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East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership ANNUAL REVIEW 2019/20 2

Front cover image: View south, Right: View east, red bridge, River Otter, Harpford Back page: View north, to Castle CONTENTS

04 Foreword 06 Landscape and heritage 10 Environmental quality and climate 14 Biodiversity 18 Farming and land management 20 Planning, policy and advice 26 Rural economy and communities KEEP UP-TO-DATE 30 Community engagement and awareness Sign up to our quarterly newsletter 34 Operations and finance on the homepage of our website eastdevonaonb.org.uk 36 About AONB Follow East Devon AONB on Twitter 40 Partners @eastdevonAONB Find us on Facebook @eastdevonaonb1963

CONTACT THE AONB Phone 01404 46663 Email [email protected] Write / East Devon AONB Partnership visit Kennaway House, Coburg Road , EX10 8NG 4 5

CHAIRMAN’S FOREWORD As I sit down to write this Species extinction and climate Our work with farmers and foreword, we are in the grip of change was high on the public land managers will be critical In my first year as Chairman, one of the most significant events agenda in 2019-20 and with to delivering the Colchester I look forward to charting the world has experienced since the Government’s 25year Declaration and alongside our path out of lockdown the Second World War. Environment Plan and Landscape our existing Farm Facilitation and towards a greener Alistair Handyside MBE Review, conserving and enhancing programme, it was particularly and brighter future, Chairman, East Devon At the tail end of this report our landscape and biodiversity pleasing to be part of the where opportunities are AONB Partnership period, COVID19 hit in the UK has never been more relevant. successful National Association fully exploited and the and we entered a long period of for AONBs proposal for the Partnership remains key to lockdown. The Landscape Review, national Environmental Land conserving and enhancing undertaken by Julian Glover Management Test and Trials this special landscape for all This highly transmittable disease and a panel of experts visiting programme. communities. has and will continue to change all AONBs and National Parks, our lives, requiring us to reset formulated a wide-ranging report Our Defra funding agreement, our dial on what we now regard with 27 proposals and challenges so critical to our success in as normal. for the future. delivery and partnerships, has been extended to March 2021 Our Annual Review provides In parallel the National and the team and the National towards a a brief snapshot of the work Association for AONBs launched Association are working hard ambitious pledges of the AONB Partnership and a statement to government to ensure the AONBs are well greener and team over the last financial year, on the AONB commitment placed to assist in delivering for the coming working with our partners on to nature - the Colchester the government’s 25-year brighter environmental, community and Declaration, with ambitious Environment Plan beyond decade rural economy projects and pledges for the coming decade. 2021. future activities across the AONB. 6 7

An Ancient Woodland Inventory (AWI) survey LANDSCAPE across Devon The Ancient Woodland Inventory in AND HERITAGE identifies and classifies those woods that share centuries of continuity on relatively Managing the distinctive landscape and undisturbed soils. historic environment features of the They cover only 2.6% of England, making AONB, to ensure they are maintained, up less than a third of our total woodland enhanced, understood and appreciated. resource. As a group, they are our most important woodlands for their rich wildlife and cultural heritage They create a link with the past: ecological touchstones in a changing landscape. Once lost they cannot be recreated. The existing inventory has grown to become an essential reference tool for planners The AONB has provided support to a coalition and developers, policy makers, landowners, of partners, coordinated through Devon foresters, conservationists, landscape historians, Wildlife Trust, to substantially update the and many others keen to protect and restore inventory across Devon. these special wooded habitats. The aim is to produce a substantially updated However, it was originally developed during the inventory, using a consistent and quality controlled 1980s, when computerised mapping was in its methodology (as defined by Natural England here) infancy, and as such has many omissions and to create an accurate record of ancient woodland inaccuracies. and ancient wood-pasture in England, including This has, in some cases, seen ancient recording any losses sustained or other changes woodlands lost or damaged by development since the Inventory was last updated. or inappropriate management simply because The high-level objectives for doing this work are: they are not recorded on the Inventory – this is particularly true of smaller sites. • To facilitate good development and speed up planning decisions so that all irreplaceable Over time, our knowledge of different types of ancient woodland and wood-pasture receive wooded habitats and their values has increased the protection they need; Action for woodlands: our understanding of ancient wood-pastures. Rediscovering our ancient woodland and • To provide baseline data to focus improved championing trees There have also been significant steps taken to management and restoration of ancient restore some ancient woodlands damaged by woodland, ultimately increasing their long- This year we have provided support to two key conifer plantations, yet these positive changes term resilience and value to society; Once lost, they collaboration projects across Devon that are focusing are going unrecorded. • To assist with targeting of woodland creation on woodlands past, present and future; cannot be and tree planting that buffers and connects The basic methods for identifying ancient woodland fragments to create more Both initiatives have emerged at a time when trees ancient woodland have not robust habitat networks; are receiving increasing public attention as an recreated. changed, but policy, public important component of mitigating and combating • To increase understanding and involvement in awareness, technology, expertise climate change, as well as assist in reducing flood risk, the cultural history and ecological values of and knowledge has, making a full soil loss and erosion. ancient woodland, strengthening public and update both more feasible and professional support for ancient woodland. more urgent. 8 9

Heritage conference Each year we work with local historians and experts to convene an annual conference on the Historic Environment with the kind support of Historic Environment team. An established feature in the AONB calendar, the event continues to attract great support and has provided a wealth of eminent and local speakers to stimulate and engage and raise awareness of the cultural heritage of the AONB. The conference explored themes relating to the local distinctiveness of East Devon museums, the landscape that surrounds them and the history of their collections. The 2013 Seaton Down Hoard Roman coin find in East Devon, presented by Bill Horner, was of particular interest Saving Devon’s Treescapes to the audience. (previously Trees Outside The find, by a local metal detector Woodlands) and one of the largest in the country, was carefully excavated and is now on Devon Wildlife Trust are taking forward a display in ’s RAMM Museum and project called Saving Devon’s Treescapes, on their website. supported by East Devon AONB and others, to encourage everyone to get involved with celebrating Ash in our landscape and planting replacement trees for the future. Heritage revealed Devon’s treescapes are stunning and crucial habitats for so much wildlife and make Towards the end of the financial year we used The Devon Ash Dieback Forum (to Devon the special place it is. development funding to support a Devon which East Devon AONB also belongs) County Council led proposal to undertake a But our treescape is under threat from ash has produced a set of useful leaflets survey of a historic farmstead/former roman dieback; which is estimated will kill at least including promoting the Devon villa near Bicton College. 90% of Devon’s ash trees in the coming formula of 3-2-1: for every large years. It will affect everyone, but everyone ash tree removed, three should be The dry summer of 2018 exposed a great can be part of the solution. The project is replanted to replace it, for a medium many new heritage sites in the landscape via leading on fighting ash dieback on behalf of tree, replace with two trees and for aerial photography and the site at Bicton the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum small trees, replace one for one. stood out as worthy of further investigation. and is looking for Devon’s communities to For more details on how to get Survey’s will be undertaken in a series of get involved and help us to save Devon’s involved with the project click HERE. phases and it is anticipated the final results our precious treescapes. will lead to community engagement and on- site activity. 10 11 Environmental quality and climate The sustainable management of the natural resources of the AONB.

Corry and Coly Natural Flood Management project

The Coly and Corry Natural Flood The project’s secondary aim was to reduce Management (NFM) Project focused on water quality failures in both catchments, two East Devon sub-catchments of the under Water Framework Directives, linked . to phosphate and sediment problems. Chantry Bridge, River Coly Initiated in April 2019, with a The project was set up by Devon County completion date of March 2020, the Council, through the main aim of the project was to reduce AONB and the Flood and Coastal Risk the risk of flooding to downstream Team, with partners from the Environment The Coly & Corry NFM project properties ( and Colyton) Agency, West Country Rivers Trust and aligned with the Woods for Water via multi-objective natural flood East Devon AONB Team. (W4W) project (led by Devon County management interventions. Council, Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission). Usng these two project funding mechanisms together, created a multi- objective approach to: • restore natural process (where possible) REDUCE • alleviate flood pressure THE RISK OF • improve water quality failures • enhance the landscape’s natural FLOODING & capital and biodiversity. WATER QUALITY Colyton Tannery - Photo credit Sheila Hancock

FAILURES The project was set up under DCC via the Blackdown Hills AONB working with the Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC). River Coly Catchment 13

Corry Catchment Coly Catchment

Farm 1 Farm 1 interventions • 4 x Leaky Dams • 6 x Debris Dams • 400m Stock Proof Fencing • 2 x Large Leaky Dams at seven • 2 x Alternative Drinking • 4 x Small Leaky Dams Supply • 700m Stock Proof Fencing

farms across Farm 2 Farm 2 • 1 x Flow Pond • 4 x Leaky Dams the two • 300m Stock Proof Fencing catchments Farm 3 Farm 3 • 3 x Debris Dams • 20 x Leaky Dams • 9 x Leaky Dams • 3 x Flow Ponds • 130m Stock Proof Fencing • 3 x Cross / Buffer Drainage

Farm 4 • 1 x Flow Pond • 2 x Flow Spreaders Confirming areas of potential • 1 x Leaky Dam risk for un-managed surface water flooding

The project used hydrological connectivity Monitoring equipment was installed on a and soil erosion risk mapping developed number of sites to help assess the impact of by West Country Rivers Trust to identify the works. areas of potential risk of unmanaged surface It is hoped that future agri-environment water corridors to residential properties and flood risk investments can help secure lower down the catchment. further interventions in the catchments, This evidence was then used to engage reducing flood risk and helping to improve landowners/farmers and ground truth water quality. higher-risk areas at the top of the catchment. Several suitable sites at the top of each catchment where identified and grant agreements were formalised; land drainage consents (LDC) were secured alongside any planning requirements. A project budget of £40k was used to grant aid interventions at seven farms across the two catchments which included: • Floodplain reconnections • Flow ponds • Leaky debris dams • Stock control measures Leaky Dam © Kyle Baker 14 15 Summary findings from the report:

• Territory Capacity modelling work predicts that People supporting Beaver re-introduction Biodiversity the maximum number of territories that the River Otter catchment could support is between 147 and The conservation and enhancement 179. of the biodiversity and geological 86%

• When asked about legal protection if beavers were 2017 assets of the AONB. to be formally introduced, 75% felt there should be strong legal protection, 20% said limited legal protection and 5% said none in 2017. By 2019 this was 79%, 17% and 4% respectively. 2019 90% The River Otter • A snapshot of the dams throughout the River *National survey - 2741 responses Beaver Trial Otter catchment (Oct 2019) identified 28 dams in six of the beaver territories; No dams have been The River Otter Beaver Trial formally constructed in the main stem of the River Otter. completed in Spring 2020. The government has now extended the River • The effect of beaver engineering and feeding has Otter Beaver Trial by six months while delivered significant ecological benefits. New areas decisions are made about their long-term of wetland habitat created and managed, with presence in East Devon - and potentially documented benefits for amphibians, wildfowl and elsewhere in the country. water voles. The changes in scrub canopy structure It’s important the government has time and increased water levels have enhanced a wetland to get this decision right; if beavers are County Wildlife Site. given the green light to remain and to Electrofishing survey of one site found total thrive once again throughout the River • abundance in the beaver pool was 37% higher than Otter and beyond, it will be one of the the other three reaches surveyed, with highest most important moments in English total fish biomass and more trout than in either the conservation history. upstream or downstream control sites. The final Science and Evidence Report on the project is a fascinating, comprehensive and detailed account of • Some dams could represent an obstruction to the 5yrs of activity and is available to movement of fish in in smaller/streams specific flow read or download HERE. conditions, but trout have been recorded passing two beaver dams during higher flows.

• No recorded impacts of beavers on forestry plantations, but small riverside orchards have seen The River Otter beaver beaver feeding on both windfall apples and the trees. population has increased • In three territories, beavers have been recorded feeding on maize with 15 m2 impacted in one case.

significantly from two • The most significant financial impact was on 0.4 ha of organic potato crop where elevated water levels founding family groups in restricted machinery access. A flow device (beaver 2015, to circa 13 territories deceiver) was installed to reduce water levels successfully.

by 2019. • There have been three instances where trees have been felled by beavers onto footpaths between 2015 and 2019. In each case, the landowner, Clinton Devon Estates, was swift in their removal. 16 17

Devon Greater Horseshoe bat project

This partnership with Devon Wildlife Trust and a range of other partners across Devon has been successfully delivering the HLF funded pan-county initiative. Work has focused on policy development, advice, education programmes, habitat improvements and events for the rare bats across Devon. The AONB support has been through chairing the steering group and providing project development funds to support the initial development and delivery work – time and money well invested.

The project officers providing land Shute Apple Day - revisiting local traditions advice are also part of the AONB Farm Facilitation Scheme. In Partnership with the project we have developed and built a purpose-built bat Legacy to Landscape roost in an ideal habitat for this rare bat, away from human disturbance and (L2L) any light pollution. This joint initiative was made possible This very popular and successful project as a result of the relationship that the has drawn to a close as the three years of AONB Team has built up with the Lottery Funding has ended. landowner over many years. Such was the public support that we have maintained the momentum and the profile of the project with a limited number of events this year, whilst we Building the new bat roost/store in East Devon AONB prepared a further bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Whilst our initial application for follow up funding to NLHF was unsuccessful we were invited to resubmit in Spring 2020. The bat roost project was funded using a Since thenhowever, due to COVID19 combination of Sustainable Development impact, we have been informed the bid has been withdrawn until further notice. Funds, Lottery Funds and AONB project funding. Watch this space!

King Johns Oak - the ancient tree central to the project 18 19 Farming & land Farming for the nation management A National Association for AONBs collaboration Under the NAAONB, a nationally A sustainable farming and land management facilitated programme of trials, entitled ‘Farming for the Nation’, will be testing sector that helps conserve and enhance the The East Devon AONB Partnership is a range of approaches across 12 AONBs part of a National programme of ‘Tests character of the AONB in England. and Trials’ for a new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS). Each of the 12 AONBs is focusing on a different aspect of environmental land The scheme is being developed management. by Defra to replace the current Environmental Stewardship The East Devon proposal is focused on programme operating through the EU the Umborne Valley and aims to work Agricultural Policy programmes. with farmers and landowners with small High Nature Value habitat (that is currently not qualifying for other schemes based on scale) to develop joint/collaborative ELM schemes as part of a wider nature recovery network.

Reducing & managing carbon on farms event workING with Farm facilitation The Countryside Stewardship (CS) farmers and facilitation fund supports people and Our event programme over the last year has organisations that bring farmers, foresters, covered a diverse range of land management landowners and other land managers together to practices and mechanisms including alternative improve the local natural environment at a forage crops, hedgerow management, mid-tier with small High landscape scale. stewardship, parasite management, holistic It builds on the principles of partnership grazing and on-farm carbon audits. Nature Value working to deliver environmental benefits In addition to the Facilitation Fund supported supported through earlier farmer-led events, we have also provided additional habitat Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) and activities, which are aimed at extending the farmer clusters. remit of the group,. Examples have included The East Devon Farmers Group sits in a talk on linking animal behaviour to health the heartland of the AONB and currently and a visit to a demonstration milking unit at Farming in the Umborne Valley has 69 signed up farms. We are delivering Shepton Mallet. with FWAG-SW and the Devon Greater Horseshoe bat project as joint advisors. 20 21 Planning, policy and advice Planning and policy protects the special landscape- character and tranquillity of the AONB and will enable appropriate forms of social and economic development that are compatible with the landscape, so conserving and enhancing the environment.

Policy Our involvement in developing bat consultation zone guidance is still in In collaboration with the Devon progress. Landscape Policy Group we have also provided officer and funding support We have been drawing on the model for the creation of a Devon-wide farm developed for the , which building design guide. was completed in October 2019. The project will help to produce a The approach is seeking to ensure that guidance document that seeks to address any proposed development influencing the impact of the changing scale and View west from East Hill Stips the proposed zones in East Devon, nature of farming in our landscapes – centred around Beer Quarry Caves supporting a future sustainable farmed Special Area of Conservation/Special landscape. Protection Area, triggers the necessary measures and checks to protect our Guidance and important at-risk bat species. consultations Although not a statutory consultee, the This year we have also reviewed our role in AONB team is able to respond on behalf the planning process with the local planning of the wider AONB Partnership on authority, in particular with respect to the applications likely to have an impact on pre-application process and what advice/ address the impact the landscape character of the area. guidance we can provide that will help In addition to Neighbourhood Plans, we applicants in their considerations. have commented on a range of planning A guidance document has been drafted of the changing applications this year. and we hope to be in a position to finalise this and reconfirm the AONB role in the scale and nature of planning process this year. farming

View from the : Aylesbury to 22 23

L to R: C.hris Woodruff, Lord Ewen Cameron (panel expert), Alistair Handyside & Graham Godbeer

“New designated landscapes and a new National Forest.”

We think three of the larger AONBs should be considered for National Park status – the Chilterns, Cotswolds and (Dorset and East Devon AONBs). Other areas to consider: • A National Forest – Forest of Dean, Sherwood • More joined up working across national landscapes

The Landscape Review – aka ‘The Glover Review’ Last year we reported on the government review of landscapes being undertaken “AONBs strengthened with new purposes, Recover, conserve and by Julian Glover and a panel of experts It concluded in 2019 and the final report powers and resources, renamed as National as part of a key commitment of the made some 27 proposals for change. Landscapes.” enhance governments 25yr Environment Plan. A few key proposals are outlined below. To properly strengthen AONBs, we propose: Nearly 70 years after the country’s A new National Landscapes Service National Parks were first established, • Giving them the same reformed statutory bringing our 44 national landscapes opening up the countryside and allowing purposes (ensuring that the ‘Sandford “National landscapes should have together to achieve more than the more people to connect with nature, an Principle’ also applies) as National Parks a renewed mission to recover and sum of their parts. independent panel looked at how these (Proposal 23). This reflects the reality that iconic landscapes meet our needs in the enhance nature and be supported AONBs deliver the same purposes as 21st century – including whether there and held to account for delivery by a National Parks. The government has yet to formally is scope for the current network of 34 new National Landscapes Service.” respond to the Glover review. Increasing their funding (Proposal 27). AONBs and 10 National Parks to expand. • We propose a new set of wording Giving them statutory consultee status to The review, led by writer Julian Glover, • applicable to both National Parks and strengthen their role in the planning system focused on how designated areas can AONBs to read as follows: (Proposal 6). There is work going on meantime boost wildlife, support the recovery of within Defra to explore some of the natural habitats and connect more people • Renaming them as ‘National Landscapes’. key proposals, in particular those that with nature. “Recover, conserve and enhance natural Their national importance should be properly beauty, biodiversity and natural capital, reflected by something much less unwieldy can be implemented in the short to and cultural heritage”. that elevates them alongside National Parks medium term. 24 25

The Colchester Declaration 2019

Set against a backdrop of unprecedented concern for the future of the natural world, and intergovernmental reports that the current global response to the effects of human impact on nature is insufficient – the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty believes that now is the time to significantly increase the scale and pace of nature conservation activity in AONBs. Using our unique network and partnership model, we are making a collective Declaration on Nature in AONBs, setting out our strategy for change.

With many AONB host authorities having taken the step of declaring a Climate Emergency we are Pearl Bordered Fritillary demonstrating our readiness to act to redress declines in species and habitats within the context of a wider response to climate change.

We believe The Colchester 1. Natural Beauty has intrinsic value and means so much to people 2. AONBs should be places of rich, diverse and abundant wildlife Declaration 3. Nature recovery is central to the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty 4. Climate change is the biggest threat to humanity and one of the greatest threats to In parallel with the Glover review, AONBs are working with key biodiversity. Designated landscapes offer some of the most powerful solutions to the the National Association for partners locally and nationally challenges of climate change AONBs (NAAONB) worked with to put in place the mechanisms 5. The network of AONBs and National Parks, their teams, partnerships, authorities and the family of AONBs to develop a to realise the Colchester stakeholders offer a unique solution to tackling environmental challenges response to the challenge that the Declaration. review was setting; to articulate We pledge our collective ambition for nature across the UK. By July 2020 1. To enable an approach that creates opportunities within AONBs for people to make an At the 2019 National Conference in emotional connection with nature. Colchester, the NAAONB launched provide the 2. To prepare a Nature Recovery Plan for each AONB the Colchester Declaration, detailing a commitment to nature By 2024 power and 1. To embed an ecosystems services approach into all AONB Management Plans and setting out a series of eight 2. To ensure all AONB management plans include meaningful measures around climate pledges that it would action across resources to make change mitigation and adaptation, including clear, measurable targets to support Net Zero the AONB network in England and Wales over the next 10 years. By 2030 these targets 1. That at least 200,000 ha of SSSIs in AONBs will be in favourable condition It called on the government to 2. That at least 100,000 ha of wildlife-rich habitat outside of protected sites will have been provide the power and resources achievable created/ restored in AONBs to further support the natural movement of plants and animals to make these targets achievable. 3. That at least 36,000 ha of new woodland will have been planted or allowed to regenerate in AONBs following the principle of the right tree in the right place 4. That, by each AONB immediately adopting a species on the threatened list and by preparing and delivering a Species Action Plan, at least thirty species relevant to AONBs will be taken off the list by 2030

We call on Westminster and Welsh Governments to provide the power and resources to make these targets achievable 26 27 Rural economy & communities A sustainable rural economy that serves to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the landscape

Otter Valley Association heritage project Brandy Head interpretation

SDF funded community projects

Grant £ Total £ Applicant Project (% grant) Project Value

Extracurricular activity setting up after school 2500 clubs a ‘Wild Club’ and a ‘Land Art Club’. Shute Festival 4880 To develop skills and confidence in parents and (51%) volunteers to adopt the running of the clubs.

Chainsaw training for members to allow an 1218 Axewoods increase in woodland management activity. A roof 2180 Co-operative structure to the community log store to improve (56%) quality of logs given to fuel poverty residents.

Development of facilities to enhance the outdoor 1395 Musbury Moles learning opportunities of Musbury School grounds 3015 Pre-school and encourage other groups to undertake similar Open night at the Beer Men’s Shed (46%) initiatives.

Sustainable SDF grant multiplier effect To trial a community engagement approach to Otter Valley heritage assets within the Parish of East Budleigh. 3012 Development Fund Association Training volunteers to assess heritage potential 9300 Heritage and to develop a management plan for the Thanks to continued Defra funding (32%) the AONB Partnership still operates Project Conservation Area. To then cascade these skills to £18,886 a Sustainable Development Fund. £46,572 other communities. SDF granted Total project Through this fund we are able value Gittisham To enhance the wildlife value of an area of land 250 to award grants to small scale 450 Parish Council donated to the community. (55%) initiatives across the AONB that serve to add to community life, the Our SDF was allocated as the table opposite shows, character and wildlife of the AONB covering a range of projects across the AONB and gearing and support local services. the funding by approximately x2.5. 28 29

SDF funded community projects (cont.)

Grant £ Total Applicant Project (% grant) Project Value

To survey the biodiversity of the school grounds Musbury then to utilise these for outdoor education. 3968 8350 Primary School Making links to the history of the parish with a re- (47 %) To Sand constructed iron age shelter .

Cotford Keble Martin was an illustrator and writer Bridge DG WE I R AY

of the Concise British Flora. The project will OAD

Woodbury 1000 D R commemorate this Woodbury resident’s life. A 6435

Home FOR D

Wide Awake (15 %) Farm I Bonfire

S COT Cross H A T W AY H I

series of talks are planned, and oral histories are R L L E

V

I to be collected. Tree Trail in Sidbury R SIDBURY This map offers two circular walks, which can be Manor Park OAD Proposal to set up a men’s shed group in Beer to taken separately or combined. All routes include a short distance on the busy main road, please K L E Y R School

T take care. BUC serve the local area. Creating social contact for - This half hour1 introduction to the Village Beer Mens 1972 Hall retired men whilst improving skills and generating 2649 SHORT WALK 1 village begins at St Giles’ Church,. 2 Then with turn three downhill, different cross Church C H U R C H S Shed (74%) Cork Oak 3 Court Yews. Turn south, and across the road is a fine and Way Hall 2 East Devon B R ID self-worth through creating benches, nest boxes Juniper. unusual evergreen and 8 S T R E E T G E 9 10 Way Stoney Bridge and turn immediately right along Deepway, n Western Red Cedar Goosemoor o planters etc for the community. Stoney v e Farm War D which runs uphill to the well maintained Cemetery.4 7 Bridge t Memorial s a Variety of conifers including E

East Devo From here a signed path leads downhill, across the river n Way D E N H E A 6 Taking primary school children into their local and up to main road. BEWARE TRAFFIC! GRE Millennium 11 Green environment to encourage awareness and then 1500 Turn right, right again for footpath down towardsand the 5 5 Guelder Rose Nature Song 4877 Mill. On the left is. the You leat, arrive which at leads the Millennium to cricket field Green Lavenders CHAPEL STREET to compose and make music to celebrate their (30 %) and Black Poplars Cricket WP E D A D Ground UCB with its pondbefore and native returning species to theof road bridge with G R E E N H E A 6 E L K 7 awakening. Willows . Y Sidbury R Y several Hawthorns Mill - Taking an hour or so, this route O AD To purchase equipment that will allow the LONGER WALK

D takes you out into the countryside to appreciate the 12 I

S Ebdon La Bat friendly community to run bat awareness raising events 344.20 delightful rural1 landscape. From the rear of St Giles’ ne R E

V 1444 church yard, follow Church Street down and over the Castle Hill I 3 within the Plantation R 2 Castle Hill Cemetery Beer beyond the lifetime of the Devon Bat Project. This (24%) river, past former Rectory on your right, then right into House matches a £1000 grant from that project. Buckley Road. Take next right into Bridge Street, return over river and up to see the Cork Oak 4 Buckley private grounds of Court Hall. O A K Farm

Parking Find the pathway Bristol Lane which leads into the East BURNT To update the Sidbury Tree Trail leaflet to make 8 . Continue across the fields, Devon Way passingLimes the entrance to Sidbury FieldManor Maple Ebdon Farm Sidmouth 360 , and fine example of mature Stop To Buckley Bus Cross with its avenue of 10 & Sidmouth better connections with the landscape, local 660 ic noting old hedgerow9 Oaks 11 tion Traff Arboretum (55%) trees, Cau Devon banks. Look for ancient pollarded ort Route businesses and to have a larger map. rail - Sh in the hedgerow, before you reach the road. Tree T oute l - Longer R Tree Trai Turn left down to Lavenders with its mature Ash 500m in field boundaries. 400m To provide enhanced information about the then downhill on Green Head.Scots Turn Pine right along lane with heritage of the WW11 building at Brandy Head views down to the sea, this leads into a Permissive path Brandy Head 965 between fields,12 with relics of after it has been converted to bothy style 2031 Ebdon Lane leads down to the busy main road, cross interpretation (47 %) over and turn left to find footpath leading past the Mill accommodation. To provide seating to encourage and continue as end of Short Walk. walkers to rest and enjoy the view.

To plant Scots Pine on a hilltop at , as Otter Valley future replacements for mature trees planted as 401.60 701.60 Association part of the designed landscape connected with (57%) Bicton House

Budget commitment Total committed £18,886 95%

Total value of benefit to the AONB landscape and communities £46,572

2019/20 SDF grant allocation £19,800 30 31

Ambassador scheme Community Through our Ambassador scheme we maintain a With support from Emily Reed, Devon relationship with a wide range of businesses and County Council Climate Change officer, we individuals, supporting the rural economy and explored climate change and how we could engagement and communities in East Devon. approach our species and nature recovery Our annual Ambassador networking event, held in work. Our enthusiastic Ambassadors helped February at our HQ in Sidmouth, works by delivering us explore what species we could focus on on areas that the network feedback provides. in East Devon AONB for our commitment awareness to recover nature and species under the This year the event sought to highlight the 2019 National Association for AONBs A greater awareness of the AONB, the importance of climate change and our nature/species Colchester Declaration. purposes of the designation, the role of the recovery programmes. Partnership and the range of opportunities for involvement in environmental education

The Acland Award In every part of our AONB there are amazing things happening that make a huge difference to local communities and positively impact our outstanding landscape. The Acland Award helps us celebrate these initiatives and give them the public recognition that they deserve. Since 2013, the Acland Award has been presented annually by the East Devon AONB Partnership as a mark of excellence; recognising the best of environmental, economic and community- focused activity taking place within our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. February Ambassador Event The 2019 Acland Award, which formed Top: Lord Ewen Cameron speaking at our Annual Meeting an important part of our Annual Meeting, Event. Bottom: East Budleigh Village Green, Acland Award focused on sustainable communities. winners A tour of the Gittisham farm and dairy Once again, we had a range of excellent July field event further demonstated practices and issues of submissions from a wide range of Our field events are aimed at our Ambassador crop rotation, dairy production and farming organisations, demonstrating the breadth network and Partnership as well as other interested technology. and depth of activity across the AONB. parties. This year’s top award went to East The 2019 July event focused on farming and was Budleigh Village Green for their community kindly hosted by Russell and Helen Hayman at project based around the village hall. Gittisham Farm on the Combe Estate. The Acland Award ceremony, sponsored Presentations were given by a range of partners by Humberts Estate Agents and Higher engaged in farming and agriculture across the AONB, Wiscombe, was hosted at Seaton Tramway. including Paul Cottington (National Farmers Union) Highly commended on the night were and Zoe Wilson (Farm Assurance). These allowed us Colyton & Memory Café and to explore the realities of modern farming and our Beer Men’s Shed groups. local/national relationship with agriculture. 32 33 Well-trodden wrong ways – a linked project within the Tree to Sea project created an exhibition exploring the well- trodden East Devon captured in sculpture, photography, film and drawing.

The Story Boat. Photo: ©Simon Tutty Fugitives Then we woke and were hurtling headlong for wealds and wolds, blood coursing, the Dee and the Nidd in full spate Connecting to nature through the spinning waterwheels in the wrists and over the heart’s weir, Our project funding this year supported the nightingale hip-hopping ten to the dozen under the a range of arts/cultural engagement morning’s fringe. initiatives with the Thelma Hulbert This programme has been developed It was no easy leap, to exit the engine house of the head Gallery (THG), building on our previous within the context of East Devon and vault the electric fence work based on the East Devon Way. District Council’s commitment to The of commonplace things, Devon Climate Change Emergency to open the door of the century’s driverless hearse, From Tree to Sea was an Arts Council roll from the long cortège declaration, and the University of supported environmental arts project then dust down and follow Exeter’s declaration of an environment that interpreted how nature can frame the twisting ribbon of polecats wriggling free from extinction and climate emergency. or slipstream the red kite’s triumphant flypast out of oblivion and retain memories. or trail the catnip of spraint and scat tingeing the morning COVID-19 has restricted full delivery of Working with boatbuilder Gail McGarva, breeze. this project across the latter period of taking her enchanting Story Boat, Vera, 2019/20 and adaptation measures and On we journeyed at full tilt to THG and 3 coastal sites, 7 schools through traffic-light orchards, new opportunities for delivering the and two woodland locations across East the brain’s compass dialling for fell, moor, programme are now being developed. Devon - opening up the idea of art as escarpment and shore, the skull’s sextant plotting for free states coloured green on the map, a threshold - the shoreline as a liminal using hedgerows as handrails, space - between trees and the sea. Additionally, AONB project funding was barrows and crags as trig points and cats’ eyes. used to support the NAAONB Arts Towards the latter part of the year a Council proposal, ‘Art in the Landscape’. We stuck to the switchbacks and scenic routes, collaboration under a THG Climate and steered by the earth’s contours and natural lines of desire, Culture programme sought to marry up Aimed at connecting people to nature feet firm on solid footings of bedrock and soil renowned artists such as Richard Long, through art, the project launched through fracked only by moles. We skimmed across mudflat and saltmarsh, under an Arts Council and lottery funded the commissioned Fugitives poem from clambered to stony pulpits on high hills programme. poet Laureate Simon Armitage, and is inhaling gallons of pure sky investigating opportunities for a poet in into the moors of our lungs, residency with AONBs bartered bitcoins of glittering shingle and shale.

Excerpt from Fugitives by Simon Armitage. Read the full poem here 34 35

Core funding

Expenditure Operations: £10,040 Where the money Operations & Support services: £13,562 Staff: £112,095 Transport: £5,340 finance ESTIMATED 2018/19 total: £142,059 The Partnership will act as ambassadors for East Devon ACTUAL 2018/19 total: £141,619 AONB, influence policy and decision making affecting AONBs Staff: £112,514 Transport: £6,911 Support services: £13,847 and work to secure funding for the long-term coordinated Operations: £8,347 management of the area, annually reporting on its actions

Income Devon County Council: £16,500 Where the money East Devon District Council: £17,687 Core budgets & Defra: £106,544 operations ESTIMATED 2018/19 total: £142,059 Other: £1,328 Our core and project budgets were pretty In addition to upgrading some key much in line with estimates for this year, with ACTUAL 2018/19 total: £141,619 equipment, our projects budgets covered variations on staffing and travel costs, the areas referenced above secured good Defra: £106,214 Other: £1,218* latter as a result of increased engagement match on partnership working with East Devon District Council: £17,687 with National AONB programmes under countywide partners and protected Devon County Council: £16,500 the Taking the Lead HLF funded transition landscapes locally and nationally. programme. *From AONB budget and in kind from EDDC The end of year saw a significant change This programme supported a range of collaboration activities across the AONB in programmes and action as a result of family, which has resulted in a series of actions COVID19 which will be carried forward Project Funding breakdown and future plans that will hopefully strengthen over the coming year. AONB networking and effectiveness. Projects Spend Details

Arts and nature £7000 Climate and Culture 2020 arts engagement programme THG DefraDefra projectproject funding funding Trees outside Woods £7500 Devon wide Ash dieback NLHF partnership project (DWT) (Saving Devon’s Treescapes)

Legacy to Landcsape/Wild £4288 Development of AONB led NLHF proposal Roots Sustainable Development Fund Projects Support to Devon Farm Building Policy Guidance and geophysical £20,000 £28,412 Mgt Plan/R&D £2055 survey at Bicton £19,086 £31,247 Various activity, inc. DWT/DCC Ancient Woodland Inventory Project Development £8704 project, NAAONB Arts Council project, and Devon Greater Horseshoe bat project Totals Ambassador Scheme £781 Supporting networking with communities and businesses £48,412 £50,333* Agri Env /Natural Capital £919 Supporting wider events for East Devon Farmers Group *overspend £1921 from AONB budgets 36 LANDSCAPES

A35 A30 FOR LIFE O well A35 The National Association for Kilmington AONBs is the National voice for 46 AONBs across the UK

Church Green A35

Farway Whitford Ottery Musbury St Mary Musbury River Coly Castle A375 e Colyton x A358 er A Riv Riv er Lim Blackbury Colyford Camp Tipton Sidbury St John Lyme Axmouth Regis A3052

• AONBs are about managing positive landscape Newton A3052 Seaton Poppleford er Sid change Riv Beer • AONBs are strategic national assets covering Woodbury Colaton Castle Raleigh 8000 square miles and involving 700 elected Woodbury members

er t Sidmouth The Commons AONBs are locally managed nationally er Ot • Riv important landscape areas Otterton

Bystock East Pools Budleigh

East Devon Way A376 Otter Estuary

1963

29 MILES OF 14 SITES OF HOME TO ALMOST LISTED COAST SPECIFIC APPROX. 18% BUILDINGS INC SOUTH WEST SCIENTIFIC 30,000 WOODLAND COST PATH INTEREST RESIDENTS COVER 38 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty A designation for the 21st century

Public s pending 12km of footpaths on AON >19,3 LE Bs is idleways pass through SS THA and br N

nal Trails tio ng 10 Na s includi AONB

PER Just under PERS N AONB PER YEAR volunteers AONBs put in over 457,000

o NB f O cover15% work days t A he an En in a year, worth glish coast is of England’s land area £36.8m to conserve the landscape and improve access Peat soils in GVA of AONBs is AONBs store millions of tonnes of £16.5BN CO2 per year – similar to that of the city of Leeds MORE THAN 256,000 156m hectares X10 66% of people in people England live within visit AONBs AONBs annually, AONBs are provide excellent 1/2HR spending in home to over of SSSIs are VFM. Every public £1 travel of an excess of £2bn in AONBs – invested is turned into AONB and supporting protecting £10 by the AONB 1 million some of our partnerships thousands of jobs people and businesses most important wildlife habitats

Hosted by East Devon District Council. Core funded by Defra (75%), East Devon District and Devon County Councils (25%) Guiding the implementation of the AONB Partnership Plan and the work of the AONB team