity.europa.eu/topics/ecosystem-services 34. http://www.tinyurl.com/y85orlsf 39. http://www.tinyurl.com/yybk2726 26. https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/ 31. http://www.tinyurl.com/ybdgxr8l 35. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-plans 40. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/23/contents 27. http://ucrel.lancs.ac.uk/wmatrix/ukmanifestos2015/localpdf/Conservatives.pdf 32. http://www.tinyurl.com/yyyhq7qb 36. http://www.tinyurl.com/y7fwggrf http://www.tinyurl.com/ydx2svou 41. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-marine-policy-statement 28. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-plan 33. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework 37. The use of undeveloped land within a built-up area for new construction 42. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/east-marine-plans 16 29. http://www.tinyurl.com/y3v6x6t6 38. https://www.ipcc.ch 17 Image #13 Understanding the area Burnham Norton

The new concept of the ‘Natural Health Service’ gives Farming policy official recognition to the natural environment as a health With the UK’s exit from the European Union, the structure asset, one that can help prevent and treat both physical of support for farmers and fishing communities is due and mental health conditions. Central government is to change significantly. For farmers, replacement of the encouraging its use within ‘social prescribing’, a new, previous Common Agricultural Policy of payments related holistic, community-led approach to addressing people’s to land ownership with introduction of the UK government’s health and wellbeing needs. principle of ‘public money for public goods’ is to be The consequences of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic interpreted via a new Environmental Land Management include a public lockdown, economic disruption and severe Scheme; the fishing industry will also come under the stress for many individuals, and the natural environment regulation and control of central government. will no doubt have a significant role to play in the nation’s A large proportion of the Area is farmland. Changes recovery. Having to live in the shadow of the pandemic in crops affect landscape character, wildlife and the historic has ‘heightened our collective awareness of nature’s many environment, both positively and negatively. Loss of sugar benefits – from the tranquillity of the outdoors to clean air beet as a prominent local crop through loss of production and water, natural resources, disease suppression, and the support and market viability would be likely to affect farm capacity to help slow climate change and protect us from economics and wildlife, although it could benefit some 43 its impacts’ , and has engendered a desire not to return archaeological sites. Beet is an important ‘break’ crop to ‘business as usual’. Governments are being called on to in the rotation with no obvious alternative at present scale up nature-based solutions that provide cost-effective, and is important for farmland bird species such as skylarks environmental, social and economic benefits, and that help and wintering geese that use harvested beet tops as build resilience, and to commit to putting greater equality an important food source. Demand-led profitability of and climate resilience at the heart of their recovery plans. biofuels/biomass production is increasing, with resulting potential changes in crops and characteristic biodiversity and landscapes. Free-range pig farming is increasing with impacts on soil stability and fertility. Farmers (especially Image #12 Burnham Overy Staithe those who own smaller farms) may diversify away from farming into other activities, for example tourism, with possible landscape impacts. Environmental organisations also rely on agri-environment funding to help manage reserves, so how the Environmental Land Management Scheme is developed, targeted and applied in the Area, as well as the funding available, will have a significant influence on the conservation and enhancement of the area’s natural beauty, with difficulty in achieving sustainable economic management of some non-commercial characteristic habitats with related negative effects on landscape and wildlife.

Water management policy The Water Framework Directive44 is a powerful policy driver for river catchment improvement. The Directive commits European Union member states to achieve good ecological and chemical status of all water bodies, including marine waters up to one nautical mile from shore, by 2015, or if this was not possible, to set and achieve interim targets with full compliance by 2027. Under all conditions, it required that there should be no deterioration in status. It is expected that, following the UK’s exit from the European Union, this legislation will be transferred into UK law, with responsibility for managing implementation remaining under the Environment Agency. The Norfolk coast clearly has a strong basis in the water environment, with its freshwater marshes and saltmarshes, aquifer-fed springs and a number of small but incredibly valuable chalk rivers flowing northwards out to the sea, as detailed in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.

43. http://www.tinyurl.com/y9l4ks3b 44. https://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html

18 19 Understanding the area Understanding the area

Coastal processes Often-empty properties (e.g. little-used second homes) also impacts on the natural environment. It is difficult to predict As the coast changes over the have impacts on the character and cultural distinctiveness the rise of new activities and the opportunities and pressures The geology and dynamic landforms of the Norfolk coast, longer term, it may be necessary of communities and settlements, as well as on the viability they may bring, but they require managing in a way that including its submarine features, have been shifting shape of local communities and the local economy. is compatible with existing activities and with the Area’s for centuries, making it of international scientific importance. for some coastal settlements to Tourism-related development, including services and natural beauty and landscape character. Historical, geological and archaeological records evidence provisions for the local tourism industry and diversification these changes, recording many ‘lost villages’ along the ‘roll back’ or to relocate inland in of farming enterprises into visitor-related economic cliffs, and over time, a succession of alternating saltwater, order to maintain living, working activities, can have economic benefits for local communities. intertidal and freshwater habitats. Today the direction of However, it also has the potential to create significant A 2017 study estimated sediment transfer runs predominantly north to south down communities on the coast adverse impacts on tranquillity and the area’s landscape the east coast of England, although local tidal cells retain character, and through increasing pressures on sensitive that there were 4,448,100 anomalous characteristics, for example the apparently habitats and species. westwards accretion at both Scolt Head and . annual visits to the Area, The Norfolk coast comprises a mix of soft, natural Local development defences, such as saltmarsh and shingle, mixed with with almost 90 per cent stretches of hard, human-made defence structures, such The latest available census data (from 2001 and 2011) Visitor numbers and activities being day trips, generating as sea walls and groynes. These human-made hard defences identifies that the resident population of the Norfolk Coast offer protection but inevitably affect the natural operation Area of Natural Beauty is at approx. 13,000 individuals, Increasing numbers of visitors to the AONB are driven £294 million and supporting of coastal processes. Both precedent and scientific studies a slight decline of 4.7 per cent across the decade, although by increased desire for UK-based holidays locally, nationally demonstrate that natural defences better adjust to change this varies from –15 per cent to +13 per cent for different and internationally, and by an increase in the numbers of 4,200 full-time-equivalent jobs while supporting the conservation and enhancement of parishes45. However, there is significant pressure for people living within easy reach, resulting in the potential for natural beauty and maintenance of the landscape character, housing growth over the next five years and beyond, and much higher numbers of day visitors. More potential visitors whereas human-made defences interrupt natural processes an increase in housing in the Area is planned within Local will have increased impacts on some sensitive habitats and and can lead to unexpected consequences in other parts Plan targets. New housing provision in and close to it has species, and cause increased disruption to local communities. of the system. potential benefits for the local economy and viability Although there is a lack of reliable data about the total numbers of people visiting different parts of the Area and Image #14 Offshore dredging of aggregates such as sand of services, and there is a need for a range of housing and gravel, and offshore developments, such as wind farms, options, including for those who cannot afford high market individual sites, , and Lady have the potential to affect the coast through interaction rates. However, difficulty in financing affordable housing Anne’s Drive at Holkham are each thought to receive up with sediment supply and transport systems, as well as provision means it can often only be delivered alongside to 1 million visitors a year, while high numbers are also having potential effects on marine ecosystems and species. new housing sold at market rates, in order to make it estimated for other sites such as Sheringham Park (180,000 The actual effects, including potential cumulative and viable. Likewise, central government housing targets may per year) and Blakeney and Morston quays (140,000 each long-term effects, are difficult to assess in an environment contribute to expansion pressures on some of the larger per year). 47 characterised by complex relationships and a lack of data, settlements on the Area’s boundaries. Some incursions into A 2017 study estimated that there were 4,448,100 and are often not fully understood or agreed on. Continued it have already taken place. Even new housing outside the annual visits to the Area, with almost 90 per cent being work is required to assess the impacts of offshore activities. boundary can have visual impacts on its setting46 as well day trips, generating £294 million and supporting 4,200 Overall, predictions about the effects of coastal as more indirect effects. There are also pressures for other full time-equivalent jobs. This compares to an equivalent 48 processes on the Norfolk coast are for a complex mix of forms of development in the countryside and in some cases 2005 figure of 2,499,600 visits, with 72 per cent being changes to, and interchanges between, coastal habitats potential conflict between government and other guidance day trips, generating £199 million and supporting almost with some shifting of saltwater and intertidal habitats into and protection, for example in relation to introduction of 3,000 full-time-equivalent jobs. Thus in the last 15 years freshwater and terrestrial ones, and of erosion and flooding, telecommunications masts and broadband infrastructure. there has been a shift from longer stays to more day visits, with resultant threat of damage to habitats and species, As the coast changes over the longer term, it may and a drop in the relative income and jobs that result from and to coastal properties, archaeology, settlements be necessary for some coastal settlements to ‘roll back’ those numbers of visitors. Any focus on extending the visitor and infrastructure. Sea level rise is expected to greatly or to relocate inland in order to maintain living, working season by the tourism sector, while bringing advantages magnify and accelerate these effects. communities on the coast. This may mean planning to in increased income and a rise in year-round rather than build on areas that have previously been outside the seasonal jobs, would also put the natural environment envelope of settlement development, and in some cases under increasing pressure. allowing settlements that are currently ‘hemmed in’ by Within the mix of more traditional recreational The Norfolk coast, including the Area’s boundary to roll back into its protected territory. activities such as sailing and other forms of boating, Even small-scale development can have impacts on windsurfing, wildfowling, sea angling, walking, cycling, its submarine features, have the character of existing settlements, on heritage assets dog walking, browsing in villages and scenic drives, new and on the landscape and seascape character of a wider recreational activities may arise either as short-term been shifting shape for centuries, area. There are also potential associated environmental fashions or more permanent features of the recreational impacts such as stress on water resources, sewage and scene. A recent example is kite-based activities on beaches. 49 making it of international sewage treatment, transport levels and infrastructure, The England Coast Path – a new walking route following levels of air and light pollution, and tranquillity. Properties the entire coast of England that was enabled by the 2009 scientific importance 50 bought as second homes, for retirement, as holiday homes, Marine and Coastal Access Act – is due for completion or for buy-to-let cause high property prices, excluding people in 2021. This is likely to attract additional visitors, with on relatively low incomes from the housing market. associated economic benefits, but also to create potential

45. https://www.norfolkinsight.org.uk/ 47. Economic Impact of Tourism – Norfolk Coast AONB 2017 (Destination Research) 46. http://www.tinyurl.com/y85orlsf 48. Economic Impact of Tourism – Norfolk Coast AONB 2005 (Destination Research) 49. http://www.tinyurl.com/y7grxmf9 50. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/23/contents 20 21 Project focus #3: Removing overhead electricity lines 3. What we plan to achieve

Within the Norfolk Coast Area of projects and prioritise how the funding not only offer clear benefits but also • Natural environment Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are is invested to give maximum benefit, be cost effective and have the support Managing change • Recreation many areas in which the removal of with the Norfolk Coast Partnership of landowners and communities • Built environment In this strategy so far, we have described the nature of the overhead electricity lines instantly restores as a key member. Between 2007 and 2019, a total • Local community and the rural economy Norfolk coast and why it deserves designation as an Area the full beauty of the landscape and Since the start of the scheme52, of seven undergrounding projects were of Outstanding Natural Beauty [see p.9–13], as well as reintroduces its signature atmosphere the Partnership's staff team has invited completed in the Area. An example is In each strand, a vision of the future of the Area in defined the key external factors that are driving change of remoteness and wilderness. OFGEM51, local people to suggest potential sites, the removal of 760 metres of overhead 2030 is defined, and relevant local effects of the key external in the Area [see p.15–21]. A coordinated response to this the government-appointed regulator for which they have then ranked based on electricity lines and associated poles at factors identified – for example (in Built environment), constant process of evolution is at the core of the work done the electricity supply industry, currently the impact of overhead lines on landscape Cley-next-the-Sea in 2018, a £95,000 the need to ‘roll back’ coastal settlements into undeveloped by the Norfolk Coast Partnership; we ensure we maintain the funds a scheme that enables electricity character, visual amenity and landscape project that not only improved iconic countryside as a result of sea level rise. Some of these effects Area’s distinctive natural beauty and landscape character distribution companies to replace features, and whether undergrounding views across the area’s reed beds and can be managed directly and locally, through effective by developing and implementing plans to adapt to, mitigate overhead lines with underground cables in will improve the setting of a heritage marshes to Cley Windmill but also reduced local action by individuals, partner organisations or by new and build resilience to a wide range of changes. The aim Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and asset or other historical feature, a significant risk to the local population partnership initiatives. Others relate to issues playing out of this work is not for everything to remain the same – National Parks. In 2005, teams from the or offer biodiversity benefits, ready of swans, which were often killed by flying at a national or global level, and the Partnership can only as an organisation it is essential to recognise the tension National Landscapes of East Anglia and for judging by the steering group. into the overhead lines. aim to influence those indirectly. Taking these effects into between the character of the Area as it is today, and the the south east, Natural England and UK Relocating cables underground is consideration, this strategy presents a set of objectives way it will look in the future. Our approach, developed Power Networks (the network operator) expensive and time-consuming, that our partner organisations commit to work together and refined since publication of the first five-year strategy created a steering group to champion so chosen projects have needed to to achieve by 2030. More detailed actions for each strand, in 2004, centres on effective collaboration and cooperation based on the objectives, are presented in the annual action across the Partnership. plan53 that accompanies this strategy. Built on the content of its predecessors, this strategy has evolved and been refined through a two-year consultation process involving both the partner organisations Built on the content of its and the local community. An important step in focusing the strategic thinking for this latest version was the summarising predecessors, this strategy of the Statement of Significance into a list of key attributes of the Area's natural beauty and landscape character has evolved and been refined [see p.12–13], expressed as four interwoven strands: through a two-year consultation process involving both the partner organisations and the local community Image #15 Holkham

51. https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/ 53. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/action-plan/1231 52. http://www.tinyurl.com/y9s32bnk

22 23 Image #16 Morston What we plan to achieve

Strategic strand 1: The many layers of international, Natural environment national and local statutory

Subject to continuous and often rapid change, Norfolk’s and non-statutory conservation coast is one of the most dynamic in the UK. An ever-shifting designations for habitats, margin between land and sea, as well as the coast’s relationship with both the marine environment and its wildlife and geodiversity testify hinterland, are fundamental to the special character of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to the importance of the and the foundation of its designation. Sustainable long-term management of the Area’s Area and are fundamental to coast is delivered through Shoreline Management Plans54 that each cover one of three sections of Norfolk’s coast, and protecting its natural beauty which together provide a broad assessment of the long-term risks associated with coastal processes, as well as defining a strategy for flood and coastal defence. These plans operate of land managers over thousands of years. Agricultural and a mix of four different approaches: ‘hold the line’, ‘advance parkland landscapes, with field boundaries, hedgerow trees, the line’, ‘managed realignment’ or ‘no active intervention’, and belts and blocks of woodland, are important contributors with the first two usually applied where any change would to the Area’s natural beauty and character, contrasting with result in significant economic loss. Human-constructed the relative wildness of its coastal landscapes. coastal defences that slow the natural rate of change Parkland and wood pasture (an area of grazing land play an important role in stabilising the coast to protect with trees) cover only 17 per cent of the land so the Area communities but have a negative impact on a number is not considered to be richly wooded. However, woodland, of coastal Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). copses, ancient woodland and individual veteran trees make The landforms of the Area are based fundamentally an important contribution to the landscape character, and on its geology and the forces that have acted on it over time support rare and valuable habitats and species. Inland from – particularly the effects of glaciation, as well as by marine the highly designated coast, important areas of lowland erosion and deposition. It is nationally and internationally heath are remnants of a once much more extensive habitat, recognised for its geological and geomorphological features, with relatively small blocks and belts of woodland, including especially the coast with its variety of features that respond a small amount of ancient woodland. The commercial use of to coastal processes. Information on geology is increasing, woodland for timber products is relatively low. There is scope for example as a result of the Deep Coast History Project, for the removal of woodland where it is not consistent with but some individual geological sites are in poor condition the landscape character, the increase in areas of woodland through lack of maintenance. The Area’s diverse landscapes, in appropriate locations, and for the inclusion of more trees including land, marine, intertidal and riverine, and the in hedgerows. habitats and species within them, are also of international Historically the farmed landscape has reflected the importance, though again in general terms this is poorly economic and social needs of a particular time and it has understood. There is need for further restoration of the played an important role in the history of agricultural Area’s chalk rivers (of international value and rarity) and innovation (for example, Holkham Estate, owned by the their catchments, to improve their environmental quality reformist gentleman farmer Thomas Coke, ‘Coke of Norfolk’, and bring them into good condition. in the 18th–19th century). Arable farming has been a major The many layers of international, national and local land use since designation of the Area; although profitability statutory and non-statutory conservation designations for has varied over the last decade, high-quality malting barley habitats, wildlife and geodiversity testify to the importance is a notable local crop favoured by the soils and climate of of the Area and are fundamental to protecting its natural north Norfolk. A lack of suitable livestock has made it harder beauty. However, there has been a general decline to use conservation grazing to manage valued habitats in biodiversity, including on designated sites. In particular, such as heathland, downland and grazing marshes, there is a decline in some key bird species in the North and over many years there has been a consequent decline Norfolk Coast Special Protection Area (SPA).55 Non-native in the quality and quantity of some habitats. invasive species56 exist but are not currently a major issue The economic health of farming and woodland affecting native biodiversity. management, and the ability of these land uses to The management of farmland and woodland for food simultaneously deliver future environmental benefits, and other products has been, and still is, the key human are vital for the maintenance of a landscape worthy of the influence on the landscape of most of Britain, including that designation. The decisions that farmers and land managers of the Norfolk coast, with approximately half of the Area take, often influenced by central government policy, being farmland, mainly arable. Farmed landscapes and their determine to a great extent whether society’s ambitions associated wildlife have been shaped by the decisions for water quality, wildlife, healthy soils and production of

54. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/shoreline-management-plans-smps 55. http://www.tinyurl.com/yb73x9x2 56. http://www.tinyurl.com/y9mhzywt 24 25 What we plan to achieve What we plan to achieve

food and other goods can be achieved. Agri-environment the same as in the past. Where coastal habitats have been What might influence progress? Objectives for the schemes have made some contribution to the conservation lost, they will have been replaced elsewhere, and plans and enhancement of landscape, biodiversity and the historic for managing future loss will have been developed. The following local effects (each the result of one of natural environment environment but have not halted a long-term trend of the key external factors described on p.15–21, farmland landscape and habitat degradation and the decline The landscape will show evidence of links with history e.g. climate change, coastal processes and visitor numbers) In light of the local effects identified above, the following of farmland wildlife, particularly farmland birds. The lack through features and patterns created by past cultures have an impact on the Norfolk Coast Partnership’s ability objectives have been agreed as the best means for the of good information on the location, extent and condition and land use, and with its geological past through large-scale to achieve our vision for the future of the natural Norfolk Coast Partnership to achieve its vision for the Area’s of key habitats hampers assessment and targeting of this features and individual sites. environment of the Area: natural environment in 2030: kind of scheme. As a result of the UK’s exit from the European Union, Agriculture will be the prime means of maintaining the • Risk to the viability of some landscape features Understanding, education and involvement a new structure for central government subsidy for farming natural beauty and landscape character of the countryside. and characteristic terrestrial, freshwater and marine NE1. Use communication and education to promote greater is currently being implemented, with an increased emphasis Farming and forestry will be sustainably managed to provide habitats and species understanding of the natural environment and landscape on ‘public money for public goods’, with farmers required benefits to wildlife while producing crops for a wide range • Increased competition from invasive species and the character, and how they are changing to demonstrate that alongside growing a thriving business of uses including food and biofuels, and providing introduction of new pests and diseases they are also achieving increased levels of environmental recreational opportunities. Economic sustainability will • Risk to ground water availability, and the quality NE2. Encourage people to take practical steps to help and social benefit. There is also an increased focus be assisted where necessary (via environmental grants) and flows in water courses care for the natural environment, including by providing on landscape-scale approaches to habitat creation to enable farmers and land managers to maintain and • Alteration in migration patterns of birds and other species volunteering opportunities and management, and to linking isolated habitats. enhance specific landscape features, habitats and species, • Loss of, or at least major change to, existing dynamic and heritage assets, and the use of this support will be coastal geomorphology and coastal and intertidal habitats NE3. Assess the state of the natural environment actively encouraged. • A more naturally functioning coast where appropriate, and use the findings to inform priorities for action Our vision for the future e.g. through the use of natural flood defences Farming, the management of woodland and food production • Loss of viable agricultural land in general, including some new crops that are being grown Landscape, seascape and sky The work of the Norfolk Coast Partnership is framed by • Effects on the viability of existing agricultural crops, in response to climate change and market demand, will be leading to the introduction of new alternatives, and NE4. Conserve and enhance the quality and diversity the following vision for the natural environment of the in tune with the local climate and soil characteristics. of the landscape, seascape, day and night skyscapes, Area in 2030: a resultant potential increase in demand for irrigation • Movement of coastal settlements into the undeveloped and landscape character, including by: Crop and animal production methods will not impact countryside, through ‘roll back’ in response to erosion The Norfolk coast will remain unspoilt, with wide landscapes, adversely on water resources and quality, soil structure i. Developing and implementing a landscape-scale Nature skyscapes and seascapes. It will retain a strong sense of or sea-level rise, changing the existing landscape character and local eco-systems, and at least maintain, and often • Infill development in settlements, leading to the loss Recovery Plan remoteness, peace and tranquillity, with richly diverse enhance, landscape character, local distinctiveness, ii. Maintaining and enhancing key landscape features and distinctive landscapes, geological features, habitats of gardens as wildlife habitats biodiversity and heritage assets through a mixture • Extensive offshore and onshore wind farms and solar iii. Removing, or preventing the introduction of, detracting and species. The value of the landscape and the story of smaller tenant and family-owned farms, sitting or damaging features it tells will be widely understood by everyone. farms, and their associated infrastructure, with an impact alongside larger estate-based businesses. Farm businesses on the wilderness value and possible impacts on species iv. Ensuring that decisions around land use take into will demonstrate good practice and be in the vanguard movement and their ability to feed account the value of natural capital and its contribution The marine environment will be sustainably managed in of sustainable agricultural management. to ecosystem services a way that takes full account of the Area’s important links • The potential development of other technologies, with the sea. Image #17 e.g. biomass power generation, wave or tidal power, Near Ringstead changing the existing landscape character and affecting NE5. Define a revised approach to working within key habitats and beyond the existing Area boundary, based on The coast will retain a strong feeling of wilderness and of a national nature-recovery model being exposed to and shaped by the elements. In general, • The increased development of small-scale renewables there will have been a managed approach to achieving (wind, solar thermal, solar voltaic, heat exchangers, a more naturally functioning coast and use of natural small-scale hydro at old river mills) affecting landscape Geology sea defences in place of human-made defence structures, character and architectural heritage, especially the NE6. Ensure that large-scale geodiversity features, where appropriate. The coast will be increasingly valuable character and setting of settlements, conservation particularly those of the dynamic coast and local for its habitats and the species they support, including areas and historic buildings geodiversity sites, are well managed and in favourable breeding, migrating and wintering birds. Where it has condition been deemed necessary to maintain coastal defences, this will have been done in the most sensitive way possible Designated sites in terms of sustainability and both visual and wildlife impacts. NE7. Ensure that internationally, nationally and locally designated sites, including National Nature Reserves, Habitats will have been improved, increased and linked to Sites of Special Scientific Interest and County Wildlife Sites, enable adaptation to climate change. The Area’s rivers The coast will be increasingly are in favourable condition and under effective management and estuaries will be in good ecological condition, providing a passage for migratory species. All parts of the Area, valuable for its habitats and and not just its designated sites, will support a rich diversity of the characteristic wildlife and habitats associated the species they support, with local environmental variations and management including breeding, (including species and habitats of national and international importance), although these will not necessarily be exactly migrating and wintering birds

26 27 What we plan to achieve What we plan to achieve

Water Grazing Strategic strand 2: feeding and roosting birds. The decline in some key bird NE8. Adopt an integrated, catchment-based approach NE14. Encourage use of conservation grazing by landowners species in the North Norfolk Coast Special Protection Area to water management and land managers as a natural land management tool Recreation (SPA) may be linked to recreation pressures. Dog mess is also for maintenance of distinctive landscapes and habitats a recognised problem in many locations, which affects people’s enjoyment of the natural beauty of the local environment. NE9. Ensure that rivers, river corridors and estuaries are The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty The majority of visitors still reach and move around the in good ecological condition and retain or recover their has always had a strong attraction for visitors due to the Farmland Area by car via the road network, although some alternatives distinctive characters character and charm of its landscapes and settlements, NE15. Ensure that management of farmland contributes are available, including rail links and a coastal bus service. its beaches and its wildlife, as well as its qualities of positively to the natural beauty, environment and landscape Car traffic, parking and their associated infrastructure have NE10. Manage water abstraction from the chalk aquifer tranquillity, remoteness and wilderness. Historical and character of the area, including by: significant impacts on landscape and tranquillity. High and water courses to prevent any negative impact on the cultural features such as the castle at Castle Rising, levels of car traffic in peak periods causes congestion and natural environment Sandringham House, Holkham Hall, Blakeney Guildhall, i. Ensuring that implementation of the environmental land parking problems in coastal settlements, and affect local Binham Priory, Felbrigg Hall and the North Norfolk Railway management scheme is tailored to local characteristics character. The effects of increasing visitor numbers and are significant attractions, as is a reputation for high-quality Habitats and species ii. Encouraging appropriate take up and best use of the the impacts of related recreational activities were the main local produce and places to eat, as well as a vibrant art NE11. Conserve, recover and enhance the natural environmental land management scheme to maximise concerns that led to the setting up of the Norfolk Coast scene. Parts of the Area, particularly to the west, are heavily environment, habitats and species: the area of farmland under environmental management, Partnership (originally the Norfolk Coast Project) in 1991 as used for a wide range of recreational activities by both local with particular focus on land north of the coast road a partnership of organisations for management of the Area. people and those who live within easy travelling distance, i. Ensuring that rare, protected and characteristic habitats (A149), river corridors, field margins and hedgerows The tourism industry, for which the Area’s environment as well as by visitors from further away, either on day trips and species thrive iii. Encouraging other landowner and farmer-led initiatives and natural beauty are the key assets, now plays a more or longer stays. In contrast, other locations could potentially ii. Developing and implementing habitat and species that prioritise nature and deliver wildlife conservation, important part in the local economy than ‘traditional accommodate more visitors and secure the related economic action plans for their protection and enhancement at a landscape scale industries’ such as farming, fishing and boat building, benefits, yet without being detrimental to the natural beauty iii. Working to reverse declines in ‘at risk’ habitats iv. Ensuring that any new crops, such as energy crops, though its strength is directly linked to the character of the environment. and species are appropriate to the area’s natural environment and products these older industries bring. Tourism directly The Area is also popular for informal activities such iv. Adopting one threatened species as an icon and landscape character supports many local jobs as well as indirectly supporting as short walks, dog walking, cycling, browsing in local shops for conservation efforts v. Supporting the development of sustainable practices other businesses, and also helps to maintain community and scenic drives. The Peddars Way and v. Reintroducing key species to achieve a better ecological in farming services such as village shops, post offices and pubs. National Trails and the new sections of the England Coast balance vi. Encouraging minimisation of nutrient run off from Income from visitors also helps to support conservation Path provide key coastal access routes, with other regional farmland and management activity on important nature and historic and local trails providing further opportunities for walking. NE12. Protect native habitats and species from the vii. Encouraging improved efficiency of farming-related environment sites. The Norfolk Coast Cycleway runs through the Area, forming impacts of pests, diseases and invasive non-native species water use and storage The Partnership has limited control over promotion part of the Sustrans National Route 1 and Regional Route 30, by restricting pathways of introduction and carrying viii. Encourage good management of soil to improve soil of the Area by national and local media and private and has numerous associated loops and links. Recreational out targeted eradications health and minimise soil loss businesses, and no control over the numbers of visitors who uses of the marine environment are especially important arrive, so work focuses on enabling visitors to understand and well established, in particular sailing, but also including Woodland NE16. Ensure that farming diversification respects, the importance of the natural environment and behaving other forms of boating, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and ideally contributes to natural beauty, environment responsibly during their visit. The manner by which the NE13. Act on opportunities for improving the quality kayaking, sea angling and kite-based activities such as and landscape character Area is promoted is key, meaning that the tourism sector and location of woodland and hedgerows: kite-buggying, kite-surfing or kite-jumping. The wide range has an important role to play in the Partnership. For the of recreational activities available benefits the health, Change management Area to become a sustainable tourism destination, tourism i. Encouraging good management of existing woodland wellbeing and quality of life of participants, as well as businesses and site managers need to be actively involved ii. Ensuring new woodland consists of appropriate local, NE17. Ensure that the impacts of key external factors helping to support the local economy in many cases. in understanding the behaviour and impact of visitors (both native species and is sited appropriately, with respect [see p.15–21] on the natural environment are understood New recreational activities may arise either as positive and negative), and in initiating and supporting for the landscape character and that plans are in place for adaptation, mitigation and short-term fashions or more permanent features of the visitor-management plans and policies that help to inform iii. Ensuring that there is no loss of irreplaceable ancient building resilience, including by: recreational scene, e.g. a recent rise in interest in paragliding people about ways to enjoy their visit while minimising woodland, ancient trees and veteran trees and drone usage. Though it is difficult to predict new impacts and maximising benefits. Likewise visitors require iv. Encouraging landowners and land managers to plant i. W orking on a landscape scale to retain key habitats and activities and the opportunities and pressures they bring, effective information to help them minimise their impacts new hedgerows and hedgerow trees species or to introduce compensatory habitat elsewhere the emphasis should be on maintaining the quiet enjoyment on the Area’s natural beauty, to ensure that it is conserved v. Supporting removal of trees and woodland from ii. Creating or restoring ecological networks that increase, of the Area, and they need to be managed in a way that and enhanced. inappropriate places extend, link and buffer key habitats is compatible with the conservation and enhancement of iii. Managing the consequences of changes to the coastal its natural beauty. habitat, including coastal realignment, to conserve and Depending on numbers, locations and activities, the The wide range of recreational enhance the coastal landscape character, biodiversity tourism industry's drive to increase visitor numbers, and the Ensuring new woodland and active coastal geomorphology, and the ecological resultant increase in recreational pressures at peak times activities available benefits the links between land and sea, taking into account and across the rest of the year, can generate conflict with consists of appropriate local, conservation objectives for coastal sites and the objectives relating to the natural environment and the health, wellbeing and quality interests of coastal communities conservation of the historic environment, as well as with native species and is sited local communities; tranquillity can also be put under threat. of life of participants, as well There are known pressures on some sensitive habitats and appropriately, with respect species, e.g. sand dunes, saltmarsh and beach-nesting birds. as helping to support the for the landscape character Dog walking has significant impacts on ground-nesting, local economy in many cases

28 29 What we plan to achieve What we plan to achieve

Our vision for the future What might influence progress? Objectives for recreation iii. Encouraging responsible use of harbours, to retain their local character and minimise negative impacts of use on The work of the Norfolk Coast Partnership is framed by The following local effects (each the result of one of the key In light of the local effects identified above, the following sensitive habitats and species the following vision for recreation in the Area in 2030: external factors described on pp.15–21, e.g. climate change, objectives have been agreed as the best means for the iv. Taking opportunities to improve the network of walking coastal processes and visitor numbers) have an impact on Norfolk Coast Partnership to achieve its vision for recreation and cycling routes The Norfolk coast will remain as a place where people can the Norfolk Coast Partnership’s ability to achieve our vision in the Area in 2030: v. Encouraging businesses, organisations and communities refresh both body and soul, supporting health and wellbeing. for the future of recreation in the Area: to make the Area a safe and enjoyable place for Tourism, recreation and general enjoyment will provide R1. Improve our understanding of recreation and walkers and cyclists, e.g. through provision of suitable benefits to both its communities and landscape. • A continuing increase in visitor numbers and more access recreational pressures, including analysis of changing accommodation, bike hire and cycle parking to new sites via the England Coast Path, with increased trends in visitor numbers, behaviours, visit profiles and vi. Improving accessibility for visitors with health issues Tourism businesses, visitors and residents will understand impact on sensitive wildlife habitats and species recreational activities and disabilities the landscape, wildlife and cultural and historic heritage • In some locations, reduced visitor numbers, with impact vii. Providing appropriate on-site visitor facilities and their sensitivities, and support their conservation on the local economy R2. Encourage everyone (including members of minority and information through how they use, and promote use of, the Area. • Significant alterations to desirable tourism features such groups) to feel welcome to visit and enjoy the Area, viii. Encouraging better provision and promotion Tourism businesses will understand the value of the natural as beaches regardless of wealth, health issues or physical ability of opportunities and incentives for visitors to access capital that underpins their businesses and be actively • Loss of coastal footpaths and access to beaches and explore the Area without using the car contributing to initiatives that conserve and enhance • An increase in tourism-led housing development in or R3. Ensure that the Area offers a connection with nature ix. Ensuring appropriate management of visitor traffic natural beauty, and that support local communities. and within range of a day trip through opportunities for quiet enjoyment, and is recognised and transport issues, including car parking and provision • Possible increased damage to some archaeological sites and valued for the contribution it makes to peoples’ and promotion of effective public transport and other Recreation will be managed in a way that provides • An increase in temporary tourism facilities that do not physical and mental health and wellbeing non-car means of travel, in order to minimise negative opportunities for all users, visitors and residents, require planning consent impacts on the Area and its communities, reduce traffic to experience and enjoy the natural beauty of the • An increase in visitor traffic resulting in the erosion of R4. Ensure that the marketing and promotion of the congestion, improve air quality, increase road safety Area without conflicting with it or with other people’s tranquillity, increased signage and infrastructure, increased Area reflects its distinctive character and sense of place, for non-car users and conserve tranquillity enjoyment of it. local air pollution and carbon emissions, increased and encourages the quiet enjoyment of it through x. Encouraging responsible disposal of litter to prevent congestion and impacts on settlement character sustainable recreation it entering, and having a negative effect on, the land Public access routes and areas, both statutory and • Increasing noise and disturbance from some recreational and marine environment discretionary, together with non-car forms of transport, activities (e.g. paragliding and jet skis) R5. Ensure that the marketing and promotion of the will form an integrated network that is widely used by • An increase in litter Area is consistent with conserving and enhancing its R10. Develop and implement mechanisms for visitors to both local residents and visitors. Information on these, • Conflicts between different recreational activities natural beauty, and demonstrates an awareness of make a financial contribution towards the cost of work and on areas suitable for a variety of recreational activities, its sensitivity to recreational pressures and its capacity being done to conserve and enhance the Area will be easily and freely available to the public. to manage these pressures without damage R11. Ensure that the impacts of the key external factors Image #18 that influence recreation are understood by the tourism Wells-next-the-Sea R6. Develop and disseminate an Area-wide recreation code to provide consistent guidance to the public on sector and support them in adapting to and planning for minimising the negative impacts of their activities change and building resilience Image #19 R7. Develop and disseminate guidance to the public Overstrand on conduct of key individual recreational activities

R8. Use high-quality information, interpretation, publications and appropriate signage and imaginative use of other communication methods, including use of art and local culture, to help people understand, access and enjoy the Area without harming or disturbing it

R9. Develop and implement consistent, coordinated management measures for sustainable recreation and minimisation of negative impacts of recreational activities, including by:

i. Adopting a visitor-zoning approach to encourage use of more resilient sites that are better able to accept visitors, and to reduce recreational pressures on the most sensitive sites ii. Managing recreational pressures on sensitive sites to minimise negative impacts

30 31 Project focus #4: What we plan to achieve Enhancing public understanding

It is one of the key aims of the work extremely sensitive to dog disturbance; In 2012, the Partnership applied for In addition to their aesthetic qualities, these historic of the Norfolk Coast Partnership to dog mess also creates considerable and won £34,000 of Rural Development Strategic strand 3: buildings are important for creating wildlife habitats, communicate clearly about the value of hygiene and litter issues. These effects Programme funding for a 12-month, in particular for bats, barn owls, swallows and house the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding need to be managed, with restricted £41,000 project: Your Norfolk Coast58. Built environment martins; traditional lime mortar also provides habitat for Natural Beauty and the measures that access to dogs at certain periods and The project created a free resources lichens. A proportion of these architectural heritage assets The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers anyone can take to help to protect it. locations, and by encouraging all dog bundle (including a free online image are not being well managed, and many of the scheduled hugely diverse examples of human use of the land over time, One of the most important means that owners to be responsible about ‘bagging gallery and active map) to enable local monuments are on the ‘buildings at risk’ register. from the vestiges of the lives of ancient tribes through to we have to achieve this is via effective and binning’. In the latest phase of tourism businesses to improve their Another important aspect of the built environment cutting-edge contemporary buildings. Its coastal zones are ‘message spreading’ – both directly via delivering clear, consistent information communication with, and advertising to, is the road network. The Area’s narrow roads, often hedge- dotted with important archaeological features and artefacts, signage and the Partnership's website to visitors with dogs, the Partnership has customers and potential customers about lined and with wide grass verges, make a significant found both in terrestrial and intertidal locations; Palaeolithic and publications, and indirectly secured (in partnership with The Wash the natural environment of the Norfolk contribution to its landscape, historic character and flint tools constitute the earliest evidence of the human via the local tourism industry. and North Norfolk Marine Partnership) coast. There was a particular focus biodiversity, and need sensitive management when occupation, dating back to around half a million years ago. An example of the Partnership’s £9,000 funding from the Borough Council on encouraging customers to act more signage, maintenance or traffic management is undertaken. At Happisburgh, only just outside the central zone of the work on direct messaging relates to of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Habitat sustainably during their visit – thus The absence of many major settlements or roads helps Area, the discovery in 2013 of the oldest human footprints in encouraging responsible dog walking. Monitoring and Mitigation Fund (HMM maximising the benefits of tourism contribute to a low level of light pollution, with dark night 57 Europe in mud deposits on the village’s beach underlined the Although dogs are generally very welcome Fund) for a £19,000 project to deliver and minimising adverse impacts on skies that enable people to see the richness and detail international-level importance and rich archaeology of this on the Norfolk coast, if allowed to run 18 months of work focused on dog owners the natural environment. of constellations. stretch of coast. free they can disturb people, wildlife and who visit the Area’s most sensitive sites. In general, the local authority planning system has On land inside the Area the majority of archaeological livestock, and ground-nesting birds are been effective in managing levels of development and it finds have been from more recent phases of the history of still has a generally undeveloped character, in common with ancient humans, after the end of the last Ice Age (around much of Norfolk. However, some larger developments have 10,000 years ago). Artefacts and sites have been discovered caused existing settlements to encroach into the Area, and from both the Mesolithic Period (roughly 10,000 to 8,000 the design of some residential developments and individual BC) and the Period (roughly 8,000 to 3,000 BC). houses has not always respected local character. Affordable The Bronze Age (roughly 3,000 to 1,200 BC) is also well housing is in short supply. Supporting infrastructure, such represented, by numerous burial mounds and the two timber as roads, telecommunications masts and cabinets, and circles (the first now known as ‘Seahenge’) at Holme-next- overhead lines, may be visually intrusive. However, since the-Sea, discovered in 1998–99 and 2014. The discovery 2005, funding has existed to remove overhead electricity of Iron Age forts and treasures, Roman forts and villas, lines to improve landscape and visual amenity (through and Saxon settlements and cemeteries further enriched the government regulator, Ofgem)59. the Area’s historic profile, as did finds that marked the Traditional materials and designs do not always easily development of its medieval fishing and trading ports. lend themselves to improved environmental performance Traditional buildings make a strong contribution to or for conversion to other uses, but this is achievable with the distinctive character of the Area via the use of local thought and care. Some new or updated buildings, e.g. the materials, particularly flint in the eastern sector, and in Norfolk Wildlife Trust Visitors Centre at Cley (2015) and the the western sector, chalk and carstone (a coarse sandstone Millennium Centre at Brancaster (last renovated in 2014), often coloured red due to its iron content). Consisting largely manage to include innovative sustainable design features of modest 18th- and 19th-century cottages, villages are while also complementing their surroundings. clustered along the coast road (most markedly in the chalk downland whose inland territory is noticeably empty of settlement), and punctuated only by the occasional isolated farmstead. In the east, small settlements are found inland amongst a network of narrow, winding country lanes. Flint churches (mainly with square towers) are often prominent features, particularly where they are sited on The Bronze Age (roughly higher ground, as at and Morston, and a number of surviving windmills also form striking landmarks in the 3,000 to 1,200 BC) is also coastal villages. Traditional farm buildings of flint and soft red brick are common, particularly in the area east well represented, by numerous of Holkham. Barns and other agricultural buildings, many burial mounds and the of which have been converted to residential use or have become redundant, often form characteristic windowless two timber circles (the first boundary walls that flank the village roads. Historic parks at Old Hunstanton, Felbrigg, Bayfield, now known as ‘Seahenge’) Sheringham, Holkham and Sandringham have a significant impact on the landscape, and together feature an impressive at Holme-next-the-Sea, variety of country houses. There is a strong Arts and Crafts influence on the design of a number of early-20th-century discovered in 1998–99 country houses found between Holt and Mundesley. and 2014

57. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/wn-hmm-fund/1172 59. http://www.tinyurl.com/y9s32bnk 58. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/yourcoast/

32 33 Image #20 Morston What we plan to achieve

Our vision for the future character of the Area and settlements, and the potential loss of whole coastal settlements The work of the Norfolk Coast Partnership is framed by the • Increased ‘blight’ to buildings (due to lack of maintenance following vision for the Area’s built environment in 2030: or dereliction), resulting in changes to the character of coastal settlements The quality and locally distinct character of the historic • Development, both within the Area and within travelling environment – including settlement form, character distance to it, resulting in the loss of traditional village and patterns and in the marine environment – will be character and an increase in roads, car parking, lighting, evident and valued, understood, recorded, maintained traffic and visitor numbers and activities and conserved. • The impact of future offshore, coastal and terrestrial development on existing landscape and seascape character Any development, including in the wider setting60 and • An accumulation of relatively minor individual in the marine environment, will be managed so that the developments, changes to buildings and increases Area will still be essentially unspoilt with a strong feeling in infrastructure, causing a larger change in overall of remoteness, peace and tranquillity, and retain its wide settlement character skyscapes and seascapes, as well as its dark night skies. • Additional pressures on the local environment, such as increased water use and sewerage requirements Archaeology and historic ruins will be well conserved and • Inappropriate location of housing managed or, where this is not feasible, will be well recorded. • Residential development of non-residential historic Traditional buildings that contribute to the character of and vernacular buildings, resulting in the loss of their the Area will be well maintained and conserved, including historic character through appropriate productive use where possible. • Lack of suitable modern uses for historic and vernacular New buildings and infrastructure will be located and buildings that conserve their character, resulting in the designed to conserve and enhance landscape and settlement loss of their historic character character, and to contribute to is beauty and distinctiveness. • Alterations to the character of historic and vernacular buildings to enable a modern use Buildings will be sensitively adapted where necessary to • The need to design new buildings and to adapt historic incorporate features that enhance their performance in and vernacular buildings to be more efficient in resource terms of both local and global environmental sustainability. use, damaging the character of settlements or buildings New buildings, including those using innovative design, will also have these features as well as complementing Objectives for the built environment their surroundings. In light of the local effects identified above, the following Within the constraints of rising sea levels and storm objectives have been agreed as the best means for the activity, the Area will retain characteristic coastal Norfolk Coast Partnership to achieve its vision for the settlements and road networks. Settlements will have Area’s built environment in 2030: adapted to change, with new buildings, roads and other infrastructure located where they are sustainable in the long Heritage assets term in respect of and flood risk from rivers and the sea, while retaining local distinctiveness. BE1. Ensure that historic, archaeological and cultural heritage assets, particularly those at risk, are recorded, and then information about them communicated in What might influence progress? a way that allows them to be understood by everyone

The following local effects (each the result of one of BE2. Provide opportunities for increased public the key external factors described on p.15–21, e.g. understanding of the Area’s historic, archaeological climate change, coastal processes and visitor numbers) and cultural heritage, including the artistic, literary, have an impact on the Norfolk Coast Partnership’s ability farming, commercial and nautical history to achieve our vision for the future of the built environment of the Area: BE3. Ensure that historic, archaeological and cultural heritage assets are in good condition and under positive • Damage to, or loss of, historic buildings and management, encouraging in particular work that improves archaeological sites the condition of heritage assets in order to remove them • Negative impacts on the features and character from ‘at risk’ status, as well as the sensitive restoration of historic parks and other historic landscapes of heritage assets that prioritises local and in-character • Loss of historic and cultural landscape features materials and patterns on the coast • Loss of buildings that contribute to the distinctive

60. Land beyond the Area boundary where changes are likely to affect views of or from it

34 35 What we plan to achieve What we plan to achieve

BE4. Support appropriate work to find and identify BE17. Retain our dark night skies and encourage Coastal settlements have long existed with the risks undiscovered heritage assets minimisation of light pollution, including by: Strategic strand 4: of flooding and erosion, but the rate of change is increasing, making it difficult for coastal communities to both manage BE5. Provide opportunities for appropriate public access i. Ensuring external lighting is kept to a minimum, Local communities that change and retain their individual identities. to historic, archaeological and cultural heritage assets only using light where and when needed Local traditional activities, particularly fishing and ii. Avoiding architectural designs that spill light out into and the rural economy other longshore activities63, still have a key role to play BE6. Identify key historic, archaeological and cultural the environment (e.g. from large areas of glazing) in maintaining the Area’s natural beauty and distinctive The natural environment underpins our health, wealth heritage assets that are most at risk from the key iii. Encouraging removal or replacement of existing character. Now based mainly on shellfish and much reduced and happiness, as well as giving us a sense of place, external factors and, where appropriate, apply inappropriate lighting in economic importance, local fishing activity has historically pride and identity. The interaction of people with their mitigating measures shaped the character of coastal settlements and still environment, resulting in living, working landscapes that BE18. Encourage availability of affordable housing for the contributes to that character in many cases, through respond to environmental, social and economic changes, local population where needed, using existing housing where activity at harbours and beaches, and through quays, New development has made the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural possible and with sensitive use of exception sites where boat and building styles. The Area is widely recognised Beauty what it is today. As well as clear differences in the BE7. Ensure that any development conserves and necessary, including by: for the quality of its local seafood, as well as of other local character of buildings and settlements, varied local enhances the natural beauty of the Area and provides produce. However, poor inshore water quality, over-fishing customs, arts, festivals, historical associations and local net environmental gain i. Wher e a local community need is shown, supporting the of some species and use of less sensitive fishing techniques dialects all contribute to its distinctive and diverse cultural development of well-designed, small-scale homes within have impacts on marine habitats and ecosystems, character. Maintaining natural beauty includes maintaining BE8. Ensure that changes to the built environment respect villages that are affordable for people who work within and catch limits are not always effective. Common rights distinctive communities and this will only be possible if the landscape character and special qualities of the Area, or have long-standing family connections to the Area are important in embodying traditional relationships their environmental, economic and social needs are met and reinforce a sense of place and local distinctiveness ii. Support sympathetic proposals for affordable housing with the land, particularly in the western part of the at the same time as they continue to adapt to change. for the local population that enhance the Area as North Norfolk Heritage Coast. The importance of social issues is recognised and BE9. Ensure that local development plans give great weight a place to live Opportunities for use of public transport and other the Norfolk Coast Partnership aims to address these to conserving and enhancing the Area’s natural beauty alternative means of transport are still restricted, leading issues as they directly affect natural beauty. A healthy BE19. Encourage the local community to understand, to a dependence on the car for commuting and other local natural environment can support economic growth and BE10. Ensure that new housing and infrastructure takes engage with and contribute to the planning process journeys, though the coastal bus service is well used by social regeneration, improve public health and wellbeing, account of future rising sea levels and other environmental residents and visitors. improve educational outcomes, reduce crime and antisocial factors BE20. Encourage local communities that develop and adopt behaviour, improve quality of life and help communities neighbourhood plans to include consideration adapt to change, including climate change. Maintaining BE11. Take opportunities to remove or mitigate and protection of their local environment existing degraded sites and unsympathetic development and enhancing natural capital – i.e. the services and Image #21 materials provided by the environment – is essential for Sea Palling and infrastructure BE21. Ensure that the Area benefits from funding linked local communities and businesses, particularly tourism to new built development, both within and outside it, 61 businesses. Tourism is the largest economic sector in the BE12. Refuse planning permission for ‘major development’ to enable monitoring and mitigation of resultant increased Area and the income that comes from it is important to the unless there are exceptional circumstances and where there recreational pressures is a clear demonstration that it is in the public interest local economy, enabling the maintenance of many local businesses, including accommodation providers, eateries, BE22. Ensure that the impacts of the key external factors art galleries, local food producers and others. However, BE13. Ensure that new construction activities and changes are understood and included in development strategies tourism jobs tend to be both low paid and seasonal. to existing buildings and infrastructure take appropriate and plans opportunities to improve sustainability, for example by The availability of affordable housing is one factor in sensitive incorporation of measures to reduce the use enabling local people to continue to live and work in the of energy, water and other resources, and biodiversity Area, with the number of affordable homes required being enhancements individual to each community. The provision of affordable housing that respects local character is however a challenge. BE14. Avoid new or upgraded infrastructure (roads, railways, Houses bought and used as second, holiday or retirement aerodromes, power and communications overhead lines homes contribute to the shortage of affordable housing and masts, etc.) that harm the landscape, nature, air in many places. This in turn contributes to young people quality or tranquillity moving away and results in changes to the Area's age profile and in the structure of its communities. Empty BE15. Ensure that planning decisions outside of the second homes and holiday-let houses also tend to affect boundary of the Area take full account of any impact community vibrancy and character, especially in the winter on its setting62 months. Some local initiatives attempt to provide affordable Ensure that new construction local housing, in addition to provision as part of commercial BE16. Require a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment housing development schemes. There can be tension that meets current best practice guidelines for any activities and changes to existing and differences between people moving to the Area development that may have negative impacts on the Area and families who have lived there for generations, or its setting buildings and infrastructure and ‘incomers’ can also weaken the character of local communities. However, new inhabitants can also take appropriate opportunities bring valuable new skills, knowledge and employment to improve sustainability opportunities, as well as a different perspective.

61. http://www.tinyurl.com/y9wuenpr 63. Traditional coastal economic activities, e.g. bait digging, reed cutting, inshore fishing 62. Land beyond the Area boundary where changes are likely to affect views of or from it

36 37 What we plan to achieve What we plan to achieve

Our vision for the future What might influence progress? Objectives for local communities LC4. Support a sustainable local economy and the availability of local jobs, including by: The work of the Norfolk Coast Partnership is framed by The following local effects (each the result of one of the key and the rural economy the following vision for the local communities and rural external factors described on p.15–21, e.g. climate change, i. Supporting local businesses that invest in the Area’s economy of the Area in 2030: coastal processes and visitor numbers) have an impact on In light of the local effects identified above, the following natural capital and that conserve and enhance the Norfolk Coast Partnership’s ability to achieve our vision objectives have been agreed as the best means for the its natural beauty The Norfolk coast will be a living, working landscape, for the future of the local communities and rural econony Norfolk Coast Partnership to achieve its vision for the local ii. Supporting rural diversification and adaptation that with individuals and communities working together for the of the Area: communities and the rural economy of the AONB in 2030: bring benefits to local communities, and which conserve benefit of the Area and its community. and enhance the Area’s natural beauty • Loss of coastal settlements and their distinctive LC1. Enable local communities and businesses to help iii. Promoting use of local sustainable services and products, The economy will be broadly based, with a range of communities to look after the Area, including by: particularly local food environmentally sustainable, economically viable activities, • Damage to or loss of local businesses iv. Encouraging second-home owners to contribute to their including opportunities to earn a living through what are • High property prices caused by purchase of properties i. Expanding opportunities for volunteering and lifelong local community traditional activities in the Area, particularly fishing, as well as second homes, for retirement, as holiday homes learning, and ensuring that they are better coordinated as activities based on new technology and communications, or a buy-to-let, affecting the cost and availability of ii. Providing every child in the Area with the opportunity to LC5. Maintain the transport infrastructure to support and others that draw on and support the Area’s distinctive housing for local workers, new businesses and their learn about it and have an educational visit to it as part sustainable community life, including by: and special features; tourism will remain an important part owners, and others of their education of the local economy, generating income that benefits • Impacts on the character and cultural distinctiveness i. Ensuring appropriate management of community a wide section of the local community. of communities and settlements caused by many LC2. Ensure that what is special about the character of local traffic and transport issues, including car parking holiday-related properties lying empty, particularly communities is recorded and understood and provision and promotion of effective public transport Appropriate housing, including affordable housing, will be outside of the holiday season and other non-car means of travel, in order to minimise available for people working locally; although diverse in • The shortage of secure, full-time, well-paid local jobs, LC3. Support local communities in maintaining and negative impacts, reduce traffic congestion and terms of age, income and occupation, communities will reducing the ability of young people with family strengthening their distinctive character, including by: conserve tranquillity include people with family ties to the Area, and will share connections to live and work in the Area, affecting ii. Ensuring that public transport and other alternatives an understanding and appreciation of its special qualities. the character of communities i. Supporting the provision of necessary facilities to car travel meet community needs • Measures to improve sustainability, such as introduction and new development to meet the proven needs iii. Improving car-free access within and between The Area will be widely recognised as leading in of carbon-neutral energy technologies and their related of local communities and businesses, in ways that settlements environmentally sustainable practice, including mitigation infrastructure, having negative impacts on natural beauty conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Area and adaptation to climate change, coastal change and • Introduction of more sustainable lifestyles and practices ii. Supporting community projects that contribute LC6. Support the introduction and use of renewable energy sea-level rise. While adapting to climate and coastal change, leading to reduction in energy use and carbon emissions, to conserving and enhancing natural beauty and technologies that contribute to the local community it will maintain characteristic and viable coastal settlements reduction in use and better management of natural sustainable development and conserve and enhance the Area’s natural beauty and infrastructure. Various forms of renewable energy will resources (especially water) and reduction and better iii. Supporting the sustainable continuation of traditional be produced and used in locations and in ways that are management of pollution and waste (including litter) activities, particularly the local fishing industry LC7. Ensure that the specific impacts of key external consistent with the qualities that give the Area its special and maintenance of common rights factors are understood by local communities, character. Effective food and products networks will be in iv. Supporting retention of existing community facilities, and that they are supported in adapting to change such as rural pubs, public transport and village shops and building resilience operation, with local producers working together Image #22 to promote their products and the links between the Cromer products and the Area. Networks and services will LC8. Support local communities in achieving zero carbon provide low-impact alternative forms of transport to the emissions car – reducing congestion and the need for additional car parking – and be available and widely used by both visitors and residents.

Pollution from all local sources will be avoided or its impacts minimised. Water quality will be high and water will be used and managed efficiently with maximum benefits to the local environment. Generation of waste will have been minimised and waste will be used as a resource wherever possible.

Supporting local businesses Pollution from all local that invest in the Area’s sources will be avoided natural capital and that conserve or its impacts minimised and enhance its natural beauty

38 39 Image #23 Project focus #5: Near Sea Palling Harnessing art to engage with new audiences

In May 2018, and for the first time, in Dorset. The Partnership played a key weekend, fires, music and performance the Norfolk Coast Partnership used role in scoping the project and enabling transformed the installation in a rousing a large-scale public art project as a tool its delivery using the internationally celebration of togetherness as the for reaching out to new audiences to talk designated, highly sensitive site of Wells sun went down. After Wayfaring was about the beauty and sensitive nature of Beach. Members of the staff team also premiered in Norfolk, two other site- the landscape of the Norfolk Coast Area took a direct role in the creative process, specific works were later created as part of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Entitled and in providing information to of the series in two sister AONBs whose Wayfaring, this project brought together attendees at project events. territory also encompasses Icknield Way: environmental organisations, artists Working with local volunteers and Dorset. Art Now: and the local community and 420 school children using found to create an interactive installation and locally sourced materials, Art Now: inspired by both the Area’s landscape led the creation of a striking installation and the ancient routes of Icknield Way, that audiences could move through, a trading connection in existence since investigate and contribute to. Wayfaring pre-Roman times that follows invited visitors to think about movement a chalk escarpment stretching from and migration, as well as how we arrive the Norfolk coast to the plains of at, understand, inhabit, protect and then Wiltshire and then on to the coast leave an outdoor space. On the final

40 41 Image #24 Waxham 4. Moving forwards

The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a The challenge now unique place, loved and valued by local residents and visitors is to maintain the energy from both near and far. Management of the Area is complex, involving private landowners and managers as well as a and commitment that large number of organisations with specific roles and powers. Many people, both interested individuals and representatives produced this strategy, of organisations and interests with a part to play, have contributed to the production of this strategy. It provides to ensure that real action a framework for the work the Norfolk Coast Partnership has committed to do collectively to conserve and enhance the and genuine improvements natural environment and landscape character of the Area. come out of it The challenge now is to maintain the energy and commitment that produced this strategy, to ensure that real action and genuine improvements come out of it. The annual action plan64 plays a key role in this translation of the strategic objectives into work on the ground, setting out specific agreed actions and assigning responsibility for the delivery of particular projects. While the strategy remains unchanged between formal reviews (the next is due in 2024), the annual action plan is a document that actively drives delivery of the strategy, being updated as required to take account of new opportunities, changing priorities and whether actions have been completed. Progress on the specific actions is regularly assessed, and a document65 showing which are completed, in progress, modified or added made publically available. It is equally important to monitor and report on progress over the longer term, looking at both the condition of the Area and the delivery of the strategic objectives described in the current five-year strategy. However, the relationship between the delivery of this strategy and changes in the condition of the Area’s natural beauty is complex. Monitoring of both aspects (condition and strategic progress) is based on a set of indicators designed to be repeatable at regular intervals, and which form the 66 Image #25 basis of separate progress reports . The Partnership are Sea Palling working to improve the data collection and monitoring activities that support these assessments and to enable the creation of a more accurate picture of the links between the delivery of projects and changes in the condition of the Area. Over time this will enable a better understanding of what is happening, how the Area is changing and the causes of those changes. Better information will enable more effective partnership working by providing a sound basis for making decisions on how to try to influence and manage change. But the strategy is more than a framework for the partners who have endorsed it. Whether you are an individual living in, working in or visiting the area, a representative of local interests or a decision maker for the area, this document is also intended to offer you the contextual understanding and information you need to help you play an effective part in the sustainable management of the Area. By working together within this strategic framework, we can achieve a future for the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is both secure and sustainable.

64. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/action-plan/1231 65. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/progress-reports/1228 66. http://www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk/partnership/aonb-management-plans/1144 42 43 Photographic index map Acknowledgements

The Norfolk Coast Partnership's staff team are very Produced by grateful to the many people who have been involved Norfolk Coast Partnership in the development of this document, particularly South Wing, Fakenham Fire Station members of the local community and the representatives Norwich Road of our partner organisations: Fakenham Norfolk Norfolk County Council NR21 8BB 10 18 01329 850530 16 North Norfolk District Council 3 6 15 Sheringham [email protected] 11 20 2 5 13 Wells-next 9 Cromer Hunstanton 12 8 -the-Sea 14 Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk www.norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk 17 22 19 Holt @NorfolkAONB 4 1 Great Yarmouth Borough Council Broads Authority All rights reserved

Natural England Manager: Estelle Hook Communications adviser: Lucy Galvin 21 25 Community representatives: Waxham Mike Wade Planning and projects adviser: Gemma Clark 7 24 23 Clive Wakes-Miller Project advisers: Kate Dougan and Helen Timson King’s Lynn Ian Shepherd Assistant project advisers: Catherine Leigh and Stuart Hall

Winterton Terry Brown Keith Harrison Editorial development by Image #1 Trimingham (cover) Image #14 Kelling Heath (p.21) Ally Ireson Environment Agency www.allyireson.co.uk Image #2 Blakeney Quay (p.2) Image #15 Holkham (p.23) Historic England Designed by Image #3 Burnham Norton (p.3) Image #16 Morston (p.24) Marine Management Organisation Special Design Studio Ltd. Image #4 Overstrand (p.4) Image #17 Near Ringstead (p.26) National Trust www.specialdesignstudio.co.uk Norfolk Association of Local Councils Image #5 Thornham (p.6) Image #18 Wells-next-the-Sea (p.30) Photographs by Norfolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) Liam Bailey (www.liambailey.com): Image #6 Holkham (p.7) Image #19 Overstrand (p.31) cover and pages 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 13 (top), 15, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, Norfolk Rivers Trust 30, 31, 34, 37, 41, 42 and 43 Image #7 Waxham (p.13 top) Image #20 Morston (p.34) Norfolk Wildlife Trust Haydn Rogers: p.13 (bottom) Mike Page: p.16 Image #8 Wells-next-the-Sea (p.13 bottom) Image #21 Sea Palling (p.37) Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Kevin Sawford (www.rspb-images.com): p.26 Image #9 Stiffkey (p.15) Image #22 Cromer (pp.38-39) CLA Caroline Anderson: pp.38–39

Image #10 Scolt Head (p.16) Image #23 Near Sea Palling (p.41) National Farmers Union (NFU) Available in electronic form Common rightholders at norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk Image #11 Titchwell (p.17) Image #24 Waxham (p.42) Wells Harbour Commissioners Image #12 Burnham Overy Staithe (p.18) Image #25 Sea Palling (p.43) The Wash and North Norfolk Marine Partnership Image #13 Burnham Norton (p.19) Representing the academic sector: University of East Anglia (UEA) Representing the arts sector: GroundWork Gallery Local landowners, land managers and farmers Agents of Change (Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds Marine Conservation Zone)

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