AONB Partnership Hosted by

County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ

tel: 01305 228237 email: [email protected] web: www.dorsetaonb.org.uk twitter: @DorsetAONB

May 2017

Dear Board Member

Dorset AONB Partnership Board Meeting, 9.30am, Thurs 25th May 2017

Athelhampton House, , Dorchester Athelhampton House is 5 miles east of Dorchester, just out of Puddletown village in the direction of . Post code is DT2 7LG. See http://www.athelhampton.co.uk/finding-us/ for more details. While plentiful parking is available, car sharing is encouraged to minimise the meeting’s environmental impact.

The formal meeting will start at 0945hrs sharp; refreshments will be available from 0915hrs. If you are unable to attend it would be helpful if you could send a briefed representative. Please confirm attendance to Katharine Wright on 01305 228239 or [email protected]

AGENDA

Welcome, introductions and apologies

1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

2 Board member ambassadorship & AONB-related updates

3 Delivering the AONB Management Plan [information]

4 2016-2017 finances [information]

5 AONB Management Plan review – preparing the next plan [decision]

6 Health & Wellbeing presentations [information] from Maria Clarke (Dorset LNP), Rupert Lloyd (Dorset Public Health and Julie Hammon (Dorset AONB)

The formal meeting should close by 1230, after which there is an optional 20 minute, short walk in Athelhampton gardens and grounds to describe and demonstrate activities being delivered by our project, Stepping into Nature.

Dates of next meetings: Steering Group 2017: 17 th October Partnership Board 2017: 16 th November

1 Minutes of the last Partnership Board meeting (24th May, Weymouth Ave Pavilion, Dorchester)

Present : Chairman : Jim White (also Dorset LNP) Local Authority Members : Cllr Audrey Burch (North Dorset District Council), Cllr Peter Webb (Purbeck District Council), Cllr Hilary Cox (Dorset County Council) Sector representatives : Robert Lasseter (NFU), Rob Rhodes (National Trust), Brian Bleese (Purbeck Heritage Network), Rupert Best (CLA) Defra family officers : Ian Alexander & Matt Low (Natural ), Ben Rayner (Environment Agency) Local Authority officers : Hilary Jordan (WDDC, WPBC & NDDC), Alison Turnock (PDC), Phil Sterling (DCC) DAONB Team : Tom Munro (Manager), Ian Rees (Countryside Officer), Julie Turner (AONB Project Officer), Katharine Wright (Dorset Food & Drink Coordinator), Sue Dampney (Communications Officer), Richard Brown (Landscape Planning Officer), Marie McLeish (South Dorset Ridgeway Learning Officer), Sarah Harris (South Dorset Ridgeway Support Officer)

Apologies: Alison Moore (LEP), Janet Page (Dorset Association of Town and Parish Councils), James Sharpe & Jill Hearing (Dorset AONB Team)

ITEM 1: Welcome & minutes of the last Partnership Board meeting Minutes of the last meeting were agreed as correct . JW reported good progress since the previous meeting.

ITEM 2: Short Updates from Board members re AONB opportunities/issues NT : RR informed the board of Helen Mann’s secondment: due to return in early 2017. He described the developing NT hillforts project to get those in their management in good archaeological and ecological condition with suitable access, and act as an exemplar for neighbouring landowners. Marie McLeish (p/t with AONB Team) has been appointed as p/t Project Officer to develop the project for NT’s internal procedures. NFU: RL mentioned Dorset Studio School at Kingston Maurward College (the only land based secondary school in the country) and the potential for Dorset AONB to work with them. PHN: Consultation on Purbeck Heritage Strategy complete; the final draft will focus on heritage priorities to mandate organisations to resource and take action. Final draft going to PDC committee shortly. DCC : HC mentioned the recent DCC Growth & Overview Scrutiny Committee received a presentation by on the potential for the Dorset & East Devon National Park; its decision was to keep this under review. There followed some discussion of the proposal. PS emphasised congratulations to the team working on the ESIF Low Carbon Dorset programme. He also described work with Dorset Waste Partnership on biomass / compost and how this could create energy and reduce waste. Also considering management of roadside verges and opportunities to create fuel in this way which would have additional benefits to AONB. Dorset Councils : Local Plan reviews: WD & W&P – about to agree consultation issues & options that will go out to 2 month public consultation in February 2017 and will look at options for development in the longer term. Will look at locations for future growth in North Dorset next. Has implications for the AONB as 70% of WD is AONB. Inspector’s comments on the previous iteration has urged that development be targeted at locations outside the AONB. WDDC & WPBC have acknowledged the National Park proposal and endorse the position to keep it under review. NE: IA described progress on Rampisham Down solar development; NE, AONB & Historic England approaching an agreement with the developer for an acceptable scheme in exceptional circumstances; the proposal is to be determined by WDDC shortly. IA described progress on Wild Purbeck and NE effort on planning in Purbeck. He also described NE process for National Park designation; this work being undertaken by a small team currently

2 occupied on AONB boundary amendments in Suffolk. NE are likely to review the remaining list of potential landscape designation work when the commitments in Suffolk have completed. ML added that several Countryside Stewardship applications have been approved for a January 2017 start including that for DCC’s Durlston Castle estate. JCWHS : SK described team transition to Jurassic Coast Trust, with the likelihood that the visitor management elements will be delivered from a position in the Dorset AONB team. Other news includes proposals within the Dorset Coastal Communities Fund bid for interpretation/access work at West Bay & Fossil Forest; ‘Dippy’ the National History Museum’s famous Diplodocus skeleton is on tour arriving in Dorset County Museum in 2018. PDC: AT & PW described a PDC Policy Development Panel’s work examining the implications of a National Park designation on the authority. PW described the Local Plan’s Partial Review, consultation on which attracted an unprecedented level of response (with 98% objection to development proposals). He described the very difficult position PDC are in with high levels of housing delivery required by HM Government against a very highly designated landscape and large public resistance. Financial changes also mean LAs will become more reliant on New Homes Bonus for funding core services; this can only arise from potentially unsustainable levels of housing permitted. CLA: RBe spoke of the CLA & NFU’s work on a post-Brexit UK Agricultural Policy covering agriculture, food and the farmed environment. CLA & NFU recognise the public demand for well-integrated environmental protection and incentives to deliver environmental goods within this. RB also mentioned that the CLA had received presentations from the National Park campaign, at which much support was expressed for the existing AONB designation. EA: BR described EA’s engagement in a judicial review being brought by a consortium of NGOs to examine if the EA is acting to the best of its abilities to tackle diffuse pollution and address water quality issues. This could have specific implications for the Harbour catchment including possible water protection zones and mandated land management changes. The Catchment Partnership will be the main conduit for consultation and development should this need arise. Dorset LNP: JW announced the LNP’s ratification of a position paper on health which features Stepping into Nature as a case study http://www.dorsetlnp.org.uk/hres/Natural-Health-Position-Paper.pdf

ITEM 3: Delivery of the AONB Management Plan The AONB Team presented on delivery highlighting: • Planning matters: RBr reported on Rampisham Down and a gas power station application at Hawkchurch (since withdrawn); successful discussions with developers to reduce impacts of a solar scheme at Owermoigne (since approved); Western Power proposals to underground local distribution power cables – 2 proposals going to next stage are in the village of Loders, and between Powerstock and West Milton. • MM reported on community involvement in research, monuments at risk and schools festival linked to the Inside Out Festival. Targets to reach 40 schools is within reach and is working at the Studio School. • KW reported on the Dorset Food & Drink calendar, promoting women in business working in the food & drink industry; Glorious Food Dorset was a recent successful event with Creative Dorset; and the Dorset Food & Drink Christmas Fair on Saturday at Athelhampton House. • TM reported on progress with walks from bus stops along Jurassic Coast, which will be available on website soon; Escape to the Country piece on TV on Wednesday 30th November features Dorset Fingerpost Project. • JH reported on Stepping into Nature bid and winning the Bowland Award at NAAONB conference. • TM reported on Landscape and Lifecycles project with Activate, which has funding from ACE and current joint bid in through NAAONB to Heritage Lottery Fund. RESOLUTION: The Board approved and noted progress on Management Plan delivery with congratulations to the team

ITEM 4: National Grid Visual Impact Provision Report and presentation by Hector Pearson, National Grid Planning Policy Manager & project sponsor and Stuart Fox, Camargue PR and project communications lead .

3 The presentation covered progress of plans to underground a stretch of National Grid’s High Voltage electricity transmission lines in the Dorset AONB, with a view to obtain formal endorsement from the Dorset AONB Partnership to the scheme in principle prior to it being submitted for planning permission. This is the first time in the world that high power lines have been undergrounded on the basis of visual benefit. The presentation outlined the background to this scheme as well as proposed timetable, with work hope to start by autumn 2018 and all works completed by 2020. Discussions with landowners have begun.

Q&A: RBe: Area in Winterbourne Abbas frequently floods – could flood relief work with Environment Agency be included. HP agreed to contact EA to see if joint working would be beneficial. Why wasn’t CLA and landowners directly approached during the consultation period? HC explained that initial consultation with NFU and EA on national scheme met with response that it was too early to comment and that consultation would be more beneficial at details stage. RL: Has a conflict of interest (landowner on southern end of the line and in discussions with National Grid at this time, so should be excluded from vote). Overall, he thinks it is a fantastic scheme subject to detail. Urges National Grid to communicate with landowners effectively. RR: How big is the cable and doesn’t it get hot underground? HC showed photos of the cable and explained the composition with copper core and steel covering. Connecting lengths of the cable is a critical process. The cable does get warm and does heat the ground to a certain extent so are buried shallow to dissipate the heat. IA: mentioned undergrounding of cables in the Purbeck area by SSE and commended the quality of the work in a very sensitive area. ML: What is the life expectancy of the cables? MC reported approximately life of proposed cables at approximately 60 years, with option to repair connections as need be. JW asked if the PB are happy to endorse the principle of this proposal. HC also reported an interest in the scheme as working for the determining planning authority so would not vote. RESOLUTION: The Board formally endorsed the project in principle (2 abstentions due to conflicts of interest)

(Cllr Audrey Burch, Cllr Hilary Cox and Ben Rayner left at 12.39pm)

ITEM 5: Dorset’s Low Carbon Economy: European Structural Investment Fund proposal Presentation by Anthony Littlechild (Sustainability Officer, DCC) and Ian Rees (AONB Team). Anthony Littlechild, Sustainability Officer at DCC introduced a new initiative that will be delivered in partnership with Dorset AONB. Funded through the ESIF programme via the LEP, with specific funding for growth in the low carbon economy. Two main aims – stimulating demand and markets and products; strengthen the supply chain. Deploying new technologies and ways of using them in a smart energy way. Focus will be on innovation, developing an emerging sector in Dorset.

Q&A RBe asked if LEP is fully signed up and has it been approved. AL reported that this has been all approved and the bid is now with the DLCG for final sign off. Rupert also asked about consultation over extension of marine conservation are and whether conflicts arise from this in terms of tidal power generation vs conservation objectives [IA responded saying any application would be determined on its potential adverse impact on designated features: they are not necessarily mutually incompatible] . RBe re Listed buildings: is it the intention [of AONB planning authorities] to take a positive view in modifying listed buildings to take advantage of this ESIF programme? AL felt that the programme would first explore how technologies could be adapted effectively. PS reported that this would be for the District planning authorities to decide on a case by case basis though the structure of planning authorities may change within the lifetime of this funding. Audrey suggested that a link to planning authorities would be useful, particularly in connection with new development. RBe drew attention to small areas of woodland on land difficult to manage such as on sloping land. IR hoped that ESIF would be a good start to developing better management. RBe: Does AONB take a positive view to small nuclear reactors being developed from an energy generation point of view? AL confirmed that this isn’t covered by the ESIF programme. TM stated that the AONB team

4 response would focus on landscape and visual impact if any such application did come up; planning authorities would rely on the regulating authorities’ advice in terms of suitability and safety. RL – what are the measures of success, how do we know it’s been worthwhile? AL reported that the contract is with DCLG and there are a number of targets agreed within that contract success as reducing carbon footprint and these will be reported on a quarterly basis throughout the 3 years. He stressed that it is an ambitious programme, which is why he has started promoting the initiative early to ensure take up. RL felt it was misleading to say it is a £6 million project as half of that is coming from businesses and LAs. JW felt that the benefits to local woodlands would make the initiative worthwhile. TM emphasised the benefit to small and unmanaged woodland. IA observed and echoed the team’s frustration about a) the process involving shifting goalposts and conflicting advice, and b) the current DCLG position that interventions can only be made some distance from the farm/forest gate. He also mentioned the Autumn Statement’s provision for national infrastructure as a potential source of match funding. AL said it wasn’t clear yet if that could be available; he also mentioned potential for funds to enable compliance with the Paris Agreement. PW queried where LA match funding was coming from. AL explained that this will come from investments in low carbon projects, usually on their own estates. JW asked that efforts are acknowledged and opportunities promoted widely. HC asked that they be congratulated for their progress to date. AL reported that website and promotional materials will be available ASAP. ACTION: AONB team to circulate link to website & promotional materials when available. ACTION: ALL to promote the opportunities to your organisations RESOLUTION: The Board acknowledges the efforts being made to secure the ESIF investment, and congratulates the team on progress to date

ITEM 6: Dorset AONB Partnership outline budget 2017-2018 TM reported that there remains good support from Defra enabling the Partnership to continue to support projects as well as maintain the Sustainable Development Fund. RESOLUTION: The Board approved the proposed budget and funding priorities for the next financial year as outlined in the papers

ITEM 6: Any Other Business None

ITEM 7: Date of Next Meeting: Thursday 25 th May 2017 (venue tbc)

Board member ambassadorship & AONB opportunities

AONB Board Members are encouraged to take an ambassadorial role for the AONB’s landscape designation and its managing Partnership, primarily within the organisation or sector which they represent but wider afield. The team offers an introduction to the role and the landscape to new board members in order to help them fulfil this. The AONB Chairman requests Partnership Board members to feed back to the Board briefly (2 mins max): How you have raised AONB issues / news to your organisation How you have helped promote awareness of the AONB in your organisation / wider afield Any new opportunities for engaging in the delivery of the AONB Management Plan

5 Delivering the Management Plan: progress report

Item for: Information

Report by: AONB Team

Summary: The AONB team is leading, coordinating, promoting and supporting delivery of the actions and intent of the AONB Management Plan as the central part of its core duties and through specific projects.

Financial implications: Delivery based on agreed budget and business plan.

Recommendation: The Board approves and notes the progress made towards delivering the AONB Management Plan 2014-2019

3.1. Action area reporting The table below shows Defra’s expectations of an AONB staff unit and the report headings under which those functions are reported. CORE WORK CORE Drink & Food Dorset LPS Ridgeway Dorset South NIA legacy Purbeck Wild Roads Rural Nature into Stepping Assment Condition / AONBCharacter Marshwood Magical Woodlands Community Biomass Carbon Low Management Visitor JC Defra's core functions of an AONB staff unit Developing reviewing, preparing and publishing the AONB vision and the CRoW Act AONB a Management Plan Promoting the AONB vision and management plan to help distinguish the AONB from adjacent b countryside Advising upon, facilitating and co-ordinating implementation by others of the Management c Plan Advising Local Authorities on their activities within AONBs, to encourage them to go beyond d normal levels of service(attain the highest possible standards) in countryside management e Monitoring and reporting on progress against AONB Management Plan targets

f Monitoring AONB landscape condition

g Accessing resources for management activities Working with and contributing to the NAAONB activities, sharing advice and best practice h nationally and regionally Providing a management role to co-ordinate AONB protection through the actions of the AONB i unit, the AONB partnership and other partners at a local and strategic level. j Developing an involvement by the community in the management of the AONB

k Providing landscape related planning advice

6 CORE work 3.2. AONB Core team Sally King has been recruited into the team as Visitor, Tourism and Access Manager. This post is managed within the Dorset AONB Team but 50% delivery time is dedicated to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site with commensurate funding from that source. The post is the result of a merge between the AONB Access, Recreation and Tourism Officer and the Jurassic Coast Visitor Manager posts. Visitor Management activity is reported at 3.20 & 3.21. A part-time AONB Support Officer is in recruitment.

3.3. Providing landscape-related planning advice via the Planning Protocol: Comments have been provided regarding the Issues and Options consultation, which is seeking to accommodate a significant number of additional dwellings across the plan area. A number of notable housing applications have been commented upon recently, including: • Northbrook Road, . This site, which includes the old grammar school, is proposed for allocation within the Swanage Local Plan. Two applications have been submitted, one outline and one full. The full application includes the former playing fields and this area has been the subject of a successful appeal. The AONB’s comments were broadly supportive, although there are some aspects of the design that we would like to change – particularly a large central block of flats and the design of the SANGS. • Land adj. Windsor Close, Mosterton. A full application for 40 dwellings was submitted on a site where outline permission for 20 dwellings had been granted on appeal. Comments provided by the Team raised concerns regarding the visual impact of the proposal. A meeting with the developer will be attended to discuss these concerns. • Flaxfield Rise, . A revised full application was submitted for 30 social housing units on a site where a former application for 40 dwellings had been withdrawn. Subject to some amendments to elevation treatments and confirmation of the need to develop the site to meet local need, the AONB team raised no substantive objection to the proposal. • Land south of Fullers, Broadwindsor. An outline application for 32 dwellings was submitted. The AONB Team raised strong concerns regarding development density due to the appearance of the site from footpaths connecting Broadwindsor to Lewesdon Hill. Two notable planning appeals have recently been allowed. A proposal for affordable housing at Spyway Orchard, Langton Matravers, was allowed at appeal. The Inspector accepted the view of the AONB Team that there would be localised adverse effects on the AONB, but considered the provision of affordable housing to outweigh this harm. Down House Solar Farm, near to the operational Canada Farm solar farm was also allowed. Concerns had been raised regarding the ability of the application to satisfy the ‘exceptional circumstances’ test established within NPPF. In particular it was considered that there was scope to locate the development outside of the AONB. The Inspector allowed the appeal, but provided limited explanation regarding their consideration of aspects of the NPPF test. Stockbridge Solar EIA Screening. A request for a screening opinion for a solar farm of up to 89ha has been received. This development is proposed to be located outside of the AON, approx. 4km north of Batcombe.

3.4. Accessing resources / project development (individual AONB projects covered in greater detail at ITEM 6.5) The AONB Team has steering input to the following strategic organisations which we anticipate could be a source of funds for conserving and enhancing the AONB • Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (Rural Enterprise Group / Dorset Destination Management Organisation) • Southern Dorset Local Action Group Delays to the decision making on Dorset County Council’s European Structural and Investment Funds has been caused by the General Election: we will not find out if we have been successful until after the 8 th June. All the indications from DCLG have been positive and work is ongoing to ensure

7 that we can hit the ground running once we have received confirmation that we have been successful. The team has was successful with the first round bid to the Landscape Enhancement Initiative and submitted a second round bid to mitigate the impact of the National Grid’s high-voltage overhead line through the Brit Valley & Marshwood Vale in January. The total value of the project is £345k with a request from the National Grid of £200k. Delivery partners are the Dorset Wildlife Trust and National Trust. The project will achieve: • Plant, protect and manage 126 three metre oak trees in areas immediately surrounding the National Grid’s infrastructure by 2020. • Lay 1,800 metres of hedgerow, a central component of the landscape character by 2020. • Pilot mechanical hedge laying, to demonstrate an innovative and quick alternative to the traditional approach by 2020. • Plant 60 new orchard trees by 2020. • Restore 7 ha of semi-natural grassland that is characteristic of the Vale by 2020. • Restore 150 metres of riparian and in-stream habitat that is threatened by 2020. • Undertake 7 ha of scrub clearance to ensure no loss of important grassland habitat by 2020. • Enhance management of 7 ponds and wetlands for wildlife by 2020. • Establish a wild daffodil nursey, in conjunction with national experts, to ensure the long-term viability of this iconic species within the Vale by 2018. • Deliver one event based in the area to raise awareness of the areas special qualities and the work of the project and National Grid to conserve and enhance them by 2019. The team is in the early stages of investigating the feasibility of a Heritage Lottery Fund Landscape Partnership Scheme bid for the Marshwood Vale, building on the ambitions within the LEI bid and of the National Trust. We have received confirmation of funding from the Dorset Strategy Group to pilot a community-led approach to catchment management in the area. This will involve working with Dorset Wildlife Trust and Farming and Wildlife Group SouthWest to engage with a local community to plan work that will enhance their water environment. We continue to work with DCC’s Minerals Planners to draw down £1.7M for landscape and access mitigation associated with the continued operation of the Wytch Farm oilfield.

3.5. National Association for AONBs / Protected Landscapes collaboration This year’s NAAONB Annual Conference is in Winchester (18-19 th July); further details will be shared when available. It is open to any member of the AONB Partnership Board as well as AONB staff. Dorset AONB team is working with local arts partner Activate on a project spanning Dorset, Cranborne Chase, North Wessex Downs, Chilterns and North Norfolk AONBs. Activate are leading bid development targeting the Arts Council’s Ambition for Excellence award to run a series of interactive landscape-based events celebrating the areas’ special qualities. It is also intended to raise the bar in terms of engagement between the AONB Family and performing arts practitioners; an area in which Dorset is known to lead. Dorset AONB Communications Officer has attended a NAAONB led Communications Officer meeting to develop shared messages and action across the family of AONB. The Dorset AONB coordinated a national response for the NAAONB to the Environment Audit Committee on the Future of the Natural Environment after the EU referendum.

3.6. Promotion of the AONB : Site Seeing photo competition Over 35 images from the Site Seeing Photo Competition were included in the Inspiring Landscapes display at Durlston Castle in January. The Private View event was well attended, Jim White offered thanks to all those who submitted entries for taking part. The Site Seeing images also formed a display at County Hall reception in March and one of the winning images was featured on the front of Your Dorset newspaper, delivered to all households in

8 Dorset. They are currently included in an exhibition at Dorset County Hospital and will also be shown at Martinstown Village Hall and Jubilee Hall, later in the year.

3.7. Promotion of the AONB : Events Dorset AONB will support and attend 10 festivals over the summer, promoting Dorset AONB publications and projects, particularly Dorset Food & Drink and South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership.

3.8. Promotion of the AONB : Website & social media Regular newsletters continue to be circulated to 5016 members of the public and local organisations, with news of events, training, activities and project updates. This mailing list is developed through sign ups at public events and through AONB Team contacts. Dorset AONB now has a Facebook page which is being used to promote Dorset AONB events (329 followers). Twitter following • 5761 followers @DorsetAONB • 20,700 followers @DorsetFoodDrink; 1065 followers on DF&D Facebook page • 1242 followers @LandBoneStone South Dorset Ridgeway Partnership has a Land of Bone & Stone Flickr gallery, (https://www.flickr.com/photos/131152284@N07/albums ) providing a comprehensive record of activity including guided walks and volunteer events. Most images receive dozens of views with some exceeding one hundred views each. A regular SDRLP e-newsletter is sent to a mailing list of over 700 with details of forthcoming events.

3.9. Monitoring AONB condition : Further progress has been made with photographic monitoring, with additional locations toward North Dorset. Images can be viewed online at http://gigapan.com/profiles/Dorset_AONB & http://gigapan.com/profiles/Dorset_AONB_2 . Many of the images have also been added to Dorset Explorer, enabling a map-based view of locations across the AONB. A meeting with consultants has been held to discuss the use of satellite imagery available for the purposes of landscape monitoring. The data could be used to generate a detailed analysis of landcover types and distribution across the AONB.

DORSET AONB PROJECTS

3.11. South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership: Conserving and restoring significant monuments in the South Dorset Ridgeway’s ancient ceremonial landscape Volunteer work parties have cleared gorse and bracken from the extensive barrow cemetery on Bronkham Hill. Volunteers trained to survey and record the condition of monuments at risk have completed over 200 barrow surveys which inform management work. Hayley Roberts, having completed her PhD in Community Archaeology with SDR Partner University, has joined the SDR Team to deliver a further programme of community archaeology. A series of events run during spring & summer 2017 will help local volunteers record archaeological features identified during the National Mapping Programme (NMP) as well as unrecorded historic agricultural buildings.

3.10. South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership: Conserving and restoring priority habitats, species and other natural heritage Volunteer work parties cleared scrub from 4 priority habitat sites (3 chalk grassland sites, 1 SNCI of heathland on chalk). 12 sites are under negotiation for potential small capital grants to restore priority habitat.

9 FWAG have made over 40 advisory visits to Ridgeway farms to date leading to 5 whole farm plans and 4 Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship applications. FWAG have run 11 Carbon Club meetings to date; these are well attended by Ridgeway farmers and recent topics have included practical methods of carbon storage and emission reduction for arable and livestock systems. 50% of Ridgeway farmers have engaged with FWAG projects to date.

3.11. South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership: Increasing participation in local heritage - management and celebration A further three fingerposts are undergoing restoration in Portesham parish. We are updating the condition survey of fingerposts and milestones in the Ridgeway area in order to prioritise the next targets for restoration. Building on the success of the Ridgeway Singers and Band, a sold-out inaugural ‘Barnes Night’ was held to celebrate the life and work of William Barnes – applying the tradition of the annual ‘Burns Night’ to Dorset’s own unsung dialect poet, complete with the ‘serpenting’ in of a whole Blue Vinny. 22 volunteers were trained in using Living Record, the online system for recording Dorset’s wildlife. 22 volunteers were trained to undertake surveys of veteran trees which are under-recorded in the Ridgeway.

3.12. South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership: Improving access to the South Dorset Ridgeway heritage Construction work within the new Black Down car park is ongoing and reaching a busy phase, where dry stone walling and final groundworks are being undertaken. Following this phase of work, improvements to the access from the highway will be undertaken and seeding and management of the site will commence. To date 56 guided walks have been held, led by experts and volunteers, engaging nearly 1,000 participants with the archaeology, geology and wildlife of the Ridgeway.

3.13. South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership: Increasing understanding of the SDR heritage through formal and informal learning opportunities: The learning programme in schools is in its last year of delivery, and almost fully on or above target. The number of schools engaged in the programme has risen to 42 against the target of 40. To date some 7,000 school children have taken part in ridgeway activities and learning. Project participants received a newsletter at the beginning of May. Many of the schools have successfully embedded the outdoor learning opportunities of SDR into the heart of their curriculum year on year. Planning of the 2017 SDR School festival is underway which will take place in the grounds of Kingston Maurward college, Dorchester, Tuesday 19 September. 20 teachers have created 73 lessons based on the land, bone, stone of the ridgeway through the access experts programme. These SDR themed lesson plans are available at http://www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/south-dorset-ridgeway-partnership/schools Dorset forest school has trained 28 primary school teachers in forest school leading, enabling forest school delivery in their schools. 1,780 school children have visited the ridgeway for learning with the help of the kick start offer. Through live briefs young adults get real life skill development opportunities. Most recently, 10 students at IPACA academy have worked with Steve, Wallis, DCC senior archaeologist, Ella Huhne, director of Landance, and Richard Tomlinson, film producer, to create a dance film, Mound Movement. This is being shown at B side exhibition space 15-17 May, Portland., bringing the ridgeway to a wider audience. http://b-side.org.uk/events/mound-movements 3 other live briefs are underway, and a further 2 completed. We continue to offer a creative programme of CPD to teachers in twilight sessions, including Myths & Legends of the ridgeway, Ancient and Wild art workshop, and SDR geology. Guided walks for teachers are planned for June and September. 6 schools are taking part in a new initiative to re-story the ridgeway. Research showed that there was a paucity of legends around the ridgeway and we wanted to do something about this. Led by

10 the story teller Martin Maudsley, 6 new myths and legends will be created by schoolchildren, and formatted in to a resource kit for schools. There will also be guidance on story creation for teachers.

3.14. South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership: Developing skills in heritage management: To date 100 people have volunteered with the project, committing over 1,500 days. Around half of these volunteer on a regular basis and a festive event was held before Christmas to reward and celebrate their achievements, with certificates presented to the Windswept Women and Rugged Man who are making such an impact in this landscape. Over 50 people have been introduced to dry stone walling to date; many have continued to be involved with regular work parties led by our partner organisations, EuCAN and the Dry Stone Walling Association, restoring over 200m of wall at 2 prominent locations, Corton Down and Goulds Hill, alongside the National Trail. Nearly 40 people have been introduced to hedgelaying to date and a regular group of volunteers have laid over 600m of hedge. 2 volunteers, who have each completed over 20 days volunteering on the Ridgeway, received training in the use of power tools. Kingston Maurward College are mid way through delivering their second of three 20 week courses on the Ridgeway.

3.15. Wild Purbeck Nature Improvement Area Information on Wild Purbeck and the Dorset AONB was provided to the RSPB for Autumnwatch which was hosted by the RSPB at Arne at the end of October. The information was included in the blogs which went out during the week to thousands of people. Winterwatch also took place at Arne at the end of January and proved very successful despite several days of fog. Local Nature Partnership members were offered a tour of the set, which was taken up by some members and also the deputy Environment Spokesperson from Purbeck. Members of the local community and a local school were also invited as part of the community outreach work. We are still waiting confirmation of the Perenco section 106 agreement, which has been delayed for reasons unconnected with the section 106 sum. Despite the requirement for this to be signed by the end of November if the planning consent is to remain valid, this has not been achieved, but we have been informed that the agreement is likely to be signed very soon. The funding will enable the single grazing unit works to proceed. Documentation is being worked up in preparation for the grant to be publicised and emails have already been received regarding possible projects. A list of criteria is being drawn up to assist with assessment of applications. Further meetings have taken place of the visitor management working group. Funding issues continue to change. Options of funding bids for packages of projects were discussed at a meeting in early March with a number of organisations looking to submit funding bids to ensure that there is no duplication. The AONB draft bid to the HLF “Our Heritage” funding stream was put forward as one of the bids for discussion. The bid is likely to include working with Dorset Dogs on visitor management for dog walkers, signage and interpretation (ensuring signage is consistent across the different land ownerships), some schools work, infrastructure relating to rationalising car parking (dragon’s teeth, bunding and some small car park changes) and some work with cyclists. The purchase of Arne plantation is also still very much on the Wild Purbeck agenda. The RSPB is seeking to purchase this and is looking into potential funding options, which is likely to focus on HLF.

3.16. Dorset Food & Drink Membership stands at 190+; we continue to support all with industry information, event invitations, and support and advice and promote them through various channels. Renowned local chef Lesley Waters has joined as our 3 rd ambassador for DF&D Recently completed the new Dorset Pedals, for the areas North and East of the county as a mini- project sponsored by Defra’s Great British Food Unit. Each area has 4 routes, 3 cycle and one walking routes. These routes take you on a foodie tour of different parts of the county on foot or by bike. Great PR campaign and great response by both new and existing members.

11 DF&D registered as a Community Interest Company with Companies House; awaiting legal advice from DCC before recruiting directors. We have the new guide….. Following on from the success of last years, this year we have 40,000 copies and better distribution. It is available online at https://joom.ag/hruW Hosted our 4 th Christmas Food & Drink Fair at Athelhampton held on the Sat 26 th November, with record numbers, and agreed that this year it will be a 2 day event. This is a good income generator for the project. DF&D are this year the headline sponsor of the Dorset Magazine’s Dorset Food, Drink and Farming Awards On June 27 th DF&D will be going to the House of Parliament to showcase the food and drink of North Dorset. This is through Simon Hoare MP. Shows and festivals – With the season just starting DF&DF will continue to support many of the foodie shows and festivals again this year. Festivals include, Dorset Knob Throwing, Christchurch, Springtide, , the Dorset Seafood festival and more. So far this year, we have held a few member networking events. First of the year was at KMC, then Langham, next one will be at Ford Farm on the 13 June. Thanks to our corporate partner Porter Dodson we are able to raise the profile of these very valuable evenings. A mini meet the buyer event was held at KMC in partnership with Creative Dorset, linking the hospitality trade, local food and drink, culture and the landscape. A creative storytelling toolkit will follow for the use of our members to help them tell their own story. DF&D took a small selection of members at good rates to the Bournemouth Hotel and catering show. Building up on the business relationship with KMC, NFU Mutual, Porter Dodson. Continue to work with and support partners NT, DWT, Hix Academy, Kingston Maurward. Dorset Coast Forum, Bournemouth University Continue liaising with Visit Dorset & the Dorset Tourism Association - offering great opportunities for the members and improving Dorset’s visitor offer. Continue to act as voice for DF&D members at LNP, LEP, DTA, Northern & Southern LAG, and the Growth Hub

12 3.17. Stepping into Nature Following successful award of £328,544 from Big Lottery, the project started in earnest in April. Recruitment of a project is under way; interviews were held on 15 th May and an offer of employment has been made to an excellent candidate. Landscape-based activities have started, targeted at older people, particularly those living with dementia and their carers. A full programme of events is being arranged with partner organisations, reaching its full flow this summer. The team is working with Public Health Dorset experts to develop the project’s monitoring and evaluation requirements to ensure collected data helps meet wider public health aims, and is robust. The project is being promoted on Twitter (@StepIn2Nature / https://twitter.com/stepin2nature ), Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/stepin2nature/ ) and the AONB website http://www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/our-work/health-and-wellbeing

3.18. Dorset Fingerposts The project continues to go from strength to strength, with good and reliable systems in place to make the process easier and sometime quicker! With over 500 posts being restored/restored across the County Roger Bond continues to be absolute star liaising and giving both technical and practical support to the community groups, without him this AONB initiative would have come to an end. The BBC hit daytime TV show ‘Escape to the Country’ aired the programme back in the autumn 2106. An updated ‘how to guide’ now available on the Dorset AONB website. Continue to work with both the Portland YIO, and the Dorchester Men’s shed. The database is now complete, completed by another volunteer James Purkiss, The database includes the original DCC GIS database, the Dorset AONB fingerpost database and the database which lists all the fingerposts being/will be restored. This new database shows the historical record of the majority of the posts. The ever famous Red Post at Bloxworth is now undergoing a full restoration

3.19. British Gas Healthy Homes Project During 2016 and early 2017, the Dorset AONB established a working model for a Bridport-based Community Woodbank that delivered free firewood to Magna Housing tenants at risk from ill health due to cold homes. To establish the working model, we: • Worked with local Community Woodlands to establish a consistent supply of logs that can be used by the Community Woodbank. • Engaged a local contractor to process the wood from the Community Woodlands and turn it into firewood. This involved cutting to 30 cm lengths, splitting into quarters and bagging in vented storage bags. • Secured storage facilities for a year so that the firewood can be safely stored and seasoned to the required 30% moisture content. • Worked with Magna Housing Association to identify suitable tenants that were off-grid and with the necessary stoves to heat their home (either already installed or to be provided by Magna Housing Association). • Engaged one of the Community Woodlands to deliver the seasoned firewood to the tenant’s homes. • In addition, we have provided a log store to the tenants that has ensured the logs are kept dry. We have also offered them information on efficient use of the firewood and made sure they have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted. Over the course of the pilot, 10 m3 of timber (cord wood) was donated by three community woodlands with commitments from two others for future years. The 10 m3 is approximately enough wood to supplementary heat five 3 bedroom homes over the course of one winter. We also

13 purchased 2 m3 of already seasoned wood, as the donated wood required additional storage time to ensure low enough moisture content before it could be efficiently burned. Through Magna Housing Association, we identified four eligible household and supported them with delivery of firewood in April 2017. A further delivery is planned for October 2017. We also provided four log stores.

3.20. Jurassic Coast visitor management : People and Places Coastal Communities Fund Project (led by Dorset Coast Forum) This is a huge consortium project with a total value of over £13M and grant from CCF of £5.6M. This is for the delivery of 18 projects across the whole Dorset Coast over two and a half years. Dorset AONB/ Jurassic Coast are responsible for overseeing two of these projects: Fossil Forest access and interpretation (£172k) • Hoped that reinstating the access to the Fossil Forest can be done within the first year of the CCF project. Preliminary feasibility work already undertaken. Existing steps will be used and improved, new more robust railings installed and an area of cliff ‘overhang’ removed by hand. The interpretation will also be audited, rationalised and improved in consultation with the community. West Bay (£150k) • 3 parts: replacement panels at end of the pier; replacement panels outside Salt House; a ‘visitor hub’ in central area between The George and the harbour. • Several projects in West Bay have been successful with funding, including EA defence improvements on East Beach and the Discovery Centre in the Methodist chapel. All to be co- ordinated and complimentary, allowing for a ‘discovery trail’ to help visitors explore.

3.21. Jurassic Coast visitor management: Existing interpretation and landscaping improvement works Charmouth: In partnership with Parish Council and Heritage Centre. Improvements to include ‘orientation hub’ to bring together current scattered signage east of the bridge. Expected to be completed July 2017. Hive Beach: In partnership with National Trust. Improvements to include new wall (dry stone in appearance to reflect existing wall on other side) to conceal bins and incorporate interpretation at existing interpretation area in car park (east side of the café). Expected to be completed July 2017.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY 3.22. Research : People & Places Matter Following on from our collaboration with Winchester University on the project Better Understanding Tranquillity is another bid (led by Dr Hewlett of Winchester University) examining, understanding and valuing the elements of greenspace which contribute to health and wellbeing, with a view to understanding the management of greenspace more effectively for that outcome.

3.23. Cultural Tourism Dorset AONB are on the Steering Group of the Cultural Tourism Action Plan, led by the Arts Development Company. Environmental organisations were invited to attend a workshop in February to look at potential joint working, which will be included in Phase 2 Action Plan in July.

3.24. National Grid Visual Impact Provision Progress continues to be made on the project to underground over 8km high voltage electricity transmission lines between Corton and Winterbourne Abbas. The National Steering Group has approved the southern sealing end compound adjacent to the old railway line between Portesham and Abbotsbury (approx. SY639845). This location was promoted by the local Stakeholder Advisory Group in preference to the original proposal at the foot of the ridge close to the historic Corton farmstead. This extends the undergrounding by approximately 800m; the additional costs for this additional distance will be examined closely by the regulator OFGEM.

14 Further public information / consultation meetings are in planning for late June/early July. They are likely to be held in the villages of Winterbourne Abbas and Martinstown. It is anticipated that the planning application for the work is submitted to West Dorset District Council in November/December 2017 with construction work starting in 2019.

3.25. Life Cycles and Landscapes Delivery of this project progresses despite being turned down for match funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Majority funded by Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence programme, it will involve a celebratory arts event in the Dorset AONB as part of a series of events linking this area with the North Norfolk coast along the ancient Icknield Way. The preferred Dorset venue is Maiden Castle; the artists are examining feasibility and options with English Heritage and Historic England.

2016-2017 financial report

Item for: Information

Report by: AONB Team

Financial implications: This is a report on past income and expenditure, so has no future funding ramifications.

Summary: The Dorset AONB team continues to be successful in demonstrating good funding leverage in terms of income generated from a modest local contribution to the core operation.

Recommendation: The Dorset AONB Board notes the funding leverage demonstrated by these accounts

4.1. CORE EXPENDITURE & INCOME

Staff, ENI, Pens, £ 191,096 Travel £ 4,901 Training £ 1,996 Accommodation & Office £ 5,347 Partnership PR £ 4,043

CORE EXP CORE Partnership Running Costs £ 2,996 Monitoring, research & guidance £ 500 TOTAL £ 210,879 Local Authorities -£ 54,490 Defra -£ 158,282

CORE CORE Income -£ 2,670 INCOME TOTAL -£ 215,441 Transfer to reserve £ 4,562

Reserves are maintained with agreement from local contributing partners for purposes as described in the local partners’ statement of intent to fund the Partnership.

15 4.2. PROJECT EXPENDITURE & VALUE

Single pot Cash income Direct spend Partner spend Volunteers TOTAL VALUE Major source of non- (A) (B) (A+B) (D) (E) (C+D+E) Defra cash income South Dorset £ 6,000 £ 302,988 £ 308,988 £ 272,000 £ 79,850 £ 660,838 Heritage Lottery Fund Ridgeway LPS

Local food£ 6,000 £ 49,183 £ 55,183 £ - £ 2,500 £ 57,683 Membership fees

Stepping into Nature Health & Wellbeing £ 21,000 £ 17,980 £ 38,980 £ 1,200 £ 510 £ 40,690 (pilot) Legacy Fund

Fingerpost project£ 1,000 £ 1,000 £ 23,400 £ 12,090 £ 37,490

British Gas Healthy Woodlink£ 449 £ 2,290 £ 2,739 £ 10,830 £ 4,650 £ 18,219 PROJECTS Homes

Wild Purbeck£ 15,200 £ - £ 15,200 £ 15,200

Sustainable tourism£ - £ 4,542 £ 4,542 £ 4,542 Reserves

Drawing inspiration£ - £ 180 £ 180 £ 180 Reserves

Sustainable Development Fund £ 14,975 £ - £ 14,975 £ 22,357 £ 7,962 £ 45,294 TOTAL £ 64,624 £ 377,163 £ 441,787 £ 329,787 £ 107,562 £ 880,136

4.3. Summary Total delivered value is £1,091,016. This is calculated from direct spend plus ‘added value’ defined as contributions from volunteers and partners to AONB Partnership-led projects and projects supported by the Partnership’s Sustainable Development Fund. Total direct spend by the AONB Partnership is £652,667 Total ‘added value’ from partners and volunteers contributing to and to projects funded from the is £437,439

4.4. Pertinent ratios of leverage: Each £1 contributed by… generates Partners in value in direct spend All core funding partners£ 3.81 £ 2.28 Defra £ 4.71 £ 2.82 All Local Authority partners£ 20.02 £ 11.98 Dorset County Council£ 42.99 £ 25.72 West Dorset District Council£ 55.12 £ 32.97 Purbeck District Council£ 184.54 £ 110.40 North Dorset District Council£ 477.26 £ 285.51 Weymouth & Portland Borough Council£ 975.86 £ 583.78

16 AONB Management Plan review

Item for: Decision

Report by: AONB Team Manager

Financial implications: No budget has been allocated for work in this financial year. An allocation will be made in the 2018-2019 budget proposal of around £7,000 for Board and Defra approval. A bid to Arts Council England could provide additional funds for broadening the scope and methods of consultation and engagement; this could start this financial year and be matched with spend in the next.

Summary: Section 89 of the Countryside & Rights of Way Act (2000) places a statutory duty on local planning authorities to act jointly to produce a management plan for each AONB in their administrative area. The current Dorset AONB Management Plan and framework for action is current to the end of March 2019 at which time a reviewed plan is required. A light touch review is anticipated although the process affords a great opportunity for promoting the purposes of AONB designation and engaging people in landscape enhancing activity. This is the AONB Partnership’s most important document: the Board will retain ultimate oversight and decision-making.

Recommendation: i: The Local Authorities invite the Partnership to review the plan on their behalf ii: Board delegates management of the process and detailed delivery to a Management Plan review group which represents a broad range of interests iii: The Board approves the principles with which this review will be conducted iv: The Board approves the process and timetable set out below.

5.1. Introduction The current plan was widely held to be a particularly good plan, and received congratulation to that effect from Natural England on its publication. In practice, it has also proved to be a useful document for the partnership and beyond. It is anticipated that this process is very much a review, rather than a re-write; however this assumption will be informed in early consultation with expert groups which include users of the plan.

5.2. Proposed principles A ‘light-touch’ approach Maximise the opportunity to raise awareness and engage a wider audience in AONB action planning Minimise cost; if it can be brought in under budget it shall be in order to divert funds to direct delivery

5.3. Review guidance & strategy No new guidance has been issued; we continue to use existing principles established by the Countryside Agency for the 2009-2014 plan period.

5.4. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Equalities Impact Assessment These assessments are a requirement of the plan-making process and add to the robustness of the product. The previous plan was assessed; as the new plan is most likely to build on the previous plan, we have been advised that only policies that are changed (and any other policies they refer to) will need to be subject to these assessments.

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5.5. Proposed process (key stages)

2017 2018 2019 Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Announce intention to review 1 Statement of Community Involvement 1 SEA: announce requirement 1 SEA: set context 1 Expediency consultation 1 Expert review groups 1 1 1 Annual Forum 1 Focussed community engagement 1 1 Drafting MP & SEA 1 1 Draft to review group 1 Draft to PB 1 Amendments as necessary 1 1 Review group sign-off 1 Formal consultation 1 1 1 Consultation review process 1 Final draft to review group 1 Final draft to PB 1 Final publication 1 Adoption by LAs 1 1 1 Submit to SoS 1 Promote 1 1

5.6. Anticipated changes in structure/emphasis to reflect current circumstance The NAAONB Lead Officers’ group agreed the importance to maintain some national consistency, particularly in the introductory sections outlining the legal framework for AONB designation. It was also agreed that Natural Capital concepts should underpin the plan to bring it into line with the proposed Defra 25-year plan, currently being held in abeyance during until a new government forms after the General Election. The action plan could be separated from the policy framework. In the current funding climate, few organisations are willing to commit to actions – even aspirations – that may not be started for 6 years from the point of commitment. These action tables have also become decreasingly important in bidding for resources; meeting the policy aims and objectives suffices. A short new section outlining the Partnership’s longer-term projects and delivery mechanisms might be appropriate.

5.7. Design proposal The requirement for printed plans is diminishing as more partners’ offices move to electronic file storage and handling. While a short print run may be necessary, the AONB Team will investigate presentation in a website format.

18 Health & Wellbeing: work by the environment sector (presentations)

Item for: Information

Recommendation: The Board notes the role of the Dorset AONB’s landscape and the AONB Team in promoting health and wellbeing.

Speakers are Maria Clarke (Dorset Local Nature Partnership Manager), Rupert Lloyd (Healthy Places Programme Coordinator) and Julie Hammon (Dorset AONB)

6.1. The high quality natural environment which this organisation seeks to conserve and enhance makes a significant contribution to people’s health and wellbeing. The extent and value of this contribution has not been precisely quantified for this area, but attempts have been shown to value the contribution made by some landscape elements. For example, a Defra-funded study in 2015 estimated the value of the contribution made by the Dorset AONB’s woodlands to air quality (in terms of the absorption of particulate matter) to be over £20M p.a in 2013 prices.

6.2. The AONB-led project Stepping into Nature is the team’s first project which deliberately utilises the protected landscape for health and wellbeing outcomes. Funding success (£325k over 3 years from Big Lottery’s Reaching Communities programme) is resourcing a programme of outdoor nature-based activities targeted at older people, particularly those living with dementia, and their carers. Stepping into Nature has a number of delivery partners in the environmental sector and seeks to embed dementia-friendly activities in those organisations’ day to day programming. The project is also working with Dementia Adventure, the Alzheimer’s Society and Age Concern as advisory organisations, and with Dorset Public Health on monitoring and evaluation. Speaker Julie Hammon is the Stepping into Nature Project Officer, based in the Dorset AONB Team.

6.3. The Dorset Local Nature Partnership (LNP) has described ‘developing Dorset’s natural health service’ as one of 6 key strategic priorities. The LNP works to this end: Regionally through its wider networks with other LNPs and strategically influencing the Local Enterprise Partnerships and other key bodies. Locally by coordinating the Natural Choices programme, delivering a range of outdoor exercise opportunities for prescription by GPs. Speaker Maria Clarke is the Dorset Local Nature Partnership Manager.

6.4. Public Health Dorset commissions a range of mandatory and non-mandatory public health services, including health improvement, the NHS Health Checks programme, sexual health services, children and young people and drug and alcohol services across Bournemouth, Dorset & Poole. It is under the health improvement banner that interest lies in increasing access to and use of the county’s landscape assets – ultimately to reduce the burden on the NHS. Public Health Dorset was a key partner in compiling the ‘Our Dorset Sustainability and Transformation Plan’ (STP). These plans also aim to build and strengthen local relationships, enabling a shared understanding of where we are now, ambition for 2021 and the steps needed to get us there. A key role for the county’s landscape assets is described in this under Prevention at Scale – enabling people to live healthier, independent lives. For more about the STP see http://www.dorsetccg.nhs.uk/aboutus/sustainability.htm Speaker Rupert Lloyd is the Healthy Places Programme Coordinator based in Public Health Dorset, working closely with DCC’s Coast and Countryside Service, including the Dorset AONB Team.

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