2. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
This section builds on our landscape Continued fragmentation through road and rail understanding (Section 1.2-1.4) to set out the building, compounded by gravel extraction, Land of the Fann’s significance and why it is urban sprawl and industry have resulted in the valued by local communities. A summary of Land of the Fanns becoming an increasingly landscape significance is offered, followed by a forgotten landscape. As it has lost its sense consideration of features of significance within of identity, development decisions have been each of our 11 Landscape Character Areas taken against a backdrop of weak information that also draws on community input. Finally, about the landscape, its sense and its meaning, the value of the landscape to communities further compounding the problem. What for learning and enjoyment is outlined. remains are communities feeling instinctively allied to his landscape, despite its form no longer easily understood and no overarching 2.1 Summary narrative to support a joined-up appreciation. Local people, visitors and decision-makers The Land of the Fanns hosts a well beloved deserve access to a good understanding of SECTION 2 – STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION and unusual variety of niche landscapes, the identity and significance of the landscape providing the relief of open space for so that balanced decisions are made with 92 communities along East London’s fringes. It well-informed mitigating solutions where is a landscape of highland, unusual in Essex, necessary. Better connecting the often that embraces a plain of lowland and marsh isolated visitor attractions and revealing their crossed by rivers that together comprises 11 significance, their offer and their physical areas of distinctive and contrasting landscape. and historical links are crucially needed to By their inherent nature, each has attracted help re-establish linkages and a ‘sense of its own history, whilst collectively making place’ to this historic landscape. Through
2.1 SUMMARY up a united area of diverse heritage interest, the co-ordinating narrative of the Land of the including many sites of national importance Fanns, the first steps towards restoring the and connections to the national story. significance of this landscape will be made. A whole cavalcade of history has paraded across this area over the millennia and continues to do so today. Local people feel a 2.2 Features proud connection to this crossroads landscape, despite continuous migration to, from and through it. History shows time and again that of Significance local people have consistently displayed a The 11 Landscape Character Areas are used certain independence and affection for the as a spatial framework for understanding area and its particular ‘sense of place’. From features of significance within the landscape. the Iron Age Land of the Trinovantes, through The adoption of a spatial rather than thematic the Saxon period when it was part of Lundein, approach here is deliberate, given the subject to the Danelaw and then East Seaxe, complexity of the Land of the Fanns area to the Essex we know in modern times. and its status as a newly defined landscape. Today, this pride has become much harder This structure has also made it easier for to express at landscape scale as south-west communities to relate to their heritage and Essex has merged into north-east London and meaningfully participate, especially with the become divided by administrative boundaries. ‘Land of the Fanns’ concept being so new. HAVERING WOODED HILLS
What our communities say:
“Views over Romford and London “Breath taking space 1 shows off the in Harold Hill” Essex ridge and “Views across plateau – geology into London” of landscape” 2
Centred on the historic linear village of Havering-atte-Bower, this is a countryside highland area of country parks, woodland and farmland that has managed to retain a sense of remoteness. The features of significance here include:
• Strong historic character and time depth combined with wildlife interest, along with topography7 and views giving rise to high landscape value – particularly from Broxhill 3 Road across Bedford’s Park 5 • Second largest avenue of Wellingtonias in England within Havering Country Park OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION • Historic settlements8 in Havering-atte-Bower (conservation area and listed buildings) and at Noak Hill 93 • Narrow lanes and strong rurality in places4 • Ancient woodland at Bower Wood, Foxburrow Wood and Trench Pond Plantation 6 • Important wooded skyline and setting to London • Recreational assets at Home Farm (Prygo Park), Bedfords Park and Havering Country Park • London Loop long distance route passes through9 this area as does the north part of Sustrans route 136 • Friends Group and Local Heritage Society 11 • Strong horsey culture 2.2 FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANCE 2.2 FEATURES INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ASSETS HERE INCLUDE:
• Rich history • Rich historical connections • Sense of remoteness • Fables relating to royalty • Important archaeological potential • Community heritage celebrations BRENTWOOD WOODED HILLS
What our communities say:
“Walks through “King Georges Weald Country 2 Park – wonderful Park – the deer facilities and walk enclosure!” to Thorndon Park” “Fabulous views”
This countryside area with its large free roaming deer herds around3 St. Vincent’s hamlet and South Weald continues the ridge5 eastwards, swinging towards Thorndon to the south east and crossing the head of the Ingrebourne Valley at Brentwood. Features of significance here include: 8 • Weald Country Park and Thorndon Country Park both Registered Parks and Gardens and 4 of national significance SECTION 2 – STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION • Three scheduled ancient monuments including6 a moated site at Dagnam Park Farm, hill fort at Calcott Hall Farm and Old Thorndon Hall and Gardens 94 • Historic villages of South Weald, Great Warley (both conservation areas), Little Warley, St Vincent’s hamlet, Brook Street and Childerditch • Significant9 areas of ancient woodland reflecting historic management practices such as coppicing • Rural,11 incised tree lined lanes which have strong character and time depth • Patches of acid soils give rise to areas of bracken, birch and beech woodland which adds texture and variety to the area along with remnant commons and grazed parkland • Significant recreation opportunities in this landscape associated with nature reserves and country parks • Thorndon Woods, Weald Park and Dagnam Park are all part of the Essex Wildlife Trust initiative Living Landscapes which seeks to take a landscape scale approach to connecting and developing habitats 2.2 FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANCE 2.2 FEATURES • Friends Group
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ASSETS HERE INCLUDE:
• Old garrison town • Sense of history • Historical events LANGDON HILLS AND FARMLAND
What our communities say:
3 “Great walking area” “Amazing views towards London “Bluebell walks” and the Thames”
Langdon Hills (known as ‘long hill’ by the Saxons) is the furthest eastern reach of the Land of the6 Fanns as it curves around to cradle the south and west urban limits of Basildon. The hillside forms an ancient cliff face and landslip area along its length from Jury Hill at East Horndon. Here, the features of significance include:
• Dunton Plotlands as an area of significant cultural landscape • High quality landscape with exceptional views to the fens, the Thames and London skyline OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION • High concentration of Local Nature Reserves – Lincewood, Marks Hill, Willow Park, Dunton Plotlands, Vange Hill 95 • SSSI at Basildon Meadows valued for its unimproved and herb rich grassland • High concentration of recreational sites including Langdon Hills Country Park, One Tree Hill and golf courses • Hawkesbury Manor in the east of the area is a timber framed, Grade II listed building of mid to late 18th Century origin • Significant number of ancient woodlands including Hall, Coombe, Great Sutton, Northlands and Martinhole Woods • Perceived rurality and tranquillity and sense of separateness from urban areas
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ASSETS HERE INCLUDE: 2.2 FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANCE 2.2 FEATURES • Sense of interwar and wartime self-reliance 2 BELHUS LOWLAND QUARRY FARMLAND 7 3 What our communities5 say: 8 “Was a barren area “Thames Chase 4 – much better now” Forest Centre is 6 wonderful and a “Often underrated” much needed facility”
Along with Thurrock Reclaimed Fen, this area forms the large central plain that is the heart of the Land of the Fanns.11 Here the landscape also surprisingly starts to host long hills and downs as it extends further away from the hilly ridge towards the Thames. Features of significance include:
SECTION 2 – STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION • Concentration of conservation areas at North Ockendon, Cranham Hall and Harwood Hall 96 • Number of important ancient woodland sites • Watercourses include Running Water Brook, Common Water course and the stream which feeds Berwick Pond, all of which have potential to become significant wildlife corridors • Country Parks include Belhus Woods and Grangewaters • Remnant fish pond and parkland associated with Gaynes Park (now substantially built over) at Corbets Tey • Cranham Nature Reserve • Remnants of historic parkland at Belhus (Registered Park and Garden Grade II) • Thames Chase Forest Centre at Broadfields Farm (with Grade II listed barn and stables) 2.2 FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANCE 2.2 FEATURES INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ASSETS HERE INCLUDE:
• Archaeology • Medieval pilgrim route • Possible Saxon routes • Chafford Hundred gathering ground 2THURROCK RECLAIMED FEN
What our communities say:
3 “Remote” 5 “Lovely drive through flat landscape” “Big skies”
4 6 Together with Belhus Lowland Quarry Farmland, this area makes up the main central farmland plain of the Land of the Fanns. It is cut by a grid-iron pattern of straight country roads with hidden villages at Little Warley, West Horndon and Bulphan. With a strong but 9 surprising sense of place, the area retains an air of mystery and vulnerability. Features of significance here include:
• Low lying geometric landscape with strong lines and repetitive patterns reflecting early
11 enclosure of fenland and marsh OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION • Open and extensive views giving rise to a feeling of relative remoteness and wide skies • Bulphan a medieval village 97 • High potential for paleo-environmental deposits and surviving archaeology • Significant number of medieval moated sites in area indicative of a dispersed settlement pattern • Remnant fen landscape at Orsett Fen, Bulphan Fen and Stringcock Fen • Area popular for cycling due to flat topography
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ASSETS HERE INCLUDE:
• History of the fann lands • Marshes and fens • Historic pilgrim routes OF SIGNIFICANCE 2.2 FEATURES 2
ORSETT LOWLAND3 FARMLAND 5 What our communities say:
“Lots of green space still here” 6 “Glimpses of Baker “Threatened by Street windmill from the A13” Lower Thames Crossing”
This is an attractive lowland farming area rising above the Thurrock Reclaimed Fens. The features of significance in this area include:
• Considerable time depth and long history of occupation reflected in settlement patterns, enclosure patterns and historic sites • Visible remains of the importance of the area historically for produce and trade • Notable concentration of scheduled ancient monuments including a cropmark complex SECTION 2 – STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION west of Orsett, Iron Age enclosures at Baker Street and Bishop Bonner’s Palace north of Orsett 98 • Orsett and Horndon-on-the-Hill are conservation areas and the area as a whole contains a high concentration of listed buildings
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ASSETS HERE INCLUDE:
• North/south commercial route to the Thames • Sense of history • Local traditions such as ‘hanging of the bun’ in Horndon-on-the-Hill 2.2 FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANCE 2.2 FEATURES 1
DAGENHAM CORRIDOR 2 What our communities say:
“Bretons is beautiful “Lovely green spaces 7 and peaceful” but needs promoting” 3 “Horses running “Joy to walk and free at the Chase” see wildlife”5
This important strategic green corridor is the first4 lung of open space for anyone heading east out of London and provides access to open space for thousands of people at Chadwell 6 Heath, Collier Row, Rush Green, Romford, Hornchurch, Elm Park, South Hornchurch and Dagenham. Features of significance here include: • High concentration of native black poplar which is rare9 • Juxtaposition of wetlands and drier acid grasslands makes this landscape important for a wide variety of birds and invertebrates OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION • Significant areas are nature reserves – Beam Valley, 11The Chase and Eastbrookend Country Park 99 • River Beam acts as the boundary between the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham and Havering • Bretons is a former manor house within the Beam Valley with other historical features including tank traps, pill boxes and a section of the old Romford Canal • Recreation sites include Crowlands Health Golf Club, allotments and school playing fields, Eastbrookend Country Park and Beam Valley Country Park
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ASSETS HERE INCLUDE:
• Sense of history, particularly in the northern and southern areas 2.2 FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANCE 2.2 FEATURES 1
INGREBOURNE2 VALLEY
What our communities say: 8 “Top of Folkes 7 Lane, the view of 3 “I saw a kingfisher the intervening as a bright blue5 area towards flash pass by on my London would have walk here today” 8 looked similar in medieval times” 6 Like the Dagenham Corridor, the Ingrebourne River Valley runs north/south across the landscape and provides a virtually continuous open space link for people throughout its length. Here, the features of significance9 include: • Natural river and sinuous course survives intact • Ancient alder carr woodland • Ingrebourne Marshes supports11 an important population of water voles SECTION 2 – STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION • Ingrebourne Marshes SSSI is the largest single area of floodplain grassland and continuous reed bed in Greater London 100 • Hornchurch Country Park and strong historic links to WWI and WWII • Pages Wood – largest Forestry Commission site in Thames Chase offering open access for recreation and containing a range of valuable habitats • Sustrans route 136 travels along the Ingrebourne Valley
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ASSETS HERE INCLUDE:
• Bronze Age landscape • Fierce local defence of the Common 2.2 FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANCE 2.2 FEATURES 3 5 8 MARDYKE VALLEY 4 What our communities6 say:
9 “Rambled from Davy Down along the “Love the railway viaduct” Mardyke River – beautiful area and enjoyed by all of us” “Is a hidden gem”
The Mardyke is a memory of an earlier position of the Thames and survives as an ancient meander of that great river. Now, it is a Thames tributary beginning in the Brentwood Hills, and at Upminster and Langdon Hills. Features of significance include:
• Upper slopes afford views across and along the emotive river valley • Historic settlement of Stifford adds to local character and contains a concentration of listed buildings SECTION 2 – STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION • Ancient woodlands at Watts, Brickbarn and Hangmans Woods • Ancient system of managed valley bottom pastures enclosed by ditches • Stifford viaduct and Edwardian Stifford Pumping Station add visual interest and act as 101 focal reference points • Secluded character away from infrastructure crossing points with strong character despite proximity to urban areas • Millard Garden and Barnett’s Wood are areas of open access
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ASSETS HERE INCLUDE:
• Geological history of sarsen stones 2.2 FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANCE 2.2 FEATURES 7 3 RAINHAM, AVELEY AND 5 WEST THURROCK MARSHES 8 What4 our communities say: 6
“Views over the Thames” “The birds at RSPB 10 9 Rainham Marshes” “Bracing river walk”
The lower reaches of the Ingrebourne passes through this area into Rainham Creek, with the surrounding marshes serving an abundance of birds and other wildlife. The area is pressed in upon by industry and national service arteries – roads, railways, pylons, wind turbines and container ferries. Features of significance here include:
SECTION 2 – STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION • Extensive areas of SSSI including Inner Thames Marshes and West Thurrock Lagoon and Marshes 102 • Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve and RSPB presence with visitor centre and parking • Listed buildings include Medieval church at St Clements (Grade I) • Visually dominated by the striking Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at the Dartford Crossing • Memorable views across the Thames from some locations • One of the densest water vole populations in the country • Surviving historic military structures including rifle ranges and block houses
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ASSETS HERE INCLUDE:
• Historic shipping view north from Coldharbour 2.2 FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANCE 2.2 FEATURES Point via Rainham Church to Hornchurch church requires protection • Archaeology • Sense of remoteness and history 3 5 WEST THURROCK 8 QUARRY TOWNSCAPE 4 What our communities6 say:
“Warren and Lion Gorge – very quiet “Lion Gorge is a 11 and peaceful” wonderful place!”
This was once an area of significant chalk quarrying and of brick earth, the pits having now been reclaimed for retail and residential use. It is highly populated by residents, workers and regional shoppers, and is busily criss-crossed by heavily used long distance routes. While the people here are resilient, there is an understandable sense of resentment and being put upon over generations. Features of significance here include: SECTION 2 – STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION
• Visual dominance of the striking Queen Elizabeth II bridge at the Dartford Crossing • Area is valuable for its geological exposures and potential for Palaeolithic deposits 103 • Collection of listed buildings at High House • Purfleet is a conservation area • Purfleet Magazine is a scheduled ancient monument • SSSIs at Grays, Thurrock Chalk Pit, Lions Pit and Purfleet Chalk Pits • Memorable views up and down the Thames from Purfleet • Emerging as a national centre for cultural and creative skills
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ASSETS HERE INCLUDE:
• Nationally important geology 2.2 FEATURES OF SIGNIFICANCE 2.2 FEATURES 2.3 How Communities value the Land of the Fanns SECTION 2 – STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION
How the community value Land of the Fanns (Word It Out) 104
Historical records show how the various peoples occupying this landscape have over the millennia consistently valued it. From the Celts who fought for the land, the Romans who valued its productivity, the Saxons who resisted invasion to subsequent defence forces protecting the nation from medieval to modern times. Attachment to this landscape has been shaped by the acceptance of new types and forms of religion, and influenced by migration into, out of and through the area with consequent expansion of settlement and employment. It has also evolved through the effect of service corridors and trade routes with their attendant wharfs, industry, smuggling, press gangs, plague or day-trippers. All these factors have shaped the resilient nature of local people and an appreciation of place and character.
The busiest and most populated areas are those closest to London in the west, along the Thames to the south, and in the desirable highland to the north around Brentwood which was found in 2016 to be amongst ‘the top 12 places to live in Britain’ (The Times,
2.3 HOW COMMUNITIES VALUE THE LAND OF FANNS VALUE COMMUNITIES 2.3 HOW 2016). Whilst the Thameside communities were recorded in a 2012 ‘happiness survey’ as having the lowest levels of life satisfaction “[The] appeal [of in the country (‘It’s one big cesspit here: Thurrock, the country’s capital of misery’, Mail Online), only three years later the area had the landscape] somewhat redeemed itself and was found to be ‘one of the top 20 includes its locations Londoners have relocated to in the past year. And its appeal green space” includes its green space’ (Evening Standard, 3rd February 2015). That’s maybe what is missing.’ It may indeed be that the difficulties of accessing information about the landscape prevents people from fully appreciating the significance of the area. This is limited to fleeting glimpses of fine views, gems of interesting history, the telling character of local people and nuggets of personal stories.
POTENTIAL Gradually the meaning of the landscape is being revealed. There are geological sites to visit including the sarsen stones in the Mardyke Valley, and the chalk pits to study in the West Thurrock Quarry Townscape. There are All three active and highly populated areas existing and planned routes giving clarity to turn to the heart of the Land of the Fanns for the landscape such as the Ingrebourne Valley a contrasting break from their pace of life. route or the Mardyke Walk both giving access Here they find the peace and quiet of the to nature and wildlife. There is occasional countryside as well as outdoor recreational archaeological activity, but both training and learning opportunities. All this can be and volunteering opportunities are limited found along its river valleys and marshes, and despite demonstrations of local interest. across its hillsides and broad lowland plane with its remote villages at Bulphan, Orsett, the In an effort to bring more of this heritage OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION Horndons and Childerditch, all dotted with to light, initiatives by organisations within Essex vernacular buildings. These feelings were the Landscape Partnership have worked expressed by our communities when we asked to improve understanding through their 105 them what they valued about the Land of the respective fields. Heritage plaques have been Fanns. The word cloud sums this up succinctly. placed to commemorate national figures and events associated with the landscape. Digital connections have been made As a source of learning between organisations to improve access to information, from authoritative sources NEED such as the National Amenity Societies, A desire to defend a place, a willingness for Essex Records Office, Local History Library self-improvement of an area or acceptance and Museums to local heritage groups such of change do not themselves generate as Discover Me (Metropolitan Essex). Hands a real sense of community value. on learning through conservation work is undertaken by numerous groups including “Is it Essex? Is it London? Well no, it’s on Thames Chase Conservation Volunteers, the the border. That’s maybe what is missing” Bumble Bee Conservation Trust, exercise Knowledge and understanding of the area are groups, photography groups and many more. required for people to appreciate a real ‘sense of place’. With a good understanding of the significance of an area, the information can be
used by the community to inform decision- THE LAND OF FANNS VALUE COMMUNITIES 2.3 HOW making and projects, and act as an educational tool to stimulate further academic and cultural study that can be recorded and shared.
In the ‘happiness survey’ above, one person (yourthurrock.com) commented tellingly ‘Is it Essex? …Is it London? Well no, it’s on the border. Thurrock 100 project
Consequently, the communities of the Land of Public access to large and attractive open the Fanns both need and value the landscape spaces are often used by families to gather and as a source of learning. The Land of the Fanns play with Thorndon Country Park (Brentwood LPS will help draw together strong landscape Wooded Hills), Bedfords Park (Havering potential in order to address community need. Wooded Hills), Langdon Hills Country Park (Langdon Hills and Farmland) and Belhus Woods Country Park (Belhus Lowland Quarry As a source of enjoyment Farmlands) particularly valued. Membership The Land of the Fanns is well used by of local heritage groups such as the Friends communities for leisure and enjoyment. of Ingrebourne Valley, Thames Chase Trust, RSPB and Essex Wildlife Trust enable people SECTION 2 – STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE 2 – STATEMENT SECTION Local heritage open days are often held to become actively involved in reading, (e.g. Bretons, Thames Chase Forest Centre, serving and protecting local heritage. Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre) in 106 addition to the popular national Heritage Open It is the instinctive sense of place here in the Days that take place nationally. Additionally, Land of the Fanns, its offer and challenges, that heritage walks led by local historians piggy- has appealed to the many waves of people back onto formal events in places such as passing through over time. The willingness Havering-atte-Bower on Havering Wooded of local people to get involved and improve Hills where celebratory local fairs revive old things here is remarkable, adding a vibrancy traditions. Annual community plays based on to the landscape, its history and heritage, its local heritage stories has on occasion gone convenient location, its wonderful surprising out to be performed locally at Hornchurch views, accessible countryside and rich wildlife. Country Park in the Ingrebourne Valley. In 2016, 100 heritage stories were recorded with Thurrock communities and subsequently expressed through artistic flag painting, dancing and a walking festival as part of the HLF-funded ‘Thurrock 100 Stories’ project. 2.3 HOW COMMUNITIES VALUE THE LAND OF FANNS VALUE COMMUNITIES 2.3 HOW 3. THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Bedfords Park
The Land of the Fanns is a landscape records revealed in West Thurrock Quarry that has continually faced many different Townscape continue to be protected and threats with landscape scale opportunities preserved for research and education. The usually underexploited. With such a wide NCA profile has identified that in this North and varied range of heritage, there are Thames Basin area: ‘the sedimentary deposits inevitably numerous threats to it. Some and the fossils contained within them represent will affect multiple forms of heritage, an important context for our understanding whereas others will be more specific. of and insights into the potential impacts of This section firstly sets out the key risks facing future climate change on our landscapes’ the landscape and considers mitigating opportunities. Secondly, it develops the OPPORTUNITY: AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION landscape scale risk appraisal further by • Support the continued preservation considering local threats and opportunities and presentation of the Nature Park 107 within the 11 Landscape Character Areas. This and Gorges, coordinating public process assists the development of appropriate accessibility between sites of interest. projects (see Section 5: Scheme Plan). Thirdly, it considers the key threats and opportunities associated with the network of visitor hubs, building on the appraisal of sites outlined in section 1.4. With these ‘hubs’ representing vital conduits between people and landscape within our Scheme, it is important that key risks and opportunities here are also appraised. Finally, the key threats to management LANDSCAPE LEVEL 3.1 AT of the Land of the Fanns are outlined.
THREAT: 3.1 At Loss of woodlands and hedgerows is a contributor to climate change and soil erosion. It is also a loss to the local character of the Landscape Wooded Hills and Farmlands. The ancient hedgerows are also valuable biodiversity level and antiquity indicators. The NCA has identified that ‘climate regulation: soils, Climate change woodland and hedgerows are likely to be significant stores of organic carbon across THREAT: this area’. It also notes how ‘the restoration In any fight against climate change it is of hedgerows across the landscape can important that the geological and fossil reduce the scale of wind erosion’ OPPORTUNITY: Need for long term • Forestry Commission planting and restocking management historic areas with tree species throughout Thames Chase Community Forest THREAT: • Study what is happening to trees today, the The natural and built heritage is perhaps the habitats and species that the hedgerows, most fragile and vulnerable of all the pressures trees and woodlands support, learning about on this landscape. A well-informed and co- historic plantings, and considering possible ordinated partnership of national, regional and effects of imports via the nearby ports local organisations is best placed to establish and share the significance of this landscape. • Restock the historically typical Langdon Hills orchards OPPORTUNITY: • Identification of ancient hedgerows and tree • Existing Landscape Partnership includes well- species in order to support interpretation established national and regional bodies with wider support from local groups and bodies • Study the historical importance of new tree species to Britain within the Land of the • Expand the Landscape Partnership Fanns, noting that contribution and applying over time so that its grass roots the information to our knowledge of the past support becomes more robust
• Conferences and festivals as ways to Political issues bring partners, groups and individuals
SECTION 3 – THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION and policy changes together at regular intervals
THREAT: THREAT: 108 National and local political opinion varies Water management is a potential hazard considerably both across this landscape in this area with a history of flooding both and over time. Uncertainty can leave the along the Thames and its tributaries and area vulnerable to the politics of decision- marshes. Keeping the water at bay is reliant making and pose a threat for an area a combination of London flood defences under pressure for development. and the effective management of rivers and land. Changes in land ownership OPPORTUNITY: can result in new management regimes • Landscape becoming well-established that can impose on adjacent areas. and on-going in understanding, 3.1 AT LANDSCAPE LEVEL 3.1 AT maintaining and sharing significance of OPPORTUNITY: the landscape to inform decision-making • Active schemes and best practice need to be consistently employed over a • Reopening of landscape views (e.g into wide area and over time. An overall the Mardyke Valley at Davy Down and Landscape Management Plan to help the Lower Mardyke, and from Bedfords bring organisations and land managers Park towards London and the Thames) together and coordinate management is • Accessible Land of the Fanns website as a one way in which this could be achieved. portal for the landscape and LPS activity. Social and economic changes THREAT: There is a dearth of traditional skills THREAT: available in the area especially further to The area continues to respond to outward the west in the London Boroughs. expansion pressure from London. As a cross roads location, the landscape is also under OPPORTUNITY: pressure to develop national transport links • Bring back traditional skills by further to boost the national economy, such training interested people in new as the proposed Lower Thames Crossing. or first careers in craft work
• An apprentice scheme and wider volunteer OPPORTUNITY: opportunities that link traditional skills to • To pragmatically meet economic hands on delivery within the landscape needs in an informed and sensitive way whilst retaining what is unique and special about this landscape Attitudes and understanding
THREAT: THREAT: Unfortunately, local people often grumble Many of the quarried pits were filled with about the area, even displaying annoyance London’s rubbish before surface restoration and resentment about places that stems from commenced as in Rainham Marshes and the a lack of understanding. This is despite the Ingrebourne Valley. Other areas continue to
clues all about of a rich, varied and ancient AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION be surface filled with inorganic material prior landscape. It is tricky to discover the sense to tree planting as in Belhus Lowland Quarry and meaning of the place despite a good Farmland area. This process over decades has local market for nostalgic history books, 109 conditioned local people to an acceptance of each of which inevitably addresses a niche ever present lorry movements with rubbish and area or subject without making sense of the fills across the landscape, with associated fly- whole. Likewise, individual heritage sites away litter, dust and dirt along road sides. Fly- attract visitors and supporters yet do not tipping has become common along rural lanes. effectively link with each other to promote a joined-up understanding of the landscape. OPPORTUNITY: • Promote locations that enable the OPPORTUNITY: responsible disposal of rubbish and litter • The continued development of 3.1 AT LANDSCAPE LEVEL 3.1 AT • Organised litter picking to help address the Land of the Fanns Landscape the problem and increase local pride Partnership in promoting an appreciation of the wider landscape • Use of the restored sites and mounds as • The continued development of the new vantage points and recreational areas Discover Me heritage network (e.g. Rainham Marshes, Ingrebourne Hill). • Coordination and presentation of clear information through maps, apps and website • Development of educational resources that draw on the landscape
THREAT: Where sites have proven popular and attract lots of visitors (e.g. Thames Chase Forest Centre), visitor pressure needs to be sensitively managed in order to minimise the environmental impact. OPPORTUNITY: • Compile the heritage story of the Land • Providing physical and intellectual access of the Fanns and put it into context as from these ‘hub’ sites to a wider network an authoritative information source of places and spaces to alleviate pressure • Development of grass roots projects that respond to local need Local issues
THREAT: It is clear that the built heritage within the landscape is at risk from lack of investment, skills and knowledge, which is reflected in the number of assets on Historic England’s At Risk Register. This issue is likely to extend beyond just those assets captured on such official lists. Responsibility for identifying and protecting this heritage tends to fall to underfunded local authorities, groups and interested individuals. SECTION 3 – THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION
110
OPPORTUNITY: • Engaging with local people and groups to identify specialist areas of research and/or continued research as appropriate, into the numbers and extent of unprotected heritage.
• Consider with expert guidance, the Ice Age effects on this particular 3.1 AT LANDSCAPE LEVEL 3.1 AT area and publish the results
• Identify with specialist guidance prospective scheduled ancient monuments, record and bring to the attention of Historic England
• Enhancing access to archaeological resources though improved relationships with the Museum of London and the Council for British Archaeology THREAT: • Forging closer links with the West Essex The Land of the Fanns is a key landscape Archaeological Group and Birkbeck College for wildlife corridors whether by air, across which has helped reveal significant sites in the land or in the rivers and marshes. the past (e.g. Saxon pit-houses in Rainham)
• Identification of buildings of local OPPORTUNITY: heritage value for local lists • Identification and designation of key views that also support wildlife corridors references to Capability Brown and Richard Woods. The Park is under great demand and • Identification of natural heritage pressure from its urban-edge setting and assets of local value for local lists requirement of modern recreational use.
Heritage sites OPPORTUNITY: • Targeted interpretation and THREAT: restoration of landscape heritage Although there are some listed building designations across the broad lowland • Further study of the work of plain of the landscape, there is a significant Capability Brown, Repton and absence of other built and natural heritage Woods and their local work designations. This can result in a lack of • Management Plans for these historic attention to the area and neglect. landscapes and opportunities for local people to learn how to ‘read’ the landscape OPPORTUNITY: • Review the story and contribution of these Coordination heartlands so that they can be valued for the significant role they play within the landscape THREAT: and be considered in decision-making There is a growing inability to respond to other threats due to fragmented understanding,
information, skills and resources. There is AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION also a need to manage public expectation in balancing economic, social and environmental needs within the landscape. 111
THREAT: Erosion of natural and built heritage through 3.1 AT LANDSCAPE LEVEL 3.1 AT lack of awareness of significance.
OPPORTUNITY: • A more visible protection of the heritage may be voluntarily, and even unknowingly, OPPORTUNITY: achieved if their protection was well known and valued with accurate information being • Enabling self-help and learning groups that easily accessible. This is especially necessary draw on accessible information resources at a time of local authority cutbacks • Improved physical connectivity to help leaving them struggling to take a lead or complete linkages within the landscape provide specialist advice and support. • Improved management and coordination THREAT: plans between organisations involved in the Landscape Partnership Belhus Park is a Grade II Registered Park with a number of surviving listed garden features and 3.2 At Local Level HAVERING WOODED HILLS
OPPORTUNITY: This landscape has a high sensitivity to change due to its quality parkland landscape and as an important resource on the doorstep of significant urban 1 population. Opportunities include:
• Retain the gap along Lower Bedfords Road and protect the separation between Chase Cross and Harold Hill
• Retain2 and encourage appropriate THREAT: management of the area so • This area has experienced and that farming and wildlife work continues to suffer from urban fringe together (see project A1.1) pressure including the expansion of • Reinforce parkland character
SECTION 3 – THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION the urban edge, and development of through land management and traveller7 sites, static caravan sites and reinstatement of lost features 3 ad hoc development along lanes where feasible (see project A1.1) 112 5 • Urbanisation of lanes and roads • Maintain unbroken wooded skyline and is apparent with proliferation of views across London and promote the signage, concrete 8kerbs, traffic connection of this landscape to London calming, lighting domestic curtilage treatment and fly tipping and litter 4 • Conserve strong rurality of area through restoration and retention of 6 • Neglect of pastures in terms of narrow rural lanes, field boundaries under grazing and also areas of and hedgerow trees and soft over grazing associated with pony
3.2 AT LOCAL LEVEL LOCAL 3.2 AT urban edge (see project A2.1) paddocks particularly in the north • 9Retain historic character of Havering- • Diversification of farms with the Atte-Bower and prevent inappropriate introduction of business parks, development that would detract from stud farms and kennels 11its historic form and character and • Managed recreation sites form small position within the wider landscape oases which lack connectivity and lack • Provide safe recreational routes of easy access to the rural landscape through this landscape including outside of the managed parks cycle routes and parking places to • The rural lanes and remnant rural provide opportunities to enjoy views landscape between urban areas are and the character of the area as a quickly passed through on busy roads whole rather than just the managed parks (see reserve projects) • Existing footpaths pass through isolated and ad hoc development and • Research the possibility of using existing can feel unsettling and unsafe in places old Redwoods to clone new trees for replanting and replacing those that are lost from historic parkland BRENTWOOD WOODED HILLS
OPPORTUNITY: This landscape has a high landscape quality derived from its condition and combination of landscape patterns and features which give rise to high scenic quality and perceived 2 time depth. Opportunities include:
• Protect the patchwork of parkland, common, arable and pasture land uses which have a strong rurality, scenic quality and time depth (see projects A1.1 and A2.1) THREAT: 3 • Although the road network5 through • Better manage and recreate heath this landscape is not highly visible the areas and former commons supporting noise impacts can be significant from the work of Essex Wildlife Trust traffic on the M25, A12 and A127 through their Living Landscapes Project (see project A2.2) • The proximity of this landscape to 4 Brentwood and its importance in • Improve the interpretation of the SECTION 3 – THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION providing countryside recreation to 6 historic land use patterns and increase many people means that some routes awareness of designed parklands by experience heavy volumes of traffic notable figures such as Capability 113 which has resulted in verge erosion Brown. For example, events linked to 9 celebrating 300 years of Capability • Loss of parkland features where land Brown in 2016 could be developed is either in multiple ownership or (see projects A3.2 and B2.1) where11 a Registered Park and Garden extends beyond areas managed as country park. In places former parkland has been lost to arable
cultivation. In addition to this there is LEVEL LOCAL 3.2 AT an ageing population of mature trees and lack of management/replanting
• Loss of veteran trees due to diseases such as sudden oak death, legacy of Dutch elm disease and ash die back
• Increasing unmanaged wild deer populations resulting in over grazing and browsing of veteran and young trees
• Loss of open commons to woodland and scrub development through lack of management LANGDON HILLS AND FARMLAND
OPPORTUNITY:
This landscape has a high landscape quality derived from its condition and combination of topography, woodland and views. 3 However, it is a popular area for visitors and outdoor recreation and therefore the 5 strategy for this area is to conserve and enhance the qualities of the area whilst encouraging better connections to the wider Project Area. Opportunities include:
THREAT: • Promote and interpret the historic landscape and particularly that of • 6Proliferation of horse grazing the Plotlands (see project B4.1) resulting in visual clutter and changes to enclosure patterns • Planting of new woodland fringes to urban areas to protect the rural qualities • Erosion of country lanes due to of this landscape (see project A2.1) high traffic volume and popularity of area for open air recreation
SECTION 3 – THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION • Connect footpaths and cycle routes to the wider landscape to the west • Growth of woodland vegetation in order to alleviate pressures in resulting in the loss of some key views 114 terms of lane erosion and parking • Visual impact of adjacent • Create new views across the wider conurbations such as Basildon Project Area through the clearance of vegetation at key locations and creation of parking/pull ins and low key interpretation (see project B4.1)
• Conserve and enhance the woodlands
through improved skills and training 3.2 AT LOCAL LEVEL LOCAL 3.2 AT in traditional woodland management
techniques (see project A4.1)
View over the Fanns from Langdon Hills 2 BELHUS LOWLAND QUARRY FARMLAND 3 5 OPPORTUNITY: This landscape has a low to moderate landscape quality as a result of the 8 significant change it has accommodated 4 and fragmentation of its special qualities. Opportunities6 include: • Restore physical structure to this landscape (see project A1.1)
• Reinforce the river valley landscapes as threads of natural habitat running THREAT: through this area. This will increase wildlife value and corridors but will • Loss of hedgerows11 in remnant also provide a stronger landscape arable areas resulting in a degraded structure (see project A3.1) and unkempt appearance
• Ensure planting of trees within the AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION • Significant gravel and sand extraction valley landscapes reflect the wetland both past and present resulting in a environment and include willow, alder variety of active and disused sites, and poplar. Opportunities to restore 115 restored and poorly restored sites former and current extraction sites to • Growth of urban areas and abrupt water meadow and pasture should straight edges of uniform housing has be sought where the sites lie within a visual impact on this landscape the river valley (see project A2.1)
• Fly tipping and proliferation of • Woodland planting should seek to signage along with the introduction create structure, legibility and sense of concrete kerbing along lanes, of distinctiveness. This may include
concrete blocks and fencing to restrict planting woodlands with a dominance LEVEL LOCAL 3.2 AT access to former extraction sites and of a single species or avenues of trees introduction of mini roundabouts along lanes (see projects A1.2 and A2.1) and lighting along rural roads has a • Increase the perceptions of time depth cumulative ‘used’ effect on the area in this landscape by highlighting and • Loss of elm trees from hedges has connecting areas which are of historic historically altered the treed character importance and tell the story of the of this landscape and is still evident in landscape prior to gravel and sand the hedgerows today. The presence extraction (see projects A3.2 and B2.1) of dead elm trees reinforces the • Seek opportunities to soften the ‘downtrodden’ character of the area urban edges with tree planting and landscaping and or the creation of new landscape parks (see projects A1.2 and A2.1) 2THURROCK RECLAIMED FEN
OPPORTUNITY: This landscape has a moderate-low landscape quality as a result of intensive 3farming and gradual loss of defining 5 characteristics which reflected its wetland past. Opportunities include:
• Restore fen landscapes at Orsett Fen, Bulphan Fen and Stringcock Fen - all 4 of which have been lost in the last 50 years, by altering current drainage THREAT: 6 and land use (see project A2.3) • Intensive agriculture resulting in loss of wet pasture/fen to arable land • Restore/reinstate infield ponds and use, significant field aggregation improve management of those 9 and loss of infield ponds that survive (see project A1.1)
• Loss of traditional boundary features • Improve interpretation into the such as hedges impacts on the pattern historic place names and features
SECTION 3 – THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION 11 of the landscape and visual cohesion in this landscape through use of existing recreational routes, or • Development of large farms and specific new trails(see project 2.3) 116 associated large scale buildings with planting of conifer wind breaks • Enhance people’s connections with and understanding of this landscape through • Growth of settlement and in community archaeological excavations particular West Horndon with which can help to tell the story of associated industrial estate due this landscape (see project B3.1) to location on railway line
• Urbanisation adjacent to this
3.2 AT LOCAL LEVEL LOCAL 3.2 AT landscape can cause visual intrusion on the flat and open character
• Recreational uses, such as golf courses impact upon the agricultural character of the landscape
ORSETT LOWLAND3 FARMLAND 5 OPPORTUNITY:
This landscape has a high landscape quality derived from its historic intactness and strong vernacular. Opportunities include:
6 • Interpretation of historic settlement patterns and enclosures and the trade of goods from this landscape including wool, deer and wildfowl - telling the story of the important role this landscape played in supplying THREAT: London (see project B4.1) • Loss of enclosure pattern • Restoration of orchards and through hedgerow removal creation of new community orchards (see reserve projects) • Loss of orchards on the edges of settlements due to neglect • Conservation and enhancement of parkland features including park • Proliferation of horse paddocks
railings, in field trees and woodland AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION and associated paraphernalia planting (see project A2.1) • Decline in parkland features such • Conservation and management of as park railings and veteran trees 117 hedgerows and woodlands which • Pressure for housing growth associated help to frame views from elevated with existing historic nucleated settlement locations (see projects A2.1 and B2.1)
3.2 AT LOCAL LEVEL LOCAL 3.2 AT
Orsett Village 1
DAGENHAM CORRIDOR 2
OPPORTUNITY: • Conserve and enhance the watercourses within the valley through volunteer conservation activities 7 (see projects A3.1 and A4.1) • Creation of coherent network5 of nature conservation sites to increase connectivity and resilience (see projects A1.1) THREAT: 4• Planting of black poplar to maintain • Former gravel extraction populations (see project A2.1) 6 • Urban fringe character due to municipal parking areas and formal recreation within the valley floor 9 • Areas of invasive weed species
SECTION 3 – THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION along water courses causing poor flow and loss of habitat 11 118 • Loss of native Black Poplar trees due to lack of management and little replanting
3.2 AT LOCAL LEVEL LOCAL 3.2 AT
The Chase 1
INGREBOURNE2 VALLEY
OPPORTUNITY: Although this is a relatively narrow corridor of valley landscape it remains a highly 7 valued amenity resource in close proximity3 to urban5 areas. Its narrowness and nature conservation interest make it sensitive to change. Opportunities include:
8 • Reinstate traditional valley pasture and meadow management in order to create greater visual variety and increase the biodiversity6 interest of THREAT: the valley habitats (see project A1.1) • Agricultural and urban runoff as well as discharge from sewage works • Develop and enhance the distinctive significantly affect water quality.9 The character of the three sections of river Ingrebourne is currently classified valley through varied management as having poor ecological status and creation of landmark features and is failing for invertebrates,11 (see projects A2.1, A3.1 and B4.1)
water plants and algae and fish AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION • Create viewpoints across and down and is bad for phosphate the valley to aid recognition of sense • Increased flooding events affecting of place, the scale and topography 119 management of floodplain under of the valley and orientation stewardship and reducing access (see projects B2.1 and B4.1) at certain times of the year • Monitoring the impacts of increased • Invasive species including Floating rainfall/runoff/in channel management Pennywort, Japanese Knotweed on the riparian environment in and Himalayan Balsam require order to effectively manage the continued management and floodplain landscape both in terms of stewardship and access provision
reduce native species diversity LEVEL LOCAL 3.2 AT (see projects A3.1 and A4.1) • Loss of traditional valley meadows and pasture. Some areas of valley floor are under gazed and become overgrown with blackthorn scrub, thistles and rank grassland giving rise to an unkempt and unmanaged character
• The channel has been straightened and overdeepened through Upminster
• Adjacent urban areas and lighting along roads has reduced the sense of tranquility within some parts of the valley
• A loss of longer views across and down the valley and the development of a monotonous character in places 3 5 8 MARDYKE VALLEY 4 OPPORTUNITY:6 This landscape has a moderate landscape quality as a result of the intact character 9 to the east but effects of infrastructure on the western half of the valley. However, it is a popular area for visitors and outdoor recreation and therefore the strategy for this area is to conserve and enhance these qualities. Opportunities include:
• Promote and interpret the area in association with the wider landscape. THREAT: This area has considerable scope • Fragmentation by road infrastructure, to be used as a learning resource especially junction 30 of the M25 and regarding landscape history (see pylons are visually intrusive in the projects B4.1, C1.2 and C2.1) western part of the valley where the valley becomes broad and more open • Conserve and enhance the ancient coppiced woodland through • Urban fringe pressures and
SECTION 3 – THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION training and skills development lack of management in traditional management (see • Impact of aggregate extraction projects A2.1 and A4.1) 120 • Infringement of recreation uses • Restore structure to the western more changing the natural character of open valley with appropriate woodland the valley and typical land uses and tree planting which will integrate infrastructure more successfully (see projects A1.1 and A2.1) 3.2 AT LOCAL LEVEL LOCAL 3.2 AT
Conservation work in Mardyke Woods 7 3 RAINHAM, AVELEY AND 5 WEST THURROCK MARSHES 8 4 OPPORTUNITY: • Manage recreational use to 6 avoid impacts on wintering and breeding waders
• Enhance interpretation of estuarine 10 9 habitats and changing extent of mudflats and salt marsh
• Conserve views and create new access/ views along the Thames waterfront
THREAT: • Reclamation of marsh landscape for industrial use - the Thurrock Marshes have all but been reclaimed by major industry along the water frontage of the Thames to the AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION east of the Dartford Crossing
• Aggregate extraction and 121 subsequent landfill
• Visual intrusion of infrastructure including roads and pylons
• Rewetting of marshes to create valued habitats and natural fringe to the Thames
LEVEL LOCAL 3.2 AT
View towards QEII Bridge
3 5 WEST THURROCK 8 QUARRY TOWNSCAPE 4 OPPORTUNITY:6 This landscape has a predominately low landscape quality as a result of the 10 significant change it has accommodated and fragmentation of its special qualities. However, it is a popular area for visitors 11 and outdoor recreation and therefore the strategy for this area is to conserve and enhance these qualities whilst encouraging better connections to the wider Land of the Fanns. Opportunities include: THREAT: • Creation of hubs for the dissemination • Growth of infrastructure of information about the landscape development and possibility of in the area, places to visit and a second Thames crossing. access (see project C1.2)
SECTION 3 – THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION • Growth of commercial and • Improve physical footpath and cycle industrial development resulting in routes, including road crossings, disorientating urban structure. from the urban areas to the Mardyke 122 • Perceived loss of historic features due and then wider landscape to the to the visual and physical dominance north as well as to the River Thames of more recent development. waterfront (see project A3.1)
• Physical separateness of this • Extend existing green spaces area from the wider landscape along road networks and into of the Land of the Fanns urban areas (see project A1.1)
3.2 AT LOCAL LEVEL LOCAL 3.2 AT
3.3 Visitor Hubs From the analysis of the nine visitor centres and attractions (section 1.5), it is possible to infer a number of common strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats that characterise the Audience Development element of the Scheme.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
• Events and activities run throughout the year • Certain tired and deteriorated facilities for children and adults • Limited staff resources, including rangers • Many regular daily and weekly users • Limited recent user and • Educational programmes aimed at schools demographic data recorded and community groups • Poorly signposted sites and difficult to find • Good path networks in the landscape, many • Public transport access can be poor of which are accessible • Interpretation is tired and there • Regular talks and tours programme is little digital interpretation • Nature conservation volunteer programmes • Under-used landscape • High number of registered volunteers • Difficulty in attracting new users • Largely local audience • Not fully-accessible landscape • Beautiful landscapes for walking, cycling, • Limited provision for teenagers horse riding and fishing and visitors with disabilities • Basic interpretation through leaflets and • Few targeted initiatives for specific audiences panels • Limited car parking space • Sites cater for both specialist and non- SECTION 3 – THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION specialist audiences • Diverse learning programme offered both on and off site 123 • Visitors are generally happy with the on-site facilities
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
• Enhance volunteer involvement • Struggle to get new volunteers • Potential to develop Friends groups during the holiday period • Improve paths to attract a more diversified • Volunteers across sites tend to be older
audience • Consistently low number of young users HUBS 3.3 VISITOR • Close working with local partners • Competition from other neighbouring • Enhance marketing, including social media urban and country parks presence • Budgets are tight and amount of funding • Increase use of the landscape by healthy from local authorities is decreasing living and disabled groups • The weather is a critical factor in • Offer training/apprenticeships in habitat guaranteeing attendance to certain events management and biodiversity surveying • Constrained activities programming given • Offer inter-generational activities targeted at that funding is often grant dependent families, including better play spaces • Accessibility by car only is a barrier • Cope to offer evening classes and events • Interpretation is rarely updated • Further links with community groups given the tight budgets • Arrange more opportunities to attract young • Some feel that the sites are people only for specialists • Develop the landscape as a more cycle • Lack of enthusiasm and resources for friendly destination collaboration and partnership work • Expand the education programme for schools • Introduce more of the local community through local engagement and outreach work 3.4 Land of the Fanns LPS There are a number of anticipated risks to Scheme delivery, which are outlined below with consideration of their likelihood, impact and the mitigating solution.
RISK LIKELIHOOD IMPACT ACTION OWNER
Lack of Medium High Continued Scheme match engagement with Manager funding partnership funders via Strategic Board, Working Groups and individual meetings
Lack of Medium High Quarterly Strategic Scheme financial Board meetings, Manager and time quarterly working 2 x commitment group meeting (and Engagement from partners task & finish groups as Officers needed), and maintain individual relationships with partners
SECTION 3 – THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES 3 – THREATS SECTION Lack of Medium High Recruit experienced Scheme skills and Delivery Team, Manager 124 knowledge expand Partnership to add new skills and experience to the Board, and provide training for partners to develop
LPS team Low High Advertise the positions Strategic job roles widely and ensure Board not filled adequate support Scheme and supervision Manager once appointments 3.4 LAND OF THE FANNS LPS 3.4 LAND OF THE FANNS have been made
Failure to Low High Involve interest and 2 x engage local community groups Engagement community in decision making Officers groups and where possible, interest creating opportunities groups for input via Working Groups and regular communications
Failure to Low High Activity recruit 2 x engage volunteers in a Engagement volunteers coordinated way with Officers partners throughout the Scheme 4. VISION AND OBJECTIVES
The previous sections have described the Land of the Fanns spatially, thematically and through time, highlighting heritage significance, whilst considering the threats and opportunities facing it.
This section sets out our vision for the Land of the Fanns. Underpinned by six strategic objectives, the vision helps bridge the gap between our understanding of landscape significance and planned intervention through our LPS. These translate into four delivery programmes that bring coherence to our Scheme and structure our project portfolio. The section concludes by considering the strategic alignment between our delivery programmes and HLF Strategic Objectives.
4.1 Vision 4 – VISION AND OBJECTIVES SECTION Adopted by the Partnership in 2014, the vision of the Land of the Fanns is
125
“The surviving London fanns on the edge of East London – a landscape of fens, forest and farms, rich in geological, natural and cultural heritage and continually evolving since the last Ice Age – will be positively managed and
understood as the last remaining landscape of London as it once was. 4.1 VISION
Drawing on the area’s past as a unified, working landscape underpinning London’s growth, the Land of the Fanns will spark a rediscovering of this landscape drawing on the pride local communities instinctively feel about this misunderstood area. This is not only about undertaking restoration and access improvements that reconnect the landscape, it is also about equipping people with better knowledge and understanding to shape the strategic decision making that continues to fragment the landscape.
The landscape is a dynamic one that will continue to change – a broad partnership understanding of the Land of the Fanns will not only enable that change to be more positive, it will also develop its profile as one of the nation’s most fascinating landscapes, intimately connected with one of the most famous and celebrated cities in the world.
The ‘Land of the Fanns’ will become recognised as a connected and cohesive landscape where its heritage is loved and understood by its people.” 4.2 Objectives
Supporting the vision, six strategic objectives were approved by the Land of the Fanns partnership in 2014:
1. RESTORATION AND CONNECTION To work in partnership to restore, conserve and connect the woods, fens, farmland, unique biodiversity, heritage and cultural assets of our landscape and utilise these to support local distinctiveness and pride that reduces further negative impacts.
2. ACCESS To improve physical and intellectual access to the landscape for local communities and visitors that encourages people to visit, respect and appreciate its natural and built assets, through targeted physical interventions and improved co-ordination of visitor destinations. SECTION 4 – VISION AND OBJECTIVES SECTION
3. INFORMATION 126 To create outlets for local knowledge that reveals the exciting and unique stories of the landscape through inclusive methods that enthuses local people and visitors, guides decision-making and celebrates the area.
4. EXPERIENCE BY TAKING PART
4.2 OBJECTIVES To encourage people to experience the Land of the Fanns and learn about its rich physical, natural and cultural heritage by actively taking part in conservation projects, research and interpretation activities, cultural activities, events, volunteering and learning that also improves the prospects and skills of local people.
5. ENJOYMENT OF THE LANDSCAPE To develop the ‘Land of the Fanns’ into a place where local people and visitors can better enjoy the landscape through better co-ordination and commercial thinking of partnership organisations providing tourism and related services.
6. PARTNERSHIP WORKING To build excellent partnership working between the key players who can make the Vision happen – the public sector, private business and the community. 4.3 Delivery Programmes
Using the Vision and Objectives as a starting point and shaped by consultation, four delivery programmes have emerged. These help provide clarity and focus to the Scheme projects (see Section 5), ensuring that the link between aspiration and activity remains clear as illustrated below1.
1. Restoration and Connection Programme A: Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns
2. Access Programme B: Understanding the Land of the Fanns 3. Information Programme C: VISION Attachment to the Land of 4. Experience by taking part the Fanns
Programme D: Enjoying the Land of 5. Enjoyment of the landscape the Fanns SECTION 4 – VISION AND OBJECTIVES SECTION
Link between Vision, Objectives and Delivery Programmes. 127 The following sections outline each of the Delivery Programmes in more detail, explaining how they relate back to the vision and objectives, why they have been identified and what they will achieve at high-level. The finer grain project detail is summarised in Section 5 with full project plans within the LCAP Part 2: Project Plan Manual.
A. Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns
1. Restoration and Connection Programme A: Restoring and Reconnecting Key focus areas: the Land of the Fanns 2. Access 1. Landscape Management Programme B:
Understanding PROGRAMMES 4.3 DELIVERY 2. Habitats and Species the Land of the Fanns 3. Information 3. Connections and Links Programme C:
VISION Attachment to 4. Environment 4. Experience by taking part the Land of the Fanns linked training Programme D: Enjoying 5. Enjoyment of the landscape the Land of the Fanns
Programme A: Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns will take forward Objective 1 ‘Restoration and Connection’ and in physical terms, Objective 2 ‘Access’. The development of the programme has been strongly influenced by the opportunities identified within the Landscape Character Assessment (see Section 3), helping to shape four areas of focus: Landscape Management, Habitats and Species, Connections and Links, and Environment related training. These areas of focus have been further refined by the findings of the Audience Development Plan and Skills and Training Audit.
1 Objective 6 ‘Partnership Working’ does not feature in the diagram because it is explicit across all Delivery Programmes. LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT Whilst this LCAP provides a strategic framework for the landscape, there is a need for an operationally focussed plan too. The co-ordination of landscape management and maintenance resources, expertise and ambition between public and private landowners will help ensure a more joined up approach to Countryside Stewardship funding and support. It could also create economies of scale that may enable landscape-scale social enterprises to become viable.
As such, this element of Programme A seeks to enable a more strategic approach to landscape management by developing a Landscape Management Plan, providing targeted support to help farmers access Countryside Stewardship, and enable promising landscape-based business ideas to become viable social enterprises. In combination, these interventions will allow restoration, connection and access work to be better managed and more efficiently maintained.
HABITATS AND SPECIES Our habitat and species focussed projects are largely concerned with restoring woodlands, grassland and hedgerows in response to the Landscape Character Assessment and stakeholder consultation. This focus will ensure the greatest landscape impact in line with our vision. However, attention will also be given to some of our remnant and niche landscapes including a low nutrient site, the lost fens and the micro-landscapes of brownfield sites.
CONNECTIONS AND LINKS
SECTION 4 – VISION AND OBJECTIVES SECTION Strategic opportunities have been identified along the main rivers (Beam, Ingrebourne and Mardyke) and within our historic landscapes.
128 The Land of the Fanns will included a river-focussed project that seeks to restore them as strategic connections for people and wildlife. This will build on the work of the South Essex Catchment Partnership (Mardyke) and the Roding, Beam and Ingrebourne Catchment Partnership which offers the potential to leverage further riparian-focussed resources in support of the Scheme.
The Scheme will also focus on two key historic landscapes where the potential for partnership working and landscape impact is greatest. These are Belhus and Thorndon where targeted interventions to support access and understanding will be guided by collaborative planning by landowners.
ENVIRONMENT LINKED TRAINING Programme A will be underpinned by a training programme that addresses the skills needs of its 4.3 DELIVERY PROGRAMMES PROGRAMMES 4.3 DELIVERY component projects. These will be environmentally focussed.
B. Understanding the Land of the Fanns
1. Restoration and Connection Programme A: Restoring and Reconnecting Key focus areas: the Land of the Fanns 2. Access 1. LOTF narrative Programme B: Understanding 2. Recording landscapes the Land of the Fanns 3. Information 3. Archaeology Programme C:
VISION Attachment to 4. Interpretation 4. Experience by taking part the Land of the Fanns 5. Built/cultural heritage training Programme D: Enjoying 5. Enjoyment of the landscape the Land of the Fanns
Programme B: Understanding the Land of the Fanns will take forward Objective 2 ‘Access’ (in terms of intellectual access) and Objective 3 ‘Information’ (by generating/interpreting information). Development of the programme has been shaped largely by the Historic Landscape Report, helping to form five areas of focus: Creating a Land of the Fanns narrative, Recording Landscape, Archaeology, Interpretation and Built/cultural Heritage Training. These areas of focus have been refined by the Landscape Character Assessment, Interpretation Strategy and Skills and Training Audit.
LAND OF THE FANNS NARRATIVE With the concept of a coherent, unified landscape having been lost over time, the use of Land of the Fanns as a unifying narrative is a crucial element of the Scheme. This is developed within Programme B given its role in supporting understanding. Through the Scheme, the narrative of Land of the Fanns will be developed further through a publication that brings together the history and stories of the Fanns. This will form the authoritative basis for other Scheme projects that aid landscape understanding.
RECORDING THE LANDSCAPE A key challenge for our landscape is the relative lack of information and knowledge available. Consequently, Programme B has a focussed strand relating to the recording of landscape features and valued heritage assets that help build up a cultural picture of our landscape. This will be community focussed and help develop a spatial understanding that develops the Land of the Fanns narrative further.
ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE FANNS Like the ‘Recording the Landscape’ strand, this element of Programme B seeks to build SECTION 4 – VISION AND OBJECTIVES SECTION understanding of the hidden features of our landscape. A handful of sites both inland and along the Thames where both constraints and opportunities are favourable will become the focus of community activity. Opportunities to understand the archaeological elements of Land of the 129 Fanns will be further developed through a mobile exhibition that shares this information.
INTERPRETING THE FANNS This part of Programme B will see a joined up approach to landscape understanding through interpretation. Informed by the Audience Development Plan and guided by the Interpretation Strategy, this strand will focus on a number of ‘hub’ sites across the landscape. Each site will interpret locally important heritage in the context of the Land of the Fanns landscape.
BUILT/CULTURAL HERITAGE LINKED TRAINING Programme B will be underpinned by a training programme that addresses the skills needs of its 4.3 DELIVERY PROGRAMMES 4.3 DELIVERY component projects. This will focus on built and cultural heritage related training needs.
C. Attachment to the Land of the Fanns
1. Restoration and Connection Programme A: Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns Key focus areas: 2. Access Programme B: 1. Raising awareness Understanding the Land of the Fanns 2. Involving people 3. Information Programme C: 3. Training the champions VISION Attachment to the Land of the Fanns of tomorrow 4. Experience by taking part Programme D: Enjoying 5. Enjoyment of the landscape the Land of the Fanns
Programme C: Understanding the Land of the Fanns will take forward Objective 3 ‘Information’ and Objective 4 ‘Experience by Taking Part’. The Programme will underpin the sharing of information about the landscape to wider audiences and romote opportunities to participate. There are three areas of focus: Raising awareness, involving people and training the landscape champions of tomorrow. The Programme has been heavily steered by the Audience Development Plan and Skills and Training Audit.
RAISING AWARENESS The information generated through the Scheme will only be useful if it is easily accessed and shared. Consequently, Programme C will include an awareness raising component that puts information communication channels in place (website, mobile app), enables proactive Scheme marketing efforts and coordinates wider participation opportunities across the Partnership. By making the Land of the Fanns more tangible, attachment to the landscape over time will become easier to achieve.
INVOLVING PEOPLE Ensuring that people are able to relate to the landscape is crucial for generating attachment. This part of Programme C will focus on young people through schools in an effort to embed the landscape within local education. It will also include a community grants scheme that enables people to access funds to enhance the landscape in a grassroots way.
TRAINING THE LANDSCAPE CHAMPIONS OF TOMORROW Programme C will be underpinned by a governance/leadership focussed training programme that seeks to create an increased, lasting grassroots capacity to support landscape. This will also include an apprenticeship programme that seeks to launch 2 environment/heritage focussed SECTION 4 – VISION AND OBJECTIVES SECTION careers through Land of the Fanns.
130 D. Enjoying the Land of the Fanns
1. Restoration and Connection Programme A: Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns 2. Access Programme B: Key focus areas: Understanding the Land of the Fanns 1. Walking the Fanns 3. Information Programme C: 2. Celebrating the Fanns VISION Attachment to 4. Experience by taking part the Land of the Fanns
Programme D: Enjoying 5. Enjoyment of the landscape the Land of the Fanns
4.3 DELIVERY PROGRAMMES PROGRAMMES 4.3 DELIVERY Programme D: Enjoying the Land of the Fanns is intended to be less formal than the other Programmes and addresses Objective 5 ‘Enjoyment of the Landscape’. There are two areas of focus: walking the Fanns, and celebrating the Fanns.
WALKING THE FANNS Building on the physical improvements work, information gathering and sharing, and interpretation delivered through Programmes A-C, this element of Programme D will facilitate the exploration of the landscape on foot.
CELEBRATING THE FANNS The achievements of the Landscape Partnership will be celebrated and shared as part of an annual conference. The landscape itself will be celebrated through an arts-led festival or activity that brings together Scheme delivery in an engaging way. 4.4 HLF Strategic Objectives
The following table illustrates the high-level connections between the four Programmes and HLF Strategic Objectives. Project level links with HLF Strategic Objectives are contained within the full project plans (see LCAP Part 2: Project Plan Manual). These may highlight linkages in addition to these programme-level ones, reflecting the interconnectedness of each project to the wider Scheme. Reconnecting the of Land the Fanns the of Land the Fanns Programme A: B: Programme Fanns of the Land to the C: Programme the of Land the Fanns D: Programme U R A E estoring and njoying ttachment nderstanding
Better managed 4 – VISION AND OBJECTIVES SECTION In better condition Heritage Better interpreted/explained 131 Identified/recorded Developed skills Learnt about heritage People Changed attitudes/behaviour Had an enjoyable experience Volunteered time Negative environmental impacts reduced More people and a wider range of people have engaged
Communities Local area/community better OBJECTIVES 4.4 HLF STRATEGIC place to live, work and visit Local economy boosted Organisation more resilient
A. RESTORING AND RECONNECTING THE LAND OF THE FANNS In terms of heritage, Programme A is primarily concerned with getting natural heritage into better management and in better condition.
In terms of people, there is a strong volunteering component which focusses on developing skills through training so that people can volunteer time and enjoy themselves through hands on activity. These efforts are part of a wider aim to improve attitudes towards the landscape heritage. In terms of communities, Programme A focuses on reducing negative environmental impact through environment focussed interventions. The exploration of social enterprise models and long term management arrangements is intended to make organisations more resilient and help boost the local economy. In combination, this work will help make the area a better place to live, work and visit.
B. UNDERSTANDING THE LAND OF THE FANNS In terms of heritage, Programme B helps ensure that information relating to heritage is better managed in terms of landscape. Through heritage recording and interpretation projects, it explicitly addresses Strategic Objectives relating to heritage being better interpreted/explained and identified/recorded.
In terms of people, Programme B addresses all HLF Strategic Objectives by connecting efforts to enhance landscape understanding with training, learning and volunteering. Collectively, these activities aim to change attitudes to the landscape.
In terms of communities, Programme B seeks to engage more people and a wider range of people by enhancing intellectual access to a growing body of information relating to the landscape. By strengthening ‘sense of place’, the area will become a better place to live, work and visit.
C. ATTACHMENT TO THE LAND OF THE FANNS In terms of heritage, Programme C seeks to ensure that information relating to heritage is better managed in terms of raising awareness. Through digital and marketing efforts, information that SECTION 4 – VISION AND OBJECTIVES SECTION has been collected through research and interpretation will be promoting, serving to address Strategic Objectives relating to heritage being better interpreted/explained and identified/recorded.
132 In terms of people, Programme C addresses all HLF Strategic Objectives by connecting people to landscape management and maintenance through training, learning and volunteering. This includes a targeted apprenticeship programme for 2 young people. Collectively, these activities aim to change attitudes to the landscape by fostering greater attachment to it.
In terms of communities, Programme C seeks to engage more people and a wider range of people by better co-ordinating marketing effort and participation opportunities at a landscape scale. By working to get people invested in their landscape, it aims to make the area a better place to live, work and visit.
D. ENJOYING THE LAND OF THE FANNS In terms of heritage, Programme D is primarily concerned with the interpretation
4.4 HLF STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES 4.4 HLF STRATEGIC and explanation of heritage by bringing together outputs from across the Scheme to support walks, conferences and arts-based activity.
In terms of people, Programme D addresses all HLF Strategic Objectives by encouraging people to walk and celebrate the landscape in a fun way. Learning and skill development will be informal. Collectively, these activities aim to change attitudes to the landscape by making it a cause for celebration.
In terms of communities, Programme D seeks to engage more people and a wider range of people through fun and non-specialist activities without any requirement for formal training. By supporting a grassroots celebration of the landscape, Programme D aims to make the area a better place to live, work and visit. 5. SCHEME PLAN
This section sets out the individual projects that make up the Scheme Plan, which flow from the vision, objectives and programmes set out in the previous section.
It highlights the key changes in the Plan from the Stage 1 application proposals including a summary of the project appraisal process, followed by project summaries offering short, non-technical overviews. Full project plans can be found within the LCAP Part 2: Project Plan Manual. Finally, an outline of the Land of the Fanns Delivery Team is provided followed by a consideration of State Aid implications associated with the Scheme. 5.1 Evolution of the Scheme from Stage 1 SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION
At part of the Stage 1 proposals, 39 project ideas were proposed. These were revisited early on during the 133 STAGE 1 development phase with partners and stakeholders, resulting in the project proposals increasing to 44. 39 projects At this stage, all projects were grouped according 3 Themes to three broad themes: Natural Environment, Built/ Cultural Heritage, and Skills and Training.
The three themes were re-profiled into four bespoke Delivery Programmes following the completion of the Landscape Character Assessment, Heritage Landscape Study, Audience Development Plan and Skills & Training Audit. By shaping more focussed DEVELOPMENT PHASE Delivery Programmes, these studies have enabled much clearer linkages between our vision and 44 projects objectives, and project delivery to be made.
3 Themes Finally, all of the projects were subject to an appraisal process which resulted in a more manageable, streamlined programme of 26 projects. Primarily 5.1 EVOLUTION OF THE SCHEME FROM STAGE 1 OF THE SCHEME FROM STAGE 5.1 EVOLUTION through combining project concepts, this final shortlist captures the essence of almost all ideas proposed during Stage 1 and the development phase. Where ideas have not gone into the final programme, these have been earmarked as Reserve Projects. A few STAGE 2 additional projects have been added to the Scheme 26 projects following the Audience Development Plan and Skills & Training Audit, however these have brought further 4 Delivery Programmes clarity to the training component of the Scheme and its alignment with the Delivery Programmes. The table below summarises the changes from Stage 1 to Stage 2, with new projects highlighted in yellow. All other projects have either evolved directly from the Stage 1 proposals, or represent an amalgamation and consolidation of project ideas.
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 1 Stage 2 (proposed) (actual) (proposed) (actual) (proposed) (actual) (proposed) (actual)
A: Restoring & B: Understanding C: Attachment D: Enjoying the LOTF Reconnecting the LOTF the LOTF to the LOTF
Social enterprise Heritage Walks Habitats/ A1.1. Thames B1.1 Land D1.1 species for Landscape Chase: The Digital C1.1 Digital Nature of the Walking landowners Managem’t Heart of heritage Heritage Walks Fanns Book the Fanns Plan the Fanns Enrol in Health agri Walks schemes
Designed A1.2 Landscapes Marketing Community B2.1 C1.2 LOTF D2.1 LOTF Community Tree Designed Promoting confe- confe- Tree Landscape LOTF Nursery Landscapes LOTF rences rences Nursery Identifi- website cation
Woodland A2.1 Public Art SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION Woodland, B2.2 Community C2.1 School D2.2 Arts Grassland Grassland Community Mapping programme Children & Festival and Mapping Theatricals Hedgerow Hedgerows 134 Havering Country Park B3.1 C2.2 A2.2 Low archae- Community People Volunteer Heathland Nutrient ology archae- Count! co- Habitat ology ordination Jetties and Foreshores
B3.2 A2.3 Travelling C2.3 Fen Travelling Community Rediscover archaeo- Community restoration archaeo- Action the Lost logical Action & interpret logical Budget Fens exhibition Budget exhibition
Davy Down C3.1 interpret B4.1 Inter- Creating Landscape Stepping A2.4 Micro preting Comm- Champions Stones Landscapes Dovecote the Fanns unities of restoration Tomorrow
Rivers B5.1 A3.1 River C3.2 Watervoles Heritage Apprentice
5.1 EVOLUTION OF THE SCHEME FROM STAGE 1 OF THE SCHEME FROM STAGE 5.1 EVOLUTION Catch- Apprentice Skills & Scheme ments Scheme Davy Down Training to Rainham
Connect- A3.2 ions for Connecting people and Historic wildlife Landscapes
Connect- A4.1 ions for Environm’t people and Skills & wildlife Training Summary of project appraisal process The diagram below summarises the project appraisal process, which assesses projects against strength of alignment with both the Scheme vision and HLF strategic objectives, and the likely leverage of management and delivery resources. This process has ensured that all ideas have been considered methodically and that the final Scheme Plan is robust. All projects will be subject to an annual review against these criteria with the Scheme revised accordingly as needed.
Project Appraisal HIGH Project goes forward Criteria for delivery 1. Alignment with vision and supporting YES evidence base strong?
2. Alignment with Can concept be Project used to strengthen HLF Strategic MEDIUM Concept objectives strong? a confirmed project further? 3. Partner support (financial/in-kind) likely? NO
4. Prospect of match Project added to funding/financial reserve list for SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION leverage likely? LOW annual review
135 5.2 Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns
A non-technical summary is provided for each project, including aim, project summary, budget, intended outputs and outcome. For more detailed information on the projects, please refer to the LCAP Part 2: Project Plan Manual.
A1.1 Landscape Management Plan ‘From Local to Landscape’
AIM To co-ordinate landscape management efforts across the Land of the Fanns through better partnership working between public and private landowners, uplifting farmland through Countryside Stewardship and supporting landscape-focussed social enterprise
SUMMARY ‘From Local to Landscape’ seeks to effect a fundamental change in how our landscape is 5.2 RESTORING AND RECONNECTING THE LAND OF FANNS AND RECONNECTING 5.2 RESTORING managed and worked by moving away from a more locally focussed, less strategic approach to one where diverse resources, expertise and ambition are pooled to enable cost effective and joined up improvement to landscape. Those with the skills and knowledge needed to enhance the landscape will be brought together with those that either own or work the land to develop a more joined up approach to management that works for all. The project will firstly develop a framework within which to co-ordinate effort, which will be in the form of a Landscape Management Plan. ‘From Local to Landscape’ will then facilitate delivery of this Plan through targeted support for farmers and landowners to access Countryside Stewardship funds, and targeted support to establish viable landscape- based social enterprises (e.g. woodland products linked to woodland management). These efforts will complement the delivery projects being delivered through the LOTF LPS.
VALUE £40,135
OUTPUTS • 10 landowners participating in management
• 5 Countryside Stewardship agreements
• Landscape Management Plan
• 20 days of business support
• 5 Training and Knowledge sharing events
• 3 social enterprises
SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION OUTCOME Landscape management efforts are co-ordinated and strategic, enabling economies of scale and wider benefits for environment and economy. 136 A1.2 Community Tree Nursery
AIM To develop a community tree nursery on a not-for-profit commercial basis providing genetically diverse stock for sale within the Land of the Fanns
SUMMARY The project aims to support the supply of genetically diverse tree stock, helping to limit the threat from pests and diseases including ash dieback. Once established as a business, the nursery would supply stock to local organisations (e.g. Forestry Commission, Wildlife Trusts, Thames Chase Trust, local authorities, local communities) and contribute towards other Landscape Partnership Scheme projects in relation to hedgerow and woodland restoration. The nursery could also act as a source for restoration planting and future management by cloning trees from parkland. For example, the business could seek to grow on cloned elm which is more
5.1 EVOLUTION OF THE SCHEME FROM STAGE 1 OF THE SCHEME FROM STAGE 5.1 EVOLUTION resistant to disease and market this locally to landowners involved in hedgerow management. The tree nursery would also offer opportunities for education and community involvement.
VALUE £98,700
OUTPUTS • Business Plan
• Tree nursery established • Tree nursery maintained
• Tree nursery supporting legacy
OUTCOME Local provenance is used for local woodland planting and hedge laying, with volunteering and education at the core
A2.1 Woodland, Grassland & Hedgerows
AIM To restore 60 hectares of woodland, grassland and hedgerows across the Land of the Fanns and link these to Countryside Stewardship
SUMMARY The existence of Thames Chase Community Forest and associated local activity of the Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust, Essex Wildlife Trust, RSPB and local authorities offers an opportunity to restore 20 hectares of woodland through thinning, ride restoration, coppicing and under-planting; to bring 40 hectares of grassland into active conservation management; and create or restore at least 10km of hedgerows within the landscape.
The strategic context for this project will be developed through the ‘From Local to Landscape’ 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION project (A1.1) which through its Landscape Management Plan element will help guide areas of project focus. The project will also complement the ‘Connections for People and Wildlife’ project (A3.2) which seeks to link up newly restored and managed woodlands, grasslands and 137 hedgerows. Improvements to these habitats will also create new access and interpretation opportunities for walks, which will be developed through the Walking project (D1.1).
VALUE £114,750
OUTPUTS • 20 ha of woodland restored/managed
• 40 ha of grassland restored/managed
• 10km hedgerow restored/managed
• 115 days of volunteer time
• 3 Countryside Stewardship agreements
OUTCOME Landscape distinctiveness has been enhanced and supported by ongoing management 5.2 RESTORING AND RECONNECTING THE LAND OF FANNS AND RECONNECTING 5.2 RESTORING A2.2 Low Nutrient Habitat
AIM To restore remnants of low nutrient habitats, which have almost vanished from the landscape. SUMMARY The remnants of low nutrient habitats with the Land of the Fanns area represent an original opportunity to restore ancient landscape features with supporting interpretation. With much of the rural landscape put over to intensive arable farming, the landscape is now nutrient rich and therefore not conducive for low nutrient habitats. The project represents part of the delivery mechanism for the ‘From Local to Landscape’ strategic management project (A1.1)
VALUE £28,750
OUTPUTS • 10 ha of low nutrient habitat restored/managed
• 25 days of volunteer time
• 1 Countryside Stewardship agreement
OUTCOME An example of largely lost historic landscape has been restored and supported by ongoing management
SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION A2.3 Rediscovering the Lost Fens
AIM 138 To highlight and interpret the lost ‘Fann’ landscape through access and restoration work.
SUMMARY ‘Rediscovering the Lost Fens’ will focus on the historic Fen landscape at the heart of the Land of the Fanns, drawing on the local network of footpaths to develop access and interpretation, whilst working with landowners to deliver restoration work through Countryside Stewardship. The project represents part of the delivery mechanism for the ‘From Local to Landscape’ strategic management project (A1.1) and will benefit from the ‘Farmland Uplift’ component which targets support for farmers to access Countryside Stewardship.
Given that the historic fens are almost wholly privately owned, it will not be possible to achieve large scale fen restoration without large scale land purchase. Consequently, the ‘Rediscovering the Lost Fens’ project seeks to raise awareness and appreciation of this habitat, helping to demonstrate the case for larger scale fen restoration as part of mitigation associated with large scale development in the future.
5.1 EVOLUTION OF THE SCHEME FROM STAGE 1 OF THE SCHEME FROM STAGE 5.1 EVOLUTION VALUE £25,013
OUTPUTS • Connections between ‘hubs’ and Fanns identified and made accessible
• 1 fen feature restored
• 20 days of volunteer time
• 1 Countryside Stewardship agreement •
OUTCOME An example of largely lost historic landscape has been restored and supported by ongoing management
A2.4 Micro Landscapes
AIM To establish and maintain management regimes on brownfield sites for invertebrates, creating opportunities to appreciate industrial habitats within the Land of the Fanns
SUMMARY The urban landscape within Land of the Fanns area has become nationally significant for invertebrate species. This is especially the case within Thurrock, where a history of industry has left a legacy of diverse brownfields, now supporting rare and scarce species such as the Shrill carder bee (Bombus sylvarum) and Five-banded weevil wasp (Cerceris quinquefasciata). The ‘Micro landscapes’ project seeks to raise the profile of this often misunderstood and underappreciated habitat by bringing a brownfield site into management and using this site as a focal point for interpretation and community activity around invertebrates. SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION VALUE £33,388 139 OUTPUTS • 5 ha of brownfield sites restored/managed for invertebrates
• 12.5 days of volunteer time
• 100 participants in engagement activities
OUTCOME An example of invertebrate rich brownfield habitat is understood and appreciated by local people
A3.1 River Catchments
AIM To improve the riparian environments of the Land of the Fanns through Catchment Partnerships in line with the Water Framework Directive
SUMMARY The project seeks to provide a significant boost for the Land of the Fanns rivers - the Rom/ Beam, Ingrebourne and the Mardyke - by facilitating further river restoration work by the two Catchment Partnerships operating within the landscape. These efforts will be 5.2 RESTORING AND RECONNECTING THE LAND OF FANNS AND RECONNECTING 5.2 RESTORING supported by the respective Catchment Partnership Plans: The South Essex Catchment Plan, the Roding, Beam and Ingrebourne Catchment Plan, and the Ingrebourne Catchment Restoration Plan developed by the Havering Wildlife Project. The aim is to achieve more naturally functioning rivers and floodplains that will achieve good ecological status under the Water Framework Directive through 6km of river improvements. The key goals identified within the Catchment Plans include:
• Water management: Improving the way in which water is captured and managed; and to reduce nutrients in our watercourses
• Land management: Work with land managers to reduce run- off, improve habitats and access for people
• River and floodplain management: Manage flood risk and drainage; improve connections and address Invasive Non Native Species
• Recreation and raising awareness
• Investment in the Catchments through partnership working
The project will aim to support improvements across each of the main rivers over the five years of the LOTF LPS, focussing on priority projects within the Catchment Plans that relate to the water, river and floodplain management goals, also in line with the Landscape Conservation Action Plan (A1.1). Volunteering opportunities relating to Catchment Partnerships will be linked to the wider Land of the Fanns programme.
Delivery of restoration work will be followed by appropriate management regimes and Countryside Stewardship where possible to ensure they are maintained into the future. This represents a key element of the Scheme legacy. Access to the restoration work will be facilitated by the Walks programme (D1.1). SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION A project for Year 1 has been developed for Grenfell Park along the River Beam/Rom, with a Year 2 project currently being scoped for Pages Wood along the Ingrebourne. 140 Delivery during Years 3-5 will be defined during the early part of the Delivery Phase.
VALUE £279,285
OUTPUTS • 1 strategic intervention per River
• 6km of river restoration work delivered
• 30 days of volunteer time
• 3 Countryside Stewardship agreements
OUTCOME The riparian environment has been enhanced and supported by ongoing management. 5.1 EVOLUTION OF THE SCHEME FROM STAGE 1 OF THE SCHEME FROM STAGE 5.1 EVOLUTION A3.2 Connecting Historic Landscapes
AIM To improve access and understanding at two strategic historic landscapes within the Land of the Fanns
SUMMARY The project will focus on improving access and understanding at two historic landscapes with the Land of the Fanns. These are the Capability Brown landscapes at: • Belhus Park (Grade II Registered Park & Garden) in Thurrock
• Thorndon Park (Grade II* Registered Park & Garden) in Brentwood.
While the ownership of the woodland, grassland and amenity sites within these landscapes is fragmented, collectively they represent a significant and large scale strategic resource for local communities to access and enjoy. By drawing the governance, management and future planning together under the narrative of Land of the Fanns, access and understanding will become be more joined up. On this basis, the project will represent a flag ship scheme seeking to implements the principles of the ‘From Local to Landscape’ project (A1.1).
For each historic landscape, this project will help the development of a co-ordinated plan – a Historic Landscape Plan - to guide the efforts of key stakeholders within the landscape. This first phase will focus on creating opportunities for volunteer surveying to inform the plan development. Based on this plan, the remainder of the project (phase 2) will see targeted interventions to create/upgrade paths and access points and introduce signage to allow a wider range of people to experience these historic landscapes.
Delivery across the two sites will be staggered in order to maintain audience interest over the five years of the scheme and also to accommodate the fundraising strategy.
VALUE £227,673 SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION OUTPUTS • 2 Historic Landscape Plans 141 • 3km of new and upgraded trails and access points
• 50 days of volunteer time
OUTCOME Strategic historic landscapes are more accessible and understood by our audiences
4.1 Environment Skills & Training
AIM To provide people with the skills needed to restore, understand and promote natural heritage within the landscape
SUMMARY ‘Environment Skills and Training’ will provide a wide range of training to local people to increase their understanding of the natural elements of Land of the Fanns and to provide them with the knowledge and skills to help conserve, care for and celebrate it. The project will open to all and marketed via partners and Land of the Fanns communications channels.
VALUE THE LAND OF FANNS AND RECONNECTING 5.2 RESTORING £13,350
OUTPUTS • 20 courses providing an introduction to landscape with 200 people trained • 20 courses based on understanding and recording Natural Heritage provided with 100 people trained
• 10 courses based on the management of Natural Heritage Assets provided with 50 people trained
• 10 courses based on Natural Heritage Skills provided with 50 people trained
• 10 courses based on creative skills provided with 50 people trained
OUTCOME Local capacity to manage and appreciate the natural elements of the landscape has been increased. 5.3 Understanding the Land of the Fanns
B1.1 Land of the Fanns book
SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION AIM To produce a publication that brings together the history and stories of the Land of the Fanns area 142 SUMMARY The project will support the Landscape Partnership Scheme legacy by producing a publication that brings together the history and stories of the surviving London Fanns and Marshes in South West Essex. While this will be professionally produced, the research and development of the book will help underpin the cultural and built heritage volunteering opportunities across the LOTF LPS, linking to Designed Landscapes (B2.1), Community Mapping (B2.2), Community Archaeology (B3.1), Travelling Archaeological Exhibition (B3.2) and Interpreting the Fanns (B4.1).
The book will create the narrative context for the 5-year scheme and therefore will be delivered in Year 1. The requirement to create this narrative framework across administrative boundaries accurately, quickly and authoritatively at an early stage of the LOTF LPS is why a professional researcher and writer will be commissioned. The LOTF team has identified a professional volunteer to lead this process, supported by the conservation practice offering support in-kind.
VALUE
5.3 UNDERSTANDING THE LAND OF FANNS 5.3 UNDERSTANDING £52,000
OUTPUTS • Land of the Fanns book
OUTCOME • An authoritative narrative on the Land of the Fanns is available to support understanding. B2.1 Designed Landscapes
AIM To identify and record the changes in the Land of the Fanns landscape over time to build understanding and appreciation of its significance
SUMMARY The ‘Designed Landscapes’ project seeks to build capacity within the Land of the Fanns to identify and record heritage so that its heritage significance can be better articulated.
There are three elements to the project. The first is a training-focussed element to help build up capacity to ‘read’ and record landscapes. The second will see a programme of survey work to record information and build up a picture of the Land of the Fanns to support future projects and decision-making processes. The third will see an improvement to a landscape feature identified as a direct result of volunteer surveying activity and selected by volunteers.
This project embraces the entire Land of the Fanns. The ‘Connecting Historic Landscapes’ project (A3.2) complements this initiative by focussing on two strategic historic landscapes at Belhus and Thorndon, delving into greater detail and translating the results of volunteer survey work into targeted access and interpretation interventions. The aim will be to translate the survey outputs from this project into targeted delivery elsewhere within the Fanns through other funding opportunities as they emerge.
The project will also inform the Walks programme (D1.1) and the Interpreting the 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION Fanns (B4.1) project. The surveying will also support the evidence base for the Landscape Management Plan in the ‘From Local to Landscape’ project (A1.1). 143
VALUE £19,763
OUTPUTS • 5 recorded features per Landscape Character Area
• 1 surveyed feature has been improved
• 25 days of volunteer time
OUTCOME The landscape is better recorded and understood by our audiences.
B2.2 Community Mapping 5.3 UNDERSTANDING THE LAND OF FANNS 5.3 UNDERSTANDING AIM To record heritage places and stories valued by communities to strengthen cultural identity and place-making in the Land of the Fanns.
SUMMARY The ‘Community Mapping’ project is comprised of three elements, relating to the recording, sharing and protecting of community valued heritage across the landscape. The project will commence in Year 2, building on the narrative framework enabled by the ‘Land of the Fanns book’ (B1.1) and the recording of historic features in the ‘Designed Landscapes’ project (B2.1) both starting in Year 1.
The first element – recording - will entail reaching out into the community to capture feelings and memories that can be mapped against heritage sites across the Land of the Fanns area.
The second element of the project – sharing – will ensure that the information gathered from the community is easily accessible via the various digital and physical channels created by the Landscape Partnership Scheme. In particular, this information will be linked to specific points and areas on a Land of the Fanns map so that the significance attributed by the community to identified heritage sites can be clearly identified.
The third element – protecting – will see specialist planning support commissioned during the second half of the Landscape Partnership Scheme to help create a case for adding community mapped heritage sites to local place-making related frameworks.
VALUE £39,995
OUTPUTS • 100 places and stories of local value recorded
• 100 places and stories accessible online
SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION • 100 places and stories reflected in local place-making policies
• 25 days of volunteer time 144 OUTCOME The landscape is better recorded and understood by our place-makers.
B3.1 Community Archaeology
AIM To enable people to engage with the archaeological history of the Land of the Fanns within the landscape and along the River Thames.
SUMMARY The project aims to involve local people in the process of rediscovering the Land of the Fanns through hands-on archaeology, both within the landscape and along the jetties and foreshores of the River Thames.
The inland element of the project will focus on up to five sites across the landscape where there is 5.3 UNDERSTANDING THE LAND OF FANNS 5.3 UNDERSTANDING archaeological interest and where community-orientated archaeology is permitted to take place. The project will need to be coordinated with the work of local archaeological groups in the area.
The riverside part of the project aims to involve local people in the process of identifying and interpreting historic connections between the Land of the Fanns and the River Thames. Inspired by the Thames Discovery Programme led by the Museum of London, the project represents a river- focussed complement to the Community Archaeology project, focussing on jetties and foreshores.
VALUE £33,750 OUTPUTS • 5 sites identified for community archaeology
• 5 community digs
• 25 participants
• 25 days of volunteer time
OUTCOME Landscape archaeology is better recorded and understood by audiences.
B3.2 Travelling Archaeological Exhibition
AIM To raise awareness and understanding of the archaeology across the Land of the Fanns.
SUMMARY The project seeks to connect audiences within the Land of the Fanns to the archaeological finds from the landscape held in the Museum of London and local museum archives. It comprises two key elements: the sourcing and selection of artefacts for touring, and interpreting these as part of producing the exhibition. SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION
The archaeological heritage exposed by the mineral extraction industry and recorded by the former Passmore Edwards Museum (now the Museum of London) is out of reach both 145 physically and intellectually to local people. Sourcing a selection of this archaeological heritage will allow it to be interpreted and toured as a travelling exhibition.
The interpretation of these will inform the content and style of exhibitions and events that tell the story of the Ice Age and early human habitation of the landscape.
VALUE £26,872
OUTPUTS • 1 artefact for each Landscape Character Area identified
• Exhibited in all 4 local authority areas
• 5000 people view the exhibitions
• 25 days of volunteer time 5.3 UNDERSTANDING THE LAND OF FANNS 5.3 UNDERSTANDING
OUTCOME Landscape archaeology is better recorded and interpreted for audiences
B4.1 Interpreting the Fanns
AIM To raise awareness and understanding of the landscape through physical signage and interpretation at strategic locations across the Land of the Fanns SUMMARY In order to help create the sense of a unified, connected landscape, it is critical that key messages, stories and connections are made evident at gateway locations throughout the Land of the Fanns. Guided by the Interpretation Strategy and Landscape Character Assessment developed during the development phase, the ‘Interpreting the Fanns’ project focusses on achieving this aim by delivering interpretation and signage that is locally relevant yet clearly connected to a bigger whole.
Given the number of locations and stakeholders involved, it will be necessary to develop interpretative guidelines so that partners are able to translate the principles and strategy into practical instructions for consistent project delivery across the Land of the Fanns. This will need to take forward the Interpretation Strategy developed during the development phase. When delivering at each location, the content will need to be shaped to reflect the landscape significance as defined in the Landscape Character Assessment. The method of signage and interpretation will need to reflect the location and context. Consequently, the project is comprised of two phases:
1. Interpretation & Signage Design Guide
2. Delivery of Signage and Interpretation
INTERPRETATION & SIGNAGE DESIGN GUIDE Whilst the principles, themes, methods and plan for interpretation were established during the development phase, there were insufficient resources to translate this into a design guide that
SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION partners can use to guide delivery within their location. Consequently, further development work will be required during Year 1 of the Scheme to complete the interpretation planning process. 146 DELIVERY OF SIGNAGE AND INTERPRETATION This second phase will deliver signage and interpretation at strategic locations across the landscape with content joined up in line with the Interpretation Strategy and the method tailored by the location.
Informed by the Landscape Character Assessment, strategic locations have been identified to focus LOTF LPS investment and ensure that the impact of investment is not diluted. Some signage and interpretation delivery will be taken forward by other projects within the LOTF LPS.
The locations that this project will focus on are:
• Eastbury Manor House, Valence House & Eastbrookend Country Park (LCA: Dagenham Corridor)
• Pages Wood (LCA: Ingrebourne Valley)
• Bedfords Park (LCA: Havering Wooded Hills)
• Langdon Hills (LCA: Langdon Hills and Farmland) 5.3 UNDERSTANDING THE LAND OF FANNS 5.3 UNDERSTANDING • Davy Down (LCA: Mardyke)
• Purfleet (LCA: Rainham, Aveley & West Thurrock Marshes, and West Thurrock Quarry Townscape)
• Thames Chase Forest Centre (LCA: Belhus Lowland Quarry Farmland, and Orsett Lowland Hills)
The locations taken forward through other projects within the LOTF LPS are:
• Historic landscape at Belhus (LCA: Belhus Lowland Quarry Farmland) – see A3.2 ‘Connecting Historic Landscapes’ • Historic landscape at Thorndon (LCA: Brentwood Wooded Hills) – see A3.2 ‘Connecting Historic Landscapes’
• Various local archaeological sites throughout Land of the Fanns – see B3.1 ‘Community Archaeology’ and B3.2 ‘Travelling Archaeological Exhibition’
VALUE £186,143
OUTPUTS
• Exhibition at Eastbury Manor/Valence House
• Exhibition at Davy Down
• Exhibition at Thames Chase Forest Centre
• Interpretation trail at Pages Wood
• Interpretation trail at Bedford’s Park
• Interpretation trail at Langdon Hills
• Interpretation trail at High House, Purfleet
• Interpretation trail at Eastbrookend Country Park/Dagenham Corridor 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION
• 80 days of volunteer time 147 OUTCOME Strategic locations within the landscapes are more accessible and understood by our audiences.
B5.1 Heritage Skills & Training
AIM To provide people with the skills needed to restore, understand and promote built, archaeological and cultural heritage within the landscape
SUMMARY This project will provide a wide range of training to local people to increase their understanding of the Land of the Fanns and to provide them with some of the knowledge and skills to help them conserve, care for and celebrate it. The project will open to all and marketed via partners and Land of the Fanns communications channels. 5.3 UNDERSTANDING THE LAND OF FANNS 5.3 UNDERSTANDING
VALUE £11,500
OUTPUTS • 10 2-day archaeological heritage course session provided with 50 people trained
• 20 courses based on history and built heritage provided with 100 people trained
• 10 courses based on creative skills provided with 50 people trained OUTCOME Local capacity to manage and appreciate the built, archaeological and cultural elements of the landscape have been increased.
5.4 Attachment to the Land of the Fanns
C1.1 Digital Heritage
AIM Development of an app or equivalent that collates outputs from Land of the Fanns projects and enables access via smartphone.
SUMMARY The project will see the development of an app that collects data (e.g. text, images, trail SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION coordinates etc) from the Land of the Fanns website. This data will be sourced via wider data- collection project initiatives such as Designed Landscapes (B2.1) and Community Mapping (B2.2), 148 and structured into trails to complement the Walks programme (D1.1). This will ensure that the app content aligns with the efforts of volunteers across the Landscape Partnership Scheme.
The app will be marketed to the wider Land of the Fanns community as a self-directed interpretation experience, complementing the heritage walks programme. It will also encourage further collection of views and opinions via social media in support of the community mapping project.
VALUE £47,536
OUTPUTS • Online Content Management System (CMS) available
• App available for download
• 2,500 downloads during life of scheme 5.4 ATTACHMENT TO THE LAND OF THE FANNS THE LAND OF FANNS TO 5.4 ATTACHMENT • 35 days of volunteer time
OUTCOME The cultural richness of the Land of the Fanns can be accessed via mobile in an engaging, accessible way C1.2 Promoting the Land of the Fanns
AIM To promote and celebrate the Land of the Fanns through a dynamic website and digital marketing, co-ordination of marketing at ‘hub’ sites and audience-generated content.
SUMMARY The Audience Development Plan explored the potential audiences for the LOTF LPS and considered what the most suitable promotion and marketing methods were. Informed by the survey respondents, the Plan identified that websites and emails (over 50%) were by far the most popular methods by which people want to be engaged. This is followed by word of mouth (20%) and leaflets/newspapers (20%).
On this basis of the Audience Development Plan recommendations, the approach of the Landscape Partnership is to develop a strong online presence and digital marketing strategy to enable wide public promotion, supported by co-ordination of digital and physical marketing with partners ‘hub’ sites, and audience-generated digital content (with incentives) to help support word-of-mouth marketing.
VALUE £64,153 SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION OUTPUTS • LOTF website and social media channels live 149 • Website Content Management System (CMS) available
• 10,000 website hits during lifetime of scheme
• 5 LOTF screens at hubs across the landscape
• 5 heritage bus tours during life of scheme
• Content (photo, text, video etc) competition every 6 months
• 35 days of volunteer time
OUTCOME Awareness of the Land of the Fanns grows year on year.
C2.1 School Programme
AIM THE LAND OF FANNS TO 5.4 ATTACHMENT To support teachers and young people to use the landscape in education through a Land of the Fanns education resource and a potential Forest School as legacy
SUMMARY The project will develop an educational resource to encourage learning about the landscape heritage outside of the classroom. It will provide a diverse range of cross-curricular lesson plans and resources appropriate for Key Stages 1 to 4 that will be available online. The project complements the ‘Promoting the Land of the Fanns’ (C1.2) by focussing on schools. The ‘School programme’ project will also scope out the potential for a Forest School within the landscape area. VALUE £22,500
OUTPUTS • Online educational resource
• 10 school trips to Land of the Fanns sites
• 2,500 downloads during the life of the scheme
• Viable Forest School location identified
OUTCOME The natural and cultural heritage of the Land of the Fanns is used as a teaching resource.
C2.2 Volunteer Co-ordination
AIM To co-ordinate existing heritage and environment volunteering opportunities across the landscape in support of the Scheme aims
SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION SUMMARY The Land of the Fanns benefits from a wide range of heritage and environmental organisations that provide volunteering opportunities. This project seeks to ensure clear volunteer role 150 descriptions and the co-ordination of these opportunities, linking them to Scheme projects so that prospective volunteers linked to such organisations are made aware and can participate.
Throughout the Scheme, volunteers are needed to support tangible change to landscape as championed by the objectives to ‘restore and connect’ and deliver ‘access’. This offers many opportunities for ‘hands on’ volunteering, whether that be conservation work or heritage crafts. There is also a need for volunteers to enable intangible change, about winning people’s hearts and minds over to the Land of the Fanns, in line with the objective focussing on ‘information’. This provides many chances for participants to shape interpretation, give talks, write content and otherwise disseminate the message of our special landscape.
By ensuring that regular, clear and consistent information about these volunteer opportunities flows between partner volunteer organisations and the Land of the Fanns team, the promotion of these opportunities will be more effective and reach a much wider audience. Whether a volunteer offers their time directly to the Land of the Fanns team, or via a partner organisation such as RSPB or the National Trust, this effort can be used to support the wider aims of the Scheme through effective co-ordination. 5.4 ATTACHMENT TO THE LAND OF THE FANNS THE LAND OF FANNS TO 5.4 ATTACHMENT VALUE £23,036
OUTPUTS • Volunteer role descriptions
• Sharing of volunteer opportunities OUTCOME It is easy for people to become involved in Land of the Fanns.
C2.3 Community Action Fund
AIM To fund a suite of local community projects that complement the delivery of the Landscape Partnership Scheme
SUMMARY This initiative will establish a grants programme for communities to deliver projects complementing the wider Scheme. The intention is to help encourage empowerment and promote a sense of ownership of heritage by local people.
Through a grants application process managed by the Land of the Fanns team, £15,000 per year will be made available to deliver small-scale projects of up to £5,000. The Scheme will be advertised via the Land of the Fanns website and associated social media. The project ideas will come from communities though may follow on from community participation in Scheme Projects where participants want to take a particular element forward. The Land of the Fanns board will make the grant decisions every 6 months.
VALUE 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION £75,000 151 OUTPUTS • £15,000 of community-led projects per year
OUTCOME Attachment to the Land of the Fanns with be strengthened through community-led projects.
C3.1 Landscape Champions of Tomorrow
AIM To develop the landscape champions of the future by training volunteers and partners to support project delivery and secure the programme legacy
SUMMARY ‘Landscape Champions of Tomorrow’ seeks to provide training directly relating
to LOTF LPS delivery and to support future sustainability through governance and THE LAND OF FANNS TO 5.4 ATTACHMENT leadership training. The project therefore underpins a wide suite of other delivery projects, whilst helping to lay the foundations for legacy. There are two elements:
• Supporting Scheme Delivery
• Securing Programme Legacy
This first element of the project will provide volunteers and partners doing project delivery with the training necessary to give them the skills and knowledge to manage and care for the heritage during the delivery phase and beyond. A variety of training opportunities will be provided to support the different projects. All training will be set in the context of enhancing the Land of the Fanns, with the specific training courses being reviewed during delivery to ensure continued relevance.
The second element of the project looks at training that increases local capacity to secure the long term legacy of the scheme. Key themes for training are identified here along with possible courses that would aid personal development around leadership and effective governance. The exact courses to be delivered may change during delivery in reaction to the needs of people and the landscape legacy.
VALUE £29,545
OUTPUTS
• 10 Community Engagement courses provided with 50 people trained
• 10 Interpretation courses provided with 50 people trained
• 2 digital heritage provided with 50 people trained
• 10 leadership courses provided with 50 people trained
• 10 governance courses provided with 50 people trained
• 5 fundraising courses provided with 50 people trained SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION • 5 marketing courses with 50 people trained 152 OUTCOME Local capacity to deliver the scheme and maintain the legacy of the landscape has been increased.
C3.2 Apprentice Scheme
AIM To develop the skills and experience of 2 local young people through formal apprenticeships during the life of the Landscape Partnership Scheme.
SUMMARY The Scheme will employ 2 local apprentices during the life of the Landscape Partnership Scheme. The Forestry Commission will host the apprentices.
The apprentices will receive training across a range of tasks, including environmental conservation, conservation of built heritage, horticulture, woodland management, marketing and education
5.4 ATTACHMENT TO THE LAND OF THE FANNS THE LAND OF FANNS TO 5.4 ATTACHMENT support. Their work programmes will be linked to specific projects within the overall Scheme as a means of supplementing their training and also helping to fulfil individual project aims.
VALUE £132,000
OUTPUTS • 2 apprentices recruited during life of Scheme
• 2 apprenticeships successfully completed • 2 apprentices successfully secure employment
OUTCOME 2 young people have started environment or heritage based careers as a direct result of the LOTF LPS.
5.5 Enjoying the Land of the Fanns
D1.1. Walking the Fanns
AIM To enable access to the Land of the Fanns though targeted path improvements and a walking programme.
SUMMARY The project has two components: SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION • A programme of targeted path improvements • A volunteer-led walking programme relating to heritage, nature and health. 153 The ambition is to connect more people with the history of the built and natural environment throughout the Land of the Fanns area and beyond. The project builds on a Thames Chase programme of mapped walks that encourages all ages and abilities to explore the natural environment of East London and South West Essex. This volunteer- led effort has included conservation work to improve access to footpaths by upgrading their physical condition and replacing stiles with gates or staggered fences, providing improved signage, mapping the routes with distance, quality, hazards, places of interest and expected time, producing leaflets containing historical information of the landscape and buildings along the way, and leading guided walks using the produced leaflets.
The first project component will concentrate on the path network itself, and by means of path research and survey work, identify where historic routes exist and the extent of improvement required. This outcome of this process will help inform the path regeneration programme by helping target improvements where they are needed. 5.5 ENJOYING THE LAND OF FANNS 5.5 ENJOYING The second project component will help link walking routes to the various interpretation projects within the Scheme, underpinned by walk leader training so that a walking programme can be take place. This project will concentrate on creating a guided walk experience, complementing other interpretation projects such as the app (C1.1 Digital Heritage), Land of the Fanns book (B1.1), leaflets (C1.2 Promoting the Land of the Fanns), Connecting Historic Landscapes (A3.2), River Catchments (A3.2), Rediscovering the Lost Fens (A2.3) and Interpreting the Fanns (B4.1).
The walks will include historical routes, nature walks and health walks.
VALUE £34,745 OUTPUTS • 10 walks mapped
• 10 walking routes accessible
• 10 guided walks per year
OUTCOME It is easier to experience landscape heritage on foot.
D2.1 Land of the Fanns Conferences
AIM To bring together partners, groups and individuals from across the landscape area for an annual celebration of the Land of the Fanns
SUMMARY The project will deliver an annual conference event that creates a colourful, stimulating summary of activity for that year, drawing on the efforts of partners, community groups and individuals. It will be open to all.
Each year will see a different conference theme, with the final event aiming to bring all groups SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION that have been involved in the lifetime of the scheme together for a grand, celebratory finale. The conference events will promote the work of groups and individuals so that they feel involved 154 and appreciated. The landscape wide nature of the conference will also help generate pride in the wider area and help reinforce the sense of partnership working created by the scheme.
VALUE £6,500
OUTPUTS • Annual conference
• Finale event
OUTCOME People are united by a shared interest in the landscape. 5.5 ENJOYING THE LAND OF FANNS 5.5 ENJOYING D2.2 Arts Festival
AIM To develop an art trail/festival that celebrates the Land of the Fanns
SUMMARY The project aims to deliver an artist-led celebration of the landscape, drawing on community engagement to create a legacy in the form of an art trail or festival. The first stage will be to develop effective working relationships with key artists and collaboratively develop more detailed proposals for the trail and/or festival. Delivery of the project would then be shaped by this collaborative development. VALUE £43,000
OUTPUTS • Arts based organisation become a partner
• Arts trail/festival
OUTCOME People explore the cultural heritage of the landscape through the arts. 5.6 Reserve Projects
Several project concepts from Stage 1 and the development phase have had to be omitted from the final programme following the project appraisal process. As part of this process, opportunities to integrate these into other projects were explored, which proved not to be possible. However, opportunities for these projects will be continually reviewed as part of the annual review process.
Dispersal of Reptiles and Amphibians SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION AIM To establish and maintain management regimes for habitats for reptiles and amphibians that encourage dispersal 155
SUMMARY The Land of the Fanns area is significant at a regional level in terms of the number of sites supporting three or even four of the UK’s native reptile species. This is especially the case for adders, which are increasingly rare. Implementing long term and targeted management regimes will support the ‘re-wilding’ of parts of the landscape as a legacy of the Landscape Partnership.
The project is comprised of two distinct phases: The first phase will involve a ‘call for sites’, involving the conservation community in putting forward potential sites to support disbursement of reptiles and amphibians. The process in itself will help highlight ‘hotspots’ that can supplement 5.6 RESERVE PROJECTS local records (Local Wildlife Sites etc). Sites that have been proposed during the Scheme development phase include Tylers Common, Tylers Wood, Harold Court Woods, Pages Wood, Berwick Woods, West Thurrock quarry sites and Little Belhus Country Park. An area or areas of up to 5 hectares will be confirmed for the second phase based on expert opinion.
Phase two will involve the development of sensitive management regimes in collaboration with the landowner. Any up-front habitat improvement works will be delivered by conservation volunteers in line with the management plan, with opportunities for volunteer involvement in ongoing maintenance explored. The intended legacy is that key sites will be enhanced and maintained beyond the project, supporting continuing dispersal of species and population increases over time. Guided walks would help a wider audience to understand the significance of these sites.
Havering-atte-Bower to Broxhill Road path
AIM To improve the bridleway network in and around Bedfords Park
SUMMARY The project would entail the widening of footpaths to enable pedestrian access to/ from Bedfords Park and the walled garden, with a new bridlepath that connects the ends of the existing bridlepath network to get horses off the road.
Food and Walled Gardens
AIM To enable people to learn about the role of the landscape in food production through hands-on activity in historic walled gardens and orchards
SUMMARY This project seeks to connect people to the land as a productive resource in an accessible way by focussing on historic walled gardens. This help ensures a more manageable and user-friendly scale that can appeal to wider audiences. At the same time, the project will
SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION complement the regeneration of historic houses within the Land of the Fanns area, in line with Scheme aims. This approach also offers opportunities to link with wider landscape interpretation, given the relationship between historic houses and their surrounding 156 hinterlands – a key development in the evolution of the Land of the Fanns.
The project will focus on up to 3 gardens, including:
• Bedford’s Park, Havering-atte-Bower
• High House, Purfleet
• Bretons Manor House, Elm Park
The project will have two distinct components. The first is an activity-based programme seeking to involve local communities in growing food and understanding the significance of a productive 5.6 RESERVE PROJECTS landscape. The emphasis will be on building confidence and skills in a fun, informal way. To enable this, the project will fund the improvements needed, however this will be undertaken with community ownership in mind. The community group will be supported to develop future phases of restoration as required as part of the wider Land of the Fanns Scheme. This project is primarily about developing activities rather than enabling large-scale physical interventions that are local.
The second is an interpretation element that aims to develop a narrative that links the walled garden and its context to the wider notion of the Land of the Fanns. SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION
157 5.6 RESERVE PROJECTS 5.7 Delivery Team
The structure of the Delivery Team has changed significantly since the Stage 1 proposals. These proposed a team of 2.5 Full Time Employees (FTE): 1 FTE Scheme Manager, 1 FTE Community Engagement Officer and a 0.6 FTE Tree Nursery Supervisor. However, these proposals have been significantly revised to reflect the Stage 2 programme and the staff resources needed to deliver it. The revised team includes:
• 1 x FTE Scheme Manager
• 1 x FTE Engagement Officer – Environment
• 1 x FTE Engagement Officer –Heritage
• 1 x 0.5 FTE Finance and Administration Officer
This revised structure reflects the broad engagement required with partners and community across both environmental and cultural heritage elements of the Scheme. At the same time, professional expertise is needed to effectively champion and support the projects relating to these two areas. Consequently, two outward facing engagement roles, each with a distinct specialism represent the core of the Delivery Team and the main change from Stage 1.
SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION The Delivery Team is also aligned with the governance arrangements for the Scheme, ensuring that each member of the team has a sense of ownership over part of the partnership structure. 158 The Scheme Manager will administer the Strategic Board as per the development phase. The two Engagement Officers will each administer a working group relating to their particular field of expertise. The Finance and Administration Officer will provide additional support as it is needed.
STRATEGIC BOARD Scheme (every 3 months) Manager 5.7 DELIVERY TEAM TEAM 5.7 DELIVERY
Working Working Group 1 Engagement Group 2 Engagement Finance Environment Officer – Heritage Officer – / Admin (every 3 Environment (every 3 Heritage Officer months) months)
Project Project Project Project Project Project task and task and task and task and task and task and finish finish finish finish finish finish groups groups groups groups groups groups
Summary of governance arrangements Scheme Manager The Scheme Manager will oversee the day-to-day management and work of the Landscape Partnership and staff. A senior position, the Scheme Manager will lead on partnership engagement, fundraising and the strategic projects within the Scheme (e.g. A1.1 Landscape Management Plan). They will also lead on ensuring that projects are being delivered in line with the vision and objectives, to budget and to a high standard. This includes being responsible for reporting to HLF on Scheme progress.
Engagement Officer – Environment The Engagement Officer – Environment will take a central role in working with partners, community groups and volunteers and coordinating the environmentally focussed projects. This includes championing the environmentally focussed Programme A: ‘Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns’. In conjunction with the Engagement Officer –Heritage, they will support the delivery of Programme C ‘Attachment to the Land of the Fanns’ and Programme D ‘Enjoying the Land of the Fanns’.
Engagement Officer – Heritage The Engagement Officer – Cultural Heritage will work in tandem with the Engagement Officer – Environment working with partners, community groups and volunteers in coordinating the built and cultural heritage related projects. This includes championing the built and cultural heritage focussed Programme B: ‘Understanding the Land of the Fanns’. In conjunction with 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION the Engagement Officer – Environment, they will support the delivery of Programme C ‘Attachment to the Land of the Fanns’ and Programme D ‘Enjoying the Land of the Fanns’. 159 Finance and Administration Officer The Finance and Administration Officer is a crucial role in ensuring that the financial reporting and monitoring of the Scheme is run smoothly. They will also support the wider team as needed, in particular with Programme C: ‘Attachment to the Land of the Fanns’ and Programme D ‘Enjoying the Land of the Fanns’ which includes marketing and co-ordination activity requiring consistent, methodical support. 5.7 DELIVERY TEAM TEAM 5.7 DELIVERY Other overheads Underpinning the Delivery Team are other essential costs including travel, recruitment, training, office housing costs and retention payments for Year 5 of the Scheme. 5.8 Summary of Scheme Costs
PROGRAMME PROJECT COST
A1.1 Landscape Management Plan: £40,135 ‘From Local to Landscape’
A1.2 Community Tree Nursery £98,700
A2.1 Woodland, Grassland & Hedgerows £114,750
A: Restoring and A2.2 Low Nutrient Habitat £28,750 Reconnecting the Land of A2.3 Rediscovering the Lost Fens £25,013 the Fanns A2.4 Micro Landscapes £33,388
A3.1 River Catchments £279,285
A3.2 Connecting Historic Landscapes £227,673
SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION A4.1 Environment Heritage and Skills £13,350
160 B1.1 Land of the Fanns book £52,000
B2.1 Designed Landscapes £19,763
B2.2 Community Mapping £39,995 B: Understanding the Land of B3.1 Community Archaeology £33,750 the Fanns B3.2 Travelling Archaeological Exhibition £26,872
B4.1 Interpreting the Fanns £186,143
5.8 SUMMARY OF SCHEME COSTS 5.8 SUMMARY B5.1 Heritage Training & Skills £11,500
C1.1 Digital Heritage £47,536
C2.1 Promoting the Land of the Fanns £64,153
C2.1 School Programme £22,500 C: Attachment to the Land C2.2 Volunteer Coordination £23,036 of the Fanns C2.3 Community Action Budget £75,000
C3.1 Landscape Champions of Tomorrow £29,545
C3.2 Apprentice Scheme £132,000 PROGRAMME PROJECT COST
D1.1 Walking the Fanns £34,745 D: Enjoying the Land of D2.1 Land of the Fanns Conferences £6,500 the Fanns D2.3 Arts Festival £43,000
E1.1: Scheme Manager (5 years) £198,000
E1.2: Engagement Officer – £132,000 Environment (4 years)
E1.3: Engagement Officer – Heritage (4 years) £132,000
E1.4 Finance & Administration Officer (5 years) £72,600
E2.1 Staff Travel Costs £20,000
E2.2 Staff Recruitment Costs £5,000
E2.3 Staff Training Costs £7,500 E: Programme E2.4 Office Costs £25,000 Management 161 and Other Costs E2.5 Team Office Equipment £2,000
E2.6 Staff Retention Payments (final year) £7,500
E2.7 Interim management (scheme set up) £8,000
E3.1 Inflation £10,000
E3.2 Contingency £50,000
E3.3 Cost Recovery £25,000 OF SCHEME COSTS 5.8 SUMMARY
E3.4 Evaluation Planning £15,000
E3.5 Legacy Planning £15,000
TOTAL £2,433,682
HLF Grant £1,359,700
Match funding £778,245
Management and Maintenance £114,237
Volunteer time £181,500 5.9 State Aid
All of the projects have been forwarded to DEFRA to establish State Aid implications. The projects where State Aid implications could apply:
PROJECT REF: DEFRA ADVICE
May require capturing for State Aid reporting purposes through existing RDP Countryside Stewardship Scheme (still being confirmed at time A1.1 of publication). If not, the project will be covered by Article 21 of the Agricultural Block Exemption Regulations (ABER) ‘Aid for knowledge transfer and information actions’
So long as the legal status of the tree nursery is an ‘enterprise’ (as defined in Annex 1 of the ABER), it is likely that this funding will be covered A1.2 through the provisions of Article 19 of the ABER ‘Start up aid for producer groups and organisations in the agricultural sectors’
Wil need careful consideration to ensure that any funding received through RDP Countryside Stewardship schemes is clearly separated from A2.1 HLF funding to avoid the risk of ‘double funding’ beyond the permitted intensity rate. SECTION 5 – SCHEME PLAN SECTION If Countryside Stewardship is secured for the final project phase, this may A2.3 require cover through Article 21 of the ABER 162 If there were potential for any economic advantage, this is likely to be A3.1 ‘de minimis’
So long as training is for individuals and not employees of an A4.1 undertaking, there are no State Aid implications 5.9 STATE AID 5.9 STATE So long as training is for individuals and not employees of an B5.1 undertaking, there are no State Aid implications
Heritage bus tours could cause a distortion to other bus operators, but C1.2 would be ‘de minimis’
If any small scale projects funded by the Community Action Fund had C2.3 any economic outputs, it would be worth covering them by utilising the provisions in the Industrial de minimis Regulations
So long as training is for individuals and not employees of an C3.1 undertaking, there are no State Aid implications
So long as training is for individuals and not employees of an C3.2 undertaking, there are no State Aid implications
There are no State Aid implications for all the other projects. 6. MONITORING & EVALUATION
In order to ensure that the Scheme is delivering evidence quantified in the form of indicators. against the Plan outlined in the previous Collectively, this monitoring supports the section, ongoing monitoring is required. process of evaluation, which is all about researching, reflecting and reporting on Monitoring involves the tracking of outputs, what the Scheme has delivered in order to which are quantifiable measures of what the ‘prove’ and ‘improve’. Formal evaluation will Scheme has delivered through its projects. take place half way through the Delivery Monitoring also entails the measuring of Phase and on the Scheme conclusion. outcomes, which can be tangible in the same way as project outputs, or intangible This section sets out an outline monitoring and
if they relate to more subjective concepts evaluation framework for our Scheme. This & EVALUATION 6 – MONITORING SECTION such as people or communities. Outcomes will be reviewed at the start of the Delivery represent the difference that the Scheme has Phase as part of a wider evaluation planning made. Both rely on the effective collection of process summarised in the diagram below: 163
2017: Confirm 2019/20: 2022: Final Evaluation Interim Evaluation Framework Evaluation Report
Development Delivery Phase Phase
Ongoing liaison, advice and support to project leads and partners
Collection and assessment of output data and outcome evidence
Summary of Evaluation Process 6.1 Monitoring Outputs
The tangible outputs from individual projects will be monitored by partners, volunteers and delivery staff as a requirement of project funding agreements. The Finance and Administration Officer will collate these monitored outputs to create a picture of how the wider Scheme is performing. As explained within this LCAP (see Section 5: Scheme Plan) and individual project plans (LCAP Part 2: Project Plan Manual), these outputs have been specified as targets to meet. Through the Delivery Programmes, they are linked to the wider vision and objectives for the Scheme.
These targets help provide accountability for the Scheme and allow partners, funders and communities to assess the extent to which the Scheme has delivered the vision and objectives and achieved value for money.
The following table illustrates the type of activities and outputs that will be monitored during the Scheme across the four Delivery Programmes:
PROGRAMME OUTPUTS
Number of: • Sites conserved or restored SECTION 6 – MONITORING & EVALUATION 6 – MONITORING SECTION • Management plans produced
Hectares of: 164 • Habitat created or restored • Scrub cleared
Restoring and Metres of: Reconnecting the • Hedgerow created or restored Land of the Fanns • Path created or improved • Ride created or managed • River improved
Number of: • Volunteers delivering projects
6.1 MONITORING OUTPUTS 6.1 MONITORING • Training courses held • People trained through the scheme
Number of: • Surveys undertaken • Reports produced • Heritage assets mapped • Oral histories recorded Understanding the • Interpretation panels installed Land of the Fanns • Exhibitions held • Volunteers delivering projects • People participating in events and activities • Training courses held • People trained through the scheme PROGRAMME OUTPUTS
Attachment to the Number of: Land of the Fanns • Web hits • App downloads • Open days held • School resource packs produced • Schools/children participating • Volunteers delivering projects • People participating in events and activities • Training courses held • People trained through the scheme • Apprentices gaining qualifications
Enjoying the Land Number of: of the Fanns • Guided walks, talks and events held • Volunteers delivering projects • People participating in events and activities
6.2 Evaluating Outcomes & EVALUATION 6 – MONITORING SECTION
Outcomes are by their nature more difficult to measure than outputs. Because they relate to the 165 difference that an intervention has made, they need to be measured against an agreed baseline. This allows the extent to which aims have been achieved to be assessed against that baseline. The more intangible, diffuse nature of outcomes allows for more creative approaches of evidence gathering that could include:
Online polls Visitor Interviews comment book 6.2 EVALUATING OUTCOMES 6.2 EVALUATING
Focus Mapping groups
Evaluation methods
Photos E-surveys
Anecdotal Vox pops evidence Peer review The following table highlights the intended outcomes within the four Delivery Programmes of the Scheme and proposes possible baselines against which change could be measured:
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES BASELINE
• Landscape management efforts are Possible baselines co-ordinated and strategic, enabling include: economies of scale and wider benefits • Current landscape for environment and economy management • Local provenance is used for arrangements local woodland planting and • Current habitat hedge laying, with volunteering management and education at the core arrangements • Landscape distinctiveness has • Photos before been enhanced and supported and after by ongoing management • Skills and • An example of largely lost historic Restoring and Training Audit (for landscape has been restored and Reconnecting understanding supported by ongoing management the Land of current landscape the Fanns • An example of invertebrate rich relevant skills and brownfield habitat is understood training opportunities) SECTION 6 – MONITORING & EVALUATION 6 – MONITORING SECTION and appreciated by local people • The riparian environment has 166 been enhanced and supported by ongoing management • Strategic historic landscapes are more accessible and understood by our audiences • Local capacity to manage and appreciate the natural elements of the landscape has been increased
• An authoritative narrative on the Possible baselines Land of the Fanns is available
6.2 EVALUATING OUTCOMES 6.2 EVALUATING include: to support understanding • Landscape • The landscape is better recorded Conservation and understood by our audiences Action Plan • The landscape is better recorded (reflecting landscape and understood by place-makers understanding) Understanding • Landscape archaeology is better • Interpretation the Land of recorded and understood by audiences Strategy the Fanns • Strategic locations within the • Landscape Character landscapes are more accessible and Assessment understood by our audiences • Skills and • Local capacity to manage and Training Audit (for appreciate the built, archaeological and cultural elements of the understanding landscape have been increased current landscape relevant skills and training opportunities) PROGRAMME OUTCOMES BASELINE
• The cultural richness of the Land of Possible baselines the Fanns can be accessed via mobile include: in an engaging, accessible way • Current digital • Awareness of the Land of the interpretation Fanns grows year on year opportunities • The natural and cultural heritage • Current landscape of the Land of the Fanns is used marketing as a teaching resource arrangements Attachment • It is easy for people to become • Skills and to the Land involved in Land of the Fanns Training Audit (for of the Fanns understanding • Attachment to the Land of the current landscape Fanns with be strengthened relevant skills and through community-led projects training opportunities) • Local capacity to deliver the scheme • Current landscape and maintain the legacy of the related apprenticeship landscape has been increased & EVALUATION 6 – MONITORING SECTION opportunities • 2 young people have started environment or heritage based careers 167 as a direct result of the LOTF LPS
• It is easier to experience • Audience landscape heritage on foot Development Plan Enjoying • People are united by a shared the Land of interest in the landscape the Fanns • People explore the cultural heritage of the landscape through the arts 6.2 EVALUATING OUTCOMES 6.2 EVALUATING 6.3 Evaluation Plan
At the outset of the Delivery Phase, external specialists will be commissioned to further develop the outline monitoring and evaluation framework within this LCAP. The consultants will be required to review all the outputs and targets for the Scheme and confirm them with the Strategic Board. They will also be required to review the intended outcomes, confirm baselines and establish methods to measure the difference achieved. This process will result in a robust monitoring and evaluation framework for the Scheme which will inform the monitoring requirements within project funding agreements, the interim evaluation as part of the mid-term review and the final evaluation report.
This work will be captured within an Evaluation Plan for the Scheme, which will supersede this section of the LCAP once it is available.
SCHEME LEGACY 7. SCHEME LEGACY
This section sets out our ambition for a lasting that have structured our portfolio of projects. legacy. Whilst the Scheme Plan is a structured Our legacy represents the long lasting ‘step response to our vision and objectives for the change’ that will have occurred once these landscape, it is intended to also represent more Delivery Programmes have been delivered. than just a 5-year blip of activity. This section As such, our legacy represents the long term sets out how this is to be achieved at landscape management and maintenance needed scale, providing a foundation for more detailed after the Scheme ends and therefore it legacy planning during the Delivery Phase that should ultimately flow from that vision. will also build on the monitoring and evaluation framework outlined in the previous section. Supported by the four Delivery Programmes, there are three legacy outcomes that the Scheme as a whole seeks to SECTION 7 – SCHEME LEGACY SECTION 7.1 embed during its 5-year lifetime: 1. Landscape scale partnership working 168 Legacy aims becomes established as the norm 2. Greater ability and willingness to positively It was explained in ‘Section 4: Vision and influence strategic decision-making Objectives’ how the vision and objectives translate into targeted Delivery Programmes 3. Pride in the landscape is continually evident
7.1 LEGACY AIMS 7.1 LEGACY 1. Restoration Programme A: and Connection Legacy 1: Landscape Restoring and Reconnecting scale partnership the Land of the Fanns working established as the norm 2. Access Programme B: Understanding the Land of the Fanns Legacy 2: Greater 3. Information ability and willingness to influence strategic
VISION Programme C: decision making Attachment to the Land of 4. Experience the Fanns by taking part Legacy 3: Greater Programme D: pride in the landscape 5. Enjoyment of Enjoying the Land of is continually evident the landscape the Fanns
Link between legacy aims and vision, objectives and delivery programmes The diagram (on page 168) highlights graphically how the three legacy aims relate to the wider Scheme. The following sections provides further information on how these legacy aims build on the Delivery Programmes.
1. Landscape scale partnership working becomes the norm This legacy outcome draws on the outcomes of Delivery Programmes A and B to combine a more strategic approach to management and maintenance that better restores and reconnects landscape with a more holistic understanding of the landscape as a coherent whole.
In particular, the Landscape Management Plan ‘From Local to Landscape’ project (A1.1) seeks to establish a landscape scale approach towards the sharing of resources, expertise and ambition. In combination with the strategic vision for the landscape contained within this LCAP, the development of this plan will help strengthen the framework needed for landscape focussed partnership working. The restoration and connection work led by each partner through Delivery Programme A and beyond will be tied to project-level legacy outcomes in the form of Countryside Stewardship agreements where available (LCAP Part 2: Project Plan Manual considers legacies at project level). These will also be framed within a wider “An engaged landscape context.
partnership that Underpinning this landscape context will be a strengthened understands our understanding of landscape that will be achieved through the landscape and various projects contained within Delivery Programme B (see works together Section 5: Scheme Plan). It will become easier for landscape 7 – SCHEME LEGACY SECTION scale partnership working to become established as the norm to positively where partners fully understand how the landscape as a improve it” whole functions. 169
2. Greater ability and willingness to shape strategic decision-making This legacy outcome draws from the outcomes of both Delivery Programmes B and C. In order to effectively champion landscape within strategic decision making processes, input from both
partners and the wider public needs to grounded in evidence if is to influence decisions. AIMS 7.1 LEGACY “All about By focussing on building a better understanding of the Land winning minds” of the Fanns, Delivery Programme B is all about strengthening the ability to shape decision-making that affects the landscape. By utilising the information on landscape heritage that is generated during and after the Scheme, it will become a crucial part of the wider Scheme legacy. This applies equally to people and the wider partnership.
Delivery Programme C is all about fostering greater attachment to the landscape, through better grassroots awareness and involvement with it. As such, it is intended to foster a greater willingness to champion the landscape in response to development threats. Combined with better information, this will increase scrutiny of potential development decisions and help ensure improved outcomes for landscape through more sympathetic development or targeted mitigation.
In the effort to win hearts and minds, this legacy aim is about winning minds.
3. Pride in the landscape is continually evident This legacy outcome draws on the outcomes of Delivery Programmes C and D, bringing together a greater attachment to the landscape with an increased enthusiasm to enjoy and celebrate it. “All about By making it easier for different audiences to become involved winning hearts” and learn about the landscape, attachment will grow over time. Alongside greater attachment, the ability to better enjoy it through improved access and activities will help support a wider flourishing of pride in the Land of the Fanns. This represents a crucial part of place-making and a strong ‘sense of place’.
In the effort to win hearts and minds, this legacy aim is about winning hearts. 7.2 Legacy Organisation: Thames Chase Trust
To sustain this legacy, an organisation is needed to act as the ‘ring-holder’ or conscience for the landscape. Given how the Land of the Fanns Partnership owes its origins to Thames Chase Community Forest (see p. 10), the Thames Chase Trust is ideally suited as a potential legacy vehicle for the Scheme.
Rooted in the successful Community Forest movement with a distinct history in landscape scale working that stretches back to 1990s, the Thames Chase Trust is well placed to continue coordinating this work after the Scheme ends. Coupled with a successful transition from a public sector led initiative to a sustainable community led organisation, the Trust is able to act as an independent champion of our landscape with direct links to the communities that live within it. SECTION 7 – SCHEME LEGACY SECTION Once confirmed, the roles and responsibilities of the Thames Chase Trust will need to be defined with partners during the Delivery Phase. This will outline the Trust’s role in influencing how the 170 partnership will operate after the Scheme ends in terms of governance arrangements, leveraging further resources for delivery and ensuring the management and maintenance commitments made by individual partners are kept. 7.3 Legacy Planning 7.1 LEGACY AIMS 7.1 LEGACY Resources have been identified within the Scheme budget to support more detailed legacy planning during the Delivery Phase. This work will review the legacy aims set out within this LCAP and define specific actions and tasks required to embed those aims in the form of a Legacy Strategy. This would take place in time for the formal mid-term review with HLF.
Assuming that the Thames Chase Trust is confirmed as the legacy vehicle for the Scheme, there is potential for the Legacy Strategy to be tied to a future Community Forest Plan (the Thames Chase Plan). According to paragraph 92 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), such Plans enjoy a degree of formal recognition within the planning system: ‘An approved Community Forest Plan may be a material consideration in preparing development plans and in deciding planning applicatons’
Such an approach would help reinforce the Scheme’s legacy in shaping strategic decision-making within this landscape. 8. ADOPTION & REVIEW
This Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) was adopted by the Strategic Board on 5th September 2016, prior to submission to the HLF. The LCAP will be reviewed annually by the Strategic Board and revised as necessary.
The Land of the Fanns Delivery Team and the Strategic Board are collectively responsible for ensuring that the document is used to guide delivery throughout the Delivery Phase. They will also ensure that all delivery organisations use the LCAP to guide their scheme projects and landscape strategies. The wider Landscape Partnership will support communities to use this LCAP when making decisions about heritage within the Land of the Fanns area.
Copies of the LCAP will be held by all partner organisations and be available via the Land of the Fanns website and partner websites. A condensed summary version is also available. SECTION 8 – ADOPTION & REVIEW SECTION
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Land of the Fanns Strategic Board Notes: Notes: © Thames Trust 2016
Design www.joannewood.co.uk
Photography Thank you to everyone who provided imagery for this document, including:
Aimee McGhee Andy Hay Discover Me Forestry Commission Howard Vaughan Joanne Wood John Winfield Kenneth Yarham Scott Sullivan Sue Smith Thurrock Council Tom Heenan Tom Marshall www.rspb-images.com Bedfords Park Thames Chase Forest Centre Broadfields, Pike Lane Upminster RM14 3NS
Tel: 01708 642970 Fax: 01708 640581 Email: [email protected] www.thameschase.org.uk