Dorset AONB Partnership Board Meeting, 10.00Am, Tues 11Th June

Dorset AONB Partnership Hosted by Dorset Council

County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ

tel: 01305 228246 email: [email protected] web: www.dorsetaonb.org.uk twitter: @DorsetAONB

Dear Board Member

Dorset AONB Partnership Board Meeting, 10.00am, Tues 11 th June 2019

Shire Hall, High West Street, Dorchester

The Shire Hall is on High West Street, a short walk from Dorchester’s Top o Town and only 10 minutes’ walk from the train stations. The meeting will start at 10.00 am sharp, with refreshments from 9.45am. If you are unable to attend it would be helpful if you could send a briefed representative or an update. Please send apologies to Kate Townsend on [email protected]

AGENDA

Welcome, introductions and apologies

1 Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising

2 2-minute Partner updates

3 Delivering the AONB Management Plan (information)

4 AONB Partnership Governance Review (decision)

5 2018-2019 Partnership finance report (information)

6 2018 Landscape Character Assessment (information)

7 Wessex Hillforts & Habitats project (information)

8 Ecosystem Approach Assessment (information)

9 Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve (information)

10 Any other business

Proposed dates of next meetings: Partnership Board: 12 th or 26 th November 2019 Steering Group: 23 rd April 2019

If you wish to have items added to the Board meeting agenda, please ensure suggestions are sent to Tom Munro [email protected] before the Steering Group date so they may be considered by that group.

Shire Hall

2 DRAFT MINUTES of the last Partnership Board meeting (15 th November 2018, Dorchester Cricket Pavilion)

Present : Chairman : Jim White (also Dorset Local Nature Partnership - LNP) Local Authority Members : Cllr Peter Webb (Purbeck District Council), Cllr Hilary Cox (Dorset County Council), Cllr Deidre Skipwith (North Dorset District Council) Sector representatives : Robert Lasseter (National Farmers’ Union - NFU), Rupert Best (Country land and Business Association - CLA), Hannah Jefferson (National Trust), Alison Moore (Local Enterprise Partnership - LEP) Defra family officers : Ian Alexander (Natural England) Local Authority officers : Alison Turnock (Purbeck District Council - PDC), Hilary Jordan (West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland and North Dorset District Council) DAONB Team : Ian Rees (Countryside Officer), James Sharpe (South Dorset Ridgeway Project Manager), Julie Hammon (Stepping into Nature Project Officer), Steph Aburrow (Stepping into Nature), Katharine Wright (Dorset Food & Drink Coordinator), Marie McLeish (South Dorset Ridgeway Learning Projects Manager), Sally King (Visitor, Tourism & Access Manager), Sue Dampney (Communications Officer), Tom Munro (AONB Manager), Jill Hearing (South Dorset Ridgeway Project Officer),

Apologies: Louise Stratton (National Farmers’ Union - NFU), Brian Bleese (Purbeck Heritage Network), Cllr Audrey Burch (North Dorset District Council), Will Langer (CLA), Sam Rose (Jurassic Coast Trust), Mat Low (Natural England), Ken Buchan (Dorset County Council), Sally King (Visitor, Tourism & Access Manager), Kiera Diment (Dorset Food & Drink), Richard Brown (Landscape Planning Officer),

Welcome, introductions and apologies Chairman welcomed all with particular welcome to new Board member Hannah Jefferson (National Trust).

1. Minutes of the last meeting and matters arising These were agreed as correct.

2. Partner updates Dorset County Council (Ken Buchan): Countryside services have been nominated for a LGC Award for their ecological approach to verge maintenance. Durlston Country Park have won £1.8 million of funding from HLF to improve woodlands/ volunteer services etc. Re Local Government Reorganisation a Shadow Chief Executive has been appointed (Matt Prosser) with tier 2 roles being interviewed (update: Executive Director of Place is John Sellgren).

Dorset Councils Partnership (Trevor Warwick): West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Local Plan team going through consultations and analysing responses, due to be published early 2019. NDDC responses nearly all analysed. Due to Local Government re-organisation they won’t be taken forward, likely to be a new plan in 2024 to reflect the new geography, either a single or joint plan with Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole.

North Dorset DC (Cllr Burch): last meeting as a representative on this board.

Purbeck District Council (Cllr Webb): draft PDC Local Plan to be submitted by the end of December, examination early 2019 and expect it will be the only plan that comes into fruition. PW expressed hope that all local authorities coming into Dorset Council have their required land supply allocated, otherwise he fears it will be a developers’ charter.

Weymouth & Portland Borough Council (Cllr Nowak): Apologised for his low attendance in recent years owing to ill health. RN expressed interest in the National Park proposal.

CLA (Will Langer): formulating policies for post-Brexit agricultural support.

NFU (Robert Lasseter): Reported that Brexit is having an impact now; farmers are nervous and have concerns, for example sheep sales are down. Appealed for a slimmer and more streamlined future agri- environment scheme.

Natural England (Matt Low): NE are looking at high-functioning HLS agreements expiring next year and offering the agreement-holders a 4-year extension.

Dorset Association of Parish & Town Councils (Janet Page): Complaint that with LGR Town & Parish Councils will become the 2 nd tier of local government but no one from higher tiers of local government is communicating with them. They will be taking over some services from CC/DC’s and are having to set precepts but are in the dark, this may affect provision for tourists etc. Encouraged better communication.

Purbeck Heritage Network (Brian Bleese): Good visit by PHN to Brownsea giving shape to the Wild Brownsea / Discover Brownsea projects.

Jurassic Coast Trust (Sam Rose): Secured Coastal Communities Fund money for volunteer funding – encouraging volunteers and skills development. Holding a tourism / business event on 22 nd January 2019 and encourage attendance.

3. Delivering the AONB Management Plan TM presented on AONB team delivery.

RESOLUTION: The board approves and notes the progress made towards delivering the AONB Management Plan 2014-2019, and The board approves payment of grant to Dorset Food and Drink CIC to the value of the reserve being held for Dorset Food and Drink purposes.

4. Draft AONB Management Plan 2019-2024 TM presented the paper. Discussion points: a. HC commended work done. b. RL queried if any ‘measures of success’ were adequately included. TM explained the NAAONB are working on guidelines and they will be included if relevant to plan. In comparison to current plan SEA does this, despite best efforts it is not an uphill trajectory e.g. Brit Valley /Marshwood Vale declines although some of it is outside of our remit. This leads on to the Glover Review. c. RB asked if we had considered playing more of a role in electrical generation, TM responded that we are supportive of renewable schemes in keeping with the values of the AONB, but that other areas of the county/country best to deliver this. We are working within our policy framework. d. SR asked if the last plan stood the test of time and if we have considered future proofing the new plan. TM said the Action Plan had dated the most therefore not included one this time. The policies have stood the test of time and in new plan have sharpened them, as well as streamlining / amalgamating some common policies. e. RL asked if we had checked the plans against other AONBs. TM explained worked closely with other AONBs on a similar time frame which has helped to strengthen ours. ACTION: TM to insert section on monitoring and measurables into Chapter 10. TM explained the adoption process - the plan will go to Local Councils before the end of March, then adopted by DCC for a limited period and then presented to the new Dorset Council in 2021 (2-3 years-time).

4 JW congratulated the immense work of the team and review group.

RESOLUTION: The Board a. Approves the edits made to the consultation draft and recognises this version as final subject to a small insertion, “how do we measure success?” b. Recommends it for adoption by the relevant local authorities and partnerships constituent bodies. c. Recognises the effort made by the AONB review group.

5. Review of designated landscapes TM presented the paper and encouraged partners to respond to the on line questionnaire and updated the partners that a National Association response is being worked on with draft ‘asks’ recently published reflecting those in the papers. Discussion points: a. RB queried the extension of the boundary into coastal waters citing Harbour Masters (Portland) would be wary of this and queried the impact it would have on funding for farmers. TM replied that the AONB has a framing role and supports access to funds. b. PK queried future economic opportunities that this could bring, in particular for Portland. RB replied that more long-term investment would have positive effects both on the environment and the economy. c. BB stated the Dorset Coastal seas has a good set of protective designations and hopes links would develop and livelihoods benefit accordingly. d. RN said developers may have a concern that development would be controlled in the area, but others see partnership working as a benefit that enhances opportunities in Portland. e. RB stated that Cruise Liners could be better exploited. f. RL raised concern that AONB raises funding / attracts volunteers as an entity which could be lost if swallowed up by a bigger organisation. TM explained that we are losing out to others who are better placed to bid. BB explained that there are not many funding sources left. SR said the AONB Partnership should be mindful of its own success moving forward and all it has achieved to date. g. RL Asked if this may be an opportunity to change the boundary of the AONB, which is currently difficult to do so. TM explained that this could be possible, Glover is reviewing the current process and will be making recommendations in due course. A list of potential modifications to the boundary is growing – Lamberts Castle, Horn Ash, Portland suggested. h. TM was asked if the team had enough evidence to say how successful it had been and answered not as yet but will gather this evidence together if the proposal accepted. RL urged not to be modest about its achievements. He raised concern that a National Park is not a ‘Living Landscape’ unlike an AONB and that developments could be restricted. He urged for a single point of reference for farmers within the AONB team – a central contact as per the SDR project.

RESOLUTION: The Board approves the nature of the AONB response to the Landscapes Review Call for Evidence and delegates authority to complete and submit a response from the Dorset AONB Partnership to the AONB Manager

Richard Brown and Michael Dower gave a presentation on the Dorset & East Devon National Park Campaign – the link to the full presentation is here i. Discussion points: WL raised queried where the additional funding (£10 million) for National Parks is coming from. RB said it is additional funding from the treasury as Gove wants more NPs in 70th year of NPs. Concern raised that council budget would be cut accordingly from central government so no financial benefit to the council in the long term. RB reassured that this would not happen, council budget would remain the same but less overheads in Countryside Management/Planning so more to spend on other areas of council business. j. MD said AONBs all struggle to reverse decline in bio-diversity mainly due to funding, farmers are also funded to increase output / productivity at detriment to conservation. An increase in funds would help to further landscape conservation and build on AONB work achieved so far.

5 k. TW queried if areas marked in grey on the map would be included (currently not AONB). RB confirmed they could make the case to be included in response to the Glover Review; it is NE’s responsibility to designate new areas. TW said that concerns had been raised to him about the inclusion of towns in any new National Park designation, as they currently are in the Dorset AONB. RB said pressure in designated areas is alleviated but not in areas outside of the designation. AONBs and NPs have the same status but NP authorities have direct responsibility for strategic planning and development control. l. MD explained that NPs have a concern for the well-being of the local population, Rangers are crucial to its success, concerned for farmers to survive, can give pre-application advice to assist applicants re. planning applications, better manage tourist hot spots. Can ensure that the AONB ‘Action Plan’ happens as increased funds means not reliant on others. Timing wise – difficult due to Brexit, Unification and Growth Funds and won’t happen quickly. m. KB asked if NPs deliver Countryside Management, would areas outside of the NP be included? MD said this would be up for discussion and possibly. KB said they currently work in partnership and it would be an issue to lose this. RB said that partners would be no different on a converging agenda. R Best said that they had not consulted businesses in Portland and would not get support of the Port. R Brown said the Port would be outside of the NP. R Best said access would be included though. n. PW asked how, if the planning rules are no different, would more affordable housing be delivered? MD said that NPs can put more resources into bringing forward ‘rural exceptions sites’. o. RL said bureaucracy is an issue for farmers so if there are 2 planning authorities then there would be an extra level of bureaucracy. RB said it would be similar to as it is now – Local Plan for NP area and non- Local Plan for the remainder, both under a common framework. p. HC said that in the next 3 years with government re-organisation this proposal would cut through the 3 new authorities making it very complex. Suggested we don’t include East Devon.

RESOLUTION: The Dorset AONB Partnership Board Invites the Glover review panel to evaluate the opportunity to evolve the AONB into a National Park as a future option for Dorset ACTION: TM to collate any responses from the Board on the NP prospectus, for sending onto RB.

6. Business Plan 2019-2020 Budget Headlines TM presented the paper. RESOLUTION: The board approves the proposed budget and funding priorities for the next financial year.

7. Stepping into Nature presentation SA presented a summary of progress at the halfway point of this stage of the project.

8. Any Other Business JW explained a separate paper had been circulated from LNP inviting the board to endorse their proposed ‘Health and Nature Charter’ which promotes links between nature, health and well-being. RESOLUTION: The board endorses the Health & Nature Charter.

Cllr Peter Webb said that it was his last meeting on the board (due to LGR). He said it had been a pleasure to be a part of it, congratulated the team and others and wished them every success for the future Cllr Hilary Cox said this was the same for her. JW thanked the councillors for their representation and input to the partnership, for some over many years. JW reminded the board that the new Dorset Food and Drink guide is now available and that the Athelhampton Christmas Food Fayre takes place on 24 th /25 th November.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 11 th June 2019 (updated from May 23 rd in order to fit soon after the local elections)

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6 2-minute partner updates

Each AONB Board Member is invited to use no more than 2 minutes to describe the main issues and opportunities relevant to AONB Management from their organisation’s perspectives. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

DELIVERING THE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Item for: Information

Report by: AONB Team

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

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

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

3.1. Action area reporting The following table shows Defra’s expectations of an AONB staff unit and the report headings under which those functions are reported.

3.2. AONB team Richard Brown (AONB Landscape Planning Officer) is leaving the team in late July for a 12-month career break.

7 CORE WORK 3.3. Providing landscape-related planning advice via the Planning Protocol: In 2018-19 the Team were consulted on approx. 160 planning matters. This is a broadly average number in the context of recent years. The AONB Team continue to be engaged in discussion regarding two high profile cases in Studland/Poole, these being the proposals at Knoll House Hotel (Studland) and the Haven Hotel (Sandbanks). Objections to the scale and design proposals have been made and revisions to the proposals are awaited. Proposals for sites of up to approx. 30 dwellings are arising in Purbeck, with applications referring to the emerging Small Sites Policy within the Purbeck Local Plan, to be examined in July 2019. The Team has previously expressed concerns regarding the Policy, which would provide policy support for development of up to 30 homes on the periphery of towns and villages. Applications submitted at Stoborough and Winfrith Newburgh have presented issues regarding the scale and form of small site proposals and the locally significant effects that these may have on settlement form and character.

3.4. Accessing resources / project development INTERREG V (Channel) : Discussions with National Trust, Activate Performing Arts and the Dorset Arts Development Company to develop a transnational programme to develop the tourism offer around natural and cultural heritage has been put on hold due to the uncertainties surrounding Brexit National Grid Landscape Enhancement Initiative: Reconnecting the Ridgeway has been approved (a 3-year programme of activity, total grant value of £199,886). National Lottery Heritage Fund : The team is submitting a bid for approximately £75,000 to the NLHF to support a 12 month period of activity from September 2019 to celebrate the AONB’s 60 th anniversary of designation. The team continue to seek to develop a large programme of activity for a bid to NLHF early in the new year. Sally King met Kelly Marshall, Purbeck Community Rail Partnership in May to discuss opportunities for joint working. Agreed to seek funds to replace old faded ‘Welcome to the Jurassic Coast’ station signs and to include the AONB to help raise awareness of the area’s special qualities. Also aiming to improve information on rail/bus links, and the coast and countryside which can be accessed by public transport

3.5. National Association for AONBs / Protected Landscapes collaboration A summary of NAAONB activity for the last financial year is distributed alongside these papers. AONB Countryside Officer Ian Rees and AONB Culture, Community & Learning Officer Sue Dampney have enrolled with NAAONB-led Heritage Lottery sponsored programme Future Landscapes. This is about AONB family staff development and building resilience in the organisation. They are contributing to working groups focussed on selected priorities across the AONB national family: • The AONB Management Plan process, capturing good practice and sharing learning • Landscapes for Life Week in September, which includes a ‘national moment’ to celebrate the 70 th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act.

3.6. Promotion of the AONB : Website & social media The Dorset AONB website (https://www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/ ) has been updated to make the new Management Plan accessible and to be able to report on progress of the Management Plan more easily through regular project updates to the Board. The Landscape Character Assessment (https://www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/resources/landscape-character-assessment/ ) is also more accessible, linking with the Dorset Explorer map. The updated website will also better promote opportunities for volunteering and exploring. Plans are being developed to celebrate the 60 th anniversary of the Dorset AONB designation from September 2019, starting with a programme of events during Landscapes for Life Week. Activities

8 will highlight the health & wellbeing benefits of the landscape, opportunities for volunteering and the special qualities on which the AONB was designated. Regular newsletters continue to be circulated to c3000 members of the public and local organisations, with news of events, training, activities and project updates. This mailing list is developed through sign ups at public events and through AONB Team contacts. We also now have access to a further 15,000 mailing list through Dorset Council, a great opportunity to spread the AONB word more widely. The South Dorset Ridgeway Explorer Guide is now available and will be circulated through Tourist Information Centres this summer. Social media following • 8,206 Twitter followers @DorsetAONB; 671 followers on https://www.facebook.com/Dorset- Area-of-Outstanding-Natural-Beauty-AONB-449270285224339/ • 21,605 Twitter followers @DorsetFoodDrink; 3,786 followers on https://www.facebook.com/dorsetfoodanddrink/ • 597 Twitter followers @StepIn2Nature ; 823 followers on https://www.facebook.com/stepin2nature/

3.7. Monitoring AONB condition : A GIS monitoring project looking at changes in the built environment over the period 2007-17 has concluded and some of the outputs of the project have been published though their inclusion within Dorset Explorer. As part of the update of the AONB’s Landscape Character Assessment (LCA), a new interactive map has been developed, which includes the mapping of certain development types, as well as analysis of changes to built features during the 10 year study period. The map can be viewed at: https://explorer.geowessex.com/lca and the overall updated LCA is available at: https://www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/resources/landscape-character-assessment/

DORSET AONB PROJECTS 3.8. South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership Scheme (SDRLPS) The final claim was approved in full by HLF in February. Over the five years of the programme, there was direct spend of £2.46M, with £1.83M funding from HLF, partner contributions of £636K cash match and £180k donations in kind, and total volunteer time value of over £300k. In addition to the Field Guide and circular walks maps, an Explorer Guide to the South Dorset Ridgeway was published and is widely available in libraries and TICs. Many of the volunteers recruited through the project have become regular members of EuCAN, the practical conservation organisation who were a key partner in delivering our volunteer output, and who continue to be involved through the National Grid LEI project Reconnecting the Ridgeway. One of the SDRLPS volunteers is now employed on the National Trust Hillforts and Habitats project and other volunteers have also become involved with the project, making very good use of their uncommon skillset developed on the SDRLPS combining both historic and natural environment recording and monitoring.

3.9. Dorset Food & Drink The DF&D Community Interest Company has a board of directors totalling 10 and is currently seeking a chair from within that group. Thanks are extended to Giles Henschell of Olives et Al who was an enthusiastic and effective chairman for a 6-month tenure. The CIC now has its own bank account as part of the transition to independence. Board members have taken to decision for a step change how they recruit new members. Sales and recruitment are to be outsourced to Somerset company Ignyte. Business members total 202; support to them includes with industry information and workshops, events and support and advice and promote them through various channels.

9 We continue liaising with Visit Dorset & the Dorset Tourism Association, offering great opportunities for the members and improving Dorset’s visitor offer. We also continue to act as voice for DF&D members at LNP, LEP, DTA, Northern & Southern LAG, SWLEP Great South West, and the Growth Hub.

3.10. Stepping into Nature This programme supported by National Lottery Community fund and aims to improve people’s health and wellbeing using Dorset outstanding and cultural landscape. Annual outputs for the last financial year include: Budget total for 2018/19 £127,289: an underspend of £19,391 will be carried over to year 3, bringing total funding for 2019/20 to £141,289. £80,640 of in kind / partner match for year 2. 127 activities delivered, with attendance of over 700 people, of those 383 individuals, in year 2. Received 287 registration forms (individual people) and 394 feedback forms, contributing to an independent assessment of the health impact with Public Health Dorset 14 face-to-face participant interviews completed 11 phone surveys carried out with further email survey carried out to explore barriers to engagement – early indication shows no specific barrier 52 people received dementia awareness training, with more sessions planned. 5 Community Pots totalling £8,641 for £13,712 in kind match. 635 Volunteer hours £7960 of the 2019/20 Community pot already allocated • Friends of Radipole Park & Gardens • Swanage Library Sensory Garden • Allington Hill, Cooper's Wood and Field Community Group • Self-care stomps

Wide promotion: a) Events, talks and presentations reached 7700 people (including Dorset LiveWell and DCC Adult Services) b) Picnic in the Park (event to encourage living well, loving nature) ran over 3 locations, reaching thousands of peoples. c) Presented project and displayed poster on evaluation at the National Alzheimer’s Conference. d) New activity guide printed with new tagline ‘for healthier, happier lives’ e) Online • New SiN blog – articles from providers, health organisations etc. • Monthly E-news with 130 subscribers • Social media growing: Twitter follows 603 / Facebook followers 800 • New Closed Community Facebook Group to encourage participation in outdoors and breakdown barriers. To join search ‘stepping into Nature Community Group’ • Worked with Dorset LNP to promote Naturally Healthy Month in May, a campaign to increase connections with nature • Evaluation Guide downloadable from AONB website (in resources library)

Coming up: a) Submitted case study for Public Health England "Improving Access to Green Spaces" upcoming report b) Submitted Stepping into Nature to APSE Service Awards 2019 - Best Health & Well Being Initiative c) Continued development of SiN 2020 and beyond!

3.11. Jurassic Coast Visitor Management

10 Sally King continues to deliver the Jurassic Coast Visitor Management role as described in the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Management Plan on behalf of Dorset Council and Devon County Council. Sally King co-ordinated joint Dorset Council/ Jurassic Coast press release following West Bay rockfall in March.

3.12. Jurassic Coast visitor welcome : Fossil Forest Easter 2019: Unexploded ordnance survey (MOD bomb sweep) undertaken, and catch fence/ netting installed 2 fossil trees, weighing approx. half a ton each, selected for the new seating/ interpretation area. Kindly donated by Albion Stone, Portland Interpretation designer appointed and work commenced on content creation Next steps: July/ Aug 2019: DC Highways to undertake works to replace railings and steps, improve entrance and landscape new seating area approx. halfway down the steps August 2019: interpretation and fossil wood installed Oct 2019: mesh installed to railings Dec 2019: site opened www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/fossil-forest-welcome-hub1

3.13. Jurassic Coast visitor welcome : West Bay Central Hub New Pier End and Salt House panels installed early April and have received very positive feedback Work commenced on the ‘hub’ site 23 April. DC Highways making excellent progress. In fact they are ahead of schedule but are constrained by delivery timings of materials. Still aiming for completion end June The seating design and manufacture has been more complicated than anticipated. The project team had a polystyrene mould made and CAD drawings have been worked up to ensure the final cast concrete structure is fit for purpose. The seat will be lifted into place by crane towards the middle of June The ‘orientation circle’ is being fabricated by Bridport Foundry. It may be installed slightly later than the ground work completion date www.dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk/west-bay-welcome-hub

Images: Prototype bench & work at West Bay 3.14. Jurassic Coast visitor welcome : Seatown & Kimmeridge Kimmeridge: DCF applied to Wytch Farm Fund, awaiting outcome. SK involved in planning of improved visitor experience including better linkage between attractions, and interpretation improvements

3.15. Marshwood Vale Landscape Enhancement Initiative A successful winter of volunteer work parties is complete, led by the Dorset Wildlfie Trust along with the National Trust. Achievements to date: • Restored two hectares of lowland meadow by ploughing out existing poor-quality grass and drilling it with locally sourced wild-flower meadow seeds from another LEI site. • 800 metres of hedge laying have been completed, predominantly by hand with volunteers. • 42 hedgerow trees have been planted, again, mostly with the help of volunteers. • 12 Orchard trees have been planted. • 5 ponds have been restored • 1 hectare of scrub has been cleared, with a further 4.5 hectares underway (most scrub clearance projects are multi-year). • Had a presence at one event: the well-established Melplash Show, after being asked by one of the landowners to attend. • We have commenced on the wild daffodil nursery. • Dorset Environmental Records Centre are compiling the first years monitoring report. • 33 volunteer sessions, with 450 volunteer days contributed (or c.1800 volunteer hours). You could regard that as approximately 2 x Full Time Equivalent staff! Year 2 funding has been approved following a successfully assessed report.

3.16. Reconnecting the Ridgeway Landscape Enhancement Initiative Funding of £199,886 was approved in February 2019 The project provides funding over 3 years for conservation activities on the South Dorset Ridgeway, including: restoration of 200m dry stone wall, laying 1700m of hedgerow, restoring c5ha of grassland, and planting 20 native trees.

3.17. West Dorset Rivers & Coastal Streams Wild Trout trust visited the catchment and have fed into the State of the Asker report, that will guide action within the catchment. Work continues, with the help and support of the communities of Loders, Uploders and Askerswell. Over the past six months, there has been a focus on Natural Flood Management, with funding contributed from the Environment Agency. Work includes: • Roughing stream edge to slow flow and installation of leaky dams: 110m • In-stream deflectors & slowing the flow in the flood plain: 120m • Subsoiling to improve rain infiltration: c.4ha • Hedging and attendant fencing: 400m plus moving of one gate. • Installation of one silt trap Work scheduled for the next month • Moving gate on significant flow pathway • Installation of a track cross drain • Silt traps and buffer adjacent to subsoiling site The community have started Riverfly monitoring again, with 8 volunteers over five sites. Funding bid to the EA to continue this work will be submitted, expanding the area to include the Walditch Stream

3.18. Low Carbon Dorset Ian Rees supports delivery of this project funded by the European Structural Investment Fund: www.lowcarbondorset.org.uk To date over 160 expressions of interest received with a large number receiving an onsite visit. Total committed/completed project value to date in the region of £486k.

12 A number of large applications have been received and currently being processed, in the region of £1.58m for consideration by the LNP Panel. In addition to these, a further healthy pipeline of projects is developing estimated to be worth over £3.5m. It is anticipated that many of these will come forward in the next 6 months.

3.19. Wild Purbeck Partnership The Wild Purbeck Partnership continues to meet three times a year. Deer management and the impact of deer on habitats and crops is a current topic of interest, as is feasibility work into the reintroduction of beaver to Purbeck (the National Trust is recruiting a part time member of staff to liaise with local landowners and communities regarding the potential for this).

3.20. Wild Purbeck: Wytch Farm Landscape & Access Fund The first payment for one of the Wytch Farm Landscape and Access Enhancement grants has now gone through – for a hedging project at Lower Bushey Farm. This went through in early April despite the additional complications of LGR. The Wytch Farm Landscape and Access Panel met in March and has recommended approval of the following projects: • Single grazing unit stage 1: grant of £24,433 to be offered against a total project cost of £42,153, to set up monitoring for the project and finalise the costs of the overall project (which will be included in a stage 2 bid) • Brownsea south shore access: grant of £21,880 against a total cost of £32,305 to the National Trust at Brownsea to remove four sets of steps down to the beach at Brownsea. Two further routes will be improved. The project will benefit biodiversity by restoring heathland where steps are removed and increasing the area of beach which is less accessible to people, and improve visitor management. A further project, destination Kimmeridge, was supported by the panel. It is likely to recommend approval pending more detailed information regarding the proposed works and costs. Other projects being worked up include: a cycle link between Corfe Castle and Norden park and ride; a Norden to Rempstone cycle route; local access schemes being worked up by the parishes of Arne and Studland; and woodland management work at Brenscombe Wood. The next panel meeting will take place in July.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FUND 3.21. 26 applications with a total request of nearly £60,000 were considered by the SDF Panel in May. We were able to offer just over £27,000 by augmenting the SDF budget of £20,300 with contributions from Woodlink and Stepping into Nature budgets. The supported projects are: Savouring Dorset (This Good Earth): a continuation contribution to this film-making project by local documentarist Robert Golden. Savouring Dorset is an evolving documentary about the state of the UK’s food and farming industries at this critical time in Britain’s history. These two sectors are financially larger than the aerospace and the car industries. The film will show different sectors of the industry from small scale fruit and vegetable growers to large arable farming, linking farming to the countryside’s flora, fauna and soil, to markets and regulations, to the health and wellbeing of people and the planet. It will concentrate on Dorset but have far broader relevance. GROUNDED is six-week public engagement project exploring land conservation through the lens of contemporary art. GROUNDED will be held at Hogchester, a 75-acre wildlife conservation site in rural West Dorset and launches with an exciting weekend of activities featuring sculpture on the land, live performances, talks, music and an exhibition. The art exhibition (July 20th – 31st August) will showcase the work of international artists who have undertaken residencies at Hogchester since 2018. Their work brings new insight and interpretation to our rural landscape and its heritage High Stoy Conservation Cluster began with Hilfield Friary linking neighbouring landowners/managers and advisors in spring 2017. The cluster statement of intent includes working together for wildlife conservation, giving practical help and advice and widening community engagement. To work more collectively and ambitiously across the whole land area further analysis of habitats and species is

13 required to identify ways of working in partnership. An ecology consultant will work with the cluster to create a five year overview vision statement and management plan, including grant opportunities and ways of working in partnership. This will set direction for 2020 – 2025. Assessing visitor impact by GPS: supply of a handful of GPS units for the RSPB, National Trust and Natural England to use jointly to assess and monitor visitor behaviour on the Purbeck Heaths NNR. This will lead to a joint visitor management strategy. Drystone walling: supporting the Dorset Drystone Walling Association to develop tutor-level volunteers and supplying stone for the training base in Tyneham Farmyard. Supporting the purchase of horse-drawn farming equipment for Cedar Organic Market Garden to enable them to develop a Community Supported Agriculture venture with very low fossil fuel requirements. The Bluebell Project: continuation funding for an arts programme which interprets and celebrates the woodland ecology around Wraxall/Cattistock. Raise the Roof: an arts project led by Dorset Arts Development Company, bringing together several West Dorset initiatives i.e. Woodland Hubs and the Neighbourhood Plan and encourages the wider community to participate in an inclusive, practical and fun community build project to directly improve their environment and community. Creative sessions will be facilitated by Turner Prize winners Assemble, a collective of artists/ makers/architects who co-create spaces with communities. The community will share knowledge, ideas and discuss what could be built to improve their environment. Practical design and make sessions will be led by local professional craftspeople, leading to The Big Build. Hedge laying at Magdalen Farm involving the local community near Thorncombe/Winsham. Screen Bites – the second slice 2019: supporting the programme of food-related film evenings each featuring a marketplace from local producers. Bringing the Outside In: Following on from a successful pilot project with the DAONB, Arts in Hospital will bring more immersive landscape visuals into the wards of Dorset County Hospital. Currently there is no artwork in the target ward and the walls are blank and depressing, particularly considering the average stay is around 2 weeks. Green Routes (Bridport Town Council): the project aims to address health inequalities in the Town by encouraging access for all to the high quality AONB designated landscape. With guidance from a recent study of heritage interpretation this two stage project will work with local artists and target communities to devise new routes and new ways of interpreting the values of the AONB landscape. West Dorset Woodhub: Woodhub initiatives are emerging across the UK as drivers for re-vitalised woodland economies. This project, a curated programme of events, seminars and courses, will bring a diverse range of woodland stakeholders and users from across the Dorset AONB together to explore and define what a Dorset Woodhub could deliver and how it might be brought about through local collaboration. A Broadwindsor eco-group will be supported to create a small, accessible wildflower meadow close to the village football pitch. Askers Meadows, a nature reserve gifted to Bridport residents by a former resident for community use and enjoyment, is a vital green space between town and the busy A35. It will receive some tree and hedgerow replacement and general enhancement. The SDF contribution will enable the new planting to be protected from grazing with truly biodegradable products.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY 3.22. National Grid Visual Impact Provision The project to underground over 8km high voltage electricity transmission lines across the South Dorset Ridgeway is reaching its implementation stage, with construction of the underground cable route to commence during the Summer.

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14 AONB PARTNERSHIP GOVERNANCE REVIEW

Item for: Decision

Report by: AONB Manager

Financial implications: The outcomes of this review should have no direct financial implications. However, it discusses representation by Dorset Council which is providing a budget of £54,510 to the AONB Partnership essential to levering in the Defra contribution. Effective engagement of these decision-makers at the Partnership Board may help maintain future local contributions.

Summary: Following local government reorganisation, the number of independent Dorset local authorities represented on the board has fallen from 5 to 1. The impact on connectedness to the communities across the AONB needs to be considered, and this paper proposes some options of how this may be maintained or enhanced. The Partnership Terms of Reference will be updated to reflect the Partnership Board decision. Additionally, the AONB Planning Protocol needs to be updated to reflect the local government changes. This does not present an issue regarding representation; it presents an opportunity for the team to engage with Dorset Council’s planning teams.

Recommendation: The Dorset AONB Partnership Board resolves to: a) invite 3 elected members from Dorset Council with sub-options i) Portfolio Holder ii) Geographical representation iii) Thematic representation iv) Political balance b) amend the Terms of Reference on membership to delete former councils and replace with Dorset Council c) amend the Terms of Reference on quorum from ‘6 members’ to ‘6 organisations’

4.1. LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION Dorset local authorities represented on the Partnership Board were Dorset County Council, West Dorset District Council, Purbeck District Council, North Dorset District Council and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council. From April 1 st 2019, these bodies no longer exist and have transferred their responsibilities to a new Unitary Authority, Dorset Council. South Somerset District, Somerset County, East Devon District and Devon County are members of the Partnership and engage on relevant matters; this is proportional to the small areas of the Dorset AONB in each of their jurisdictions.

4.2. DORSET COUNCIL REPRESENTATION Dorset Council has appointed Councillors Jane Somper (Cons; Beacon Ward) and Councillor Roland Tarr (Lib Dem; Winterbourne and Broadmayne). The Partnership Board may wish to invite Councillor Ray Bryan in his role as Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment.

4.3. POTENTIAL EFFECTS TO CONSIDER There may be a voting bias with 3 members from one organisation. The quorum The board may wish take this opportunity to consider if there are other organisations which should be invited to join.

4.4. TERMS OF REFERENCE AMENDMENTS Item 4.3 deals with membership. Amendments to make current would be to delete reference to the 5 former Dorset local authorities, and replace them with ‘Dorset Council’. A number of members from Dorset Council should be referenced here. Item 4.11 deals with the quorum, which is currently ‘6 members’. To ensure a diversity of organisations are present, this could be changed to ‘appropriate representatives of 6 voting organisations’. Item 4.12 deals with voting. If Dorset Council has more than one vote, it should be referenced here.

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2018-2019 AONB PARTNERSHIP FINANCE REPORT

Item for: Information

Report by: AONB Manager

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

Summary: The Dorset AONB team continues to be successful in demonstrating good funding leverage in terms of income generated from a modest local contribution to the core budget. The 2018-2019 financial year sets a record for expenditure and income largely due to activity in the final stages of the South Dorset Ridgeway Landscape Partnership, and consequently a record for total value (£1,411,002).

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

5.1. CORE FINANCE Defra grant to the AONB Partnership is at most 75% total costs. The Dorset AONB’s local authority partners each contributed a sum as set out in the Statement of Intent to fund the Partnership, proportional to the land area of the AONB within each administration. The Dorset AONB Team seeks to draw in funds from project management and delivery to support core costs.

Core income Budget Actual Defra £ 173,734 £ 181,073 Local Authorities£ 54,510 £ 54,510 Earned income£ 3,402 £ 2,663 Reserve movements £ 3,947 TOTAL£ 231,646 £ 242,193

Core costs Budget Actual Staff £ 207,486 £ 221,374 Travel £ 4,860 £ 7,979 Training £ 2,300 £ 487 Accommodation & office£ 7,000 £ 6,637 Communications£ 5,000 £ 1,424 Partnership running£ 3,000 £ 3,592 Monitoring, research & guidance£ 2,000 £ 700 TOTAL£ 231,646 £ 242,193

16 5.2. PROJECT EXPENDITURE & VALUE Estimates are highlighted in yellow. DIRECT VALUE INDIRECT VALUE DIRECT Single pot Cash income Partner spend Volunteers TOTAL ADDED TOTAL Major source of non- EXPENDITURE & in kind VALUE VALUE Defra cash income Wytch Farm Landscape Wild Purbeck £ 15,200 £ - £ 15,200 £ 26,299 £ - £ 26,299 £ 41,499 Enhancement Fund South Dorset Ridgeway LPS £ 439,604 £ 7,000 £ 432,604 £ 119,254 £ 57,150 £ 176,404 £ 616,008 Heritage Lottery Fund

Woodlink £ 1,755 £ - £ 1,755 £ - £ - £ - £ 1,755 Plunkett Foundation National Grid Landscape LEI - Marshwood £ 22,178 £ - £ 22,178 £ 3,750 £ 18,000 £ 21,750 £ 43,928 Enhancement Fund Dorset Fingerpost Project £ 5,895 £ 4,471 £ 1,424 £ 25,000 £ 10,000 £ 35,000 £ 40,895 Reserve

Dorset Food & Drink £ 100,487 £ 8,000 £ 92,487 £ - £ 1,200 £ 1,200 £ 101,687 Membership income Big Lottery Reaching Stepping into Nature £ 112,354 £ 7,000 £ 105,354 £ 26,688 £ 6,350 £ 33,038 £ 145,392 PROJECTS Communities Fund Landscape Character £ 10,000 £ - £ 10,000 £ - £ - £ - £ 10,000 Local Partners Assessment Coastal Communities JC Visitor Management £ 29,272 £ - £ 29,272 £ 31,032 £ - £ 31,032 £ 60,304 Fund AONB Management Plan £ 13,347 £ 8,127 £ 5,220 £ - £ - £ - £ 13,347 Partnership reserve Dorset Catchment Dorset Rivers £ 21,020 £ 962 £ 20,058 £ 1,785 £ 1,200 £ 2,985 £ 24,005 Partnership Fisheries Local Action Seafood supply chain study £ 15,560 £ - £ 15,560 £ - £ - £ - £ 15,560 Group Grant recipient match Sustainable Development Fund £ 23,263 £ 23,263 £ - £ 23,627 £ 7,538 £ 31,165 £ 54,428 funds

TOTAL£ 809,936 £ 58,823 £ 751,112 £ 257,435 £ 101,438 £ 358,873 £ 1,168,808

5.3. SUMMARY Total direct spend by the AONB Partnership is £1,052,129 (core and projects) Total ‘added value’ from partners and volunteers contributing to partnership projects is £358,873 Total delivered value is £1,411,002. This is calculated from direct spend (core, SDF & projects) plus ‘added value’ defined as contributions from volunteers and partners to AONB Partnership-led projects and projects supported by the Partnership’s Sustainable Development Fund.

5.4. LEVERAGE RATIOS Partner Direct spend Total value All core partners£ 4.47 £ 5.99 Defra£ 5.81 £ 7.79 Local authorities£ 19.30 £ 25.89

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2018 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT (presentation)

Item for: Information

Report by: Richard Brown, Dorset AONB Landscape Planning Officer

Financial implications: None

Summary: Over 2018 the Landscape Character Assessment for the Dorset AONB was refreshed with input from partner organisations. There have been some refinements of landscape character area boundaries particularly around the chalk escarpments. Consequently,

17 new landscape character areas have been described for the areas of the Blackmore Vale within the AONB boundary. Landscape condition was also re-assessed for inclusion in the AONB Management Plan 2019-2024

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WESSEX HILLFORTS & HABITATS PROJECT (presentation)

Item for: Information

Report by: Marie McLeish, Project Manager for the Wessex Hillforts & Habitats Project

Summary: A newsletter has been circulated with these papers. The project is led by partner organisation National Trust, and is focussed on improving the condition (ecological and archaeological) and visitor welcome, information and management of the hill forts in their ownership from West Dorset to Wiltshire.

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ECOSYSTEM APPROACH SELF-ASSESSMENT (presentation)

Item for: Information

Report by: Ian Rees, Dorset AONB Countryside Officer.

Summary: The Ecosystem Approach is a system of delivery for the environment and people and applies across partnerships and organisations as well as across landscapes. Understanding it and implementing it contributes to Biodiversity 2020 targets. The Dorset AONB Management Plan and team’s work frequently references it; contribution to Biodiversity 2020 targets requires the AONB Partnership’s engagement.

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PURBECK HEATHS NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE (presentation)

Item for: Information

Report by: Ian Alexander, Natural England Team Leader.

Summary: The National Nature Reserves of Purbeck’s heathlands are being combined and expanded in a programme led by Natural England. Expansion brings in land managed by RSPB and National Trust and a private landowner. The expansion will allow more coordinated management at a landscape scale. This will include coordinated interventions for wildlife management and for visitor management, and should improve the quality of the heathlands as a dynamic ecosystem operating at a huge scale.