Mendip Hills AONB Unit Charterhouse Centre, Blagdon, BS40 7XR [email protected] 01761 462338 www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk

Mendip Hills AONB Partnership Committee

Draft Minutes of the meeting held Online, 19th November 2020

Present: Partnership Committee Cllr Nigel Taylor (Chair) Somerset County Council Cllr Roger Dollins Somerset Parish Councils Representative Jon Doyle Somerset County Council Officer Richard Frost Mendip Society Jim Hardcastle AONB Manager Cllr Karin Haverson North Somerset Council Prof Chris Lewis CPRE Jo Lewis Natural England Pippa Rayner Somerset Wildlife Trust Di Sheppard Bath & North East Somerset Claire Sissons Avon Wildlife Trust Rachel Tadman Mendip District Council Officer Cllr Lucie Taylor-Hood Mendip District Council Rachel Thompson MBE The Trails Trust

Other attendees Judith Chubb-Whittle AONB Landscape Planning Officer Rachel Clarkson AONB Support and Communications Officer Kelly Davies AONB Volunteer Ranger Mick Fletcher AONB Volunteer Ranger Tim Haselden AONB Project Development Officer Lauren Holt AONB Ranger Volunteer Coordinator Fi Isaacs AONB Volunteer Ranger Andy Jones Avon Wildlife Trust Andrew Palmer AONB Volunteer Ranger Malcolm Parsons AONB Volunteer Ranger Kevin Rogers Prof Danielle Shreve Dave Tranter AONB Volunteer Ranger Judith Tranter Mendip Society

Apologies Mike Adams North Somerset Parish Councils Representative Julie Cooper Sedgemoor District Council Officer Steve Dury Somerset County Council Officer John Flannigan North Somerset Council Officer Cllr Mike Pullin Mendip District Council Paul Rowland National Trust Cllr Elizabeth Scott Sedgemoor District Council Cllr James Tonkin North Somerset Council Chris Westcott Natural England Cllr David Wood Bath & North East Somerset

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Summary of Actions

Item Item Notes Action 1. Introduction and No declarations. Apologies, and Apologies as Stated Declaration of interest 2. Notes of Previous 1. Elections of parish reps update from JH Meeting Somerset Association of Local Councils have started the process for elections for parish council rep. Ongoing.

2. AONB Unit to circulate draft ash dieback statement. JH 3. Request for all to keep TH informed of proposed nature ALL recovery projects, research, plans, strategies or funds. JH 4. JH due to meet with Cllr Taylor-Wood (Mendip District

Council), part of the council’s Climate & Ecological

Emergency Group, Food & Nature workstream. Still

outstanding

5. Update on the proposed local authority changes in

Somerset:

Nigel Taylor updated the partnership on the full council meeting

at SCC 18/11/20:

It was agreed with a majority vote that the May 2021 county

council elections are likely to be postponed.

There are 3 electoral authorities in the running for Unitary

Authority, of which Somerset is one. There are two options for

changes to Somerset: One Somerset, or splitting Somerset two

ways.

Secretary of State will be looking at this late Nov/early Dec 2020, with an expected decision of Feb/Mar 2021. This will likely be too late for elections, which were due to be held on 07/05/2020. AONB funding from SCC has been secured regardless of outcome of Unitary Authority changes.

No other matters arising. Accepted as a true and accurate record. 3. Paper A – OSG Officer Support Group Paper presented (JH). Report See Paper A (appended)

Visitor pressure at unprecedented levels this year – more than double the number of visitors cf 5 years ago. Particularly high visitor numbers between May and August as lock down restrictions were eased. Volunteer Rangers have been

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

invaluable in helping to manage those pressures, and JH & NT thanked them for their efforts.

Staffing changes to the AONB Team: Judith Chubb Whittle in position as Landscape Planning Office, and Rachel Clarkson in position as Support and Communications Officer.

Announcement from Defra expected 26/11/2020 on new 3-year financial statement. Partnership Committee to be updated accordingly. 4. Partner Updates Collated Updates Paper presented

Updates received prior to the meeting appended: SCC B&NES MDC North Somerset SWT AWT NE Mendip Society North Somerset Parish Clerk Rep The Trails Trust

Question arising from Somerset Wildlife Trust Update: JH noted that the AONB had an increasing in reporting of poaching. Tim Haselden (who co-ordinates the Land Management Group for the AONB Unit) to meet with Wildlife and Rural Crime Unit Sgt Andrew Palmer ref poaching. AWT Reserve Managers would be keen to be involved in this meeting TH too (PR).

Comment arising from North Somerset Parish Clerk Reps Update: WCs at Burrington Combe were initially closed during beginning of lockdown, although opened up later on due to human waste problems in the countryside around Burrington. The WCs do however cost 150% of the Parish Councils budget, and usual outside funding contributions from outdoor pursuits companies were not being made dur to lockdown. JH offered to get in touch with N Somerset Council to see if JH there are grants available to support in the upkeep of public WCs, due to it being a public health issue. NT or JD to contact Trudy Grant – (Public Health at SCC) to see if NT/JD there is any help available.

Comment arising from Mendip Society Update (Richard Frost)

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Richard Frost to step down as Chair of the Mendip Society: seeking applicants: please ask your contacts or step forward if you would be interested. Nigel Taylor thanked Richard Frost for ALL his contributions.

Comment arising from The Trails Trust Update Pippa Rayner (SWT): How we can best respond to visitor pressure – it’s not just Countryside Code education, but also helping people to connect with nature: it’s not just about being outside, but also the sense of connection and forging a personal relationship with nature. RT agreed that there could be a collaboration between Pippa RT/PR Rayner, on user education, and how to help people to engage with nature, in conjunction with farmers/landowners and how to prompt people into doing the right thing.

CPRE Update: Chris Lewis CPRE financially not affected adversely due to Covid, and work continues largely as normal. Extra planning work being completed by Fletcher Robison, including linking with various AONBs CPRE have been running national and local campaigns to get people out into the countryside, increasing media presence. In relation to Mendip Hills AONB, CPRE has received a grant to organise litter picking throughout Somerset. Organised via Lauren Holt (AONB Volunteer Co-ordinator) a litter pick with a group of Young Ramblers.

North Somerset Council Update - Karin Haverson North Somerset – apologies for no update, KH stepping in for Cllr James Tonkin. At the organisational level, North Somerset have applied to join WECA (West of England Combined Authority). BaNES and S Glos in support, but still seeking support from Mayor of Bristol so decision delayed. Within North Somerset, there has been reorganisation of the Executive, Cllr Caritas Charles has resigned and been replaced by Mike Solomon. There are also 2 new assistant executive posts. At officer level there has also been reallocation of work and restructuring.

Environment Update: At the last full council meeting North Somerset declared a biodiversity emergency and committed to integrate that into our emerging local plan. Every development project should now commit to increasingly biodiversity.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

This is as well as the climate emergency (action plan in place), including tree planting. KH noted that however lots of failures in tree planting due to spring drought during lockdown.

As part of the Climate Emergency Action Plan, N Somerset are also committed to have much higher environmental standards for development, particularly where N Somerset is the landowner. Major developments include Locking Parklands development, comprising 30% affordable housing, solar panels on every house, 15% zero-carbon homes, and remainder of homes with up to TH 85% reduction in carbon emission. Homes are of timber framed construction (much more carbon efficient way of building houses). Also, the Uplands Development south west of Nailsea, where N Somerset will be both builders as well as landowners. Similar building standards to Locking Parklands.

Comment from JCW: The new Environment Bill states that all future new development must deliver 10% biodiversity net gain. How can the AONB Unit engage with this and can they be on the off-site register when the Local Authorities come to operate them, and how do we maximise on opportunities that this offers? ALL KH unable to advise at this stage but all to note this emerging policy, and potential opportunities for the partnership

JCW briefly outlined that all future developments will be required to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain – either on- site or off-site (either locally or nationally). Still lacking clarity on whether this includes small sites and/or single-dwelling sites. If a developer can’t deliver Biodiversity Net Gain on site, then there will be an ‘off-site register’ of available sites, managed by the LPA. JCW keen to secure Biodiversity Net Gain within the AONB rather than off site net gains disappearing into the national off- site register. Emerging policy and JCW keen to get the AONB on board at an early stage.

Mendip District Council Update: Rachel Tadman Main issue for MDC and surrounding LAs is the submission of the NE advice in August that the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar site is now in an unfavourable condition. This has had a major impact on determining planning applications as MDC are no longer able to grant planning permission for developments unless an HRA assessment is completed, for anything where anyone stays overnight, due to impact of increased effluent and elevated phosphates in the water.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

The vast majority of developments will need mitigation measures. At the moment there’s a knowledge gap about what these mitigation measures look like and how they are to be achieved. Potentially looking at a nutrient credit scheme across all the affected LPAs. This is causing a significant delay in determining applications. MDC working jointly with all the Somerset authorities to commission a strategy to deal with the immediate and long-term effects, alongside that, MDC also working to try to understand how we can the facilitate the movement of existing applications. MDC has 1400 houses affected by this. RT also noted that Taunton has also been hit particularly hard by this. Currently causing major delays on residential planning applications, will also start to affect agricultural developments and associated dwellings, which will affect both the Mendip Plateau and the surrounding villages closer to the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar.

Mendip Parish Clerks Reps Update: Roger Dollins: No report submitted. A lot of similar issues arising from additional visitor pressure. RD also acknowledged the positives of increased users: good to see families out and enjoying the countryside and takes the view we should encourage it as much as possible, with good management.

5. Paper B – Managing Jim Hardcastle presented the paper. Visitors to the Mendip Hills AONB Proposal for Discussion: The Mendip Hills AONB Unit should play an active role in managing visitors to the AONB.

JH presented the debate at national level amongst the AONB teams that there is no formal remit for them to manage visitor pressure. However, the Mendip Hills AONB Unit has always had a presence on the ground, and more so this year than any other.

Roger Dollins comment: The AONB team are well placed to do so due to local knowledge. If the AONB don’t take an active part,

then what is the alternative? Are there other agencies that can step in? Do the LAs have available (Covid-related) grants to cover rangering services? JH (in response): Aware that support grants are available (such as Covid Marshalls in towns and other urban environments) but not aware of any which would cover visitor management in rural areas.

JD

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

JD (SCC) agreed with JH and also not aware of Covid-related grants for rural areas. JD to speak to colleagues at SCC about LTH and this. KH Cllrs LTH (MDC) and KH (NSom) also not aware of rural grants for

Covid Marshalling or similar: both to raise queries on this. KH noted funds available for promotion of active transport eg walking, cycling etc, but nothing to help Mendip issues.

Pippa Rayner: cautioned the AONB team not to over commit on managing visitor pressures going forward as day-to-day delivery of AONB Unit projects will come back on-line, and recommended that all partners, and land-managers and -owners work together to help manage visit pressures (TTT, AWT, SWT and all landowners including farmers), not just in reserves but in the wider landscape. Also acknowledged that whilst we need to provide facilities this mustn’t be to the detriment of the Mendip Hills AONB special qualities, which we must preserve and promote.

Rachel Thompson agreed there needs to be greater involvement with land-owners, particularly farmers.

Roger Dollins commented on whether there was capacity for volunteers to receive training specifically to address Covid visitor pressures. RT supported this idea.

JH responded highlighting that the AONB team have 35 volunteer rangers already providing this sort of support, with a further 10 to be recruited in early 2021.

KH noted that whilst 2021 visitor pressure may be higher than pre-Covid, it is unlikely to peak in the same way as 2020.

The chair sought support of the Paper from the partnership, who supported JH’s proposal by general consensus.

7 Paper C – Visitor JH presented the paper: Car Parks and Sustainable Proposal 1: for the AONB to manage a series of over-flow car Transport Solutions parks during peak periods Proposal 2: for the AONB to support and promote the development of sustainable transport

The AONB team recognise that there is opportunity to provide better pre-visit information regarding car parking provision. The AONB team will

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

• Seek to amend google maps pin, which draws large numbers of visitors to velvet bottom and black moor car parks – ecologically very sensitive areas. • Explore marshalling provision to re-direct visitors to a series of overflow car parks on existing hardstanding in Mendip eg Mendip Raceway to manage increased visitor numbers during peak times. • Explore opportunities to develop real-time info on car park capacity via an app or google maps.

RD: Supported increasing car-park capacity at peak times. Would probably need funding, which may be problematic. Supported feasibility study.

JCW: proposed the use industrial estate car parks and designing walks out from them. Encouraging new and different walks.

RF (Mendip Society): Agreed with JH – there are parcels of land which could be used eg Priddy Folk Festival parking fields, which would alleviate pressures on the pub and the village green. Tentatively suggested that Mendip Society members/volunteers may be willing to help marshal over-flow car parks to augment current AONB volunteer ranger team.

LH: Commented that having a presence at car parks is of huge benefit, providing local knowledge for walks, and directing visitors to local businesses to support local economy (we can direct them towards a positive Mendip experience).

JL: Supported concept of improved work around car park provision and highlighted the success of the voluntary donation scheme at Ebbor Gorge car park, which goes some way to helping pay for infrastructure repairs etc.

PR: Agreed that pre-visitor information is key. Acknowledged that it’s unlikely that the peaks in visitor numbers will be as great as in summer 2020. PR also recognised the conflict between increased visitor car parks and the climate emergency, however, supported the idea of overflow on existing hardstanding. Cautioned the use of parking on farmland due to impacts on grassland ecology.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

JCW: Supported Pippa’s comments regarding potential impacts on special qualities as a result of increased parking.

Lucie Taylor Hood: posed the question of what proportion of the visitors to the AONB are very local? How far have others travelled? If visitors are very local, can we encourage walks from villages rather than walks from the Plateau? JH in response: Historically, most visitors are from within a 30 minute drive. The Counting on Mendip project will better inform this baseline information.

JH prompted commented on Proposal 2 – That the AONB Unit should promote and support the development of sustainable transport solutions. Bus routes no longer running on the plateau. In light of our LAs declaring climate emergency, is there money available to develop sustainable transport schemes in rural areas such as on Mendip? Is there potential for E-minibuses, (as private enterprises) to drive people up to the top, to allow people to walk back down? Recognise that seed funding from LAs may be required to kick- start such schemes.

Rachel Tadman: In terms of planning law in relation to temporary car parks: Temporary car parks would probably fall within the permitted development provision for the temporary use of land: the 28 day rule for using land or buildings for an alternative use without the need for formal planning consent – this would equate to 14 weekends. If there was any hardcore or surface laid down, this may also be considered under permitted development. JH stressed that we’re not looking at farmers opening fields for temporary car park use (pollution issues, impacts on special qualities etc), it is really making use of existing hard standing areas.

Roger Dollins queried to what degree Mendip visitor car emissions are a problem. RD noted that modern cars have very low emissions, and many electric vehicles coming on the market.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Rachel Thompson: Encouraged support of the train from Bristol to Yatton, for users of the strawberry line and surrounding areas. Can we collaborate with GWR to increase capacity from 2 carriages?

KH refuted RDs comment regarding car use and emissions and reported that the biggest output of CO2 emissions is from traffic. Acknowledged that in 10+ years car emissions will much reduce due to impact of Electric Vehicles. KH offered whether we can tie in with the Weston to Wells 126 bus route.

In summary: Should the AONB Unit put time in to identifying a series of overflow carparks during peak periods?

There was a general consensus across the Partnership that the proposal was supported.

JH also confirmed the AONB team would also explore improving pre-visit visitor information, including information on existing lesser well know carparks.

8 Paper D – AONB Presented by Jim Hardcastle. Noted. Unit Update JH presented AONB Unit update. The Activity Plan has been sent in papers for this meeting. • Nature Connections Project now commencements, with Kristen Lambert recruited as manager. Recruitment for Nature Connections Officers for each AONB ongoing. • Website traffic has been very high • Counting on Mendip Project is starting, as a direct result of a successful funding bid of £20k from the National Grid. A P/T Project Officer being recruited. • ELMs Test work in collaboration with The Trails Trust, including £7k funding to promote engagement and understanding of the ELMS scheme amongst land owners. • JH thanked the Volunteer Rangers

Update from Tim Haselden, Project Development Officer:

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Two primary themes within our project work: Nature Recovery and Health and Well-being. The overlap between these two themes make up the Sustainable Tourism and Recreation theme.

Nature Recovery Plan: Working with the Somerset and Devon AONBs, together with two external consultants to create a draft Nature Recovery Plan by Spring 2021 (a recommendation of the Glover Review and the Colchester Declaration): this will then feed into the Local Authority Local Nature Recovery strategies. Intention to steer what happens within the AONB to enhance nature and species recovery, but also protect our special qualities and our Landscape Character within the AONB. TH invited attendees to join the stakeholder working group: please email Tim or Jim if you want to be involved. As part of the Nature Recovery Plan, we are raising awareness of ALL our top 6 threatened species: adder, black oil beetle, greater horseshoe, dormouse, skylark, small pearl border fritillary

Nature and Wellbeing Somerset Nature Connections project with SWT in partnership with the 3 Somerset AONBs. A £500k 3-year project.

We have also been successful in our Discovery Fund application for £50k – money going into Somerset Wildlife Trust as match funding.

Sustainable recreation The Counting on Mendip project in development. Action plan to be produced together with a Community Engagement Plan. A robust dataset on visitor information to help secure more funding for sustainable tourism.

Update from Lauren Holt, Volunteer Co-ordinator and Ranger Covid-19 restrictions has caused all practical tasks to be suspended during much if 2020. Currently plans to pursue Dry Stone Walling in 2021, which will link to both the Nature Recovery and Health and Well-being work which Tim is leading on.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Volunteer Rangers have provided 500 hours of invaluable service this year. Recruitment of 10 new Volunteer Rangers in January 2021. Young Rangers scheme is still running although much of the content has needed to be adjusted or put online.

Update from Judith Chubb-Whittle, Landscape Planning Officer There’s been a 10- 20% increase in planning applications, after initial dip in applications at the beginning of lockdown. Common concerns relating to planning applications for the AONB include: Adverse impacts on our special qualities, raising the profile of Nature Recovery Plans, Biodiversity Net Gain, local knowledge to help inform application determination.

Wider planning issues include: The planning system reform consultation and commenting on the planning white paper and the Environment Bill, which went to committee on 17/11/20. We are likely to be in protected zone (as opposed to a ‘Growth Zone’ or a ‘Renewable Zone’). Still uncertainty on how far the ‘protected zone’ extend and how that aligns (or not) without our designation boundary, also how will the calculation of strategic housing numbers be made? Anticipating more development pressure within the AONB due to strategic housing allocation requirements of upwards of 2800 new homes in the area despite being in the ‘protected zone’.

Reiterated the AONB Units interest in playing a role in registering our interest in the offsite register for Biodiversity net Gain.

JCW is also reviewing our referral guidelines: noted that there have been a number of developments on the Mendip Hills which we haven’t commented on because they have fallen outside of the current referral guidelines.

The AONB Unit are working on the impact of ash dieback, and how that will change our landscape character and biodiversity.

JCW asked for consent to carry forward the guidelines on dark night skies paper, which provides guidance to developers, land

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

managers, etc on desirable measures to conserve and enhance the Dark Night Skies of the Mendip Hills AONB. 9 Paper E – NAAONB Presented by Jim Hardcastle. Noted. Update Renaming of all AONBs to National Landscapes. This is due to happen in Spring 2021.

Pippa Rayner: requested whether there is any training available to the Wildlife Trusts etc with regards ELMs. TH noted that funding for ELMS is for the AONB office to use directly, however there will be a number of national training workshops will be open to SWT etc and the AONB Unit will ensure this is communicated in due course. 10 Volunteer of the Volunteers Rangers award. Year Award Nigel Taylor praised the contributions of all the Volunteer Rangers during the pandemic, offering advice and guidance to the public and keeping the Mendip Hills a safe and pleasant place to visit. Nigel thanked all the volunteer rangers, and Lauren presented the award to all the Volunteer Rangers and thanked them for all their hard work and help this year. 11 AOB Pippa Rayner: Urged the AONB team to co-ordinate and lead comms amongst

landowners and managers to ensure Ash-dieback related road

closures are kept to a minimum and all relevant parties can occur simultaneously.Requested that the AONB can take a lead with communicating with highways and sharing info about road JH closures among the land-owner groups.

SWT are hosting a series of online workshops regarding trees

within the Mendip Hills: recordings of past events are available.

Topics include: Right Tree, Right Place Agri-forestry Ash dieback Contact PR if you would like a link to past or future events.

Tim Haselden: Currently awaiting news on whether we have

been successful with our application for the Green Recovery Challenge Fund. If we’re successful with that it will start to bring key partners together to deliver on the nature recovery plan and

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

fund a number of projects across the 3 Somerset AONBs. TH to establish a land manager’s working group regardless of the outcome. TH

Roger Dollins: promoted the use of the What Three Words app for emergency location finding.

NT thanked everyone for their attendance and contributions which he reminded people will be expected at future meetings.

12 Date of Next Monday 15th March 2021, 1pm, Draycott Village Hall (if Meeting permissible in light of Covid-19 restrictions)

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Mendip Hills AONB Partnership Committee Committee meeting date: 19th November 2020 Paper: A Title: Mendip Hills AONB Officer Support Group (OSG) Presented by: Jim Hardcastle To be noted.

1.0 The AONB Unit 1.1 The AONB Unit has been at the forefront of visitor related Covid 19 issues as guidance on access to the countryside changed. Despite not being able to work from their office the team quickly adapted working patterns and priorities to deal with visitor pressure. As the Unit has made themselves as accessible as possible to residents and visitors the team found themselves dealing with a volume of issues and enquiries never faced before. Full credit should be given to them for swiftly introducing effective campaigns around overnight stays and anti-social behaviour, while monitoring all visitor sites across the area and constantly feeding information to other site managers.

1.2 The importance of the volunteer rangers has been highlighted this year. Having organised, skilled and motivated members of the local community able to share information back and forth, deal with many new visitors to the area and react to incidents like fires and fly-tipping has benefitted residents and visitors alike.

1.3 Judith Chubb-Whittle replaced Cindy Carter as the Unit’s Landscape Planning Officer in April. Judith was an ideal replacement having previously volunteered with the AONB Unit on the planning consultation process. Judith worked for CPRE Somerset as their planning officer before securing the job with the Unit. Her local knowledge, experience of neighbourhood plans and the broader context of planning has allowed her to fill the role seamlessly.

1.4 Rachel Clarkson joined the AONB Unit as Support & Communications Officer replacing Sarah Catling. Rachel had been running a successful ecology consultancy with her partner and is a trained ecologist herself. She has already demonstrated the new set of skills she brings to the team at a time when nature recovery is at the forefront of the Unit’s work. Sarah Catling has become the Clerk of Cheddar Parish Council and she will be fondly missed by the team and volunteers.

2.0 Defra and the Financial Settlement 2.1 The AONB Partnership expects an update from Defra on a new 3-year financial statement on 26/11/20. The AONB Unit will report back after that with regard to budget implications.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Mendip Hills AONB Partnership Committee Committee meeting date: 19th November 2020 Paper: Collated Partner Updates Title: Collated Partner Updates, including summary of Covid-19 related impacts Presented by: Partnership Committee members To be noted.

1. Somerset County Council Jon Doyle, Strategic Manager Economic and Community Infrastructure Commissioning, Flood Water Management and Climate Change

• As the host of the MHAONB service, the issues faced corporately by SCC have a direct impact on the AONB service. • Since the middle of March, all SCC offices (including Charterhouse) have been shut to all staff unless there are specific circumstances e.g. Lack of sufficient connectivity at home, there are wellness or safety issues related to working from home, statutory obligations, work can only be carried out within the office etc. • A great deal of staff had been redeployed to support the Covid effort and it is expected that hundreds of staff will be redeployed again over the coming months to support such activities as mass-testing and the roll-out of the vaccine • The initial lockdown period, which coincided with a time where millions of people around the country were furloughed from their jobs and prevented from travelling abroad, took advantage of the relatively dry weather to come to the Somerset countryside in record numbers. Between May and July 2020 visitor Numbers were double that compared to those of 5 years previous with exponentially higher numbers using the SCC owned car parks. • The impact of the national restrictions have had a significant impact on the economy of the region. There are 24,000 fewer jobs in the South West overall compared to this time last year with an increase in unemployment rate from 2.6% to 4.1% over the last 12 months. Mendip seems to have been particularly affected with the percentage of those who are of working age who are claiming out of work benefit increasing from 2.3% in March to 5.3% in November. This is the only District in Somerset to have an increase higher than the South West average. • The national restrictions, the decrease in economic activity and fewer people travelling to work (either due to working from home, furlough or unemployment) had a profound effect on the number of vehicles on the road in Somerset with traffic levels decreasing by more than 60% in April and May to levels not seen since 1955 . • The increased risks and national restrictions also meant a number of changes to SCC’s policies and protocols in site visits and other interactions with the public. A number of Travellers encampments appeared in the Mendip district during the lockdown months, however due to the public health response to the coronavirus pandemic, SCC have adopted a position of not enforcing against unauthorised encampments. • The redeployment of staff and the reprioritisation of a number of services and activities meant that a number of key planned pieces of work had been delayed for a period of time. The Climate Emergency Strategy which has been co-produced between Somerset County Council and the four District Councils was initially planned to be adopted by the five authorities during the summer, but is now planned to be

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

adopted by the end of November. The Mendip Hills AONB and the other protected landscapes within the county will play a key part in the delivery of the goals of the Strategy.

2. Bath and North East Somerset Di Sheppard, Planning and Environmental Policy

• B&NES Rural Landscapes LCA review, strategy + specific landscape sensitivity assessments for trees & woodlands, wind power and possibly Solar is being carried out by Land Use Consultants (LUC). Both AONBs will be consulted with other stakeholders at some point in the early spring and we look forward to your input to help us with the landscape strategy and sensitivity work. The project is due to complete by the end of May 2021. • B&NES Tree and Woodland Delivery Plan – It was hoped that this could have been progressed earlier this year but this has not been possible. Currently we are re-writing the brief for Consultants and hope to commission before Christmas or very early new year. It is expected that the landscape sensitivity work will feed directly into the plan which will be looking at tree and woodland planting and management delivery mechanisms throughout the council area as well as in relation to council-owned land but with a focus on planting. Right tree right place will be a key theme as will partnership working. In the meantime there will be a programme of tree planting on council-owned land this planting season.

• The Council is currently looking at the best mechanisms to progress an Ecological Emergency Action Plan

• The loss of Sarah Jackson as GI Co-ordinator has been a major blow and currently only half of her role is being carried out in relation to planning policy work. Partnership and project work is largely on hold until the situation is resolved. This impacts on progress of the Chew Valley Recreational Trail and the AONB Link project.

3. Mendip District Council Rachel Tadman, Development Management

Since March the Council offices in Shepton Mallet have been closed and Officers have been almost permanently working from home, aside from very brief visits to the office. Whilst Officers are used to working at home at least 2 days a week the overnight transition to permanent working from home has required significant changes in process and workarounds to deliver a paperless process. IT capacity has been a particular problem for Planning Officers which has caused a difficult working environment and has resulted in delays to the processing of planning applications.

After an initial dip in application receipts, at last check we were experiencing a 10% rise in applications in comparison with last year, although the majority of these are householder applications rather than larger proposals.

A major issue has been the receipt of Natural England advice informing all Somerset Councils that, in light of a court Judgement (known as Dutch N) and the unfavourable condition of the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar Site, before determining a planning application that may give rise to additional phosphates within the catchment, a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) should be undertaken. The types of development include:

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

• New residential units - including tourist accommodation, gypsy sites /pitches • Commercial developments - new commercial floorspace including extensions to existing, change of use from one business to another where there is an increase in employees and/or to a use that would impact on wastewater • Agricultural Development - additional barns, slurry stores etc. where it is likely to lead to an increase in herd size • Prior Notifications of agricultural development where, as a result of the development, the herd size may increase. Also, prior notifications for change of use of office to dwellings and agricultural buildings to dwellings • Anaerobic Digesters • Possibly some tourism attractions

The advice was accompanied by a map showing ‘an area of risk’, which includes a significant part of the AONB within the Mendip District, and has meant that decisions on all relevant applications currently under consideration or are received in due course, will experience significant delays and are highly likely to need to put in place appropriate mitigation measures before permission can be granted. We are currently working jointly with all the Somerset Councils to understand this issue in more detail and to bring forward a joint Phosphate Strategy to bring forward some short, medium and long term solutions. Further information can be found on our website: https://www.mendip.gov.uk/phosphates

• When the Recycling Centres were closed at the start of the first lock down, we saw an increase in flipping, however, this was at our known hotspot areas, not necessarily new areas. This has reduced to normal levels again. • Climate and Ecological Emergency - MDC is preparing a number of elements in response to this - all information can be found on our website and will go through normal consultation and engagement processes.

4. North Somerset Council Samantha Phillips, Natural Environment Officer All of our outdoor services continued as normal (grounds maintenance/tree works/street cleansing/highways)

Public rights of way were probably impacted the most with huge increase in usage, resulting with higher than usual requests for vegetation clearance, path repairs and infrastructure issues. Land owner concerns with gates being left open etc (I will see if I can get any more information from our PROW team to localised issues before the meeting)

Open spaces had a similar high increase in use, relating in litter and anti-social behaviour issues. We had to close Abbots Pool LNR due to the level of issues. We had issues on Uphill Hill of gates being left open, litter and damage to infrastructure. Large increase in people having BBQs on site also

5. Natural England Jo Lewis, Team Leader for Avon and Mendips

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

• Natural England own and manage two National Nature Reserves within the Mendips Hills AONB, Ebbor Gorge and Rodney Stoke. During the initial stages of lockdown 1 all Natural England staff were unable to go out on site unless there was an emergency need to do so. This meant the Reserve team were unable to visit either reserve to inspect site condition and had to rely on members of the public, or in most instances the AONB team, to be their eyes and ears on the ground and report issues. • Ebbor Gorge – As the larger of the 2 sites, and because it has a car park, this saw the largest increase in visitors. Initially the car park was closed to deter people from visiting but the gates were cut open with bolt cutters within days and subsequently a very large number of people visited the site through lock down 1. • Increased visitor number led to increased incidents of vandalism, fly tipping and litter in and around the car park and within the NNR. Also neighbouring landowners were impacted on with increased use of the footpaths around the NNR spreading the issues of litter and dog (and human) poo to their land. • We found it immensely helpful that the AONB team were out and about during this period and were able to report issues they spotted to us quickly allowing us to come out and deal with them. • Since returning to site we have repaired damaged infrastructure in the car park and enhanced fencing, boundaries and signage using more robust materials. We have taken the decision to remove the car park gates, as these weren’t very effective anyway and because we did not want to encourage parking on the road which is not suitable for it. • Rodney Stoke – This is a less visited site with no real carparking. However, it also saw more visitors than normal which led to more issue being flagged to us. Issues raised here were more related to the difficulties physically accessing the site e.g. awkward stiles rather than vandalism or litter. These have not been dealt with by the Reserve Team. • Other work – We were able to continue our agri-environment work within Mendip albeit with reduced site visits and have been able to progress a number of new Countryside Stewardship agreements and HLS extensions. • Going forward we have revised procedures in place allowing our Reserve staff to operate more normally through the current (and any future) lockdowns. We have also taken on additional staff within our reserve team so should be able to increase our Mendip Reserve activity.

• Nationally, NE have seen an increase in visitor numbers, and a change in relationship between people and their environment. Focus on pushing the countryside code and messaging around responsible use.

6. Avon Wildlife Trust Claire Sissons, Living Landscape Assistant Reserve Impact Dolebury Warren Increased littering and small fires, most likely from groups of young people who did not have anywhere to socialise during lockdown. Increased footfall and dog walking. Weekly volunteer group unable to operate, this group is staff-led so slower to get started again. Hellenge Hill Generally experience less footfall. Volunteer warden lives locally and informally checked sites during lockdown within guidance. Weekly volunteer Purn Hill group unable to operate. Lack of management (especially on the grassland) will have an impact into next year.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Walborough The most well-used of AWT Mendips reserves, impact on infrastructure has been more noticeable than at other sites. Section of boardwalk, a stile, and some fencing all need urgent repairs or replacement. Increased visitor numbers is likely to have impacted on local residents with parking mostly on residential streets nearby. All Increased footfall and associated impact on infrastructure, slight increase in littering and anti-social behaviour, reduced management due to cancelled volunteer groups and staff furlough/redundancy. Additional management from community and corporate groups has not been possible. Loss of income continues to impact the organisation.

7. Somerset Wildlife trust Pippa Rayner, Engaging with Nature Coordinator

Positive impacts of Covid-19: - Increased engagement with, and valuing of, nature

People having time to stop and tune in to nature, finding comfort in its constancy and beauty, in their local area. - Increased recognition of the value of wildlife for wellbeing

Across many sectors and demographics, people have realised or re-discovered the benefits of nature for wellbeing. - Broadening demographics of visitors

New audiences valuing time outside in their local area, giving potential for ongoing connection with nature and support of nature conservation and restoration in Mendip. - Increased interest in volunteering

Large surge in interest particularly for outdoor and flexible roles – people furloughed, people out of work, people valuing time in nature. We’ve struggled to respond due to current restrictions plus staff capacity to support but there is a lot of potential if we can offer the right opportunities. - Volunteer support invaluable

Volunteers have helped in many ways during this challenging time, including in reporting issues on sites local to them, undertaking conservation work once possible and within restrictions, and undertaking training with us to lead volunteer groups, which will be really beneficial. - Acceptance by audiences of new working methods

Audience flexibility and understanding has enabled us to establish new ways to deliver our work such as delivery of online events and meetings with communities, volunteers and partners. This provides many benefits, including reduction in travel and accessibility to wider audiences.

Negative impacts of Covid-19: - Increased visitor pressure on facilities such as car parking, access routes

Staff blocked in/out of reserves by inconsiderate parking– AONB team helped to manage but likely to be an ongoing issue – need for longer-term solution (as will be discussed at the meeting). - Impact of increased visitor numbers on management of ash dieback safety works

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

More visitors to manage whilst staff capacity reduced (furlough, reduced volunteer support), plus not able to meet on-site with key partners has made this work harder, at a time that is pivotal for dealing with ash dieback. - Increased anti-social behaviour such as vandalism, littering, fires/bbqs and disturbance Detrimental to both wildlife and people.

- Increased dog attacks on livestock

Coordinated response required to educate dog owners. - Increase in poaching on nature reserves

Incredibly difficult to manage other than reporting the incidents to the police and perhaps signage in the areas worst affected. - Broadening demographics of visitors

Not all are countryside-savvy – gates left open, obstructive parking, anti-social behaviour, dog attacks on livestock etc. - Disruption to volunteering

Loss of Volunteer Reserve Assistant and Conservation Volunteer group support has hugely impacted ongoing management of nature reserves. Existing 2020 Wildpaths trainees (one based in Mendip) had their placements cut short and recruitment for two new trainees (one in Mendip) postponed. Monitoring of sites by volunteers also ceased. This reduction in volunteer support will continue to have a major impact on our habitat management work on our nature reserves. - Increased reliance on volunteers

Volunteer support has been immensely valuable during this time, but care must be taken to ensure exploitative roles are not offered, particularly the type that really should be paid jobs aimed at out- of-work young people. There is an ongoing need to work together across the county to ensure we offer a range of fair, rewarding, genuine volunteer opportunities. - Disruption of project/work programme delivery including events

Huge disruption to delivery including to Mendip Hills Facilitation Fund, Mendip Hills Wildlife Links, Mendip Woodlands and Wildflowers, Mendip Habitats Fit for the Future and site monitoring work, due to staff furloughing and restrictions on ways of working. - Reduction in income

Reduction in income directly impacts our ability to conserve and restore nature, raise awareness and engage communities in Mendip.

8. North Somerset Parish Clerks Mike Adams, Parish Clerk Rep

All nine parish clerks were contacted in the week beginning Monday 9 November.

Emerging themes are:

• The unevenness of experiences

• The excellent, often magnificent, response of residents and their councils

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

• The need to respond to the great influx of visitors in popular areas

Areas frequented by visitors, have experienced a great influx, perhaps greater in this second lockdown. There have been some negative effects – parking expanding beyond the usual bounds, litter and dog mess. Areas which maintain public toilets have experienced misuse and damage; ‘boredom’ being a possible factor.

Burrington initially closed their toilets but found this led to hygiene problems so they were forced to reopen. The cost of running their toilets is 150% of their income so they have to seek additional support in normal times.

Blagdon has had damage to toilets that are now locked at night and to a bus shelter, whose wood- shingled roof needs to be replaced.

On the other side of the coin, communities have come together to support the vulnerable amongst them – young and old. Several councils have set up resilience committees encompassing everything from Covid-19 to snowfalls.

Hutton for example, have 70 community volunteers who help the 60 identified vulnerable in the community. Their only problem has been an increase in fly-tipping.

Banwell is divided into 21 sections in its Covid plan, each with its own co-ordinator. There are 110 volunteers in total, 60 of whom are doing visiting work such as delivering groceries and meals. A Christmas ‘dinner’ is planned for 21st December.

Recommend

Extension of existing car parks if only with chippings along verges

Similar protection for popular walking routes where they are becoming a quagmire

Financial support for the minority of councils experiencing additional costs

Feed into “Somerset Together Group” and other groups bringing people together

CCTV to act as deterrent in most vulnerable areas

9. Mendip Society Richard Frost, Chairman

The six videos on our website showing and featuring the Hills has been very well received and has been featured on many other in independent sites as well. We have had a slow uptake on members submissions, which is probably due to a natural resistance to digital technology.

Our Planning Officers continue to work well with Judith Chubb-Whittle, the new AONB Officer. They have created a good working relationship which bodes well for the future.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

To date the Committee has not received a sign of anyone wishing to take over the role of Chairman when Richard Frost steps down after four years in office. We may have to look outside the Society or even run the Organisation without this post being filled and with the many tasks being shared by the Committee.

Our usual walks & talks programme continue to be badly affected by Covid 19 and members are creating their own bubble to continue this popular pastime. We are trying to promote a series of "virtual" walks on our website which has been received with varying degrees of success. The growth of walking has seen an increase in popularity, and this has been reflected in the growth of figures reflected in car park usage. We note that the AONB are to consider using "Marshalls" to control parking and I feel the Society could assist in this as those members who cannot indulge in walking any more could be able and willing to do this task. We feel that the Virus problem has highlighted the need for extending the present parking facilities and support plans to create more of them.

We are still trying to forge ahead with our ideas to support the growth and maintenance of Mendip trees, and are in the process of talking with the Woodland Trust and SWT to achieve this.

We continue our Grant Scheme and have made contributions towards the Wells and Mendip Museum, the Mendip Times, and the Legal Fund to support the anti-Airport Expansion plans. We feel that this one section of Transport is the main cause of local pollution in our area. We have also supported the costs of publishing "Mendipity" which is Sue Gearings latest book of walks from this highly popular and well-known resident.

As a result of Covid 19 on this year’s activities, we will not be requesting a fee for existing members for 2021.

10. The Trails Trust Rachel Thompson, The Trails Trust

Access report on the ELM test TTT in partnership with Tim Haselden from the AONB Unit, together with Pippa Langford (NE) and external agricultural consultants have been undertaking Environmental Land Management (ELMS) Test for access with enhanced biodiversity. Halfway through the work with around 100 routes surveyed, looking at multiuser access. Using a newly devised questionnaire, we have interviewed 11 landowners so far, with surprisingly positive results, despite the fact they’ve had lots more people on their land, and more user issues. Landowners so far appear keen to engage with ELMs ideals: Creating, improving access and ensuring maintenance of routes, with reference to access and biodiversity. 38 more landowners still to interview, across the whole of the AONB area from WSM to Wells to the Chew Valley. Landowners are being paid £100 each to engage. RT recommends that the AONB Partnership should look to increasing user education.

The Trails Trust report on the progress of the ELM Test 159 – how to incentivize access and biodiversity

Ninety-two community aspirational routes have been identified with reference to the Rights of Way Improvement (ROWIP) plans and other data.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

The routes have been surveyed where public access permits and scored according to ROWIP priorities, access data and a photographic record made. The Mendip Hills AONB unit is following up with biodiversity surveys and suggestions for improvements that could be carried out within a new scheme. Nine interviews have been conducted by the test agriculture consultants and facilitators with test area participants using a questionnaire and data capture sheets designed by the team and approved by DEFRA and its partners ADAS. An interim report is to be forwarded to Defra at the end of the November milestone (8).

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Mendip Hills AONB Partnership Committee

Committee meeting date: 19th November 2020 Paper: B Title: Managing Visitors to the Mendip Hills AONB Presented by: Jim Hardcastle For discussion. Proposal: The Mendip Hills AONB Unit should play an active role in managing visitors to the AONB.

1.0 Background and Proposal 1.1 Some AONB managers say that it is not the role of an AONB Unit to be actively involved in dealing with visitor management issues. Quote, "AONBs and their teams are not ‘National Parks lite’. AONB Partnership staff teams do not have the remit, formal purposes or resources for visitor management on this scale, often across a very large area. Crucially, we can’t give the impression that we actually have a significant role in dealing with this problem, as it raises expectations we can’t (and I’d argue shouldn’t) meet”.

1.2 Defra’s core functions of an AONB Unit (Appendix 1, p44, Mendip Hills AONB Management Plan 2019- 24) make no reference to visitor management.

1.3 The Mendip Hills AONB Unit could deliver direct visitor management in the spring and summer of 2020 because they had capacity with no volunteer practical tasks, no events and projects on hold, but as these aspects of work return next summer the capacity will be reduced.

1.4 There is an expectation of increased numbers of visitors to the AONB next year, including a proportion of people that are inexperienced in the countryside. There will still be restrictions on foreign travel, and many people will not want to travel abroad until widespread use of vaccinations. Family incomes will be reduced due to the rise in unemployment.

1.5 The Mendip Hills AONB Unit has a history dating back to the early 1980’s with the Mendip Wardens Service of dealing in a reactive way to visitor pressures. The AONB Unit fulfilled that type of role during 2020 for example with staff from the Unit working every weekend during the school summer holidays and undertaking patrols of the visitor car parks at least twice weekly throughout spring and summer. Staff assisted in a wide variety of ways during these site visits; litter picks, providing directions and route recommendations, marshalling car parks and closing them where necessary and placing leaflets on vehicles blocking gates. As many site management staff from other organisations could not get to their sites the AONB Unit provided the only regular presence. In the office the Unit dealt with many enquiries via the phone and through social media.

1.6 For 2021 the AONB Unit will proactively provide better pre-visit information to visitors in regards to alternative car parks, additional recommended routes away from hot-spots and a wider variety of routes to suit different needs. A new cohort of volunteer rangers will be recruited and trained in the new year.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

1.7 The AONB Unit propose the Partnership support the Unit’s desire to provide a proactive and reactive response to visitor pressure, acknowledging the benefits of direct management on the ground and helping to identify additional resources to deliver this.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Mendip Hills AONB Partnership Committee

Committee meeting date: 19th November 2020 Paper: C Title: Visitor Car Parks and Sustainable Transport Solutions for the AONB. Presented by: Jim Hardcastle. Mendip Hills AONB Manager Proposal 1: The AONB Unit should have a series of over-flow car park options in place for peak periods. Proposal 2: The AONB Partnership should support and promote the development of sustainable transport solutions for the AONB.

1.0 Background 1.1 2020 resulted in the visitor car parks across the AONB reaching maximum capacity on a regular basis with lay-bys and verges being used. Blackmoor Reserve car park was informally closed on at least 3 occasions by the AONB Unit as cars were blocking each other. Stockhill Forest car park has a capacity of 55 cars (the single biggest visitor car park on the plateau) and reached capacity on at least 4 occasions, it will have happened on more occasions, but the data is only recorded when the AONB Unit visited. The busiest recorded week resulted in 1079 cars in the 12 car parks regularly monitored.

1.2 For many years there has been an un-written policy of providing small car parks across the AONB to absorb the visitors while also directing visitors to stop in villages and support the local services. There has been a presumption against the development of large purpose-built visitor car parks and the opportunity for the associated provision of this has not presented itself. The current AONB visitor guide only focuses on 8 sites that have a car park.

1.3 For the last 20 years there has been no increase in the provision of visitor car parks. There has been a reduction in bus services and there has been an increase in visitors. Classically visitor car parks are under-used for most of the year and at peak times are not large enough to meet demand. 2020 has shone a spotlight on the issue of visitor car parks and while policy should not be based on the extreme circumstances of 2020 alone the AONB Unit propose the Partnership discuss the matter.

1.4 One option is a series of over-flow car parks that could be put in place to cope with foreseen peak periods. There are known existing sites that could be used for instance Mendip Raceway, there may also be other venues on farms that offer hard-standing and access to the right of way network. Issues arising from this solution are compliance with any operating guidelines, consistent visitor signage put in place to provide directions, an increase in traffic to currently quiet areas and what consultation should be put in place with residents?

1.5 The AONB Unit is looking at providing up-to-date pre-visit information that can guide visitors to underused car parks and away from sites at capacity but this type of information, mainly provided digitally, will not be accessed by all.

Proposal 1: The AONB Unit should have a series of over-flow car park options in place for peak periods.

1.5 In an ideal-world visitors would have many other options to choose how they enter the AONB. There are very few bus routes, and even fewer that visit the plateau, the Strawberry Line is the only level route in for cyclists and walkers and the topography itself presents a physical challenge.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

1.6 Given local authorities have declared climate emergencies and are pursuing Net Zero targets the lack of provision for alternative means of visiting the Mendip Hills AONB needs to be addressed. What schemes are local authorities aware of or developing that could provide sustainable solutions for visitors, especially the sites on the plateau? Are there opportunities for visitor park and ride schemes to operate at peak periods?

Proposal 2: The AONB Partnership should support and promote the development of sustainable transport solutions for the AONB.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB Mendip Hills AONB Unit Charterhouse Centre, Blagdon, BS40 7XR [email protected] 01761 462338 www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk

Mendip Hills AONB Partnership Committee Committee meeting date: 19th November 2020 Paper: D Title: AONB Unit Update Activity Plan 2020-2021 & 2021-2022 Presented by: Jim Hardcastle. Mendip Hills AONB Manager To be noted.

Mendip Hills AONB Unit Activity Plan 2020-21

NAAONB Metrics (DRAFT) 1. Hectares of land created, conserved or enhanced for natural beauty through the work of AONB Teams 2. Number of heritage assets where the Condition or setting has been conserved or enhanced by the work of AONB Teams 3. Number of people engaged through the work of AONB Teams 4. Number of partnerships (steering groups, research initiatives, etc) where the AONB Team promotes the delivery of the AONB Management Plan 5. Number of Strategies or development schemes appraised by AONB Teams for compliance with the AONB Management Plan 6. The complexity of planning consultation cases and the effectiveness of AONB Team comments 7. Total value of work delivered directly or secured by the work of AONB Teams

1. Conserve & Enhance Work Area Action Lead MGT Delive NAAON NE Action Progress report RAG (Red, Plan ry Plan B KPI Plan Area Amber, Obj. ref. Green) Blackmoor Coordinate management plans TH L1, L2, 6.3.1 1,2 Greener Blackmoor: AMBER Reserve and and instigate works that R1, farming; Currently no grazier is willing to graze the site, Deer Leap conserve and enhance these LM2, (Resilient despite the offer of payment. Still awaiting sites, based around existing P1, P2, landscapes; approval from DCMS for Scheduled Monument countryside stewardship P3 Building Consent, meaning pond and car parks works schemes. partnerships) have been delayed. Site signage in place. Develop interpretation project 2 x bridges repaired. plans and work with SWHT to deliver improvements. Deer Leap:

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Develop bids to fund additional Fencing complete. works outside the HLF project. Site signage installed.

Defra ELMs Work with The Trails Trust to TH L1, 2.2 1,2,3,4 Greener Contributed to questionnaire development GREEN Test provide AONB focused advice, BG2, 4.2.4 farming; with particular focus on biodiversity section. carry out surveys and provide BG4, 6.1.3 (Resilient biodiversity recommendations R1,3, landscapes; Completed route surveys and write-ups with for sample access routes, and R4 Building biodiversity suggestions for routes. carry out questionnaires with LM1,L partnerships) landowners. M2,D2 , Mendip Way Updating the Mendip Way TH R1, R2, 4.1 1,4 Connecting Progressing Uphill signage with NS Council. AMBER online resources - promoting R3, R4, 4.2 people with responsible recreation and P1, P2 nature Review way marking on route at Bleadon to balance with conserving the Loxton. landscape, through joined-up initiatives. Met SCC Tourism Officer (24/9) on site. Mendip Way part of tourism recovery bids. Access and interpretation enhancements on the Mendip Way. Limestone Link Improve signage at start/end. TH R1, R2, 1, 4 Connecting Contact Cotswold AONB and Bath Ramblers to RED R3, R4, people with discuss joint initiative and agree signage P1, P2 nature design. Burrington Work with Langford Ct Estate JH L1, 6.3.1 1, 2, 3 Resilient Cotoneaster contract has been delivered. AMBER Commons and NE to identify management BG1, landscapes; solutions. Instigate the existing BG2, (Greener Partnership with Bristol Avon Rivers Trust to management plan. LM2 farming; reduce path/soil erosion at Black Down and to Building improve Ellick entrance area (see below re. partnerships) catchment work).

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Catchment- Work with natural processes to TH N1, 5.2.2 1, 2, 7 Greener Surveys and farm plans completed. TH to liaise GREEN area based improve water quality and N2, farming; with BART to see how farm plans can be work reduce flood risk (NFM) by N3, L1, (Building delivered. assessing watercourses and LM1, partnerships) adjacent land use and tackle LM2, TH to assist BART in securing more funding to failures under Water Framework BG3, work in Chew and Congresbury Yeo catchment Directive (i.e. Chew Valley) BG6 linked to possible multi-beneficial improvements on Black Down. Counting on Instigate a programme of TH P3 4.2.3 1, 4 (Connecting £20k secured from National Grid to appoint a GREEN Mendip regularly downloading visitor people with Visitor Data Project Officer (PT) to manage counter data, fund and install nature; visitor counters and data from other sources. new counters, seek data from Sustainable other sources. development ; Building partnerships) Cheddar Vision Chair the Vision Group to deliver JH R1, R2, 4 (Connecting Produce bids for visitor economy recovery. GREEN Group the action plan. D2 people with nature; Sustainable development ; Building partnerships) Nature Produce a Nature Recovery Plan TH L1, L3, 1, 4 Resilient Work with local partners to collate base maps, GREEN Recovery Plan for the AONB. BG2, landscapes; commission extra services where required by BG3, (Greener other Somerset AONBs, prepare draft plans for BG4, farming; the key habitat areas. N1, Building N2, partnerships) N3, LM1,

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

LM2, LM3 2. Raise Awareness Work Area Action Lead MGT Delive NAAON NE Action Progress report RAG (Red, Plan ry Plan B KPI Plan Area Amber, Obj ref. Green) Special Add SQs to the walk guides and SC L3 4.1.1 3 Connecting Special quality text needs adding. Vol Rangers AMBER Qualities publish. people with to checked routes on the ground, walk text nature needs updating. Mendip Rocks! Work with SESC & Mendip JH BG5, 8.3.1 3, 4 Connecting Cancelled for 2020. SESC staff furloughed. RED Society to organise a BG6, people with programme of events aimed at P3 nature; family groups and people with (Building geological interests during Sept partnerships) and Oct. Promote the programme to SC BG5, 8.3.1 3, 7 Connecting (1,037 in 2016, 1,100 in 2017, 1250 in 2018, RED achieve more visitors and more BG6, people with 1,459 in 2019). income than 2019. P3 nature (£1450.53 in 2016, £1,587 in 2017, £2567.29 in 2018, £3627.22 in 2019)

Mendip Rocks Facebook Likes 31/3/20: 553 April – 558 (+5) May – 558 (0) June – 559 (+1) Sept -568

Enewsletter database 31/3/20: 305 April – 304 (-1) May – 304 (0) June – 304 (0)

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Develop STEM and creative TH / BG5, 8.3.1 3, 7 (Connecting Earth Science Centre now have project officer RED input for 2020, supported via JH BG6, people with working 7 hrs per week to develop the MR! funding bids. P3 nature) programme, currently furloughed though. TH met with officer to provide advice on funding bids. Mendip Env.t Work with Yeo Valley and other JH R2 1.2 1, 4, 7 Connecting Need progress update from Yeo Valley. AMBER Centre stakeholders to create a people with ‘Mendip Environment Centre’ in nature; Burrington Combe. (Building partnerships) MHAONB Increase visitor traffic TO 45000 SC L3, H2, 1.1 3 Connecting Main Website: GREEN Website Users & 60000 sessions on AONB R2, N1, people with 31/3/20: Users 39,591/Sessions 50,412 website. (19/20 = 42,000 & P3 nature April: Users – 1,424/Sessions – 1,871 55,000) May: Users – 7,747/Sessions – 10,305 Increase traffic to sub-sites. June: Users – 6,557/Sessions – 8,823 July: Users – 9030/Sessions – 11,858 Aug: Users – 8893/Sessions – 11812 Sept: Users – 6062/Sessions - 7959 Oct: Users – 5284/Sessions - 7128

Black Down: 31/3/20: Users 747/Sessions 895 April: Users – 73/Sessions – 81 May: Users – 211/Sessions - 237 June: Users – 41/Session – 52

Learning Zone: 31/3/20: Users 1,550/Sessions 1,678 April: Users – 323/Sessions – 346

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

May: Users – 842/Sessions – 944 June: Users – 432/Sessions – 469

Social media Achieve 3200 followers on ALL L3, H2, 1.1 3 Connecting 31/3/20: 2,966 GREEN Twitter R2, N1, people with April – 2,996 (+30) P3 nature May – 3,041 (+45) June – 3,084 (+43) Sept – 3137 (+53) Oct – 3183 (+46) Achieve 3000 likes on Facebook ALL L3, H2, 1.1 3 Connecting 31/3/20: 2,817 GREEN R2, N1, people with April – 2,853 (+36) P3 nature May – 3,052 (+199) June – 3,112 (+60) Sept – 3371 (+259) Oct – 3440 (69) Achieve 9000 views on YouTube ALL L3, H2, 1.1 3 Connecting 31/3/20: 7,689 GREEN channel R2, N1, people with April – 7,773 (+84) P3 nature May – 8,004 (+231) June – 8,261 (+257) Sept – 9029 (+768) Oct – 9188 (+159) Achieve 1600 followers on ALL L3, H2, 1.1 3 Connecting 31/3/20: 1,422 GREEN Instagram R2, N1, people with April – 1,469 (+47) P3 nature May – 1,526 (+57) June – 1,601 (+75) Sept – 1764 (+163) Oct – 1810 (+46)

Enewsletters Distribute a minimum of 24 JH L3, H2, 1.1 3 Connecting April – 1/Partnership – 1/Vols – 2 GREEN enewsletters (12 to the public R2, N1, people with May – 2/Partnership – 1/Vols – 1 list, 12 to the Partnership list) P3 nature June – 1/Partnership – 1/Vols – 1

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Sept – 1/Partnership – 1/Vols 1

Achieve 1000 on the enewsletter ALL L3, H2, 1.1 3 Connecting 31/3/20: 795 AMBER database R2, N1, people with April – 804 (+9) P3 nature May – 822 (+18) June – 850 (+28) Sept – 898 (+48) Oct – 926 (28)

Talks & other Deliver 10 talks & attend JH, L3, H2, 1.1 3, 4 Connecting Three online talks delivered. RED opportunities relevant events TH R2, N1, people with DofE Leaders 12/10/20 29 P3 nature Westbury Society 15/10/20 26 Cheddar Parish Council 27/10/20 16 3. Planning Work Area Action Lead MGT Delive NAAON NE Action Progress report RAG (Red, Plan ry Plan B KPI Plan Area Amber, Obj ref. Green) Planning Liaison with LPAs and other JCW D1, D4 1.1 6 Sustainable Weekly contact. GREEN liaison consultees on development development management and policy ; (Building (strategies and plans). partnerships) Two newsletters to planning JCW D1, D4 1.1 6 (Sustainable Scheduled. GREEN managers (DM & policy) & development planning officers. June & January ; connecting people with nature) GIS workspace to support the JCW D4 5.1 Sustainable Existing database improved. GREEN review of planning matters & development applications

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Landscape Produce updated Landscape JCW D1, D4 7.1 6, 7 Sustainable Existing assessments to be reviewed to ensure AMBER Planning Character Assessment guidance. development no duplication. Guidance Sustaining Landscape Character JCW D1, D4 7.1 6, 7 Sustainable Focussing on Dar Skies SPD and Ash Dieback AMBER within the Mendip Hills AONB – development policy statement. guidance doc to support ; (Resilient planning officers on the landscapes) landscape character areas & special qualities within those areas and planning considerations. Development of paid service for JCW D1, D4 7.1 5, 6 Sustainable On hold. AMBER Pre-application advice from the development AONB Unit in conjunction with ; Local Planning Authorities. Regional Liaise with other AONB planners JCW D1, D4 N/A 4, 5, 6 Building Contributing to national AONB response on GREEN and partner organisations. partnerships; proposed changes to the planning system. (Sustainable development Training Develop a training programme JCW D4, P2 1.1 3 Sustainable Planning an online session that introduces local AMBER for local councillors on AONB development councillors to the planning system and AONBs. and planning system ; (Building partnerships) 4. Involve the Community Work Area Action Lead MGT Delive NAAON NE Action Progress report RAG (Red, Plan ry Plan B KPI Plan Area Amber, Obj ref. Green) Volunteer Submit funding bids and seek TH P1, P2 8.1 7 (Connecting Successful with £1,166 funding from Tesco AMBER Rangers sponsorship to support the people with Bags of Help for volunteer training and tools. volunteer rangers. nature)

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Develop the Mendip Shed to TH P1, P2 8.1 3 Connecting In progress – met with SCC H&S officers and JH AMBER create a base for the volunteer people with speaking to Yeo Valley re. actions. Office RA rangers and other groups to use nature and RAMIS to be completed. LH set up tool and with a functioning workshop. workspace in barn and tool transfer across in progress. Successfully induct a new cohort JH P1, P2 8.1 3 (Connecting On hold, but potentially recruit small number RED of volunteer rangers. people with of community engagement focussed VRs in nature) 2021 depending on coronavirus situation. Plan and deliver the rota of site LH P1, P2, 8.1 1, 2, 3 (Connecting LH in contact remotely with volunteers during AMBER visits, meetings and social R4 people with coronavirus pandemic – phoning VRs, working gatherings nature) with admin volunteer and sending out e- newsletters and H&S advice to volunteers. Volunteering is now allowed for Volunteer Rangers but no practical tasks (Sept 2020) in line with Off-site Covid19 Risk Assessment, which has been written and approved in conjunction with SCC H&S. Volunteers allowed back can’t be classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, must read the RA and guidance provided and have a 1:1 with Lauren. Hand sanitiser and PPE for First Aiders has been ordered and is being issued to Volunteer Rangers and added to the Unit’s First Aid Kits (July’20). Develop the volunteer ranger JH P1, P2, 1.1 3, 7 Connecting Need to incorporate this into post-coronavirus AMBER walks as a tourism product. R4 people with recovery project to support the visitor nature economy. Added this to a potential ‘shovel ready’ project for potential recovery funding. Drystone wall Train 10 volunteers via DSWA. TH P1, P3 2.2.1 3 (Connecting On hold. Added to Green recovery Challenge RED rebuild. people with Fund bids. nature)

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Restore 200m drystone wall via TH P1, P3 2.2.1, 1, 2 Resilient This target may need to be revised in light of RED weekly practical tasks. 3.1 landscapes coronavirus. To be reviewed when current restrictions are lifted. No drystone walling activities are currently permitted (July’20). Practical Task Maintain a weekly programme TH/L P1, P2, 2.2, 1, 2, 3 Connecting On hold. RED Volunteers of tasks focussed around nature H L2 4.2 people with recovery. nature; (Building partnerships) Young Rangers Maintain and promote the 2019- ALL P1, P2, 8.1 3 Connecting Providing online resources to maintain AMBER & Advanced 21 Young Ranger programme L2 people with engagement and learning during Coronavirus with activities aimed at creating nature pandemic. environmental decision makers Young Rangers delivered a summer project to of the future help meet their John Muir Award. https://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/2020/10 /15/young-rangers-one-step-closer-to-their- john-muir-award/ Natural Capital GIS mapping of people’s views, TH H1, 3.2.2 3 Sustainable TH working with ADAS and Natural England to AMBER priorities and memories of the H2, development launch a ‘PGIS’ ecosystem services online tool - landscape. N1, L4, ;(Connecting spatial mapping of people’s perception of an D4, P2, people with area. BG4 nature) Mendip Hills Achieve donations of >£15000 JH P2, P3 8.4 7 Connecting Postpone the awards until February 2021 AMBER Fund people with (bring in-line with financial year), allows groups nature; time to develop ideas and for more funds to (Resilient build up after events postponed. landscapes)

Promote the fund regularly via SC P2, P3 8.4 3 Connecting Use social media to help promote other funds AMBER social media and other outlets people with at present that will help charities and groups Achieve 300 likes on Facebook. nature survive.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Create and distribute targeted Facebook 31/3/20: 259 material to sign up 3 x events April – 266 (+7) and 5 x business supporters. May – 267 (+1) June – 271 (+4) Sept – 291 (+20) Oct – 303 (+12)

Administer the panel to meet in JH P2, P3 8.4 3, 4 (Building Meet in November and February 2021. AMBER November and March partnerships)

Promote ‘Donr’ text giving SC P2 8.4 7 Connecting Being promoted on website and social media AMBER service for the fund and AONB people with now. Unit. nature Nature & Work with SWT and other TH P1, P2, 8.2.2 3, 4 (Building Successful (via SWT) with £290K funding from GREEN Wellbeing partners to deliver the project to L3, R4, partnerships) National Lottery Community Fund for support work with groups and N1 ‘Somerset Nature Connections’ project across individuals with mental health 3 Somerset AONBs incl. Mendip Hills. conditions and special Discovery Community Fund application for educational needs to deliver £50K match funding successful. This was activities focussed on improving significant match funding. people’s health and wellbeing through contact with nature / Project Manager now recruited and project landscape staff recruitment started.

5. Partnership, Management, Regional & National Work Work Area Action Lead MGT Delive NAAON NE Action Progress report RAG (Red, Plan ry Plan B KPI Plan Area Amber, Obj ref. Green) Partnership Administer 2 x meetings per year JH ALL N/A 4 Connecting September meeting delivered. AMBER minimum. people with nature;

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Building partnerships

OSG Administer 4 x meetings per year JH ALL N/A 4 Building JH to contact OSG officers individually for AMBER minimum partnerships updates.

Regional Actively participate in regional ALL ALL N/A 4 Building Somerset Nature Connections. GREEN representation and Somerset wide partnerships Somerset Nature Recovery Plans. environmental partnerships that Somerset Local Nature Partnership will benefit the Mendip Hills and Mendip District Council Strategic Tourism Grp protected landscapes

National Attend NAAONB meetings, ALL ALL N/A 4 Building AONB Rebrand Group AMBER representation contribute to responses, forums partnerships National Planning Consultation Work and communications National Green Recovery Challenge Fund bid

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

AONB Unit Activity Plan 2021-2022 6. Conserve & Enhance Work Area Action Lead MGT Plan Delivery NAAONB NE Action Plan Area Progress RAG (Red, Obj. Plan ref. KPI report Amber, Green) Nature Produce a Nature Recovery Plan for TH L1, L3, BG2, 2.2.2 1, 4 Resilient landscapes; (Greener Recovery Plan the AONB. BG3, BG4, farming; Building partnerships) (NRP) N1, N2, N3, LM1, LM2, LM3 Woodland Prepare a woodland action plan TH L1, L4, BG1, 2.2.1 1 Action Plan incorporating a ‘landbank’ and BG2, LM1, support for a local tree nursery. LM2, LM3 Blackmoor Coordinate management plans and TH L1, L2, R1, 6.3.1 1,2 Greener farming; Reserve and instigate works that conserve and LM2, P1, P2, (Resilient landscapes; Building Deer Leap enhance these sites, based around P3 partnerships) existing countryside stewardship schemes.

Blackmoor: Mitigation works for ash dieback.

Deer Leap: Improve the car park. Restore the barn. Defra ELMs Work with The Trails Trust to provide TH L1, 2.2 1,2,3,4 Greener farming; Test AONB focused advice, carry out BG2, BG4, 4.2.4 (Resilient landscapes; Building surveys and provide biodiversity R1,3, R4 6.1.3 partnerships) recommendations for sample access LM1, routes, and carry out questionnaires LM2,D2 with landowners.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Mendip Way Updating the Mendip Way online TH R1, R2, R3, 4.1 1,4 Connecting people with nature resources. R4, P1, P2 4.2 Establish a Walkers are Welcome group in Wells.

Limestone Link Improve signage at start/end. TH R1, R2, R3, 4.1 1, 4 Connecting people with nature R4, P1, P2 4.2 Catchment- Work with established partners to TH N1, N2, N3, 5.2.2 1, 2, 7 Greener farming; (Building area based support projects in the AONB. L1, LM1, partnerships) work LM2, BG3, BG6 7. Raise Awareness Work Area Action Lead MGT Plan Delivery NAAONB NE Action Plan Area Progress RAG (Red, Obj Plan ref. KPI report Amber, Green) NRP Prepare a strategy for involving the JH P1, P2 1.1 3 Connecting people with nature Community community in the understanding and Engagement delivery of the NRP. Plan Heritage Plan Initiate the review of the Mendip Hills JH H1, H2, H3 3.1 2, 3, 4 Connecting people with nature Heritage Plan.

Mendip Rocks! Work with SESC & Mendip Society to JH BG5, BG6, P3 8.3.1 3, 4 Connecting people with nature; organise a programme of events (Building partnerships) aimed at family groups and people with geological interests during Sept and Oct. Visitor Provide increased levels of pre-visit JH L1, L3, R1, 4.3.2 3, 4 Connecting people with nature; information information for visitors via digital R2, R3, D3 (Building partnerships) media.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Seek funding for a Sustainable TH R1, R2, R3, R4 4.3 3, 4, 7 Connecting people with nature Tourism Officer to focus on distributing visitors and diversifying audiences. Mendip Env.t Work with Yeo Valley and other JH R2 1.2 1, 4, 7 Connecting people with nature; Centre stakeholders to create a ‘Mendip (Building partnerships) Environment Centre’ in Burrington Combe. MHAONB Increase visitor traffic to 50,000 SC L3, H2, R2, 1.1 3 Connecting people with nature Website Users & 65,000 sessions on AONB N1, P3 website. (20/21 = 45,000 & 60,000)

Social media Achieve 3500 followers on Twitter ALL L3, H2, R2, 1.1 3 Connecting people with nature N1, P3

Achieve 3200 likes on Facebook ALL L3, H2, R2, 1.1 3 Connecting people with nature N1, P3

Achieve 10000 views on YouTube ALL L3, H2, R2, 1.1 3 Connecting people with nature channel N1, P3

Achieve 2000 followers on Instagram ALL L3, H2, R2, 1.1 3 Connecting people with nature N1, P3

Enewsletters Distribute a minimum of 24 JH L3, H2, R2, 1.1 3 Connecting people with nature enewsletters (12 to the public list, 12 N1, P3 to the Partnership list) Achieve 1100 on the enewsletter ALL L3, H2, R2, 1.1 3 Connecting people with nature database. N1, P3

Talks & other Deliver 10 talks, including online JH, TH L3, H2, R2, 1.1 3, 4 Connecting people with nature opportunities events & attend relevant events. N1, P3

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Annual Forum Organise and deliver an annual forum JH, RC L3, H2, N1, 8.3 3 Connecting people with nature for the public to raise awareness of P1, P2, P3 the special qualities of the AONB. 8. Planning Work Area Action Lead MGT Plan Delivery NAAONB NE Action Plan Area Progress RAG (Red, Obj Plan ref. KPI report Amber, Green) Planning Establish a planning liaison group that JCW D1, D4 1.1 6 Sustainable development; liaison meets on a regular basis. (Building partnerships) Two newsletters to planning JCW D1, D4 1.1 6 (Sustainable development; managers (DM & policy) & planning connecting people with nature) officers. June & January GIS workspace to support the review JCW D4 5.1 6 Sustainable development of planning matters & applications Landscape Produce updated Landscape JCW D1, D4 7.1 6, 7 Sustainable development Planning Character Assessment guidance. Guidance Regional Liaise with other AONB planners and JCW D1, D4 N/A 4, 5, 6 Building partnerships; partner organisations. (Sustainable development

Training Develop a training programme for JCW D4, P2 1.1 3 Sustainable development; local councillors on the AONB special (Building partnerships) qualities and planning system 9. Involve the Community Work Area Action Lead MGT Plan Delivery NAAONB NE Action Plan Area Progress RAG (Red, Obj Plan ref. KPI report Amber, Green) Somerset Work with SWT and other partners to TH P1, P2, L3, 8.2.2 3, 4 Building partnerships Nature deliver the project that supports R4, N1 Connections work with groups and individuals with mental health conditions and

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

special educational needs to deliver activities focussed on improving people’s health and wellbeing through contact with nature and landscape. Cheddar Vision Chair the Vision Group to deliver the JH R1, R2, D2 4.1, 4.2, 4 (Connecting people with nature; Group action plan. 4.3 Sustainable development; Building partnerships) Counting on Deliver the Counting on Mendip TH P3 4.2.3 1, 4 (Connecting people with nature; Mendip project to inform partners about Sustainable development; visitor pressures. Building partnerships) Volunteer Submit funding bids and seek TH P1, P2 8.1 7 (Connecting people with nature) Rangers sponsorship to support the volunteer rangers. Develop the Mendip Shed to create a TH P1, P2 8.1 3 Connecting people with nature base for the volunteer rangers and other groups to use with a functioning workshop. Successfully induct a new cohort of JH P1, P2 8.1 3 Connecting people with nature volunteer rangers.

Plan and deliver the rota of site visits, LH P1, P2, R4 8.1 1, 2, 3 Connecting people with nature meetings and social gatherings

Develop the Mending Monday’s LH P1, P2, P3 8.1 1, 2, 3 Connecting people with nature initiative to involve the volunteer rangers in small practical tasks. Develop the volunteer ranger walks JH P1, P2, R4 1.1 3, 7 Connecting people with nature as a tourism product.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Train 10 volunteers via DSWA. TH P1, P3 2.2.1 3 Connecting people with nature

Restore 300m drystone wall via LH P1, P3 2.2.1, 1, 2 Resilient landscapes weekly practical tasks. 3.1

Restore 3 dew ponds via weekly LH P1, P2, P3 2.2.4 1, 2, 3 Connecting people with nature. practical tasks. Resilient landscapes

Deliver 3 x drystone walling taster LH P1, P2, P3 3.1 1, 2, 3 Connecting people with nature. sessions.

Develop the surveying skills of the LH H1, P1, P2, P3 2.1 3 Connecting people with nature. volunteers.

Community Develop, promote and induct JH P1, P2, P3 8.3.2 3 Connecting people with nature. Engagement Community Engagement Volunteers. Volunteers Practical Task Maintain a weekly programme of TH/LH P1, P2, L2 2.2, 4.2 1, 2, 3 Connecting people with nature; Volunteers tasks focussed around the Nature (Building partnerships) Recovery Plan. Young Rangers Maintain and promote the 2019-21 ALL P1, P2, L2 8.1 3 Connecting people with nature & Advanced Young Ranger programme with activities aimed at creating environmental decision makers of the future. Enable the Young Rangers to deliver a LH P1, P2, L2 8.1 3 Connecting people with nature community based project.

Natural Capital GIS mapping of people’s views, TH H1, H2, N1, 3.2.2 3 Sustainable priorities and memories of the L4, D4, P2, development;(Connecting landscape. BG4 people with nature)

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Mendip Hills Achieve donations of >£15000 JH P2, P3 8.4 7 Connecting people with nature; Fund (Resilient landscapes)

Administer the panel to meet in JH P2, P3 8.4 3, 4 Building partnerships November and March

Promote ‘Donr’ text giving service for RC P2 8.4 7 Connecting people with nature the fund and AONB Unit.

10. Partnership, Management, Regional & National Work Work Area Action Lead MGT Plan Delivery NAAONB NE Action Plan Area Progress RAG (Red, Obj Plan ref. KPI report Amber, Green) Partnership Administer 2 x meetings per year JH ALL N/A 4 Connecting people with nature; minimum. Building partnerships

Prepare proposals for changing the JH P2 N/A 4 Building partnerships AONB Partnership in line with the Landscapes Review. Officer Administer 4 x meetings per year JH ALL N/A 4 Building partnerships Support Group minimum

Regional Actively participate in regional and ALL ALL N/A 4 Building partnerships representation Somerset wide environmental partnerships that will benefit the Mendip Hills and protected landscapes National Attend NAAONB meetings, ALL ALL N/A 4 Building partnerships representation contribute to responses, forums and communications

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Management Plan Review – Objectives/Policies Landscape Quality Objectives: L1 Promote appropriate management to ensure that the distinctive Mendip Hills AONB landscape is maintained and enhanced L2 Provide opportunities to acquire and develop skills required to care for and promote the landscape and its special qualities. L3 Increase awareness and appreciation of the purposes of designation and the special qualities of the AONB L4 Increase awareness of the benefits of supporting local products and services that help conserve and enhance the landscape. Biodiversity and Geodiversity Objectives: BG1 Ensure that there is no net loss of characteristic habitats and species. BG2 Promote a landscape scale approach to the conservation and expansion of coherent and resilient ecological networks within and adjoining the AONB. BG3 Increase monitoring and awareness of the biodiversity resource of the Mendip Hills AONB so that it is sufficiently understood to continue to guide the successful conservation of the characteristic habitats and species. BG4 Promote a holistic approach to implementing AONB Management Plan objectives, National Character Area Statements of Opportunity and a locally designated Nature Improvement Area’s objectives BG5 Recognise and celebrate geological sites and features of the Mendip Hills AONB to ensure the successful conservation both of the geology and wildlife habitat they provide. BG6 Increase awareness of the Mendip Hills geology, particularly cave systems in relation to the importance they play in water management and water supply. Historic Environment and Cultural Heritage objectives; H1 Improve the recording, interpretation and understanding of all aspects of the AONBs historic environment to ensure local communities and visitors enjoy a rich experience of the sense of place. H2 Increase awareness and communicate the significance of the high quality historic environment of the Mendip Hills AONB H3 Promote appropriate management of sites, structures and landscapes designated for their international, national, regional or local importance in the historic environment to ensure no further loss of heritage assets. Recreation, Access and Tourism objectives: R1 Maintain, improve and promote public access and quiet recreational activities with measures to ensure access for all in accordance with the purposes of AONB designation. R2 Support the development of tourism and day visits that benefits the local economy, conserves and enhances the landscape and improves understanding of the Mendip Hills. R3 Develop and promote more sustainable methods of travel to and around the AONB for enjoyment and recreation. R4 Support healthy lifestyles by encouraging more people to use the Mendip Hills for sustainable outdoor activities. Natural Resources objectives: N1 Recognise and promote the benefits and relevance of the AONB as a valuable source of ecosystem services, economic and health benefits. N2 Promote conservation of water resources and enhance their quality taking measures to reduce low flows and flooding by appropriate management and use. N3 Promote sustainable management of soils in accordance with best practice to minimise erosion and water pollution and maximise resilience to drought. Land Management objectives: LMI Support sustainable farming to ensure it remains as the principle land use and contributes to maintaining the special qualities of the AONB. LM2 Support and promote rural land management that conserves and enhances natural resources, including biodiversity, landscape character the historic environment and aids public awareness and enjoyment of the Mendip Hills AONB. LM3 Promote a sustainable woodland economy that enhances the Mendip Hills AONB woodlands and wider landscape with targeted woodland management and creation in appropriate locations supporting wood fuel and local community opportunities. LM4 Influence the use, restoration and after use of all quarries to minimise the impact on the landscape and to be compatible with the purposes of designation. Development and Transport Objectives: D1 Working with the local planning authorities, ensure that development in the AONB and its setting is of a nature, scale, location and design that meets community need without compromising the special qualities of the Mendip Hills AONB. D2 Working with the local highways authorities, ensure that the special qualities of the AONB are fully respected in the planning, design, provision and management of all types of transport and associated infrastructure. D3 Encourage reduction in Carbon emissions within the AONB through reducing energy consumption, applying energy conservation measures, encouraging more sustainable patterns of development, and utilising renewable energy generation technologies that are of an appropriate type and scale for their siting. D4 Ensure issues of importance for the management of the AONB landscape are fully reflected in strategies and plans produced by other agencies and local communities. Participation objectives: P1 Increase the opportunities for volunteering and the range of people participating, to benefit the environment, people’s health and well being and local communities in and around the AONB. P2 Encourage the involvement of local people and the wider community in the management of the AONB P3 Promote the Mendip Hills as an educational resource for all ages and encourage sharing of research and l

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB

Mendip Hills AONB Partnership Committee

Committee meeting date: 19th November 2020 Paper: E

Title: National Association for AONB (NAAONB) Update Presented by: Jim Hardcastle, Mendip Hills AONB Manager To be noted. The

1.0 Green Recovery Challenge Fund 1.1 The NAAONB coordinated a £4million bid to the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund, unfortunately this was not unsuccessful. The fund was oversubscribed by £300million.

2.0 National Landscapes Rename 2.1 The Cotswolds National Landscape renamed themselves in late September alongside a campaign called My National Landscape that saw local people from all walks of life talk about what the Cotswolds mean to them. AONB teams are learning from their experience.

2.2 All other AONB Units have decided to rename en masse to gain maximum impact for the story. We are currently waiting for government to respond to the Landscapes Review, which will hopefully be at the end of November 2020. If they plan to take forward the recommendation to rename AONBs as National Landscapes we are ready and willing to deliver this. This would not affect the designation ‘AONB’ – this would purely relate to how we rename ourselves. We have written to Defra indicating how we might take this forward, but resources will be needed to make it happen.

2.3 In the meantime, the rebrand subgroup is continuing to look at gaining insights into our existing audiences and how we can engage meaningfully with new audiences and those people we haven’t reached successfully in the past. This will underpin any renaming work, demonstrating a willingness to consider and, if necessary, adjust our approach rather than just create a new label.

3.0 Environmental Land Management (ELM) Scheme Advocates 3.1 Farm payment systems are changing and will become known as Environmental Land Management schemes, or ELMs. The NAAONB has secured just over £170,000 of funding to carry out advocacy work on ELM in AONBs, this will be divided between the 44 AONBs to enable them to carry out work to form the foundations of the project. It will finish at the end of March 2021. Approximately £5000 has been received by the AONB Unit for training staff members in ELM.

3.2 The project will help raise farmers’ awareness and understanding of: • Public money for public goods • AONB Management Plans as the foundation of a democratic ELM planning process • Regenerative and sustainable agriculture Specific elements of the project include training for National Landscapes staff, online events for farmers and land managers, the creation of ‘farmer to farmer’ video content, and ongoing electronic updates to farmers. It will create a conduit to disseminate information beyond the end of the project which will in turn support future funding bids.

The Mendip Hills AONB Unit promotes and coordinates the conservation and enhancement of the Mendip Hills AONB