Landscape Conservation Action Plan

RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

Contents

A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

Contents

Executive Summary 1

Introduction 5

1. Understanding A Forgotten Landscape Scheme Area 11 1.1 Landscape 1.2 Heritage 1.1.2 Biodiversity 1.2.2 Geology 1.2.3 Archaeology 1.2.4 Built Heritage 1.3 The History of Landscape 1.4 Context 1.5 Existing Management Information

2. Statement of Significance 33 2.1 Natural Heritage 2.1.2 Biodiversity 2.1.3 Geology 2.2 Archaeology 2.3 Sense of Place 2.4 Transport 2.5 Changes in Landuse 2.6 Audience Development 2.7 Other Projects

3. Risks and Opportunities 53 3.1 Natural and Historical Environment 3.1.1 Loss of Wetland Habitat 3.1.2 Loss of Saltmarsh Diversity 3.1.3 Los of Habitat due to changes in agriculture 3.1.4 Loss of Archaeological Features 3.2 Lack of Knowledge 3.2.1 Loss of Archaeological Features 3.2.2 Loss of Traditional Skills 3.2.3 Loss of Recording and Identification Skills 3.3 Forgetting the Past 3.4 Climate Change 3.5 Anti-social Behaviour 3.5.1 Fly Grazing 3.5.2 Vandalism 3.6 Risks to the Partnership 3.6.1 Partners not fulfilling their roles 3.6.2 Partners leaving the project through redundancy 3.6.3 Communities not engaging 3.6.4 Project Officers leaving before end of project 3.7 Avonmouth / Severnside Enterprise Area A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

4. Aims and Objectives to Deliver the Landscape Partnership Scheme Outcomes 63 4.1 Vision 4.2 Aims and Objectives 4.3 Audience Development 4.3.1 Existing audiences and community involvement in the heritage 4.3.2 Who is involved with the heritage now? 4.3.3 How many are involved with the heritage now? 4.3.4 Audience Development – aim and objectives 4.3.5 Who is the audience? How can they be grouped? 4.3.6 What do the audience value about heritage? 4.3.7 What do present audiences already know about the heritage? 4.3.8 Barriers to participation 4.3.9 Who is the audience that is special to the Scheme and who should be targeted? 4.3.10 Who does not take part and why? 4.3.11 Developing new audiences 4.3.12 Existing and new audiences that will be targeted 4.3.13 H ow have the activities been designed to engage with differerent sectors of the audience? 4.4 Programme A 4.4.1 Natural Heritage 4.4.2 Built and Archaeological Heritage 4.4.3 Resolving Conflict between different types of Heritage 4.4.4 Meeting Conservation Standards 4.4.5 Management and Maintenance 4.4.6 Managing Information about the Heritage 4.4.7 Climate Change 4.5 Programme B 4.5.1 Target Audiences 4.5.2 Involving People – Opportunities for Volunteering 4.5.3 Involving People – Decision Making 4.5.4 Management and Maintenance 4.6 Programme C 4.6.1 Improving Access without Damaging Heritage 4.6.2 Design of Physical Access Improvements 4.6.3 Improving Access to Heritage 4.6.4 Opportunities to Learn and Understand Heritage 4.6.5 Management and Maintenance 4.7 Programme D 4.7.1 Training in skills and traditional techniques 4.7.2 Who will benefit from training A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

5. Scheme Plan and Costs 87 5.1 Scheme Costs Summary 5.2 Scheme Income and Match Funding 5.3 Round 2 Detailed Project Costs 5.4 Summary of Projects 5.5 Individual Projects 5.5.1 Programme A – Restoring and Conserving 5.5.2 Programme B – Increasing Community Participation 5.5.3 Programme C – Access and Learning 5.5.4 Programme D – Training and Skills

6. Sustainability 153 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Mid-Term Legacy Strategy 6.3 Programme A: Conserve and Restore 6.4 Programme B: Community Participation 6.5 Programme C: Access and Learning 6.6 Programme D: Training and Skills 6.7 Programme E: Overheads 6.7 Delivering the Legacy

7. Evaluation and Monitoring 161 7.1 Evaluation and Monitoring Approach 7.2 Draft Evaluation Framework 7.3 Development of the Detailed Evaluation Plan 7.4 Evidence Gathering and Involving Project Beneficiaries and Partners 7.5 Learning from the Evaluation 7.6 Evaluation Outputs and Communicating / Acting on the Results 7.6.1 Partnership Management Board Meetings 7.6.2 Mid-Term Review 7.6.3 Final Evaluation Report 7.7 Evaluation Budget

8. Adoption & Review 169

Executive Summary

A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 3

Executive Summary

Big skies; a sense of light and vast open Within this story of a landscape is another space with two colossal white bridges smaller-scale one: the story of man, his skills spanning the silt-laden tides of the Severn and ingenuity and how he adapted to and Estuary: expanses of windy saltmarsh used the landscape for food and shelter – and mud grading into lush, flat pasture and how he crossed it. dotted with remote farmsteads, villages and narrow lanes apparently meandering The area is plentiful in archaeology, from nowhere – the area of A Forgotten footprints in the mud when Mesolithic man Landscape Scheme is full of dynamic, foraged across the forests of the Estuary dramatic beauty and panorama. before the sea came in, through to Roman sea defences to protect villas, property and It is a landscape used by tens of thousands farming. of migratory waterfowl which arrive from Northern Europe each winter, roosting and The landscape provided a source of food, feeding on the Estuary’s saltmarsh and including salmon. All along the coast are the mudflats and filling the coast’s cold air with distinctive remains of the methods used to raucous babble. catch the shoals migrating up the Estuary.

It is a landscape full of geological clues to its Because of the river, docks built for trade past – the red cliffs at Aust rising out of the were then enlarged and with it came saltmarshes are rich with the fossils of the industry. There are other stories - the land plesiosaurs and insects which populated the has a goddess, it has a murdered saint landscape when the area was transformed whose blood can still be seen at a spring. from a hot arid desert to a warm tropical sea It has inspired poem and song and has its approximately 200 million years ago. own gooseberry tart. It has local vocabulary – ‘warths’, ‘pills’ and ‘rhines’. 4 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

This special and distinctive landscape, Initially born out of local people’s aspiration however, with all its history, is under for a series of wetland reserves, through threat. A large part of its flat coastal plain consultation with the Heritage Lottery is rapidly being developed out by two Fund, communities and a variety of other industrial and commercial business parks organisations, a Landscape Partnership – key components in driving a buoyant Scheme slowly emerged with a clear and local economy. There has been a slow but varied suite of heritage projects as part of massively significant shift from traditional it. The project will restore or create areas of farming practices to more intensive habitat which are characteristic of the area, agricultural regimes. Rising sea levels are such as wetlands, orchards, hay meadows threatening the roosts of the Estuary’s and ponds. It will increase opportunities waterfowl and causing the phenomena of for people to get involved with their local ‘coastal squeeze’. The land – once linked environment; teaching old traditional skills to and forming part of a larger area of associated with the area such as hedge- wetlands - ‘the Levels’ – has become cut off laying and pollarding as well as the social and isolated from its better known sisters and cultural history of the recent and distant in Somerset by the city of Bristol and the past. It will actively promote the area, using industries and infrastructure around the sustainable transport such as the community mouth of the Avon. It has also become railway to bring families and sightseers into isolated from the rest of Bristol and South the area to boost the local economy; and to Gloucestershire, boxed in by a network thereby enable people from farther afield to of motorways. Although not ‘forgotten’ by understand more about the area’s unique the people who live there, it is little known and distinctive heritage. In doing so, it is and little visited by the wider communities hoped that more and more people come to outside. And as time passes and people cherish and value this singular and beautiful pass on, so the memory of the area’s landscape - the bridges, flat lands, vast heritage and history will pass away too. waters and big skies - and will help ensure that it is passed on in perpetuity for future A Forgotten Landscape Scheme aims to generations to come. counter at least some of these threats. 5

Introduction

A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 7

Introduction

This document forms the Landscape Richard Aston and Chris Giles – SGC Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) for A Streetcare Community Spaces Officers Forgotten Landscape – Restoring the Steve Poole – Professor of History University Heritage of the Lower Severn Vale Levels of the West of England (UWE) Landscape Partnership Scheme. Following the work carried out in the The project area covers an expanse of development phase, Paul Driscoll and Steve coastal floodplain immediately alongside the Poole will join the Partnership Board for Severn Estuary (including part of the Estuary the delivery phase. There will also be two itself) totalling approximately 173m² between further members - the Trust for Conservation Lawrence Weston and Avonmouth in Bristol Volunteers (TCV); and a community and the boundary with Gloucestershire representative. near Hill and Oldbury. It is covered by two unitary authorities, South Gloucestershire Participation and Consultation and Bristol, and whilst it is predominantly rural in nature, it also includes the significant As indicated above, a wide range of and densely industrial landscape around organisations and individuals have Avonmouth. participated in and have been consulted on, the development of the LCAP. In addition, further key officers, individuals, community Plan Authors groups, parish councils and special interest The plan has been written by Miriam groups have been consulted to understand Woolnough, Project Officer for the A their priorities for the heritage of the area Forgotten Landscape (AFL) Scheme. and also to gauge their enthusiasm for the The Project Partnership Board for the proposed Scheme (see Section 4.3). development phase of the Scheme has also dedicated time and given advice over the 16 Three events were arranged specifically to month development phase: allow people to become more involved with the development phases: Dave Villis – South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) ¡ S outh Gloucestershire Environment Becky Coffin – Bristol City Council (BCC) Forum – attended by 27 people Janice Gardiner – Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT) ¡ C onsultation event in Thornbury – Mark Smith – Farming and Wildlife Advisory attended by 26 people Group (FWAG) SouthWest ¡ C onsultation event in Lawrence Weston – Tim Corner – Bristol Regional Environmental attended by 4 people Records Centre (BRERC) Amanda Grundy – Natural England (NE) Andy Reading – Environment Agency (EA) Richard Archer – RSPB

In addition a number of individuals have provided support and advice which has been invaluable:

Paul Driscoll – SGC Archaeology and Historic Environment Record Officer Consultation event at Thornbury – August 2013 8 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

A Forgotten Landscape Scheme Area

Even though the Lawrence Weston event In order to achieve the AFL Scheme vision had lower numbers, the participants a range of projects will be delivered. The contributed enthusiastically, sharing individual projects are grouped under the knowledge and giving feedback on projects following four themes: and activities proposed for the delivery phase of the Scheme. A: Conserving and Restoring B: Increasing Community Participation The Project Officer also took along an C: Access and Learning interactive stall to three major events over D: Skills and Training the summer - Bristol Festival of Nature, Thornbury Carnival and Shirehampton River Gaps and Limitations Festival - and met and engaged with over 200 people who were of a wide age range The sheer scale of the AFL Scheme area and from a variety of backgrounds. Again and amount and diversity of the heritage all three events were hugely positive with a within it means that it is impossible to good deal of interest in the AFL Scheme and address everything. However through the people keen to impart local knowledge and consultation work that has been carried volunteer during the delivery phase. out it is felt that the key priorities have been identified and the projects thus developed Two targeted pieces of work were also reflect these. carried out. Farmers and landowners were contacted and visited by the FWAG Adviser There are two key pieces of work that are to gauge interest in taking up habitat creation protracted and long term in nature that will and restoration opportunities offered by be addressed alongside but outside the the project. Olveston Primary School took AFL Scheme. They will not be a factor in the part in an event organised by Red Kite Scheme outcomes but the Partnership will Environment – the consultants who compiled be mindful of the effect that they will have on the Access, Interpretation and Learning Plan the AFL individual projects: for the AFL Scheme (see below). ¡ P rogressing the wetland habitat creation required under the Habitat Regulations The AFL Scheme Vision 2010 to facilitate development on the land Through creating, developing and at Severnside and Avonmouth (historic strengthening partnerships with planning permission). See Section 3.7 organisations and local communities, the Lower Severn Vale Levels will ¡ P ursuing the retention and enhancement become a distinctive, recognisable and of the silt lagoon at the decommissioning appreciated landscape. Biodiversity will Oldbury Nuclear Power Station be improved and better connected and communities will discover their local Due to complications of land and access heritage and unlock the secrets of the ownership at Aust Ferry the immediate past. Local and nearby communities will stabilisation work has been taken out of the also develop a greater awareness and LCAP. Work to remove vegetation using in- understanding of the landscape by taking kind labour from National Grid will still be part in a wide range of participation and pursued in 2014 as a discreet piece of work learning activities. The landscape will and the AFL Scheme will look to finding be more accessible and activities and more long term solutions for the stabilisation traditions that have made the Levels what of the site throughout the delivery phase. they are today will be celebrated and remembered. 10 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

It is recognised that LCAP is an exceedingly State Aid long document. However, it is anticipated that Section 5, which contains the Defra has been consulted to make sure comprehensive details of each of the that all the projects within the Scheme individual projects, will be used as a ‘stand do not contravene State Aid regulations. alone’ publication by the delivery phase Defra advised that two projects, CR1 Salt project officers and the Partnership. Marsh Grazing Project and CR8 Orchard Restoration show a clear economic gain to Back in 2009 when the AFL Scheme the landowner and therefore should not be was first being planned the economic funded through the HLF grant. To address climate was very different to the current this it will be made clear that these projects situation in 2014. Many of the organisations will be funded through the match funding involved in the Scheme have seen cuts in contribution from South Gloucestershire terms of budget and staff. Therefore it is Council. acknowledged that match funding and in- kind time are less in abundance than they Documents to be read alongside LCAP would have been five years ago. To make sure that the partnership remains strong and A Forgotten Landscape – Interpretation, pulls together as a team a small amount of Access and Learning Plan funding has been allocated for training and team building events (see Section 3.6). Red Kite Environment 2013

A Forgotten Landscape Interpretation, Access and Learning Plan

South Gloucestershire Council

Restoring the heritage of the Lower Severn Vale Levels December 2013

1 Understanding A Forgotten Landscape Scheme Area

A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 13

1 Understanding A Forgotten Landscape Scheme Area

The hedgerows, orchards and small 1.1 Landscape settlements add to this character and Introduction provide a distinctiveness that is a marked A Forgotten Landscape Scheme (AFL contrast to the Cotswolds to the east and the Scheme) area is made up of a section of the wooded hills and the Forest of Dean along Lower Severn Vale Levels which consists of the western side of the Severn. floodplain to the River Severn. Also included in the AFL Scheme area is a section of the The area to the south, from Pilning to River Severn itself. The majority of the area Avonmouth, has a similar underlying falls under the unitary authority of South character but with more contemporary Gloucestershire; however a smaller area in development. This includes villages and the south is within the boundaries of Bristol. townships, mainly constructed in brick, the Aust motorway services area, the motorways The landscape of the AFL Scheme themselves, the two Severn bridges and the comprises areas of flat low lying land substantial developments of petro-chemical interspersed by ‘islands’ of higher ground, works with their block buildings, chimneys, bounded on the west by the River Severn towers and storage tanks and an extensive and on the east by the central coalfield range of other industrial buildings. plateau of South Gloucestershire, which itself is bounded by the southern Cotswolds National Character Assessments (NCA) on its eastern boundary. The nearest major The Natural England National Character conurbation is Bristol. Areas pertinent to the AFL Scheme are

The Lower Severn Vale Levels has a very ¡ Severn and Avon Vales (no.106) particular character. Once part of the much wider Somerset and Avon Levels, but more ¡ B ristol, Avon Valleys & Ridges (no.118) recently cut off by industrial development in Avonmouth and the building of motorways, and there is a visual interrelationship across it is an area with a varied history, a rich the estuary with the Forest of Dean and diversity in its habitats and landscape and a Lower Wye (no.105) sense of remoteness and tranquillity which belies its proximity to the urban spread of its South Gloucestershire Landscape immediate neighbour, Bristol. Character Assessments (LCA) The South Gloucestershire LCA (2005 The northern part of the area, from revised in 2013) breaks down the Lower Shepperdine to Pilning, is influenced greatly Severn Vale Levels further into four by the pattern of rhines (the local term characteristic zones: for ditches), the vegetation structure, the alignment of lanes, the slightly elevated land, ¡ 1. Severn Ridges (Landscape Character the relative lack of landmarks and visual Area 18) intrusions other than church spires, pylons ¡ 2. Oldbury Levels (LCA 19) and electricity wires, and the limited built ¡ 3. Pilning Levels (LCA20) development. ¡ 4. Severn Shoreline & Estuary (LCA 21) 14 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

AFL Scheme Area with Landscape Character Areas

Severn Ridges LCA 18

The section that falls under Bristol City ¡ Diverse vegetation cover, with visually Council is categorised as Avonmouth prominent mature wooded scarps and broadly speaking has very similar including areas of ancient woodland characteristics as Pilning Levels. that make a significant contribution to landscape character and provide habitat for notable species including European Severn Ridges Protected Species, occasionally with (Landscape Character Area 18) ornamental species within historic This LCA covers part of the project area’s landscape parks. eastern boundary. The Severn Ridges LCA is an extensive, complex landform of abrupt ¡ N umerous areas of calcareous, neutral scarps and gentle ridges, which rises from or marshy grassland across the Severn the lower Levels area. Ridges that support a diverse range of flora including areas of species-rich Key Characteristics grassland, areas of bankside vegetation ¡ D istinctive large scale sloping landform along flowing water at Groves Gully and rising from the Levels, with sections of Roundhouse and Fishponds Woods, and steep scarp in the north and south and arable farmland that provides nesting gentler slope profiles elsewhere. A large opportunities for ground-nesting birds central area of low hills and radiating and winter stubble that provides foraging ridges extends westwards. A narrow opportunities for farmland birds, including linear area of dip slope, lies adjacent to Amber and Red Listed species the Bristol urban edge ¡ G eological SSSI at Cattybrook Brickpit ¡ A rea is greatly influenced by adjacent Levels and Severn Estuary. All combine ¡ C lipped and overgrown hedgerows and to form an area of regionally prominent intermittent trees divide small pasture landform, distinct within and beyond fields and provide wildlife connectivity South Gloucestershire including between areas of woodland, with larger arable fields on more gentle ¡ E xpansive and readily available views slopes extend over the lowland Levels and Severn Estuary to the west ¡ O rchards and limited common land are often associated with older settlements ¡ S carp and lower ridges form a prominent and farms, with a large new commercial backdrop in views from the Levels, South orchard at Almondsbury Wales and the Forest of Dean 16 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

¡ Extensive distribution of settlements and Oldbury Levels minor roads, with older villages, hamlets and scattered farms of local stone, with (Landscape Character Area 19) stone boundary walls. All largely nestled The Oldbury Levels Landscape Character within the landform and strong landscape Area is a largely flat, open to semi-enclosed structure. Churches form distinctive agricultural area with rhines, small orchards landmarks and relatively little, scattered settlement, strongly influenced by the adjacent Severn ¡ To the south, the Bristol urban edge, M4 Estuary. and M5 are prominent within their local landscape. Sections of the motorways Key Characteristics are also prominent within wider views, ¡ F lat landscape of medium to small sized forming physical and visual barriers. mainly pastoral fields, both regular and irregular in shape. Some ridge and ¡ P ower lines frequently cross parts of the furrow survives and pasture dominates area, particularly to the north and vary in prominence ¡ Field pattern is frequently defined by the network of rhines and often associated ¡ Industrial/chemical works buildings, hedges are a mixture of both closely distribution sheds, Oldbury Power Station clipped and overgrown. These provide and Severn Bridges, within the adjacent important habitat and connectivity for Levels and Estuary, visually influence this wildlife character area ¡ S mall scattered deciduous woodlands Location and copses, with often frequent The Severn Ridges Landscape Character hedgerow trees, occasional pollarded Area extends from the northern to south trees, some withy beds and small western boundary of South Gloucestershire, orchards associated with farms provide running through its western side. The habitat for notable species including western boundary follows an often subtle European Protected Species. Some transition in landform, land cover and areas have very little tree cover drainage pattern between the low-lying Levels landscape and the rising ground ¡ P astoral farmland across this character of the ridges. The boundary generally area provides overwintering habitat follows the 10 metre contour line, although for birds associated with the adjacent in some places the topographic change international designated Severn Estuary, is imperceptible. The eastern boundary and it supports a diverse range of flora. generally follows the scarp edge, the A38 Neutral and marshy grassland across this and M5. character area support a diverse range of flora

¡ Intricate network of angular, enclosed lanes, often following the historic drainage pattern, connects a limited but regular distribution of settlement, comprising a small village and hamlets, largely built of stone, with some brick. Much of the Levels is largely unpopulated

Severn Ridges LCA 18 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 17

¡ Lanes are occasionally flanked by broad grass verge common land and rhines. Unpaved trackways provide wider connections across the Levels

¡ Open to semi-enclosed rural landscape, with some extensive views of the Severn Ridge and Wye Valley / Forest of Dean Ridge, and a strong visual influence of the Estuary. The area provides a generally rural setting in views of the Severn Oldbury Levels LCA 19 Bridge. Localised enclosure is formed by mature trees, hedgerows, orchards and The western boundary follows the sea copses defence wall, which marks a distinct change in land cover between the mainly ¡ Oldbury Power Station and radiating enclosed fields of the Levels and the open powerlines are large scale elements and intertidal area of rough grassland, warths visually prominent (salt marshes) and mudflats to the west, where the open expanse of the Estuary is Location dominant. The boundary continues around The southern and eastern boundaries and excludes the Oldbury Power Station follow an often subtle transition in landform, complex, as this element and its siting land cover and drainage pattern between specifically relates to the Estuary edge. the Levels and the rising Severn Ridges, largely following the 10m contour, although in some places the topographic change is imperceptible.

View from Cowhill 18 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

¡ O utliers at Ingst and Aust form prominent Pilning Levels low hills (Landscape Character Area 20) The Pilning Levels is an area of contrasts, ¡ Scattered wooded areas contribute to with a largely flat, semi-enclosed to open greater enclosure of landscape in some agricultural landscape, divided by rhines areas as well as providing habitat for (ditches) and linear transport routes across notable species including European the central and northern area, and extensive Protected Species areas of industry and warehousing in the south. ¡ Semi-enclosed to open landscape, with occasional long distance views from Key Characteristics slightly elevated vantages, west towards ¡ Flat, simple landscape of medium to South Wales and Forest of Dean and small, regular and irregular shaped fields, east towards the Severn Ridge with a mix of pasture (some with ridge and furrow) and arable fields. Criss- ¡ N umerous major roads, including the crossed by rhines, clipped and some M4, M48, M49 and A403 and a railway overgrown hedges, with occasional line bisect the Levels landscape. strong tree belts, withy beds, orchards, Infrastructure, embankments and bridges scattered mature trees and pollards form prominent features above natural ground level, however the associated ¡ Strong visual influence of the Estuary, cuttings and planting has over time and areas of the Levels that provide achieved some absorption of these into overwintering habitat for birds associated the wider landscape framework with the international and national designations on the Severn Estuary ¡ Limited clustered settlements and scattered farms, some mainly on higher ¡ Neutral, calcareous and marshy ground, with much of the area of the grassland across the levels provide rural Levels landscape being relatively visual texture and support a diverse unpopulated range of flora, while arable areas provide nesting. Winter stubble provides foraging ¡ A n expanding and evolving complex opportunities for farmland birds including of industrial, chemical works and Amber and Red Listed species distribution warehouses or sheds are prominent to the south.

Pilning Levels LCA 20 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 19

Severn Shoreline & Estuary LCA 21

¡ The two Severn Bridges are prominent Severn Shoreline & Estuary to the west beyond the area. Several powerlines and supporting towers (Landscape Character Area 21) crossing the area are also prominent The Severn Shoreline and Estuary Landscape Character Area is a flat open Location exposed linear landscape of warths (salt The Pilning Levels Landscape Character marshes), tidal wetlands, mudflats and Area is located on the south western edge of rock. The large expanse of the Estuary and the South Gloucestershire area, to the north changing tides is its most dominant feature. west of Bristol. Key Characteristics Its southern limits follow the South ¡ O pen and exposed simple landscape Gloucestershire Authority boundary, of tidal Severn Estuary, with textured although the character of this area does intertidal zone of bed rock, shingle and continue southwards into the Bristol Council rivuletted mudflats/ sandflats, edged area towards Avonmouth. The eastern and by a low mud cliff, with warths beyond, north eastern boundaries follow an often contained to the east by a sea wall subtle transition in landform, land cover and drainage pattern, between the flat ¡ T he entire Severn Estuary and shoreline Levels landscape and the rising ground of is internationally designated for a range of the Severn Ridges, largely following the habitats and species, including significant 10m contour, although in some places the numbers of over-wintering wildfowl that topographic change is imperceptible. To the also roost and forage in the adjacent west, the boundary follows the sea wall and Oldbury and Pilning Levels character rock outcrop at Aust. Here there is a clear areas transition between the fields of the Levels and the warth salt marsh and intertidal areas ¡ Aust Cliff, folded bed rock and fossil of mudflats, where the open expanses of the bed, forms a prominent landform and Estuary are dominant. geological feature that is designated as a SSSI 20 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

¡ Constantly changing characteristics of ¡ The grade 1 listed original Severn Bridge shoreline, resulting from the high tidal forms a prominent landmark feature range of the Severn Estuary (second in many views, with the more recent greatest in the world) Second Severn Crossing sometimes visible beyond ¡ Warths are grazed in places. A linear woodland along the low outcrop of Aust ¡ Oldbury Power Station, lying within this Cliff is prominent area and large scale industry within the southern Levels, are prominent built ¡ Warths and mudflats are largely features untouched by built features. Remnants of putcher ranks are an historical feature Location The Severn Shoreline and Estuary ¡ Only a few buildings sit on the edge of the Landscape Character Area is located along warths, with settlement in the adjacent the western edge of South Gloucestershire, Levels occasionally prominent extending from the chemical works and Avonmouth to the south, to beyond Oldbury ¡ T idal pills meander across the warths to Power Station to the north and extending the Estuary from sluice gates set within westwards to include a large proportion of the sea wall the Estuary. Its northern and southern limits follow the South Gloucestershire Council ¡ P articular lack of formal boat access to boundary, although the character of the the Estuary from the shore, other than via shoreline and Estuary continues beyond the a slipway at Thornbury Sailing Club and limits of the Council's area. The western at Severn Beach limits also follow the South Gloucestershire Council boundary, which takes the ¡ E xpansive views include the Estuary approximate centreline of the Severn’s and Bristol Channel dotted with islands, navigable river channel. South Wales and the Wye Valley/Forest of Dean Ridges to the west and Severn The eastern boundary follows the defined Ridges to the east. Further to the south sea wall, which runs along the length of west the Exmoor coastline is sometimes the Estuary, marking a prominent change evident between the unenclosed warths, tidal shoreline and Estuary and the enclosed agricultural fields of the adjacent Levels. The sea wall merges centrally with Aust Cliff and outlier. A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 21

~ Avonmouth Industrial Area

Avonmouth within Bristol City Council Area

Bristol City Council adopted its Core The area’s landscape is also of historic Strategy in 2011 and as part of this, the significance. The central part of this area Strategy deletes land that was previously remains in agricultural use and comprises allocated for ‘regeneration’ development historic field boundaries, drainage channels in the Avonmouth area from the Local Plan and important hedgerows as well as the Proposals Map. The broad approach is to increasingly rare survival of ridge and furrow balance support for the area’s economic earthwork remains of Medieval cultivation. importance as the City’s largest industrial area with the protection of its environmental Location assets. The area lies immediately south of the South Gloucestershire Council area at Avonmouth Key Characteristics and shares many similar characteristics with The Avonmouth land within Bristol City the Pilning Levels Landscape Character Area. Council, is a continuation of the Pilning Levels Landscape Character Area, as described in 3. Pilning Levels (Landscape Character Area 20), above and falls within Natural England’s Severn and Vales Character Area 106. The description of the area notes that it includes a diverse range of flat and gently undulating landscapes, united by a broad river valley character. It also notes that in the vicinity of the study area, the industrial complexes of Avonmouth and the riverside power stations dominate the landscape. Avonmouth Docks 22 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

The AFL Scheme area consists of part of 1.2 The Heritage of the Area the Severn Estuary, its shoreline of mud Introduction flats, saltmarsh and rocky ‘beaches’ as The AFL Scheme is rich in all aspects of well as an expanse of low-lying coastal heritage. From the significance of the River floodplain between the industrial estates of Severn which hosts a plethora of wildlife to Avonmouth within Bristol to the south and the geologically important cliffs at Aust; from the open, predominantly flat, farmland to the the pre-historic footprints in the river bed to north of Oldbury and Shepperdine within the cultural history of crossing the river, there South Gloucestershire. This combination is a complex story to be unfolded which all of habitats means that the area supports contributes to why the area is how it is today. a rich and diverse array of flora and fauna, as well as its own singular geology and geomorphology. 1.2.1 Biodiversity

In recognition of this, the Severn Estuary is covered by a series of nationally and internationally important nature conservation designations. The Estuary boasts the second highest tidal range in the world (second only to the Bay of Fundy in Canada). The features include marine and intertidal habitat such as submerged sand banks, extensive areas of mudflats and sandflats as well as saltmarsh along the foreshore. The Estuary forms a crucial ‘funnel’ between the open sea and rivers for migratory fish stock, including salmon, sea trout, sea and river lamprey, allis and twaite shad and eel. Great crested newt

Dunlin © John Martin A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 23

~ Saltmarshes (warths)

During the winter months, the mud flats, floodplain grazing marsh with occasional the warths (saltmarsh) and freshwater pills ‘islands’ of higher ground often covered by alongside the Estuary routinely support deciduous woodland. Whilst much of this over 60,000 migratory wildfowl and waders is small to medium sized fields of arable (waterfowl) from Northern Europe, a vast or improved pasture, fragmented areas of assemblage including species such as unimproved species-rich neutral grassland gadwall, shelduck, dunlin, redshank and – the traditional crested dogstail, common European white-fronted goose. Some of the knapweed lowland hay meadows – still freshwater bird species also move inland occur, its sward including common spotted at high tide and use wet fields and other orchid, pyramidal orchid, bee orchid and wetland habitat within the adjacent coastal southern marsh orchid. floodplain in which to roost. The field boundaries are demarcated The river foreshore is important for raptors either by hedgerows and rhines (ditches). and there is a population of short-eared In the south, fragmented populations owls associated with the area around Aust of water vole are associated with some Cliffs. Peregrine falcons breed on the Severn of the watercourses adjoining or within Crossing Bridge and over-wintering merlins the industrial areas of Avonmouth and use the warths at Aust and Northwick. Severnside; and the less intensively managed hedges support a range of Aside from Bristol Port and the major biodiversity, such as dormouse (a European industrial, commercial and distribution protected species), and a rich array of centres of Avonmouth and Severnside farmland birds including song thrush, linnet, to the south, the majority of the Scheme bullfinch and yellowhammer. area consists of flat, low-lying coastal 24 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

~ Aust Cliffs SSSI

The flat agricultural land contains numerous 1.2.2 Geology field ponds and where these haven’t been allowed to degrade they support a diversity The Lower Severn Vale is one of the most of aquatic flora and fauna, including geologically and scenically diverse areas in populations of great crested newt inter- England, with rocks from the Precambrian linked by the network of field hedges and through to the Jurassic represented across rough grassland. Isolated pockets of reed the area. bed occur along the coast and scarce species such as bearded tit have been The wide fertile Severn Vale is floored by recorded. In the northern half of the LP area, Triassic ‘new red’ sandstones and marls of the landscape includes small scattered the Mercian Mudstones group and Jurassic deciduous woodland and copse (typically lias clays further east. The Triassic deposits oak–ash dominated); and is typified by were formed in a Sahara-like desert when small villages and hamlets connected by an the British Isles lay about 15 degrees north intricate network of lanes. Where the verges of the equator, whereas the clays represent are not intensively mown, the rank grassland deep-water sediments. The landscape of and adjacent hedges support occasional this Lower Severn Vale is flattish, with its populations of glow worm. main features being a rather weak low scarp, the Severn Ridge, which crosses the vale Throughout the Scheme area, remnants of from south-west to north-east marking the old orchards are commonly found – a sign Triassic / Jurassic border. of a significant land use in the past. The orchards support species such as little owl, The cliff at Aust is famous for its Rhaetic green woodpecker, mistletoe and a wide fossil bone bed and is also the most range of insects such as the lesser stag productive locality in Britain for fossilised beetle. Triassic insects. The lower part of the cliff is a red mudstone, with bands of nodules of pinkish-white alabaster. A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 25

Above the red mudstone is green mudstone, There are six scheduled monuments within followed by the Rhaetic bone bed at the the Scheme area representing prehistoric base of a band of black shale. Above the fortifications, Roman villas, Roman and shale are cream-coloured limestone beds. Medieval flood defences, a Medieval manorial complex and WWII military The mudflats and shoreline, most notably defences. along Northwick Warth, provide a vivid demonstration of coastal dynamics and Yet these only tell part of the story, for the formation of new rocks, as well as the these are sites or deposits that have been link between sedimentary processes and identified and do not reflect the totality of estuarine ecology. archaeology within the area, much of which remains undiscovered.

1.2.3 Archaeology 1.2.4 Built Heritage The archaeology of the Lower Severn Vales tells the local story of human interaction with the landscape. From prehistory to the modern period, the Scheme area contains a rich mixture of archaeological sites relating to this human activity. The earliest hunter- gatherers, tracking deer through ancient woodland in a landscape linking England to Wales by forest, literally left their footprints behind, whilst the earliest farmers began the long process of enclosure and the creation of boundaries. Throughout the Lower Severn Vales, Iron Age earthworks, Roman villas, floodplain management through to WWII defences all bear witness that humans have been an integral part of this landscape.

There are more than 1,600 archaeological sites within the Scheme area, ranging from Shepperdine Chapel palaeoenvironmentally important peat deposits to substantial earthwork enclosures The built heritage, like the archaeological and standing structures. resource, was until fairly recently tied to the relationship between humans and the landscape and the character of the built heritage relates to the function of the land and river as a provider of resources and subsistence. There are few ornamental landscapes, structures or gardens within the Lower Severn Vales – instead the landscape is one of the exploitation of resources.

Throughout the area, the remains of cider, dairy and cheese production are to be found, some as surviving examples within historic houses, demonstrating the way that the Lower Severn Vales were used by people ~ Severn Valley Ware cup for many purposes. 26 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

There are over 200 listed buildings including At the end of the last ice age there was no the Grade I listed Severn Bridge at Aust River Severn and the landscape between and the complex of buildings and features England and Wales was joined. The Lower at King Weston House and estate, which Severn Vale Levels would have been a include Grade I and Grade II* structures. woodland environment interspersed with But even structures that are not Grade I or rivers or streams that drained into lakes (now Grade II* listed are distinctive of the Scheme beneath the Severn) and onward to the coast area. The ferry terminal at Aust defined south of Wales. This environment would the pre-Severn bridge boat travel, carrying have provided a significant set of resources commuters between England and Wales for Mesolithic hunter-gatherers to exploit, and whilst it may not have been the Roman including deer and game, freshwater animals crossing mentioned in the Trajectus, there is and fish and, if necessary, the coastal undoubtedly a long history of crossing from resources of the sea, particularly during this location, surviving most clearly as the harsher winter periods. now dilapidated ferry terminal. Further north, Oldbury Power Station is one of the most As temperatures rose, the ice caps melted recognisable structures within the Scheme and sea levels began to rise. Initially this rise area, not only for its size but also because of kept pace with the land so the effects of sea the way it relates to its immediate landscape, level change was not an instant flood, but using the waters of the Severn and the hunter-gathers would have recognised that intertidal zone within the power process. their world was changing. By 5,500 years ago the forest that had dominated since the end of the ice age in the area of the River 1.3 Landscape History Severn was submerged, although sea level The Severn Estuary at the head of the rise continued for a further 2,000 years. Bristol Channel is the largest estuarine Within the Scheme area, remains of this system on the British west coast. It lies submerged forest are exposed at low tides between the high ground of the Cotswolds- as tree stumps become visible within the Mendips to the south and southeast and intertidal mud flats. the Monmouthshire hills and Forest of Dean to the northwest. Sediment enters from the Yet, those people who looked upon the seabed to the west and from the substantial Lower Severn Vale as their territory were not catchment of the River Severn and its simply passive, but instead engaged with tributaries. Bordering cliffs and the other their changing environment. At Willow Farm rivers that drain into the Estuary contribute in in Hallen and at Oldbury for example, there a minor way. The Estuary is well-stirred and is evidence of the deliberate burning of peat highly dynamic, with an extreme tidal range by Mesolithic peoples, probably as an aid to of 14.8m and exposure to prevailing winds. hunting. Its waters are notoriously turbid, the amount of suspended mud varying with tidal and Ultimately the land connection between weather conditions. England and Wales was severed as the River Severn formed. But communities now had The Lower Severn Vales has a rich and the option to exploit the newly developed dynamic landscape history shaped by river, intertidal, salt marsh and dry land a changing environment and human zones. Fishing was one of the activities interaction with their surroundings. As the associated with this new environment, and last significant cold spell in Britain ended evidence for prehistoric through to Medieval about 10,000 years ago, this ushered in the fishing, such as fish traps and putchers are Holocene and enabled the re-colonisation of known from the Scheme area and wider the land by hunter-gather communities. afield. A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 27

With the onset of the Neolithic and, more drains and sluices that facilitated permanent specifically, the Bronze Age there was a settlement. move towards a sedentary (settled in one place) existence, which resulted in the Roman and Medieval flood defences were seasonal and opportunistic occupation of barriers designed to prevent the inundation the Lower Severn Vale landscape. This of land by salt or freshwater floods, and to transition marks a significant change in assist in the reclamation and drainage of human relationship with the environment large areas of low lying land. They normally for land begins to become enclosed and survive as a low elongated earth bank with bounded, a process that would define the a ditch on the landward side. The banks landscape character of the Lower Severn were made of local clay or turf and were Vales for the rest of its history. Whereas sometimes strengthened by internal wooden Mesolithic hunter-gatherers moved through frameworks, wattling or stone facing. the landscape, engaging with it on a Regular repair of flood defences meant they subsistence level, the communities of the often had a long life span of many hundreds Bronze Age began to create boundaries, of years with some Medieval embankments signalling a move towards ownership and still in use today. Unaltered examples, division. Such boundaries are recognised i.e. surviving Medieval defences not in the many sub-rectangular enclosures that subsequently reused in the post-Medieval are found at Hallen, Pilning and Oldbury. period, are comparatively rare and Roman Surviving sometimes only as crop marks examples rarer still. Flood defences are one visible on aerial photos, these enclosures are of a small number of Roman and Medieval probably among the first movement towards monuments to show the effects of man boundaries that would ultimately lead to on water control. Their longevity and their the hedgerows and field systems that are influence on the layout and pattern of large recognisable in the Scheme area today. areas of low lying land all contribute to their importance. This resulted not only in dispersed settlement defined by sub-rectangular This permanent settlement can be identified enclosures, but also animal husbandry. at Oldbury, where a high status building, Cattle are nearly ever-present throughout probably a villa, was located and at Long prehistory, whilst sheep or goats appear to Cross where the remains of a minor Roman have been introduced by the Middle Bronze villa are situated. Such enclosed marshes, Age (c.1,500 BC). It is probable that these which can be cultivated and permanently animals were grazing on the salt marsh, a settled, are much more valuable than their characteristic that would define the later natural predecessors, but continuing sea history of the area too. Throughout this level rise makes their defence against period there would have been intermittent flooding increasingly costly. Yet where attempts at drainage and flood defences, groups or societies invested in the labour to but it would not be until the Roman and create such defences, they were rewarded post-Roman periods that permanent marine by exceptional agricultural and grazing land. features were created. What happens to the landscape in the The Romano-British exploitation of the centuries after Roman activity is not clear. Scheme area heralds a turning point in Apart from some initial continuation of flood the use of the landscape. Whereas during defences, the landscape appears to have prehistory, occupation was probably been partly abandoned, although this may seasonal, in the Roman period there was relate to a lack of research rather than reality. a dramatic transformation as the marshes However, by the Medieval period, groups were subjected to land-claim (‘reclamation’) and communities were returning to the through the construction of embankments, Lower Severn Vales. 28 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

Pre and post-conquest manors begin to 1.4 Context of the Area emerge at Aust and Olveston. Deserted Medieval settlements throughout the Why was the area chosen? Scheme area demonstrate the rise and The AFL Scheme area was chosen primarily contraction of populated area, but what because of the importance of the wetland does emerge clearly is the extensive habitats and threats they are facing from network of ridge and furrow, representing development, lack of management and the some of the best preserved examples in fragmentation of these habitats. There is the west country. Ridge and furrow, clearly huge pressure for development in the south identifiable within the Scheme area, are section of the Scheme area and along the the remains of a shared practice of arable River Severn there are sections of SSSI that cultivation and reflect the labour Medieval are in unfavourable or declining condition. populations invested into the land and the rewards this yielded. The Lower Severn Vale Levels were once part of a much larger area of wetland and Among one of the more intriguing historic would have been connected to the North events of the landscape history of the AFL Somerset Levels and the Somerset Levels. Scheme area is the supposed tsunami of However they have become fragmented due 1607. This event was supposed to have to the expansion of Bristol and industrial killed 2,000 people and destroyed livestock growth around the mouth of the Avon. The and farmland. Although the precise nature area has also become cut off in a more of the intensive flood (be it tsunami or social context with the perception of it being storm surge) is debateable, archaeological a purely industrial landscape criss-crossed deposits from places like Pilning do show with motorways preventing people from evidence of a flood event. perceiving that it is a good place to visit and communities within the Scheme area suffering from an element of rural isolation.

Lawrence Weston A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 29

The Scheme area is at the extremity of both 1.5 Management Information the South Gloucestershire and Bristol unitary authorities and it is recognised that there This section outlines the plans and strategies is a lack of organised activities, events and that exist for the AFL Scheme area. It looks projects compared to other areas within the only at those that are specific to the AFL unitary authorities’ boundaries. Scheme itself. It should be taken as read that strategies such as the government Nonetheless the Scheme area boasts the white paper ‘England Biodiversity Strategy’ Estuary of the UK’s largest river and wildlife and the Lawton Review ‘Making Space for habitats worthy of European protection. It Nature’ will be relevant as they would be for is on the edge of Bristol which is the largest any LSP Scheme. city in the south west (population 432,500) and the area of city that falls within the National Scheme area contains a ward ranking within Severn Estuary Coastal Management Plan the 10% most deprived Super output Areas Coastal Habitat Management Plans in England in the overall index of multiple (ChAMPs) provide advice to inform strategic deprivation. The other significant population flood risk and inform coastal management is the market town of Thornbury (population decisions in order to prevent damage to 12,000) which sits just outside the Scheme their sites designated under the Ramsar area in the north. There is therefore huge Convention, Habitats and Birds Directive. potential for these communities to benefit ChAMPs have two primary functions; firstly from the increased opportunities that the to predict and then record losses and momentum of a Landscape Partnership gains to habitat due to natural changes to Scheme affords. the shoreline and secondly to inform the direction of habitat management to address theses losses. 30 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

The ChAMP will inform the subsequent Local development of Shore Management Plans South Gloucestershire Core Strategy (SMPs), strategies and schemes. (adopted 2013) The most relevant policy within the SGC Severn Estuary Shore Management Plan Core Strategy relating to the AFL is Policy (2002, currently under review) CS2 – Green Infrastructure: This non-statutory document was produced by the Severn Estuary Coastal Group The Council and its partners will ensure (SECG) in 2002 and an updated version is that existing and new Green Infrastructure currently under review (known as SMP2). (GI) is planned, delivered and managed It contains draft policies proposing how as an integral part of creating sustainable the shoreline should be managed over the communities and enhancing quality of life. next 100 years. The SECG is a partnership of the Environment Agency, conservation Bristol Core Strategy (adopted 2011) authorities, Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) The policy within the Bristol Core Strategy and various local authorities around the most relevant to the AFL Scheme is Policy Severn Estuary. BCS9 – Green Infrastructure:

Key policies for Bristol / Severnside area and The integrity and connectivity of the the Severn Crossings to Sharpness area are: strategic green infrastructure network will be maintained, protected and enhanced. ¡ ‘Hold the Line’ of current flood defences Bristol Biodiversity Action Plan ¡ R ecognise that habitat between the river The Bristol Biodiversity Action Plan provides and the flood defences will be lost due the framework for habitat and species to climate change and that new habitat conservation in Bristol. It also recognises should be created on the land side of the the benefits of wildlife to people and helps to defences. identify ways to better promote, and engage people in, biodiversity conservation in the Regional city. West of England Strategic Green Infrastructure Framework (2011) It has been produced by the Bristol This document has been produced by Bristol Biodiversity Partnership and is aimed at City Council, South Gloucestershire Council, organisations, businesses, groups and Bath & North East Somerset Council, Natural individuals, which are either working to England, Environment Agency and the protect and enhance biodiversity in the city, Forestry Commission and has the following or who may impact on it in some way. purposes: The most relevant action plans are: ¡ T o create a shared vision, objectives and principles for green infrastructure across ¡ Estuarine habitats the West of England ¡ R ivers and Rhines ¡ Species-rich Grassland ¡ T o create green infrastructure of strategic ¡ Water Vole importance, including green infrastructure areas and corridors, which may cross local authority boundaries

It complements and guides green infrastructure strategies that the individual unitary authorities may produce. A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 31

South Gloucestershire Council Biodiversity Oldbury Power Station Biodiversity Action Action Plan Plan (Magnox) The South Gloucestershire Biodiversity The Biodiversity Action Plan has been Action Plan (BAP) has been drawn up written by Magnox who manage Oldbury collaboratively with a range of partners, Power Station and the surrounding land. It including nature conservation organisations, lists the actions that will be taken to protect parish councils, local wildlife groups and and enhance the biodiversity on the site for members of the public. Its main aim is habitat including to contribute towards safeguarding and benefiting the species and habitats making ¡ Orchard up the Plan and to provide an identity ¡ Wetland and focus for nature conservation work ¡ Grassland throughout South Gloucestershire. ¡ Woodland

The most relevant action plans are: The plan also recognises the enormous benefits that access to biodiversity brings ¡ Arable to the station’s staff and to the local ¡ He dges and Field Margins community. ¡ O ld Meadows and Pastures ¡ Orchards Littleton Brickpits Management Plan ¡ P onds, Rhines, Rivers and Water Bodies (Avon Wildlife Trust) ¡ Saltmarsh and Coastal Floodplain The major habitat management on this site is Grazing Marsh reed cutting. ¡ Great Crested Newt ¡ Glow worm

2 Statement of Significance

A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 35

2 Statement of Significance

Its huge tidal range is the second highest in 2.1 Natural Heritage the world (after the Bay of Fundy in Canada) 2.1.1 Biodiversity and this, along with its classic funnel shape, The AFL Scheme area is hugely significant makes it both unique in Britain and extremely for an array of habitats and species of rare worldwide. The intertidal zone of mud flora and fauna in a regional, national and flats, sand banks, rocky platforms and international capacity. It includes one saltmarsh are amongst the largest and most European Site of international importance; important in Britain. two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) of national importance; and a network of It is predominantly these areas of mudflats some 31 local wildlife sites (Sites of Nature and saltmarsh, augmented by freshwater Conservation Interest), predominantly outlets or ‘pills’, which provide the rich located across the coastal floodplain of the invertebrate feeding and roost sites to Estuary and designated in recognition of support the vast assemblage of wildfowl their value for local biodiversity. and waders for which the Severn Estuary is designated as a Special Protection The AFL Scheme area includes part of Area (SPA) under EC Directive 79/409 on the Severn Estuary which, because of its the Conservation of Wild Birds (‘the Birds habitats and numerous species of migratory Directive’). During the early winter months waterfowl and fish is covered by a suite of each year, huge numbers of migratory internationally significant nature conservation waterfowl arrive from northern Europe to designations. It is situated on the south west augment those wetland birds and species coast of Britain at the mouth of four rivers – resident year round across the Severn the Severn, Wye, Usk and Avon. Estuary.

Second Severn Crossing 36 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

These include internationally important The bird calls and massed nebulous flocks numbers of Bewick’s swan, European white- of waterfowl dispersed across exposed mud fronted goose, gadwall, shelduck, redshank flats, rock outcrops and saltmarsh at low and dunlin, all species for which the Estuary tide, along with the open water and light, is qualifies as an SPA. These populations are an integral part of the magic of the area for joined by an array of species forming part of both local residents and visitors. the qualifying assemblage of birds, including wigeon, teal, pintail, pochard, tufted duck, Whilst the SPA waterfowl are distributed ringed plover, grey plover, dunlin, curlew, along most of the shoreline within the AFL whimbrel and spotted redshank, as well as Scheme area, the mudflats and saltmarsh others such as lapwing, mallard and shoveler along Northwick Warth and Chittening which have been added to the qualifying Warth, to the north and south of Severn criteria since designation. Beach respectively, as well as the intertidal zone and coast around Oldbury Power The numbers of individual species of Station, are particularly important. Chittening waterfowl as well as the overall assemblage Warth comprises a narrow strip of saltmarsh varies according to temperatures and pinched between mud banks and the railway climatic conditions, particularly those line between Bristol and Severn Beach and elsewhere in colder parts of Britain. At high is situated immediately to the west of the tide along the Estuary, many waterfowl are Enterprise Area covering Avonmouth and ‘flushed’ in land and will utilise the low-lying Severnside. The area is a major economic wet fields and other freshwater wetland driver for the south west of Britain as well as habitat within the coastal floodplain. Curlew, the West of England region and, as well as lapwing, shelduck and dunlin are routinely including Bristol Port Company and Docks, recorded and the provision and conservation predominantly consists of industrial and of these inland coastal high tide roosts is a distribution businesses located within a crucial element in the conservation of these series of commercial estates. species and their continued presence in significant numbers across the Estuary. The Severn Estuary is also subject to a

Avonmouth Docks A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 37

~ Orchard at Oldbury Power Station

series of additional over lapping nature conservation designations. The international significance of its wetlands and bird populations was recognised during the Ramsar Convention on the Conservation of Wetlands of Importance in Iran in 1971 (‘Ramsar Site’). It also qualifies as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) the Habitats Directive 1992 in recognition of its size, shape and tidal range as an Estuary and a variety of associated habitats, such as Chittening Warth sand banks, Atlantic salt meadows, sand flats and mud flats. It is also one of the most food resource and commercial businesses important sites in the UK for sea and river for families and communities on both sides lamprey and the nationally rare twaite shad. of the Estuary using a variety of techniques and traditional skills. Many of these are in The biodiversity of the Estuary has also been decline or on the verge of disappearing from nationally recognised and it is notified as common knowledge altogether, such as the a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) use of ‘putchers’ (funnel-shaped basket traps under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 woven from willow and hazel arranged in (as amended), in part for its saltmarsh, mud ranks of between 50 and several thousand flat and eel-grass habitats and also for its at any location). Part of the aim of the AFL large migratory fish stock including salmon, Scheme is to ensure that an awareness of allis and twaite shad, sea trout, river and sea these local skills and ways of life and their lamprey and eel, which move up through the direct link to the rich wildlife of the Estuary in Estuary between the open sea and the rivers. maintained in the public consciousness. These stocks have historically provided a 38 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

The saltmarsh fringing the Estuary was also historically grazed by sheep and cattle although this has declined in recent years.

Inland, outside of the Avonmouth - Severnside Enterprise Area to the south, the majority of the AFL Scheme area consists of low-lying coastal floodplain, predominantly fields of arable or improved grazing pasture. These fields are bordered by a network of hedges and/or ditches and Water vole © Natural England - Paul Lacey interspersed with occasional ‘knolls’ of higher ground, small blocks of deciduous Consequently, it is a habitat listed under woodland and orchards. Many of these Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 and hedges are species-rich – a type of habitat included on South Gloucestershire Council’s listed by the Government as being of own Biodiversity Action Plan. In certain principal importance for biological diversity areas, the ditches are used by fragmented under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006; populations of water vole, a protected their composition characteristically based species under the Wildlife & Countryside around a mixture of hawthorn, blackthorn, Act 1981 (as amended), which have become field maple and hazel with standard ash or isolated as ditches either dry up or fall into oak. The less intensively managed hedges disrepair through a lack of management. The support a range of biodiversity, such as song flat agricultural fields of the floodplain still thrush, bullfinch, linnet and yellowhammer, contain numerous field ponds, although not all species listed on the RSPB Red and anywhere near the number that historically Amber List of Birds of Conservation would have been present. Where these Concern. Dormouse - a European protected haven’t been allowed to degrade they species - potentially uses the same hedge support a diversity of aquatic flora and network, particularly where close to fauna, including small populations of great deciduous woodland blocks and because of crested newt, a European protected species its arboreal and nocturnal nature, it is likely listed under Section 41 of the NERC Act to be under-recorded in the area. A range of 2006. Great crested newt in the south west raptor species, including short-eared owl, tend to exist in small colonies forming a hobby, barn owl and peregrine have been meta-population inter-linked by the network recorded, particularly along Northwick Warth of field hedges, woodland or the rough between the Severn Bridge and Second grassland heads of fields making them Severn Crossing which offer perches/nesting vulnerable to isolation and local extinctions sites. Bearded tit (Amber List) has also been by intensive farm management. Orchards recorded using reed beds on the historic rifle are also found throughout the floodplain ranges (now a small wetland reserve) near and whilst there are still local community Pilning, a location well outside their normal cider-making businesses, the historic maps resident distribution in Britain. indicate just how many orchards have been lost over the last 50-100 years and how Whilst the area is mostly farmed intensively, cider-making has declined with it. there are scattered, fragmented fields of more species-rich (neutral) grassland - the 2.1.2 Geology traditional unimproved or semi-improved lowland hay meadows. It is estimated The shoreline of the Estuary also contains that unimproved grassland has declined sites of considerable geological and by 95% during the last century, with the geomorphological importance. Aust Cliff, most dramatic losses being post-war. a striking, striated exposure beneath the A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 39

Severn Bridge, is notified as a SSSI and is The mudflats and shoreline of Northwick famous for the Rhaetic bone bed at the top Warth to the south of Aust Cliff is of the section of cliff. The bed is regarded regarded as being regionally important for as the best site for marine reptiles in Britain geomorphology in that it provides a vivid and has been the source for hundreds of demonstration of coastal dynamics and how vertebrate material (bones) over the past 150 the shoreline of the Estuary has changed years, including ichthyosaur, four species of over the centuries as a result of tidal and plesiosaur, dinosaurs, pterosaur and some sedimentary influences. It also demonstrates previously unidentified forms. It is widely the on-going link between the Estuary’s regarded as being internationally significant sedimentary processes, its ecology and for reptile fossils as well as being the most the formation of new rock – the massive productive location in Britain and nationally quantities of sediment draining out of mid- important for fossils of insects from the Wales and carried out by the estuarine Triassic period. Several new species tides only to be brought back in again and have been described from Aust with the deposited as mud flats which in turn provide specimens generally occurring concentrated rich feeding habitat for tens of thousands in blocks of Rhaetic limestone from the of waterfowl over the winter months. Over top of the section, with a high proportion millions of years, these sediments will of complete bodies and some having their continue to deposit, its own massive weight colour and patterning preserved. A thick compressing itself down to form the new Permo-Trias section lower down the cliffs sedimentary rocks of the future. also provides one of the most important Triassic exposures in the country, showing Superficial deposits are widespread and the transition from the red Mercia Mudstone floodplain alluvium accompanies the course Group (formerly ‘Keuper Marl’) through the of the Severn itself. A sheet of mainly ‘Tea Green Marls’ (Blue Anchor Formation) to Jurassic limestone fan gravel probably the overlying Rhaetic Beds (Penarth Group). covered most of the Vale in the past but The red mudstones of the Mercia Group has since been eroded leaving isolated include massive nodular gypsum, and show deposits. For this reason, building stone is a sharp transition to the overlying green scarce in the Severn Vale, and this resulted mudstones and sandstones of the Blue in brick construction for all but a few houses Anchor Formation indicating a change from and other buildings. However, limestone is a desert to marine environment over 210 exposed in places such as Kingsweston and million years ago. Old Down near Tockington.

Northwick Warth 40 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

Waterlogged conditions create an anaerobic 2.2 Archaeology (oxygen deficient) environment wherein The AFL Scheme area is one of the most the bacteria that would ordinarily attack important archaeological landscapes in archaeological remains, notably organic Britain. It has been, and remains, a place of deposits such as textiles, wood and human activity since at least the end of the environment material such as pollen, are last ice age and almost certainly before this. significantly reduced (although not entirely Because of the exceptional preservation it is absent). The result is a much slower a landscape that affords us the opportunity process of decay and the preservation of to chart the impact of a changing archaeology that would not ordinarily survive environment, how this affected humans and on dry land areas. how in turn they adapted the environment to suit themselves. The relationship between water and land within the Scheme area is reflected in It is connected to the Severn, a body of the Wentlooge formation, a sequence of water that has carried people, goods and alluvial deposits charting sea level change ideas up and down and across it, joining from the Pleistocene/Holocene transition communities rather than separating them through to the end of the prehistoric period, and this land and seascape comprising the when Romans began to build significant river, intertidal zone, salt marsh and dry land flood defences. The Wentlooge formation represents a unique environment for human is typically 10-15m thick and comprised exploitation and interaction. largely of soft estuarine mineral sediments and peat, which may contain some of the One of the key factors in its importance is most complete exposures of shallow-marine the level of preservation of archaeological sediments post-dating the ice age in the remains that are often encountered, a result British Isles. of the waterlogged conditions.

Hillfort excavation A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 41

It is very broadly divided into three formations:

¡ Lower - defined by cold climate estuarine sand deposition

¡ Middle - defined by development from wetland carr woodland with alder and oak to reed swamp with evidence of Bronze Age and Iron Age activity on the upper peat surfaces and some activity on salt marsh clays

¡ Upper - defined by unlaminated and poorly stratified silts representing Oldbury Camp changes resulting from Roman flood defence building or salt marsh environments, and therefore a general cessation of human activity, These formations contain material evidence although clearly sites such as Oldbury Camp suitable for radiocarbon dating, which and Elberton reflect ongoing habitation and has determined that the Lower Wentlooge labour investment. corresponds broadly with the Mesolithic to Neolithic, the Middle Wentlooge from the Therefore, the AFL Scheme area is of Bronze Age to the Iron Age and the Upper national archaeological significance because Wentlooge to the Roman period and onward, it offers the ability to chart these massive although there is cessation of the Wentlooge landscape changes and the different ways formation at different times in the Roman communities engaged with and exploited period as flood defences were constructed. their environment. It is even more important when considering that the Scheme is a The Wentlooge is also important because transition point between river, intertidal, salt it contains palaeoenvironmental deposits, marsh and dry land areas. such as pollen and foraminifera, which permit reconstruction of landscape and This pattern of human interaction with landscape change. This identified that prior this unique landscape is represented at a to the start of the Neolithic (c.4,000 BC) the number of key archaeological sites, which landscape comprised a fen carr woodland are clearly related to how humans engaged on the edge of extensive reed-swamp fen with their environment and which would with drier marshes and woodland comprised influence the later development of the of oak, elm, lime, ash and hazel. As Neolithic Forgotten Landscape. communities begin to establish themselves, there is a reduction in woodland, but Oldbury Camp, also known as ‘The Toot’, by the end of the Neolithic (c.2,900 BC) consists of a fort of probable Iron Age date this woodland regenerates, a result of (800-50 BC) with a double bank and ditch on abandonment of the area by humans or a its north and east sides and a single bank to marine transgression. This is followed by the west. At their highest, the inner and outer a significant decline in woodland which ramparts stand to a height of 1.9m and 1.5m occurred in the Middle to Late Bronze Age respectively. The site occupies a strategic (c.1,500-800 BC), due to expansive human but low-lying prominence overlooking the communities returning and their interaction Oldbury Pill some 200m to the north. Traces with the environment. By the iron age, the of the inner rampart have been noted to the Late Bronze Age settlements had been south of the monument although these do inundated by sediments relating to mudflat not appear on the OS map. 42 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

Instead the southern half of the site is fronted Univallate sites have a single bank and ditch, by a large earthwork platform c.150m x multivallate sites more than one. At some 75m in extent. This has been suggested as sites these earthen ramparts represent a representing the remains of a wharf structure second phase of defence, the first having although it is more likely the result of later been a timber fence or palisade. Where agricultural activity levelling the rampart in excavated, evidence of stone or timber- this area. built houses have been found within the enclosures, which, in contrast to the hillfort The site is one of a small and poorly sites, would have been occupied by small understood group of hillforts peripheral to communities, perhaps no more than a a major group situated in the Cotswolds. single family group. Defended settlements The site is important because of its unusual are a rare monument type. They were character, lowland setting and its excellent an important element of the settlement condition. It also has evidence for continued pattern, particularly in the upland areas of use into the Roman and Medieval periods, south western England, and are integral to the plan of the Medieval village being largely any study of the developing use of fortified determined by the plan and extent of the settlements during this period. hillfort. The Mere Bank and its flanking ditches exist Conversely, Elberton Camp is an Iron Age as an identified Medieval flood defence defended settlement, situated on the summit which may have earlier, Roman, origins. It of a spur with far reaching views across the acted as a barrier to reclaim part of the low lying flood plain to the River Severn. wetlands of the Avon levels, a landscape The settlement survives as an irregularly- which was subject to increased industrial shaped enclosure which covers an area of development in the 19th century. The approximately 1.6ha. It is defined to the present Mere Bank has been provisionally north by steep natural slopes and to the dated to the 12th-13th century by partial remaining sides by a large rampart bank, excavation and documentary sources outer ditch and counterscarp bank which would appear to support this date. Part survive differentially around the circuit of its length survives as a recognisable but are best preserved to the east and feature within the landscape, which is rare south. Possible causewayed entrances nationally and particularly within the have been noted at either end of the Avon and North Somerset Levels. southern side. It represents the period of permanent During the Iron Age a variety of occupation of the AFL Scheme area, different types of settlement were which requires a substantial investment constructed and occupied in south of labour. But such labour investment western England. At the top of the brings rewards in terms of productive settlement hierarchy were hillforts built arable and pasture land. This process in prominent locations. In addition to of drainage and flood alleviation these a group of smaller sites, known would define the shape and nature of as defended settlements, were also the landscape, for not only did it stop constructed. Some of these were located further marine inundation until the post- on hilltops, others in less prominent Roman period, but that very act will have positions. They are generally smaller affected habitat and environment in other than the hillforts, sometimes with an parts of the Scheme area, resulting in enclosed area of less than one hectare. permanent or semi-permanent change. The enclosing defences were of earthen construction. | Aust Goddess A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 43

During the Medieval period, communities Despite some damage to the concrete begin to reappear in greater numbers structures, this heavy anti-aircraft battery throughout the Scheme area, reflected by survives well, and represents the range of the establishment of manors and Medieval structures originally present. It follows the agricultural practices. Olveston Court is one classic layout of this type of site, and all the of several examples in the Bristol area which expected elements including the command were owned by nationally influential figures post at the centre of the arc of four gun during the Medieval period. Its development pits, with the magazine to one side, remain as a major site between the 13th and 15th visible. centuries reflects the growth to prominence of the nearby city and port. The existence Apart from its intrinsic value, the site of extensive and well-preserved earthworks forms part of a group of heavy anti-aircraft indicates the high status of the moat and emplacements defending Bristol and the its potential for archaeological remains. It Severn Estuary. These include five other also reflects a move towards re-establishing sites in the Bristol area, namely Lodge Farm, permanent settlement and altering the Portishead/Portbury, Gordano, Cribbs landscape that would persist to the present. and Purdown. This group of sites were constructed to safeguard crucial elements Although most of the history of the Scheme in the defence of Britain against the threat area has focused on the close interaction of invasion during World War II, and it is in between humans and the environment and this context that the true importance of this how sites emerged in direct response to battery can be recognised. this, there were periods of history where structures were built for purposes beyond The AFL Scheme area is then a place the function of the land itself. This is notable shaped by human action, both direct and during WWII. indirect since the end of the last ice age. Only a fraction of what has occurred within The heavy anti-aircraft battery at the Scheme area is known about – why Avonmouth, 520m east of Holes Mouth is a humans settled and abandoned the area clear example of this. and why particular archaeological sites exist within the landscape. The Scheme aims to explore some of these questions. The Bee Garden - Olveston Court 44 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

~ Littleton Warth

Adge Cutler (of The Wurzel’s fame) ‘Aloha 2.3 Sense of Place Severn Beach’ and Bristol band The Blue The flat estuarine landscape, the mighty Aeroplanes ‘Severn Beach’. River Severn with its huge tidal ranges and constantly shifting sands, big skies and the There are currently several arts based mixture of rural and industrial areas amongst projects which are connected to the Scheme remote marshes have a mesmerizing effect area including an artist in residency which on many that visit. is a partnership between local artist Antony Lyons and the University of Gloucestershire. During the consultation that was carried This is funded through a fellowship grant and out over summer 2013, people time will take place in 2014. There is also a project and time again said that they value this led by Dr Owain Jones from the Countryside landscape as something very distinct and and Community Research Institute at special and used phrases such as ‘remote’ the University of Gloucestershire entitled ‘windswept’ ‘wild’ and a good place for Between the Tides. Since 2012 this arts and simply ‘getting away from it all’. People who humanities project has looked at the lives have discovered this landscape through the of people living in floodplains and has used development phase of AFL Scheme have the Severn Estuary in a comparison study of expressed surprise at the specialness of the tidal landscapes with the Wadden Sea in the area and have made return visits. Netherlands.

The River Severn has inspired its share of Through the community consultation artists, musicians and poets, notably Alice other artists have been identified who Oswald ‘A Sleepwalk on the Severn’, Harri are capturing the essence of the Estuary Webb ‘Ode on the Severn Bridge’, through the medium of photography, sound recording or drama. A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 45

2.4 Transport

River Crossings There has long been a history of river crossings in this area because to get to the other side of the river by road is a distance of over 40 miles.

The passage of the Severn between Aust and Beachley (now the location of the first Severn Crossing Bridge) was probably in use from antiquity and was long the primary route between south west England and Wales. There are references to it in both the 12th and 14th centuries.

The journey, a distance of over a mile at a point where the tides run swiftly, was a dangerous one, and its reputation, the roughness of the water, and the smallness Remains of jetty at Aust Ferry of the boats deterred Daniel Defoe from making the crossing from the Aust side The Old Passage, not connected to the early in the 18th century. He referred to it as railway, therefore lost much of its traffic. ‘an ugly, dangerous, and very inconvenient ferry’. By that time, ferry crossings from In 1886, the railway Severn Tunnel opened, New Passage, just a couple of miles south broadly following the line of the New (and close to the site of the second Severn Passage, and this removed the demand Crossing Bridge) rivalled the Aust passage, for all ferries until the late 1920s, when the which consequently became known as the increase in motor vehicles, which were not Old Passage. well catered for by the railway operator, led to new demand for a crossing. In 1825 a new era opened with the formation of the Old Passage Ferry Association. The The Car Ferry company built stone piers on both banks, Between 1931 and 1966, a ferry service and commissioned a steamboat which was operated by Enoch Williams of the Old began to ply in 1827, with a second one Passage Severn Ferry Company Ltd. Initially, five years later, although sailing boats also this was only able to transport passengers continued to be used. By virtue of these with bicycles and motorbikes, but, by 1934, improvements the company achieved the the Severn Queen was launched as a car transfer of most of the cross-Severn mail ferry. It was able to carry just 17 cars. Each routes from the rival New Passage. However, car had to turn sharply off the ramp onto the the passage remained dangerous. The ferry, then be turned on a manually operated Beachley-Aust ferry was lost with all hands turntable before being parked. The process on 1 September 1839 and again on 12 was reversed for unloading. The ferry March 1844. timetable was notoriously affected by the huge tidal range on the Severn. It was unable In 1863, the railway reached the downstream to operate at low tide or at very high tides. New Passage and a railway pier and new hotel were built. The ferry then connected In May 1966, Bob Dylan took the car ferry up with the railway on the Welsh side of the from Aust Beachley on his way from Bristol river, and this became the standard route. to Newport on his infamous ‘Judas’ tour. 46 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

~ Severn Beach Railway Station

He was photographed by Barry Feinstein standing on the jetty close to the ticket office. The half built Severn Crossing can also be seen be in background. This image was used on the cover of the DVD of Martin Scorsese’s epic 2005 documentary on Dylan, No Direction Home.

The last ferry crossing occurred on 8 September 1966, the day before the first Severn Bridge opened. Bob Dylan - No Direction Home

The ferry jetty and buildings have been At this point the River Severn is almost disused ever since and over the passage of exactly one mile wide at high water and time the buildings have fallen into a ruinous the bridge creates a direct link for the M4 state with only the toilet block and a very motorway into Wales. The suspension bridge small section of the café surviving today. was granted Grade I listing in 1999. However the site is still visited with a large percentage of those arriving paying homage Usage of the bridge steadily grew and thus to Bob. led to the need for a second river crossing. The Second Severn Crossing opened The Bridges 30 years later in 1996 and is close to the The Severn Bridge was opened by the location of the other ferry crossing at New Queen, in September 1966 to replace the Passage. This bridge is designed in such a ferry service crossing from Aust Cliff to way that it rarely needs to be closed in high Beachley Peninsula, eight miles upstream winds and takes a higher proportion of traffic from Avonmouth. than the first Severn crossing. A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 47

The coming of the railway and seaside 2.5 Changes in Landuse resorts – Avonmouth and Severn Beach Farming The railway was extended out to Avonmouth The soil in the Lower Severn Vale Level when the new docks were built there in the is mainly heavy with clay and in the past late 19th century. The line served both goods favoured dairy and sheep farming rather and passengers and allowed the people of than arable because the land was difficult Bristol a means for a daytrip to the seaside. to plough before the days of tractors. Prior Pleasure Gardens were built at Avonmouth to extensive drainage and flood defences for people to visit and many took advantage the land would have been much marshier of an easy escape from the city for an and maintaining the rhine system would afternoon. When the railway reached Severn have been essential. Some land would have Beach in 1922, which at the time was no only been available for use in the summer more than a few farms and fishing grounds, months of the years. Farms would have been the result was even more dramatic. Thanks more numerous but would have consisted to the entrepreneurial skills of Robert Stride, of a smaller landholding. Orchards were a cafes, shops, houses and entertainments key feature of the area as fruit grows very such as a music hall, a swimming pool and well on the wide fertile floodplain. Some of mini golf sprang up. Before long Severn this would have been grown commercially Beach was known as ‘Blackpool of the West’ and some would have been for home and people visited in their droves. The resort consumption or as part payment for farm remained popular until the 1960s when the labourers. Hedgerows would have been advent of cheap package holidays became maintained as stock boundaries and willows available and its popularity diminished. would have been pollarded to use the Although Severn Beach still retains its wood for a variety of things such as salmon railway today the attractions have long since putchers, poles for fencing or even to use gone and a smaller number of visitors spend the leaves as a fodder crop for livestock. time bird watching or just enjoying a walk by the foreshore. Examples of putchers 48 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

Although farming is still very prevalent in the Industry area today the farms are less numerous and However, it is in the south of the project the land is often more intensively farmed. where the most dramatic land use change There has been a dramatic decline in can be seen. Gone are the scattered remote orchards. farms and in their place are large industrial units. The change in the area begun with Fishing the development of the docks at Avonmouth Fishing is less relevant than it was in the in the 1870s to replace Bristol City Docks. past. Up until 30 or 40 years ago there would These new docks could accommodate much have been licenses to fish all along this larger ships and were soon expanded again section of the Estuary. Fishing was carried with the creation of Royal Edward Dock out in two main ways – either by putcher in 1908. The small village of Avonmouth ranks which consisted of static traps known was built originally for the builders of the as putchers, placed on wooden jetties out dock and the houses were then inhabited into the river and emptied at low tide or by by dock workers after the port opened. lave netting which is also carried out at low Industry soon grew up around the dock and tide and involved the fisherman wading in the WWI, a munitions factory was built out into the river with large A-framed nets. including a facility providing sulphuric acid to Salmon was one of the main catches with manufacture explosives and fertilizers. The eels also being relevant. Many farmers in zinc industry was prevalent up until the late the area would also own fishing rights and 1990s but now much of the manufacturing would earn their incomes from a mixture of industry has been replaced by distribution farming and fishing. Fishing has declined centres. Today the Avonmouth Severnside mainly because the amount of fish in area has been identified as an Enterprise the river has declined and it is no longer Zone by the Local Enterprise Partnership commercially viable. Apart from a small and is set for further development. number of recreational fishers the main sign of this industry is the occasional sighting of Housing a wooden jetty quietly rotting away exposed The hamlets of Lawrence Weston and Kings at low tide where the putchers were once Weston, which were originally small rural placed. settlements outside of the city of Bristol,

Severnside today A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 49

~ Post WWII housing at Lawrence Weston

were developed and a large estate of council spaces and the countryside is to exercise housing was built to ease housing shortages dogs, personal health and exercise, relaxing after WWII. The area currently suffers from and unwinding, enjoying fresh air and a high level of deprivation, a high crime rate pleasant weather and enjoying scenery. and poor educational achievement. As people get older they are more likely to take visits for health and exercise, fresh air, to enjoy scenery and to enjoy wildlife. 2.6 Audience Development With this in mind, and the feedback from A significant amount of consultation has the consultation work the things that the been undertaken to identify what people audience value and enjoy most about value about the heritage of AFL, including the Lower Severn Vale Levels can be workshops, stalls at local carnivals and summarised as follows: events and work with a local school (see section 4.3). At a workshop with the South ¡ The open views across the Severn Gloucestershire Environment Forum, Estuary and feeling of exposure Thornbury Carnival and discussions and creative writing sessions with Olveston ¡ The big skies, power of the river and tide CEVC Primary School (see appendices – the force of nature G10 and G11 of Interpretation, Access and Learning Plan 2013), people were asked ¡ The peace and quiet and natural beauty what they considered to be the seven of the countryside, sense of seclusion wonders of the Severn. This work provided and green spaces valuable information about what local people of all ages value about the heritage. ¡ The mudflats, bird life and wildlife

The Monitor of Engagement with the Natural ¡ The dramatic architecture of the bridges Environment (MENE) Survey carried out by Natural England has identified that the ¡ A sense of connection to the past – most important reasons for visiting green historic landscape 50 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

The process of funding the creation of these 2.7 Other Projects new areas of wetland habitat is presently Severnside/Avonmouth Wetland Habitat being developed, but it is intended to be Project delivered through planning obligations The southernmost part of the project area and a specific scheme of ‘biodiversity off- includes the Enterprise Area of Avonmouth setting’. Subject to this being enacted, The and Severnside whose development is of Cresswell Report will enable the crucial huge economic importance to the West of continued economic development of England region. Avonmouth/Severnside to be reconciled with the internationally important ecology of the Avonmouth covers the village of Avonmouth European Site. and the historic docks and hosts a range of general industrial (B2) distribution and office Whilst outside of the scope of the AFL uses with areas of heavy and specialist Scheme, the location of this new wetland industries closely linked with the docks habitat and the proximity of the Enterprise extending northwards beside the Estuary. Area presents an opportunity for use by Severnside – an area of coastal floodplain to the wider public and an interface with the south of Severn Beach - is subject to a the Scheme (see Section 3, Risks and historic planning permission granted to ICI Opportunities). in 1957/58 for industrial, office warehouse (distribution) and other ancillary uses totalling Oldbury Nuclear Power Station 2,545 acres (called ‘the ’57/’58 Consent’). Oldbury Nuclear Power Station, covering Following a legal challenge in 2003, the some 71ha, is located in the coastal permission was deemed valid and extant by floodplain alongside the Estuary to the the Secretary of State and is currently being north-west of Thornbury in the northern part developed out. As a partially implemented of the LP project area. consent, however, South Gloucestershire Council was legally obliged under Regulation The power station was constructed between 63 of the Habitats Regulations 2010 to 1961 and 1967 and has commenced review the permission and this formed part decommissioning following the cessation of of a joint wetland habitat study (including electricity generation in 2012. It is presently Avonmouth as well) published in December run by Magnox Ltd under licence from the 2011 by Natural England and South Nuclear Decommissioning Agency (NDA). Gloucestershire and Bristol City Councils Under the conditions of the licence, a silt (known as ‘The Cresswell Report’). lagoon – a huge settlement pond for the coolant water abstracted from the Estuary The Cresswell Report concluded that – situated to the south of the reactor is developing out Severnside in full, in eventually intended to be returned to combination with Avonmouth, would be likely agricultural land (farmland) by infilling and to have a significant effect on the species and assemblage for which the Severn Estuary was designated a SPA and Ramsar (European Site). To mitigate against this impact, some 133ha of new wetland habitat (combining pools, scrapes and marsh) would need to be created and the report identified six prospective sites. These were all outside the red line areas of Avonmouth and Severnside but within the coastal floodplain and the AFL Scheme area. Chittening Warth A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 51

~ Oldbury Power Station

capping as part of this decommissioning of birds associated with the Severn Estuary process (by end 2027). This in turn requires SPA/Ramsar. Magnox is presently in the importation of massive amounts of discussion with the owners, NDA, Natural spoil/materials at considerable expense. England, SGC and the Environment Agency The lagoon is overlooked by a hide and to explore possibilities to amend the licence is used by the public/local birdwatchers conditions to retain the lagoon in situ as a being accessible via the Severn Way and an publicly accessible bird-watching facility. interlinking public right of way. The lagoon is used by a range of European species of Whilst the Cresswell wetland habitat creation wildfowl and waders – including lapwing, and cooperative improvements to the dunlin and shelduck - and between 1979 and Oldbury lagoon are outwith and proceeding 2005, 199 species of birds were recorded separately and independently, both projects there. As well as providing an important augment and interface with the AFL Scheme high tide roost for estuarine waterfowl, the which in turn acts as a ‘template’ for a range site is an important ‘stepping stone’ for of habitat creation and improvements across bird populations between Chittening Warth the wider coastal floodplain (see Section 3, and Northwick Warth in the south of the Risks and Opportunities). project area and the renowned wetlands at Slimbridge in Gloucestershire to the north.

Given its importance as a high tide roost, restoring the lagoon to farmland would be a considerable loss to a variety of species

3 Risk and Opportunities

A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 55

3 Risks and Opportunities

Opportunities 3.1 Natural and Historic Heritage ¡ Work with farmers to create high tide 3.1.1 Loss of wetland habitat due to roost sites (wetland scrapes) on the changes in agriculture (including inland side of the flood defences ponds, ditches and pools (high tide roosts for waterfowl) ¡ Facilitate the creation of more wetland Wetland habitat has declined by 90% in the habitat on coastal floodplain farmland UK since Roman times contributing to the through the introduction of Environmental extinction and decline of an array of flora and Stewardship schemes fauna. A similar, historical loss of wetland has also occurred within the project area ¡ Protect use of wetland habitat by over a relatively short space of time, brought waterfowl from disturbance by engaging about predominantly by the drainage of with landowners and recreational users land for agriculture and an intensification of the Severn Way (birds displaced by of farming practices (loss of ditches and uncontrolled dogs) ponds). The building of flood defences to protect farmland, properties and more ¡ Decommissioning of Oldbury Power recently industry at Avonmouth/Severnside Station presents the opportunity to (see below) has further increased this loss. work with Magnox, RSPB/WWT, Natural This in turn has lead to a loss of high tide England and Environment Agency to roosts for a range of waterfowl associated retain an existing silt lagoon used by with the Severn Estuary European Site. waterfowl as a public facility (due to be restored to agricultural land under licence)

Wetland scrapes at Pilning Nature Reserve 56 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

3.1.2 Loss of saltmarsh diversity due to Many orchards have been grubbed out lack of management or inappropriate or neglected; and hedgerows have been management removed or left to develop into lines of trees Some stretches of saltmarsh – particularly as they are less important for constraining in the southern part of the project area livestock. Ponds which would have between Aust and Avonmouth – are now in previously been used for water for animals a poor condition and declining in botanical are no longer needed in fields that have been interest. This is due to a number of factors, turned over to arable or have been replaced mostly associated with grazing. Some areas by modern water troughs. The use of are no longer grazed when historically and fertilizers and changes from hay production for centuries they would have supported to silage has also had an effect on the sheep or cattle, leaving the sward in a poor botanical diversity of fields and as a result condition (loss of floral diversity). This has there has been a huge decline in species- also resulted in the encroachment of scrub, rich (unimproved) grassland. There is also particularly south of Severn Beach, without less enthusiasm for pollarding as there is not a regular management regime which would the demand for the arisings. remove it. Other areas are periodically degraded by other influences, such as In recent years there has been an increase random use by travellers (pitched caravans in the amount of ‘horsiculture’ in the Scheme and fly-grazing by horses). area. Land previously in agriculture and which was formerly grazed by farm livestock Opportunities is now being grazed by horses. This along ¡ Work towards re-establishing grazing with the associated infrastructure such as with appropriate livestock at optimal stable blocks and electric fencing has a density in areas where this has been lost visual impact and also reduces the amount of grazing available for farmers. ¡ Work with FWAG SouthWest to increase in uptake of Environmental Stewardship All of these risks not only pose threats to schemes along foreshore biodiversity but also to the landscape as well.

¡ Removal of areas of scrub to enable Opportunities saltmarsh to re-establish (for example, by ¡ Work with FWAG SouthWest to increase grant scheme or volunteer days) the uptake of Environmental Stewardship schemes which will benefit both ¡ Enable saltmarsh to re-establish biodiversity and archaeology in areas where degraded through misuse (recreational use, fly-grazing ¡ Offer capital grants to manage etc) by securing/better policing of hedgerows and re-pollard willows foreshore ¡ Cr eate/restore species-rich meadows 3.1.3 Loss of habitat due to changes in agriculture (including ¡ C reate/restore orchards orchards, species-rich grassland, hedgerows and pollarded willows) ¡ Raise awareness of the heritage of the Changes in agriculture (particularly area to farmers and local residents to since the World War II) have led to an ensure they learn to value their past intensification of farming practices in the project area with a higher proportion of 3.1.4 Loss of archaeological features arable and silage production. due to agriculture Agriculture remains the single biggest threat | Common spotted orchid to archaeology in the UK. A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 57

Ploughing is a particular concern, but a thorough and more extensive excavation, unsympathetic planting of trees and might not be realised. permitted development for agricultural purposes also contributes to a loss of In addition, there are gaps in knowledge of archaeological features. Ridge and furrow – the history of existing sites. It is known, for a feature which forms a readily identifiable example, that Oldbury Camp is an ancient historic component of the AFL Scheme monument probably built in the Iron Age. area – is particularly vulnerable and often Whether it was occupied permanently or ploughed away in preparing land for arable seasonally is not. Additionally, it is not farming. The ridge and furrow within the known when it was built or the period in project area is especially important as which it was abandoned: if it was re-used it provides some of the best preserved during the Roman period; whether there example in the entire country. was Viking activity at the site; or its role or significance within the broader landscape. Opportunities ¡ Work with FWAG SouthWest to increase This lack of understanding is endemic and the uptake of Environmental Stewardship applies to many other archaeological sites schemes which will benefit both across the AFL Scheme area. biodiversity and archaeology Opportunities ¡ R aise awareness of the heritage of the ¡ T o establish a stronger evidence base area to farmers and local residents to (through voluntary work) ensure they learn to value their past ¡ Improved knowledge of sites and their landscapes leading to improved 3.2 Lack of Knowledge conservation strategies 3.2.1 Loss of archaeological features due to lack of knowledge ¡ O utreach to highlight the wealth of Archaeological sites make an important heritage and its accessibility contribution to the character of any landscape. This is particularly so within ¡ U nderstanding of how heritage sites the Scheme area which has received contribute (or contributed) to the considerably less attention in terms of development of place fieldwork and surveys than other areas of the unitary authorities due primarily to the fact ¡ T o have in place an archaeological that development therein has been sporadic watching brief during any ground rather than consistent. excavations (scrapes) and provisions for re-locating the scrape should the site To understand the importance of a site it is prove of archaeological significance first necessary to understand its significance and to address key questions that need to 3.2.2 Loss of traditional skills such as be answered. Whilst the waterlogged soils hedge laying, cider-making within a large section of the project area The intensification of farming practices enables organic archaeological materials across the project area has lead to larger to be preserved in excellent condition, the farms with big machinery, less farm labour distribution of these sites or locations or and fewer employees. The mechanisation of their extent is not known. Any ground works much farmland management has also meant such as digging the wildfowl ‘scrapes’ could that traditional farm skills such as hedge- therefore either destroy previously unknown laying and small-scale farmhouse cider archaeological remains; or bring materials to production are gradually disappearing. light whose significance, unless subject to 58 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

3.3 Forgetting the Past

Losing the opportunity to capture the memories of the older generation There have been huge amounts of change in the project area within recent living memory.

The Avonmouth Docks is one of the country’s fastest growing ports and has expanded dramatically over the centuries, Hedge-laying with permission having recently been granted for a Deep Sea Container Terminal. Instead of being ‘laid’, producing hedges Once an expanse of coastal floodplain with with a dense stock-proof base and a small isolated farms, the areas of Avonmouth structure offering nesting habitat and and Severnside are now being developed for foraging for many farmland species of birds, a mixture of industrial, office and distribution many agricultural hedges are increasingly uses. The village of Severn Beach was kept low and cut in a ‘box’ shape with formerly a thriving coastal resort, but it has a side arm flail, which eventually leaves declined dramatically as a destination of them ‘gappy’ and offering little for wildlife. choice for day-trippers and holiday-makers. Historically, a huge number of orchards have In the last 50 years, the area has also seen been lost and subsumed back into farmland the construction of two monumental and across the project area, particularly those iconic bridges – the Severn Bridge at Aust; stocked with the varieties of apples suitable and the Second Severn Crossing at Severn for cider-making. Beach – and the loss of the last of the historic crossing points, the Aust car ferry. Opportunities There have also been significant changes ¡ T raining courses for people to learn these in agriculture and farming practices, skills particularly since the WWII, and with it changes in the way many people have led 3.2.3 Loss of recording and their lives. identification skills due to younger people not replacing the current Whilst there are still many people living in generation of wildlife recorders the Scheme area that can recall some or all Many of the wildlife recorders in the project of these dramatic changes, they are now area are of an older age and there is concern elderly and, with the passing of the years, that there are not the younger generations there is the risk that many of these first- with sufficient knowledge or interest to hand recollections will disappear with them. eventually replace them. Opportunities Opportunities ¡ S et up oral history projects to record ¡ R un training courses for people to learn memories to record a variety of species associated with the project area including wetland ¡ R un old photo events to draw together birds, water voles and amphibians photographic memories

¡ R un projects in the schools to teach the children about these histories A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 59

¡ Input into identifying prospective areas 3.4 Climate Change for future habitat creation (managed Habitat Loss through Coastal Squeeze realignment) outside project remit (Climate Change) The shoreline of the Severn Estuary within ¡ E ducate public and especially the project area is protected by a sea wall recreational users of the Severn Way to (flood defence). For most of its length this modify behaviour in most sensitive areas comprises a high, substantial grass bank where waterfowl are closest to the sea although this is usurped at Severn Beach wall at high tide – i.e. reducing noise, and Oldbury Power Station by a concrete controlling dogs etc structure. Whilst some sections of the foreshore between high tide mark and the 3.5 Anti-social behaviour sea wall are wide and capacious, most noticeably at Northwick and Aust, elsewhere 3.5.1 Fly grazing on saltmarsh and the saltmarsh is narrow and ‘pinched’, leaving other land around Severnside it vulnerable to changes in the climate. Fly grazing (the practice of grazing animals, usually horses, on land without permission) Rises in sea level and increases in the is endemic in the Avonmouth / Severnside frequency of inundation through tidal surges area. At any time there can be hundreds can both lead to a gradual incremental loss of horses illegally grazing land along the of saltmarsh: and as waterfowl are forced foreshore and land in and amongst the closer to the seas defences at high tide there industrial area. is the increased risk of birds being disturbed and displaced by walkers and dogs on the Fly grazing also occurs in other parts of Severn Way. the project area although not in such great numbers. It can have a dramatic impact on Opportunities biodiversity, most notably through poaching ¡ M onitoring and recording of waterfowl of the soil, particularly in wet weather, or numbers and distribution through where the density of animals is too great and project’s bird warden programme to the grazing is too heavy. It can also dissuade increase records held which can be used landowners from taking on legitimate grazing to identify any changes in response to of the land as they are afraid of the fly climate change grazers cutting through fences to put their own animals on and thus compromising the ¡ Identify most vulnerable ‘pinch’ points safety of the legitimate grazing animals (this and where new high tide roost sites is one of the main barriers to re-establishing (wetland scrapes) can be best located to grazing on Chittening Warth). support European bird populations

Fly grazing at Chittening Warth 60 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

Fly grazing also constitutes a social risk as 3.6.2 Partners leaving the project unsecured animals can wander onto roads through redundancy etc and railways. Animals in very poor condition It is recognised that, in the current economic will also cause distress to both residents and climate, there is a chance that partners visitors to the area. might be forced to leave the Board if cuts in public sector funding continue to be made Opportunities or if representatives are made redundant by ¡ Work with the police and local authorities their employer. to find ways to curb this practice Opportunities ¡ If legitimate grazing is re-established at ¡ P artners to sign up their organisations to Chittening Warth establish a community the Partnership agreement (not individual watch scheme to report problems as they officers) happen ¡ Partnership agreement to have a clause 3.5.2 Vandalism (to new panels, stating the ability of new partners to be benches and other infrastructure) voted onto the Board throughout the New installations, signs or panels are Delivery Phase vulnerable to vandalism, particularly in remote locations. 3.6.3 Communities not engaging as predicted Opportunities A proportion of the match funding for the ¡ Work with community (including local Scheme is reliant on volunteer hours. If schools, parish councils residents and insufficient people become engaged in businesses) to design new infrastructure the project then this contribution will be thus engendering a sense of community jeopardised. ownership Opportunities ¡ R eplace any vandalised infrastructure ¡ E nsure that the promotion and marketing asap using budget from the contingency of volunteer events is carried out to a high pot standard

¡ E nsure that professionals contracted 3.6 Risks to the Partnership to carry out training are personable 3.6.1 Partners not fulfilling their roles and enthusiastic and have good inter- It was recognised during the development personal skills as well as knowing their phase that the Partnership needs to subject work together to bond as a group; and to understand that the success of the Scheme 3.6.4 Project officers leaving before relies on the Partnership as a whole and not end of the project just the lead partner and the project officers. It is not unusual for project officers to leave the project in the final months to seek Opportunities alternative employment. It can subsequently ¡ O rganise training for the Partnership be difficult to recruit new project officers Board on what makes a good partnership – the remaining limited time period is unattractive; and any new personnel require ¡ Arrange regular site visits (led by the a period of time to settle in and which is not relevant partner) in addition to board necessarily available. meetings so that the Partnership can see first hand the work that is being carried out A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 61

Opportunities Opportunities ¡ W ork with HR officers from all the partner ¡ M arry in the access infrastructure and organisations to explore opportunities for interpretive materials provided by the future employment past the end of the project and promote the new (‘Cresswell’) project wetland habitat for bird-watching vantage points for local residents and Enterprise ¡ C onsider introducing the incentive of a Area employees bonus for project officers who stay with the project through to its conclusion ¡ Promotion of the Bristol to Severn Beach railway line to a large commuting workforce 3.7 Avonmouth/Severnside Enterprise Area ¡ A large array of businesses which might Whilst outside the scope of the project, the utilise a variety of voluntary conservation new wetland habitat to be created following activities as ‘team-building’ days the review of the historic ‘57/’58 ICI planning permission (‘The Cresswell Report’, see ¡ A substantial working population to Section 2), as well as the businesses and whom the project can promote its varied substantial workforce within the Enterprise projects and activities Area of Avonmouth and Severnside, presents the project with a series of ¡ A n array of multi-national businesses who opportunities. might wish to become a ‘partner’ within the project or contribute financially to elements of it

Business at Western Approach

4 Aims and Objectives

A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 65

4 Aims and Objectives

This section sets out the vision, aims This section also describes how the and objectives for the Lower Severn Vale work that will be undertaken to deliver Levels. These are based on a thorough the objectives will help to achieve the understanding of the heritage and an four Landscape Partnership Programme assessment of its significance as set outcomes. out in previous sections. They are also based on an assessment of the risks to 4.1 A Forgotten Landscape - Vision the heritage, opportunities for improving it and consultation work that has been Through creating, developing and carried out to determine how people strengthening partnerships with can participate in its management and organisations and local communities conservation, and understand more. the Lower Severn Vale Levels will become a distinctive, recognisable and appreciated landscape. Biodiversity will be improved and better connected and communities will discover their local heritage and unlock the secrets of the past. Local and nearby communities will also develop a greater awareness and understanding of the landscape by taking part in a wide range of participation and learning activities. The landscape will be more accessible and activities and Cowhill traditions that have made the Levels what they are today will be celebrated and remembered.

Littleton Brickpits 66 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

of species along the Estuary to contribute 4.2 Aims and Objectives towards a better understanding of The vision will be implemented by achieving national and local climate change. the 12 objectives set out below. To aid clarity the objectives are grouped under the four Programme C: Increasing access to and programme outcomes of the Landscape learning about the landscape and heritage Partnership Scheme which form the broad of the Lower Severn Vale Levels aims of the AFL Lower Severn Vale Levels LCA P. 6. P rovide new, and enhance existing, learning and skills opportunities and Programme A: Conserve and restore the improve interactive, intellectual, physical built and natural features that create the and non-physical access to the Lower historic landscape character of the Lower Severn Vale Levels for the enjoyment of all. Severn Vale Levels 7. I mprove understanding of, and 1. C onserve and improve the natural participation in, the historic environment environment of the Levels by restoring, through archaeological investigation reintroducing or creating new areas of and research in order to document and wetland and other semi-natural habitat; explain the way humans have engaged and conserve and reconnect fragmented with and shaped the local landscape and populations of a range of notable wildlife environment over time, including use of species characteristic of the landscape. the River Severn as a mode of transport.

2. P ursue the conservation of the remains of 8. P romote and establish the Lower the historic car ferry terminal at Aust and Severn Vale Levels in the public mind which forms a singular part of the built as both a historic part of the wider west heritage and local history. country wetlands; and as a distinctive, recognisable and appreciated landscape Programme B: Increase community in its own right. participation in the heritage of the Lower Severn Vale Levels 9. P rovide mechanisms to bring communities and businesses together 3. I ncrease the commitment of the existing to integrate, teach, record and audience to safeguard the heritage of communicate. the Lower Severn Vale Levels and attract new and wider audiences to engage Programme D: Increase training with it through a programme of targeted opportunities in local heritage skills activities. 10. Revive and teach traditional local skills 4. C reate a framework for the ongoing and practices including salt-marsh conservation and future management of grazing, coppicing, hedge-laying, and the Levels by bringing together a range cider making which in the past were part of stakeholders including developers, of the character and fabric of life of the landowners, farmers, local residents, area. friends groups etc to establish and maintain a community network as a 11. Improve schools and public wildlife ID legacy. skills, including the wildfowl/waders associated with the Severn Estuary, 5. E stablish a network of volunteer wildlife through a range of teaching means, wardens to carry on recording and including classroom workshops, field monitoring populations and distribution days and website tools. A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 67

~ Stall at the Bristol Festival of Nature - June 2013

¡ Discussions and consultations 4.3 Audience Development undertaken by Red Kite Consultants to Drawing on information gathered throughout develop the Interpretation, Access and the development phase an audience Learning Plan development plan has been created which sets out the target audiences. This ¡ Two consultation workshops held at information is crucial to developing the Thornbury and Lawrence Weston Farm individual projects that make up the AFL Scheme. ¡ Consultation stall at Thornbury carnival

4.3.1 Existing audiences and ¡ Consultation undertaken at Bristol community involvement in the heritage Festival of Nature over two days – with Until recently there has been little data to stall in the ‘Wild Waters’ tent develop an audience profile for the Lower Severn Vale Levels. However, during ¡ Consultation undertaken at River Festival the development phase work has been event - Lamplighters Marsh undertaken to improve understanding of the audience. This has included: ¡ Consultation event with the South Gloucestershire Environment Forum ¡ Discussions with local authority officers and partners who know the area well ¡ Feedback generated by an article in Avon Wildlife Trust magazine ¡ Discussions with staff at visitor facilities such as pubs, cafes, farm shops and ¡ Articles and feedback from parish Severn Beach Railway magazines

¡ D iscussions with elected members, ¡ Meeting with schools cluster group (add parish councils, community groups and in name) special interest groups 68 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

¡ Consultation with the University of West area is a popular destination for visitors of England from these areas who wish to spend time in attractive surroundings, whether visiting The information from these discussions and rural pubs, walking or undertaking other consultation events and the professional leisure activities. Popular footpaths and knowledge of officers, partners and the Sustrans cycle routes are known to be stakeholders has been used to develop an well used and Severn Beach is a popular audience profile. destination accessible from Bristol by rail.

4.3.2 Who is involved with the heritage The total population of the Lower Severn now? Vale Levels is around 45,500 and many ¡ N atural England, English Heritage, of these local residents will already be local authorities (SGC and Bristol City), engaging with the heritage at some level. Lower Severn Internal Drainage Board - The catchment area for the Lower Severn responsibilities related to PROW, SSSI Vale Levels includes the City of Bristol which and local wildlife designations, drainage, has a population of 432,500 and consultation heritage designations and Environmental has revealed that residents from the wider Stewardship region are already engaging in the heritage of the area through leisure activities such as ¡ S pecial interest groups – local history pub visits, walking, cycling, fishing and bird and archaeology groups, Kings Weston watching. Action Group, U3A, Impatient Vagrants, Severnside Ramblers, British Horse 4.3.4 Audience Development – aim and Society, Women’s Institutes, Olveston objectives? Countryside Group, Pilning and Severn The title of the Landscape Partnership Beach History Society, Mojo Active Project is ‘A Forgotten Landscape’. This title has been chosen to reflect the fact that ¡ Parish councils many people in the local area and wider ¡ A von Wildlife Trust region are not fully aware of the tremendous ¡ Thornbury and District Museum heritage, landscape and wildlife values of ¡ Lawrence Weston Community Farm the area. The consultation work undertaken ¡ G eneral public – including walkers, during the development phase has cyclists and horse riders confirmed that this is the case with many ¡ Bird watchers people commenting that they perceived the ¡ People fishing the Severn Lower Severn Vale Levels to be industrial ¡ F armers and landowners – responsible and unappealing and that they were more for management of the land likely to visit sections of the Severn Estuary ¡ Severn Estuary Partnership corridor in Somerset and Gloucestershire. ¡ FWAG SouthWest As a result the focus of the audience ¡ Trustees of the Severn Bridge development work will be to engage more ¡ S evernside Community Rail Partnership effectively with the existing residents and visitors and at the same time develop and 4.3.3 How many are involved with the encourage new audiences. The consultation heritage now? work also identified a need to encourage There are no reliable figures on how many and support a next generation of amateur people are involved with the heritage now. enthusiasts to learn about, monitor and However, the Lower Severn Vale Levels are research the natural and cultural heritage. close to, and abut the large conurbation of Greater Bristol and market towns such The aim and objectives of the audience as Thornbury and Berkeley. Discussions development strategy is therefore as follows: and consultations have revealed that the A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 69

Aim: To increase the commitment of the 4.3.5 Who is the Audience? How can existing audience to safeguard the heritage they be grouped? and attract new and wider audiences to Discussions and consultations described in engage with it. 4.3.1 of this report have provided valuable information about the existing audience. Objectives During the consultation, questionnaires were ¡ T o engage more of the existing audience distributed at Thornbury Carnival, Bristol (local residents and visitors) with the Festival of Nature and the River Festival at heritage so that they develop a better Lamplighters Marsh. They were also made appreciation and understanding of its available online, however, unfortunately value, interest and features and the there were not sufficient returns to draw importance of conserving it meaningful conclusions about the audience.

¡ To engage new and wider audiences As a result the comprehensive national with the heritage so that they develop a research from the Monitor of Engagement better appreciation and understanding with the Natural Environment (MENE) of its value, interest and features and the Survey (NECR122 edition 1 - Monitor of importance of conserving it Engagement with the Natural Environment: Annual Report from 2012 – 2013 survey) ¡ T o encourage people from existing and has been used to provide information about new audiences to become more actively the audience where local data is missing. involved in helping to safeguard the Knowledge of the area and the consultations heritage and discussions that have been undertaken supplement this information and it is not ¡ T o support the tradition of amateur believed that there is anything in the local naturalists, geologists and archaeologists area that would skew, or invalidate these monitoring the natural and cultural findings in a local context. environment and ensure that their skills and knowledge are transferred to new generations Bird-watchers © Natural England - Paul Glendell 70 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

The key points are as follows: audience are mostly workers, rather than residents. Age of the audience Analysis of local demographic data reveals The number of visits is also low from BAME that one fifth of the population of the Lower groups, which make up 6.9% of the Lower Severn Vale Levels is less than five years old, Severn Vale Levels population (16% in whilst 17 % are over 65. The proportion of Bristol). In BAME groups 82% of visits were people over 65 is comparable with the rest taken to green spaces within towns and of South Gloucestershire, but considerably cities, as were 66% of visits by those living higher than Bristol (13%). This indicates that in the most deprived areas – this compares there is a need to engage with families with to 43% in total. An implication for the project young children and older people. is that engaging BAME and more deprived communities in green spaces closer to How often do they visit? home is likely to be more successful. This is There is no local data on how often people reinforced by the fact that 66% of visits are visit the Lower Severn Vale Levels however taken within two miles of home. the MENE Survey 2012 - 2013 data revealed that 41% of adults had visited the natural Where do people come from? environment within the previous seven days The consultation work undertaken during the and the average annual visits per adult was development stage has revealed that people 67. By region, levels of visits were highest come from:- in the south west of England (where the Lower Severn Vale Levels are located) where ¡ T he villages in the area almost half the population had visited in the previous seven days. ¡ T he market towns of Thornbury and Berkeley Levels of participation in visits is higher amongst the 25 to 64 age groups, those ¡ The urban fringe communities that abut in employment, those living in rural areas the Lower Severn Vale Levels and those in AB socio-economic groups. Significant parts of the Lower Severn Vale ¡ Greater Bristol Levels are rural with a pattern of affluent villages and the prosperous market towns ¡ T he wider region – including Chepstow of Thornbury and Berkeley to the north. The and Newport in South Wales number of visits from people living in these areas will be relatively high due to more ¡ W orkers commuting to the industries and people in AB socio-economic groups, the economic units of Avonmouth (from wider proximity of the natural environment and region) higher levels of car ownership. How long do they stay? Overall levels of participation were There is no detailed local information on how significantly lower amongst those aged over long people stay when they visit, however 65, the Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) MENE data shows that the average visit population, those living in urban areas and to the natural environment is just over two members of DE socio-economic groups. In hours. A quarter of visits last less than one the Lower Severn Vales the number of visits hour, 52% between one hour and one hour is likely to be lowest in Lawrence Weston 59 minutes, and 22% lasting three hours or which is the most deprived community in more. the area. There will also be a low number of visits in Avonmouth which primarily consists of industrial and economic units where the A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 71

What do people do when they arrive? ¡ P eople visiting Severn Beach and villages The consultation work and MENE research to eat or drink, and explore the wider area data has made it possible to identify the main activities that people do when they ¡ F armers and landowners who manage arrive. In descending order of popularity the land these are as follows:- ¡ O n-road and off-road cyclists ¡ Walking with dogs ¡ Walking without dogs ¡ Horse riders ¡ P laying with children ¡ E ating or drinking out ¡ People fishing ¡ Running ¡ S ight seeing / picnic /drive ¡ Special interest user groups and ¡ Visitors to Severn Beach / coastal individuals, for example bird-watchers, experience fossil hunters, amateur naturalists, local ¡ Wildlife / bird-watching archaeological and history societies ¡ Cycling ¡ Horse riding ¡ Schools and learning: School pupils, ¡ Fishing tertiary students, academics and life-long ¡ Fossil hunting learners

The Lower Severn Vale Levels is an ¡ O rganised youth and community groups: internationally renowned area for birds and Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts and has a well developed cycle network, so the Woodcraft Folk as well as local history, importance of bird watching and cycling may wildlife, photography, art and craft, faith be higher than comparable national figures groups and civic societies for these activities. ¡ O utdoor groups with specialist interest How can the existing audience for the in the natural environment for walking heritage be categorised? (including Walking for Health groups), The audience is varied; spread across all running and orienteering, cycling etc age ranges and socio-economic groups and includes local people, visitors from Greater ¡ Family groups, especially those with Bristol and the wider region and workers young children, including those that are commuting to Avonmouth. Local people resident in the area and those that are tend to visit more regularly and stay for visiting shorter periods of time, visitors from further away stay longer. The audience can be ¡ W orkers and commuters to Avonmouth segmented as follows: ¡ T hose with physical, intellectual or social ¡ L ocal people (including those living in impairments villages and market towns and more deprived communities on the urban fringe) ¡ Young people

¡ W alkers - local people visiting regularly ¡ O lder / retired people - the proportion of including dog walkers and runners the population over 65 is higher than it is for Bristol ¡ Walkers – people from Bristol and the wider region that go on longer walks and rambles and stay for longer periods of time 72 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

The key to achieving the audience spaces and the countryside is to exercise development aims and objectives is to dogs, personal health and exercise, relaxing effectively engage with this diverse audience and unwinding, enjoying fresh air and through a programme of targeted activities pleasant weather and enjoying scenery. that meet the needs and interests of the As people get older they are more likely various audience sectors and promote to take visits for health and exercise, fresh greater understanding and participation in air, to enjoy scenery and to enjoy wildlife. the heritage. With this in mind, and the feedback from the consultation work the things that the 4.3.6 What do the audience value about audience value and enjoy most about the heritage? the Lower Severn Vale Levels can be A significant amount of consultation has summarised as follows: been undertaken to identify what the audience value about the heritage, including ¡ T he open views across the Severn workshops, stalls at local carnivals and Estuary and feeling of exposure events and work with a local school. At a workshop with the South Gloucestershire ¡ T he big skies, power of the river and tide Environment Forum and three discussions – the force of nature and creative writing sessions with Olveston CE VC Primary School (see appendices G10 ¡ T he peace and quiet and natural beauty and G11 of the Interpretation, Access and of the countryside, sense of seclusion Learning Plan 2013) people were asked what and green spaces they considered to be the seven wonders of the Severn. This work provided valuable ¡ T he mudflats, bird life and wildlife information about what local people of all ages value about the heritage. ¡ T he dramatic architecture of the bridges

MENE research has identified that the ¡ A sense of connection to the past – most important reasons for visiting green historic landscape

South Gloucestershire Environment Forum - July 2013 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 73

This is what visitors and local people are accommodate a small number of bikes. expecting, this is what they value about the Public transport to the more rural areas is area and this is why they visit. poor. During the winter and wet weather many of the footpaths, bridleways and 4.3.7 What do present audiences drovers roads can be muddy and restrict already know about the heritage? access for some people. There is a well The consultation work at local carnivals, developed network of cycle routes. There are workshop with the South Gloucestershire only a small number of easy access routes in Environment Forum and sessions with the Lower Seven Vale Levels and inadequate pupils at Olveston CE VC Primary School access opportunities for people with limited revealed that the present audience already mobility. know some information about the heritage. People were asked what they knew about Financial the Severn and its valley and what they Young people are at a particular financial considered to be the seven wonders of the disadvantage when it comes to accessing Severn. The feedback revealed that the and appreciating the heritage. It is important present audience know the following about that activities focused on young people allow the heritage: for transport costs. This is also the case for communities in deprived areas where levels ¡ T he river - Britain’s longest, separates of participation are low. England and Wales, large tidal range and mudflats, the Severn bore Intellectual Consultation work identified a lack of ¡ W ildlife - it has amazing wildlife, birds and information and interpretation as a key fish barrier for many people to enjoy and participate in the heritage. This was ¡ T ransport - bridges across the Severn, particularly so for schools and organised railway tunnel, there used to be a ferry youth groups.

¡ A whale was washed up a long time ago 4.3.9 Who is the audience that is special to the Scheme and who should ¡ A ust cliffs geologically important be targeted? The audience that are special to the ¡ U nspoilt historic landscape – villages, Scheme, because of the qualities and churches character of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area, are groups and individuals who are ¡ Perception amongst some that the area is amateur naturalists, geologists, historians industrial and unappealing, river is muddy and archaeologists. The rich bird and and brown and polluted wildlife, geology and archaeology of the Lower Severn Vale Levels have attracted 4.3.8 Barriers to participation these groups for many decades. It became Consultations and discussions have clear during the consultation work that there identified a number of barriers to the is a pressing need to enthuse and pass participation of the existing audience with on skills to the next generation of amateur the heritage. These are as follows: enthusiasts to prevent the current knowledge base from being diluted or lost. An audience Physical that is special that should be targeted is Access to the area is primarily by car. therefore: There is a good and well-used rail route to Severn Beach however there is a limited timetable on Sundays and trains can only 74 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

¡ Bird-watchers and people interested in ¡ People over 65 the wildlife ¡ P eople with long-term illness or disability

¡ S pecial interest groups interested in the Consultation work undertaken during the rich history, geology and archaeology development stage confirms that these groups engage with the heritage less. There is also a further audience who In addition workers and commuters to are attracted to the area because of the Avonmouth do not currently engage with the generally flat topography heritage.

¡ Walkers and cyclists wishing to explore The reasons given by these groups for not and enjoy the scenery and open spaces engaging with the heritage are poor weather, being busy at work and/or home life, poor It is important that these groups should be health, too expensive or lack of access to a targeted as part of the activities programme car. as they are more likely to become involved in participation projects to safeguard the Although the resident BAME population heritage. (6.9%) is slightly higher than the South Gloucestershire figure (5%) there is not 4.3.10 Who does not take part and a particular reason identified during the why? consultation to target this group with specific MENE research has identified the following activities. There is however, a need to groups that are currently not taking part in engage more deprived communities who the heritage: have lower levels of engagement, including any BAME groups that live in these areas. ¡ BAME groups There is also a need to engage workers and ¡ R esidents of urban deprived areas commuters in Avonmouth / Severnside in the ¡ M embers of socio-economic groups DE heritage.

Events for children A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 75

During the consultation work it was ¡ Farmers and landowners discovered that there are limited opportunities for young people to engage ¡ Communities in more deprived areas with the heritage, both through formal where there are low levels of engagement learning settings and organised youth with the heritage – particularly Lawrence groups. These groups did not engage due to Weston a lack of information and support. ¡ Y oung people, schools and organised 4.3.11 Developing new audiences youth groups The new audiences that the project will target are as follows: ¡ S tudents in further and higher education

¡ Communities in more deprived areas ¡ Families with young children where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence ¡ F amilies with older children Weston ¡ W orkers and commuters in Avonmouth / ¡ S chools and organised youth groups – Severnside providing activities and information ¡ People with mobility needs ¡ S tudents in further and higher education ¡ Pe ople over 65 ¡ W orkers and commuters in Avonmouth 4.3.13 How have the activities been ¡ People with mobility needs by improving designed to engage with different access sectors of the audience? The programme of learning, access and ¡ P eople over 65 – due to larger proportion interpretation projects that has been in this age group included in Section 5 of the LCAP has been designed to target the existing and new 4.3.12 Existing and new audiences that audiences that have been identified through will be targeted the audience development work, taking into The existing and new audiences that the account the needs of different audience project will target are: segments and the barriers to participation that they face. Section 5 includes summaries ¡ Local people of the 57 project proformas that the AFL Scheme will deliver each clearly identifies ¡ W alkers and cyclists wishing to enjoy the the audience that it is seeking to target along scenery, green spaces and countryside with the benefits for people, outputs and outcomes. In this way it has been possible ¡ People visiting the area to eat or drink to develop projects that appeal directly to particular target audiences as well as those ¡ P eople visiting Severn Beach for the that will have a broader appeal to all. It has coastal experience therefore been possible to create a well balanced programme of activities that meets ¡ B ird watchers and people interested in the needs of the audience for the heritage of the wildlife the Lower Severn Vale Levels.

¡ S pecial interest groups interested in the rich wildlife, history, geology and archaeology 76 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

4.4.1 Natural Heritage 4.4 Programme A: Conserve and restore The project area consists of a rich variety the built and natural features that create of semi-natural habitats, ranging from the historic landscape character of the the saltmarsh, mudflats and the marine Lower Severn Vale Levels environment of the Severn Estuary to the The following table illustrates the activities fields, hedges, ditches and orchards of the developed to deliver the outcome for coastal floodplain and includes a diverse programme A and the objectives that they array of flora and fauna. will help to achieve. In reflection of this, Programme A is multi- Table 4.1 Delivery of programme A activities stranded and comprises a series of projects to maintain, restore and enhance differing Activity Objectives types of habitat, increasing their distribution delivered and prevalence and thereby reinforcing the character of the landscape. This work will CR1: Salt Marsh Grazing 1, 3, 4, 9, 10 be delivered by partner organisations using Project both contractors and volunteers as well as CR2: Creation of Wetland 1, 3 by Environmental Stewardship and grant aid Habitat schemes.

CR3: Water Vole Habitat 1, 4 The various schemes of habitat restoration Restoration and creation will benefit a range of species CR4: Creation / 1, 3, 5 of fauna and flora, including European Restoration Of Ponds For waterfowl, water vole and great crested Great Crested Newts newt, both by increasing their distribution and through better connectivity of habitat, CR5: Hedgerow 1, 3 which in turn improves dispersal and through Restoration it the ability of colonies to react and adapt to CR6: Grant Scheme – 1, 3 climate change. Willow Pollarding The heritage skills taught through the training CR7: Restoring Orchards 1, 3, 6 programme (D), including the traditional management of ponds, hedges and CR8: Restore Species 1, 3, 4 orchards, will contribute towards maintaining Rich Meadows these habitats in optimal condition in CR9: Archaeological 7 perpetuity for the wildlife associated with Survey of Wetlands them, as well as enabling these skills to be passed on and disseminated throughout the CR10: Rhine (ditch) 1, 3, 6 wider community. Clearance

CR11: Vegetation 2 Clearance at Aust Ferry Terminal

CR12: Habitat 1, 4 Management Advisory Function to Nuclear Industry A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 77

4.4.2 Built and archaeological heritage 4.4.3 Resolving conflicts between Aspects of the built heritage will be explored different types of heritage through a number of AFL Scheme strands, The historically waterlogged soils of the notably ICP1 (Volunteer Archaeological coastal floodplain preserve organic material Surveys and Research) and ICP14 (Remote in an extremely good condition meaning Sensing the Forgotten Landscape). The that the project area is potentially extremely skills gained by volunteers as part of their important for archaeology. Because of this, training sessions (TS14 Archaeological there is the possibility of archaeological Training Weekends) are the same for material or remains being damaged or earthworks as for buildings, and volunteers disturbed during ground works to create the will be able to take these skills and apply wetland habitat (scrapes) under Programme them to the built heritage. Furthermore, A and it is therefore important that, in the skills gained from the Remote Sensing selecting the sites for the scrapes, the project will enable volunteers to explore locations are informed by a desktop study the rich heritage of the area, including the of historic and archaeological records. Even built heritage, which forms an important then, as the distribution of archaeological part of the landscape. This will involve remains within the project area is largely understanding how buildings existed unknown, a watching or monitoring brief within their contemporary landscapes and will be adopted during ground works by a potentially identifying previously unknown suitably qualified and experienced person building remains. With such widespread to record any material or remains of interest. research into the historic environment If this indicates that the location might be understanding of the significance of heritage of archaeological significance, it may be (archaeological and built) will be improved that ground works will need to be delayed and this information can be used to inform in order to fully assess and record any conservation strategies. But also, improved artefacts found; or that the location for the knowledge leads to improved recognition scrape needs to be re-assessed. Given the and care about the built heritage, informing potential importance of the project area people about the value that this heritage has for archaeology, it would be prudent to and hopefully ensuring its future care and identify several additional sites for scrapes protection. as alternatives in case it subsequently transpires that any of the first choice locations are of archaeological significance. 78 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

~ Conservation volunteers © Natural England - Peter Wakely

People interested in different heritage The two new bird hides will be to a proven fields often work within their own design and robust specification and the specialist environment. Accordingly, the contractors for their construction will be Partnership structure has a key role to expected to have a demonstrable track play in communication and ensuring good, record in having erected such buildings cooperative working relationships to avoid elsewhere to a high standard. any conflict between the different types of heritage. Where applicable, the project team will ensure that any necessary licences or 4.4.4 Meeting conservation standards consents - including planning permission; The Partnership and project delivery team or consents or derogations (European will, in consultation with any relevant bodies protected species licences) from Natural or specialists, be responsible for ensuring England under the Wildlife & Countryside Act that the individual projects are carried out to 1981 (as amended) or Habitat Regulations the highest standards. Work on the ground 2010 – are sought and/or are held or in place will be carried out by specialist contractors prior to works commencing. with the requisite skills and experience overseen by a project officer. Archaeology consultants and contractors will be expected as a minimum to conform to the The project team will also ensure that Institute for Archaeologists Standards and trainers contracted to run traditional skills Guidance and will work to briefs accepted days will have a proven history of a high by the council and to the IFA Standard and quality standard of work. guidance for excavation (revised 2008).

The specification and construction of the 4.4.5 Management and maintenance wetland habitat under Programme A will Much of the habitat creation and restoration be in accordance with the Wet Grassland work will be carried out on privately owned Manual: Breeding Waders (June 2005) land; therefore before work commences published by the RSPB. a management plan will be agreed with landowners. This plan will be drawn up by the FWAG adviser with input from the AFL A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 79

project officers. Where applicable a 10 year they have the necessary skills and references management agreement will be required; will be sought. The procurement policy of this is in relation to habitat creation projects the lead partner will be followed at all times. such as the re-stocking or creation of new Volunteers will be trained to a high standard orchards, or the installing of infrastructure and will have the support of the project such as fencing to enable grazing. officers and members of the project board.

Volunteers will be trained up in different For many of the projects not only will the aspects of habitat management and it is necessary practical skills and knowledge envisaged that they will be able to offer be important but also interpersonal skills help with either advice or manpower to as there will be considerable interaction land-owners where required. While the AFL with the public, plus often multiple project Scheme is up and running there will be partners to work with. Therefore these skills support from FWAG and the project staff for will be taken into account at interview / these volunteers and the goal is that they will training stage. Where volunteers have large be able and confident to carry on with the amounts of interaction with the public they work they are doing after the AFL Scheme will be trained and then assessed for their finishes. Some of the habitat improvements suitability for such a role. Support will be will be brought about through Environmental available from the project officers and the Stewardship schemes and this will require partnership. the landowner to carry out the necessary maintenance. Training for volunteers will be carried out by professionals who will be selected for Where visitors are being actively encouraged their people skills and ability to enthuse and to use a landscape it will be marketed inspire along with their qualifications for the in such a way that attracts appropriate subject. numbers. For instance a location that has public transport and access to the foreshore 4.4.6 Managing information about the that is not as impacting for wildlife such heritage as the promenade at Severn Beach will Decisions for habitat creation / restoration be marketed to a wider audience than, for and its subsequent management will example, a walk at Sheppardine that has be based on a number of sources of limited access, less parking and a more information: fragile habitat. ¡ An up-to-date Landscape Character Through information available in leaflet form, Assessment (updated 2013) on the website and discussed at events, visitors will be made more aware of the harm ¡ A n up-to-date Phase 1 survey (2013 & that can inadvertently happen through their 2003) visit such as disturbance of high tide roosts by dogs off leads and people not sticking to ¡ C urrent records held at Bristol Regional designated footpaths. Environmental Records Centre (BRERC) and on the Historic Environment Record In order to ensure that heritage is managed (HER) to a high standard the staff employed by the partnership will need to demonstrate they ¡ Information carried out by volunteer have the necessary skills and experience surveys throughout the early stages of to manage these projects. The role profiles the delivery phase of the AFL Scheme for these staff have already been agreed by the HR department of the lead partner. ¡ Information provided by partnership Contractors will also have to demonstrate that board members 80 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

The information that is currently available is 4.4.7 Climate change and effects on held by BRERC in the case of the phase 1 environment survey and other ecological records. Bristol Programme A will increase the extent City Council and South Gloucestershire of a range of semi-natural habitats and Council hold their respective HER and its connectivity across the project area, information on landscape character thereby helping to mitigate the effects of assessments. New data collected through climate change on species by increasing the project will either be held by BRERC the size of populations and improving the which is a project partner or by the HER opportunities for dispersal and interaction depending on whether it is an ecological or between colonies. Establishing new ponds historic record. and creating new hedgerows or orchards will also help absorb water as years of increased Records that are collected through the rainfall become more frequent. lifetime of the project will appear in a summarised format on the website. Whilst supporting internationally important Individual records will be available for species of wildfowl and waders, the partners and also to the public if requested. saltmarsh in places along the Estuary shore Records can be submitted at any time and is narrow and ‘pinched’ between the sea will be continually processed. Updates will defences and high tide mark. As sea levels appear on the website on a six monthly rise and tidal surges become more frequent, basis. more and more of this vulnerable habitat will gradually be lost and consequently the Information about habitat creation / creation of ‘high tide roosts’ (scrapes) under restoration and its subsequent management Programme A to counter this will be an to be made available to the public by a invaluable contribution towards enabling the number of ways: populations of waterfowl within the Estuary to adapt to climate change. ¡ Information on the website and on leaflets Encouraging the use of sustainable forms ¡ Information given verbally during events of transport with which to travel into and around the AFL Scheme area is also a ¡ Temporary notices erected at the location key element to the project. This includes of the habitat work promoting the Severn Beach Railway - which runs along the line from Bristol Temple ¡ Information on permanent structures Meads to Avonmouth and Severn Beach – such as interpretive panels as a low carbon and family-friendly mode of transport: and championing the use of public ¡ Information disseminated by the rights of way and defined cycle routes as the partnership board best and most pleasurable way of visiting the attractions of the project area. Clear, concise ¡ Information on social media guidance on low carbon forms of transport will be made available through promotional material and the website and, as the project unfolds, the Partnership Board members will continue to be innovative in seeking cost effective ways to make sure its meetings, projects and activities are low carbon and energy efficient. This includes factoring in transportation, work methods, carbon footprint and environmental credentials when selecting contractors. A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 81

4.5.1 Target audiences 4.5 Programme B: Increase community The audience development plan has defined participation in the heritage of the the existing and new audiences that the AFL Lower Severn Vale Levels Scheme will target (see section 4.3) The following table illustrates the activities developed to deliver the outcome for 4.5.2 How more people can get programme B and the objectives that they involved in conserving, managing will help to achieve. and maintaining the heritage and the opportunities for volunteering Table 4.2 Delivery of programme B activities In order to attract as many people as possible the opportunities on offer need to Activity Objectives span a range of topics and also be available delivered in different parts of the AFL Scheme area. It will be recognised that some potential IPC1: Volunteer 3, 6, 7 volunteers will want to be doing something Archaeological Surveys & active and be outside whereas others may Research be more limited in their accessibility or may IPC2: Community 3, 6, 7 simply prefer to do something from a desk Archaeological Dig rather than a field. Some volunteers prefer to work alone or with a friend where for others IPC3: Lower Severn Vale 3, 6, 8 the motivation might be the social aspect Festival of the task and the prospect of meeting IPC4: Tales of the Vale 3, 6, 7, 8 new people. The communities within the AFL Scheme area are very different – in the IPC5: Tales of the Vale 3, 6, 9 south the communities are more urban and Oral History less affluent compared to the north where IPC6: Fruits of the Vale 3, 6, 8 communities are predominantly very rural.

IPC7: Water Vole 3, 5, 6, 11 Monitoring Community monitoring project IPC8: Ponds & Great 3, 5, 6, 11 Crested Newts

IPC9: Wildfowl & Wader 3, 5, 6, 11 Monitoring

IPC10: Volunteer Ditch & 3, 5, 6, 11 Rhine Survey

IPC11: Traditional Cider- 9,10 Making

IPC12: Posters, Cards, 3, 6, 8 Calendars

IPC13: Volunteers Thank 3, 4, 5, 6, You & Celebration Event 8, 9

IPC14: Remote Sensing 3, 6, 7,8 the Forgotten Landscape – Archaeology through LiDAR 82 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

As well as residential communities there is is collected by volunteers will be used to also a large industrial business community at help inform habitat restoration / creation. Avonmouth / Severnside. Therefore training The proposed public art project will involve for volunteers will take place in different volunteers right from the very start who locations and within different communities will dictate what form the final product rather than using the same venue each time. takes. The volunteers taking part in the Existing local organisations and networks archaeological dig will uncover information will be targeted to help with promoting that will influence archaeology in the volunteer opportunities. Scheme area.

Work will also take place with local schools, 4.5.4 Management and maintenance colleges and the University of the West of The training that volunteers receive will be England to ensure that young people also geared up to making that volunteer as self- have a chance to become involved. sufficient as possible. During the life of the AFL Scheme the support for volunteers will 4.5.3 How people can be involved in be aimed at increasing their confidence making decisions about the heritage and providing advice so that volunteers People have already been involved with can carry on more autonomously once the decision-making at the development Scheme has finished if they choose to do stage of the AFL Scheme through the so. It is hoped that a ‘volunteer network’ can many consultation events that took place. be established providing self support and However opportunities will still exist in the also a way of enabling new volunteers to get delivery phase. All the ecological data that involved in the future.

Fossil walk A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 83

4.6 Programme C: Increasing access Activity Objectives to and learning about the landscape delivered and heritage of the Lower Severn Vale AL16: Oldbury Power 3, 6, 8 Levels Station: New Bird The following table illustrates the activities Watching Hide and developed to deliver the outcome for Access Improvements programme C and the objectives that they project will help to achieve. AL17: A Forgotten 3, 6, 8 Landscape Promotional Table 4.3 Delivery of programme C activities Film

Activity Objectives AL18: ALF Networking 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 delivered E-Newsletter

AL1: Landscape online: 3, 4, 6, 7, 8,

A Forgotten Landscape 9, 11 4.6.1 Improving access without project website damaging heritage AL2: Severnside Primary 3, 4, 6, 8, The access improvements are focusing on Schools Learning Project 9, 11 upgrading and promoting existing rights of way as it is recognised that the existing AL3: Discovering the 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 network is extensive but not necessarily Lower Severn Vale very usable or well promoted. Therefore this AL4: Love the Landscape 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, negates the need to open up new access Eat the View 10 in areas where conflict would be caused such as along the foreshore which would AL5: Severn Beach 3, 6, 8 conflict with conservation objectives such as Railway I-Spy Spotter protecting the high tide roosts (scrapes). Guide

AL6: Bristol To Severn 3, 6, 8 Waymarking existing paths that are currently Beach Film poorly signed will help ensure that users stay on the designated path and don’t wander AL7: Interpretation Panels 3, 6, 8 across other areas. AL8: Interpretive Benches 3, 6, 8 The information produced to promote and Seats access routes will include sections on how AL9: Interpretive 3, 6, 8 users can help protect the heritage and the Toposcopes landscape by sticking to areas where access is permitted and keeping dogs on leads in AL10: Arts and Sensory 3, 6, 8 areas sensitive for wildlife. Experiences

AL11: Access the Vale 3, 6, 8 Creating open access instead of permit only access at Littleton Brickpits will not AL12: Explore the Vale damage the heritage as a new hide will be AL13: Easy Access 3, 6, 8 built to minimise disturbance to birds from Routes increased visitor numbers.

AL14: Area and Local 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 Hubs

AL15: Littleton Brick Pits 3, 6, 8 Reserve Access Project 84 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

4.6.2 How physical access routes will be accessible to wheelchair, improvements will be designed to mobility buggy, and pushchair users and ensure they are appropriate people with other mobility difficulties. The The access improvements have been key to promoting the routes is to provide tailored to ensure that they will provide a sufficient information for people to be able to wider variety of people with better access for decide for themselves if the route is suitable bird-watching in the two locations selected for them. whilst not being intrusive or resulting in a disturbance to wildlife. 4.6.3 Improving access to different aspects of the heritage The current bird-watching facilities at the In addition to the access improvements at Littleton Brick Pits Reserve consist of an the Brick Pits at Littleton and the Oldbury old viewing platform which is in a poor state Power Station silt lagoon outlined above, of repair. The present arrangement means the project will create and promote a series that birdwatchers are clearly exposed and of circular walks designed to bring the likely to scare off any species of birds using public into contact with a range of heritage the reed bed. Additionally, access into features. Some of these will be easy access the reserve is presently from the opposite routes for people with mobility issues or for end from the platform and any visitors/ parents with children in buggies. birdwatchers have to walk round two sides of the reserve fully visible to birds before The project also includes a dedicated they reach the platform. Replacing the website resource for the project. In addition platform with an elevated hide will provide to providing physical access information cover and obscure visitors from the birds; - such as maps of public rights of way, and the rearranged access from behind bridleways and cycle routes and links to the hide is far less obtrusive and less likely public transport timetables – the website to displace the wildlife, improving the will be fully interactive and enable any user birdwatching experience for all. to have access to stories, images and information relating to a wide variety of The access improvements (new surfaced important natural and built heritage features path) to the hide at Oldbury Power Station within the project area. This ‘heritage’ also follows a grass verge beside an existing includes transportation and the website will level maintenance track between the main facilitate access to the history behind the road and the silt lagoon. The route has been two Severn bridges and their construction, selected to ensure that, whilst wheelchair the car ferry and the Severn Beach Railway. users can reach the hide, the new path will not compromise the ability of Magnox 4.6.4 Opportunities to learn about and contractors to take vehicles down to the understand the heritage lagoon for routine maintenance. An extensive programme has been developed for primary schools and following Additional access improvement will be on from work carried out in the development made through the creation of five ‘easy stage there are two schools in the area access’ routes which will make access to keen to take part. The programme will cover countryside and green spaces ‘easier’ for many aspects of heritage from ecology to a wider range of people. It should be noted archaeology, local history to arts and drama. that ‘easy access’ routes are not the same The schools taking part will be encouraged as ‘access for all’ routes, where accessibility to share their new knowledge with other standards are very specific and required to schools in the area via the school ‘cluster meet relevant BT ‘Access for All’ standards. groups’. This project will create five easy access routes and certain routes and sections of A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 85

The design project for iconic images for 4.7 Programme D: Increase training posters and calendars will engage older opportunities in local heritage skills children at sixth form or further education stage. This will create opportunities for The following table illustrates the activities those involved not only to learn about the developed to deliver the outcome for landscape but also to learn new graphic programme D and the objectives that they design skills. will help to achieve.

There are opportunities for university Table 4.4 Delivery of programme D activities students to become volunteers for projects for both ecology and archaeology. A Activity Objectives member of academic staff from the history delivered department of UWE will be sitting on the TS1: Wildlife Identification 3, 4, 5, 6, partnership board and will therefore be in an and Recording Skills: 8, 11 ideal position to spot further opportunities Water Vole Training Day for students to become involved with the AFL Scheme. TS2: Wildlife Identification 3, 4, 5, 6, and Recording Skills: 8, 11 An extensive list of events has been drawn Pond Survey Skills up to run over the life of the AFL Scheme TS3: Wildlife Identification 3, 4, 5, 6, which will feature such things as guided and Recording Skills: 8, 11 walks to look at wildlife, geology and Great Crested Newts archaeology. These will be aimed at all the target audiences and provide a ‘bite-sized TS4: Wildlife Identification 3, 4, 5, 6, chunk’ of learning in a fun and informal and Recording Skills: 8, 11 atmosphere. Bird Identification

Away from organised activities the AFL TS5: Wildlife Identification 3, 4, 5, 6, Scheme will also produce a range of and Recording Skills: 8, 11 interpretive material which people will be Orchard Surveying & able to digest in their own time. The AFL Management Scheme website will also provide a plethora TS6: Wildlife Identification 3, 4, 5, 6, of information, online games and webcams and Recording Skills: 8, 11 for a remote learning experience. Hedgerow Restoration and Management Skills 4.6.5 Management and maintenance Access infrastructure will be maintained by TS7: Farmer Liaison Days 3, 4, 9 a mixture of manpower from the council’s TS8: Tales of the Vale: 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 Public Rights of Way Team and rights of Historic Research way volunteers. New infrastructure such Training as benches, interpretation panels and toposcopes will be maintained by volunteers. TS9: Tales of the Vale: 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 The maintenance of the website also creates Oral History Training an opportunity for a volunteer to get involved TS10: Traditional Cider- 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and regularly update the website. Making 10

TS11: Grazing Stock 1, 3, 4, 9 Lookering Training

TS12: Event Management 3, 4, 6, 8 9 Training 86 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

~ Training event © Natural England - Paul Lacey

The training that is focused on species Activity Objectives identification and survey work will enable delivered volunteers to produce survey records TS13: Sharing Good 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 that will then be used to inform habitat Practice restoration / creation in the latter stages of the AFL Scheme. TS14: Archaeology 3, 4, 6, 7, Surveys: Training 8, 9 4.7.2 Who will benefit from the heritage Weekends skills and who will be targeted? TS15: Remote Sensing 3, 4, 6, 7, The training is targeted at a wide range of a Forgotten Landscape 8, 9 user groups including local people, specific LiDAR Training interest groups, farmers and landowners, local businesses and students. There is also training offered that will enable people to 4.7.1 What training in skills and organise and carry out events for their local traditional techniques will be provided community and training to allow farmers to help maintain the character of the to network and visit other farms where Lower Severn Vale Levels? successful habitat creation / restoration has All of the training will benefit the character of taken place. Training days will be offered the Lower Severn Vale Levels either directly to other Landscape Partnership Schemes or indirectly. The training on hedgerow to share good practice and provide an restoration, orchard management and cider- opportunity to learn from each other. making will have direct impact by boosting numbers of people able to carry out these traditional skills. 87

5 Scheme Plan and Costs

A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 89

5 Scheme Plan and Costs

Section 5 provides a summary for each of Table 5.1: the projects proposed by the AFL Scheme. Programme costs compared with round 1 It has the following structure: Programme First round Second Section 5.1 provides a summary of Scheme round costs and a comparison against costs A: Conserving 190,495 203,330 provided at round 1. and Restoring

B: Increasing 272,500 335,790 Section 5.2 provides a description of Community Scheme income and match funding. Participation C: Access and 469,600 422,849 Section 5.3 gives a breakdown of all financial Learning

information including full Scheme costs by D: Training 50,300 24,950 programme heading, additional supporting and Skills information and overall cost summary. This E: Overheads 380,487 445,563 information is available as a supporting document. 2.5% 0 20,574 contingency on actual Section 5.4 sets out a series of ‘summary project spend of projects’ tables for each of the delivery only programmes (A to E). The tables describe Total Scheme 1,363,382 1,453,056 each project, audiences targeted, benefits Value

for people, outputs, outcomes and methods Hlf Grant 1,007,200 1,017,200 of evaluation.

Remains of the jetty at Aust Ferry 90 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

programme C has been increased to reflect 5.1 Summary of Scheme Costs and concerns that the round 1 bid did not include Comparison to round 1 sufficient learning and access outcomes. This LCAP includes proposals for 59 individual projects compared to 63 projects Programme D costs have been reduced submitted in the round 1 submission. The by approximately 50%, however this does detailed development work and consultation not reflect a reduction in the Scheme’s undertaken during the development phase commitment to training and skills provision. has led to many of the projects being refined The round 1 figure of £50,300 included or altered. A number of projects have been the value of volunteer time for participants dropped altogether and there are proposals undertaking training; this has now been for a small number of new projects. removed following HLF advice. The value of volunteer time has now been allocated to The table 5.1 above provides a comparison the delivery of the actual projects, which the of the round 2 programme costs compared training programmes support. against those submitted with the round 1 application. Programme D now includes a more balanced and wide-ranging suite of training Overall the total value of the AFL Scheme and skills programmes to support the has risen by £89,674 at round 2. Differences activities set out in programmes A, B and C. between our round 1 and round 2 budgets are described below. Programme E overhead costs have increased by £65,076. During the Programme A has a small increase in capital development phase it became clear that two costs (£10,385) and in the value of volunteer full time project officers were required to time (£3,950). The programme has remained deliver the Scheme (costs for 1.5 FTE were largely the same as set out in round 1; included at round 1). The full Scheme cost however it was necessary to increase some tables, including estimates of officer time to project budgets, for the creation / restoration deliver each individual project are available of ponds for great crested newts and water as an electronic supporting document. vole habitat restoration works. These demonstrate that two full time posts are required. Programme B costs reflect a considerable increase in both capital costs and the value Other costs that were not included at of volunteer time (an overall increase of round 1 was the allowance of a 2.5% £63,290). This rise can be attributed to contingency against capital costs for rises in project costs and volunteer time Programmes A – D. This is now included as calculations for volunteer archaeological an additional scheme cost. For Programme survey works, the community archaeological E, contingency costs are not included dig, the volunteer LiDAR landscape study against staff salary costs as the salaries and the suite of ecological site survey works allow for a 1% pay increase per year. A (rhine and ditch surveys, wildfowl and wader 2.5% contingency is however included for monitoring, great crested newt and water all other Programme E costs including staff vole surveys). redundancy payments, general running costs, purchase of equipment, Partnership Programme C has an overall cost reduction support and evaluation. of £46,926 from round 1. The major saving derives from a reduction in website development costs compared to the costs identified at round 1. In addition, the overall number of projects included under A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 91

5.2 Scheme Income / Match Funding 5.3 Round 2 Detailed Project Costs Summary and Timetable Table 5.2 provides a summary of all Scheme income and match funding at round 2. A full breakdown of all financial information is available as an electronic supporting Table 5.2: Scheme Income & Match Funding document:

Summary of total scheme income / match For each Programme A to E: funding at round 2

Income Value % Budget ¡ A project description

Cash (South 85,000 5.8% Gloucestershire ¡ A timetable – columns showing which Council) year’s projects will be delivered

Cash (Natural 5,000 0.3% England) ¡ P rojects costs – what year’s costs will be incurred and combined total cost Volunteer Time 331,150 22.8%

In-Kind 14,706 1.1% ¡ V olunteer time value – and number of contributions volunteer days valued at £50 (unskilled) HLF delivery 1,017,200 70% and £150 (skilled) grant request

Total delivery £1,453,056.00 100% ¡ V alue of in-kind contributions stage income ¡ E stimate of Project Officer time to deliver projects by year All match funding contributions are secured for round 2. ¡ Additional information – on how costs and volunteer time has been calculated Following discussions during the development phase HLF has agreed a Also included is a set of tables which £10,000 increase in their contribution to summarise the round 2 programme costs, £1,017,200. The £10,000 is a transfer from income, overhead costs and officer time. the development phase budget to the round Round 1 costs and income are also shown 2 delivery phase budget to support the for comparison. commissioning and development of the AFL website. This transfer will also help to 5.4 Summary of Projects cover the slight increase in capital costs for programme outputs. This section sets out a series of ‘Summary of Projects’ tables for each of the delivery The HLF contribution is now 70% (74% at programme headings (A to E). The tables round 1) with volunteer time accounting for describe each project, audiences targeted, 22.8% of total project value (18% at round benefits for people, outputs, outcomes, 1). The increase in the value of volunteer methods of evaluation and project time is a reflection of the detailed scoping costs. Please note that information from and planning work undertaken during the these tables will be used to inform the development phase. development of a detailed evaluation plan at the start of the second round delivery phase An additional 0.3% contribution of £5,000 (see Section 7 for further details). match funding has been secured from Natural England. 92 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Area of land (ha) where saltmarsh grazing has been reintroduced of Number volunteer participants who take part of Number hoursvolunteer / volunteer of value time worked Outcomes BAP priority A habitat/ SSSI/ thatSAC/ SPA suitable under is management Increase grazing in local to available graziers / farmers saferA for environment animals graze to / confidence greater for the farmer / grazier their that animals will be safe more people Local the engaged with heritage Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of that created Conditions establish to suitable are grazing New fencing and water installed supply A team of locals established who can help livestock check the to Benefits for People habitats Coastal provide a natural defence against threatsstorm through wave energy dissipation grazing marsh Salt can be used for a range of informal activities including bird watching Reinstatement of grazing provide will a large new area graze to available stock in an area being rapidly is that developed Grazing can deter illegal fly-grazing orkers and commuters in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups ocal people people ocal armers landowners and interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology F L S B wildlife the interested in W Avonmouth / Severnside

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ CONSERVING AND RESTORING AND CONSERVING A FORGOTTEN A LANDSCAPE PROJECT PLAN Project description MARSHSALT GRAZING Reintroduction PROJECT: of salt marsh grazing, a historic practice the within Lower Severn Vale Levels, a targetto site within the Project Area. Includes native access livestock, breed training machinery, to and infrastructure. 1 Year continue working to will barriers the to overcome grazing identified were that development the within stage. Budget for years 2 & as such infrastructure for 3 fencing and water troughs lookering a and training for scheme LP-11-07107: Ref no. Ref CR1 PROGRAMME A: PROGRAMME A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 93 Method(s) of Evaluation tide high of Number printed maps roost downloaded / of number Total scrapes wetland created (target is 5) Outcomes greaterA understanding of the way that wading birds and waterfowl are using the estuary greaterA understanding of the threats to wading birds and waterfowl New habitat for wading birds and wildfowl Greater understanding from the general about public importance high of tide roosts and problems caused disturbance by Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of High tide roost map created scrapes wetland new x 5 created 1 x simple leaflet created of impact regarding the of disturbance accidental sites roost Benefits for People The Severn Estuary exceptionally an is locationpopular for bird watching. tide high Protecting roosts will help to ensure that the bird population remains the stable providing spectacle for many people see to and enjoy. ople over 65 alkers and cyclists wishing orkers and commuters in ird-watchers and people eople visiting Severn Beach oung people, schools and people, oung armers landowners and amilies children with young children older with amilies B wildlife the interested in F W enjoyto the scenery, green countryside.spaces and Y groups organised youth F F W Avonmouth / Severnside Pe P for the coastal experience

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description IMPROVEMENT HABITAT OF CREATION WORKS: WETLAND HABITAT: habitat wetland of Creation project the features within area, including opportunities and scrapes wetland for ponds be to used as potential high tide roosts encourage to waterfowl. Long list of identified sites potential Ref no. Ref CR2 94 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Number mink of trapped on a yearly basis of number Total managedditches well for water voles/ length (metres) of scrub removed Area of scrub removed from Barracks Lane of rhine during life project Area of scrub removal from St Road Andrews during life of project Count number rhines are that of managed well / still suitable for water habitat vole Count habitat area (ha) that is more suitable for water voles cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of andsatisfaction have they what learnt about the heritage Outcomes An environment (mink mink free of are the biggest threat the to viability of the water population) vole connectivityMore between the IDB conservation and organisations Less fragmented habitat prevention / fragmentation of of habitat extensive more A / better managed network rhines of for water voles to use Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of trappedMink a on yearly basis (target be to agreed) IDB under Ditches are management that for correctly managed water voles Approx 800 metres of scrub removed from Barracks Lane Rhine Approx 1000 metres of scrub removed from Barracks Lane Rhine Approx 500m of scrub removed from other / smaller rhines Habitat that is more suitable for water voles Benefits for People Safeguarding the water vole will population people allow observeto this rare mammal – particularin at Lawrence Weston Community Farm Participants will improve their understanding and awareness of the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower area Levels orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers and people oung people, schools and people, oung armers landowners and deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston. B wildlife the interested in F C Y groups organised youth W Avonmouth / Severnside

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description IMPROVEMENT HABITAT WORKS: VOLE WATER HABITAT RESTORATION: Project focus to on habitat links develop / improvements between existing habitats for water voles. This project will link a community to survey and monitoring project. Sites works restoration habitat for been identified have Ref no. Ref CR3 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 95 Method(s) of Evaluation of number Total new ponds created of number Total ponds restored Count number volunteersof participating cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of andsatisfaction have they what learnt about the heritage Outcomes Project audience put into will practice GCN surveying techniques and skills Participants will share and pass on an both enthusiasm for the species and a greater understanding distribution its of locally Landowners will have a greater understanding of distributionthe of the species and the appropriate regime of management of both its aquatic and terrestrial habitat Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Number of records of great crested newts and BRERC to provided more accurate mapping of the species distribution locally Up 4 new to ponds created or 8 existing (most or restored ponds likely) a mixture of the two. volunteer of Number surveyors participating Benefits for People provide Project will opportunities for trained surveyors furtherto develop survey GCN techniques the in field connect will It wildlife new recorders and with them provide experience/the mentors to enable them apply to for their own European licence develop will It greatera the appreciation of heritage enable will It people pass to on and of knowledge enthusiasm the for species The project will benefit local landowners in re-establishing and ponds contribute towards of drainage the farmland ople over 65 orkers and commuters in ommunities more in pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people ocal armers landowners and interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston. L S F C Y groups organised youth S educationhigher W Avonmouth / Severnside Pe

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description IMPROVEMENT HABITAT WORKS: CREATION / PONDS OF RESTORATION FOR GREAT CRESTED NEWTS: Project include to opportunities for both the of creation and restoration ponds / wet areas for great crested newts. Project will community a to include links survey project. of Minimum four ponds be to created or 8 ponds be to restored Ref no. Ref CR4 96 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation of length Total hedgerow restored laying, through or coppicing up gapping of number Total grants made to landowners Outcomes of 2,000m maintained hedgerows with for benefits biodiversity rural traditional A craft will be kept alive landscape The character will be preserved Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of 2,000m hedgerow hedgerow 2,000m restored through laying, up gapping or coppicing enefits to to enefits localenefit conomic conomic E skilled to benefit contractors undertaking the hedge-laying B people by helping to maintain the their character of landscape local for future generations to enjoy B landowners in management and restoration hedgerows of

Benefits for People ¡ ¡ ¡ armers landowners and F

Audience(s) ¡ Project description GRANT SCHEME: RESTORATION: HEDGEROW scheme grant new Establish runto over the life of the project be to available to hedgerow landowners for restoration. A farm site visit FWAG willby be a condition of the grant Ref no. Ref CR5 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 97 Method(s) of Evaluation number Total of willow trees pollarded of number Total grants made to landowners Outcomes willow281 trees with pollarded for benefits and landscape biodiversity A traditional form of tree management will be kept alive landscape The character will be preserved Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Promotion of grants to to grants of Promotion farmers landowners and carryto out willow pollarding willow281 trees re- pollarded enefits to to enefits localenefit conomic conomic he arisingshe E skilled to benefit contractors undertaking the work pollarding B people by helping to maintain the their character of landscape local for future generations to enjoy B landowners in management and pollarding of treeswillow T from the pollards could potentially wood provide and fuel for materials crafts traditional including replica puchers salmon

Benefits for People ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ armers landowners and F

Audience(s) ¡ Project description GRANT WILLOW SCHEME: new POLLARDING: Establish grant scheme run to over the life of the project be to landowners for to available the pollarding of willows. A farm site visit FWAG will by be a condition of the grant Ref no. Ref CR6 98 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation of number Total restored orchards brought into and/or management of number Total orchards new created of number Total volunteer days by trained volunteers from Feedback participants on their level of andsatisfaction have they what learnt about the heritage Outcomes Increased habitat wildlifefor will Volunteers report they that have improved understandingtheir orchard of management and people Local landowners will be more engaged with heritagethe Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of or restored orchards 5 including created, newly pruningrestorative of existing trees and replanting areas old up of orchards days75 of trained to devoted time volunteer orchard management Benefits for People The project will contribute to the amenityvisual landscape the of for all Traditional will orchards learning a provide opportunity / localresource for and communities visitors The project will equip people skills,with the and knowledge confidence to necessary own their manage orchardstraditional ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups oung people, schools and people, oung armers landowners and amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston. B wildlife the interested in S F C Y groups organised youth F F

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description IMPROVEMENT HABITAT WORKS: ORCHARD Restoration RESTORATION: orchards those target to work flagged by up the orchard survey as having potential to orchards 5 Target: restore. beto restored. Project will pruning restorative into link increasing (see time volunteer community participation Formative project proposals): pruning and restorative of orchards existing / historic project the link within area, to in with wider orchard survey under completed works community participation projects Ref no. Ref CR7 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 99 Method(s) of Evaluation numberCount the of new species-rich managed meadows / sown / created Measure area the (ha) of species-rich managed meadows / sown / created numberCount the landowners of participating at demonstration events numberCount the of events to promote the importance of wildflower aimed meadows, attractto a wide range of people cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of andsatisfaction have they what learnt about the heritage Outcomes areasImproved biodiversity for including flora, invertebrates, wading birds and mammalsvarious Improved about awareness heritage, the the specifically increasing rarity species-richof meadows and their importance for biodiversity landownersMore species-creating on meadows rich land their Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of species-rich new Four managed / meadows sown / created demonstration Three events promote to the importance of wildflower to aimed meadows, attract a wide range of people Benefits for People Species-rich wildflower meadows have a intrinsichuge value promote can and health and well- all for being The project will contribute to the amenityvisual landscape the of for all Wildflower meadows will learning a provide opportunity / localresource for and communities visitors The project will learning a provide opportunity for farmers and land managers The project will equip people skills,with the and knowledge confidence to necessary take on their own species-rich projectsmeadow ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups ocal people people ocal armers landowners and interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology F L B wildlife the interested in S

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ MEADOWS: Project description IMPROVEMENT HABITAT RESTORE WORKS: SPECIES-RICH Restore species-rich hay include to Works meadows. scarification of land, hire of sourcing training, machinery, green hay crop/seed mix . Aim target to 4 sites, and include management for days demonstration landowners Ref no. Ref CR8 100 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Count number of results watching / reports brief submitted to the HER recordCount / archaeological processed material and prepared for deposition museum Expert analysis of completed material recovered Method(s) of Evaluation Where archaeologyWhere will this identified is characterise to help landscape, the areas showing of lesser or denser activity survival and Improved understanding of environment the and the ways that humans engaged landscape the with throughout prehistory and history Outcomes Watching brief/monitoring Watching disturbance ground of project the throughout area and recording of archaeological features encountered Sufficient post- excavation assessment ensure to analysis and archaeology is the that properly understood briefs watching of Results / reports submitted to Environment Historic the Record Archaeological material prepared and processed deposition museum for Expert analysis of material recovered Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Improved understanding of the Lower Levels Vale Severn landscape the on Information archaeologytype of that may be encountered and the quality of its survival Benefits for People pecial interest groups highertudents and in ocal people ocal further education interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology S L S

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ Project description IMPROVEMENT HABITAT WORKS: SPECIALIST SURVEY ARCHAEOLOGICAL WETLANDS: Specialist OF archaeological services are needed monitor to ground relating excavation / works habitat improvement, to ponds, and scrapes notably way ofby a watching brief. Because archaeology the in Levels can be shallow even potential the have scrapes archaeology the damage to activities these therefore and need be to monitored by professional archaeologists, deposits any record can who features encountered/ and post-excavation any organise Ref no. Ref CR9

Ref no. Project description Audience(s) Benefits for People Outputs and measures Outcomes Method(s) of of success Evaluation

CR10 RHINE AND DITCH ¡ B ird-watchers and people The work will Removal of scrub from Improved habitat Total length of rhine CLEARANCE PROJECT: interested in the wildlife create volunteering rhines by volunteers for water voles managed / cleared To use volunteers to clear ¡ F armers and landowners opportunities for using hand tools and other aquatic of scrub per year scrub from ditches (known a wide range of species ¡ C ommunities in more 300m of rhine cleared of Record number of locally as rhines) primarily in people with the deprived areas where there scrub per year Volunteers will people / volunteers the Avonmouth / Lawrence associated health are low levels of engagement Minimum 5 volunteer report that they engaged with the Weston area to benefit water and social benefits with the heritage – work sessions per project have improved their heritage voles and other aquatic life particularly Lawrence Volunteering to year understanding of Number of undertake physical rhine management Weston. Local people more volunteer hours / tasks can improve ¡ Y oung people, schools and engaged with the Volunteers will value of volunteer physical and A F organised youth groups heritage report that their time worked mental well-being LANDSCAPE ORGOTTEN physical and Feedback from ¡ W orkers and commuters in arising from the mental well-being participants on Avonmouth / Severnside physical activity has improved their level of undertaken and Local people and satisfaction and generate a ‘feel landowners will be what they have good’ factor more engaged with learnt about the associated with the heritage heritage doing something RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS VALE SEVERN LOWER THE OF HERITAGE THE : RESTORING positive for the local environment

10 1 2 10 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation cleared Vegetation yes/no Method(s) of Evaluation Record of number of meetings / specialist advice provided Area improved of management of habitat existing recorded Outcomes cleared Vegetation by structures from GridNational Outcomes Specialist advice informing the management of the habitats at Oldbury Power site Station Improved management of habitats existing Opportunities habitat new for creation fully explored with companies Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Vegetation will be cleared from the remains of the ferry terminal at Aust measures and Outputs success of liaise withTo Magnox and habitat on advice provide creation/management Specialist advice informing the management existing of of creation habitats and new habitats in vicinity of Station Oldbury Power site Benefits for People Maintain the remains the of ferry terminal as a landmark feature people local for location a Improve that is popular with bird-watchers and walkers The project will learningprovide opportunities for schoolchildren, people young and visitors in better a developing understanding of past ways of life and modes of transportation Benefits for People allows Magnox public access to popularthis spot with bird-watchers and walkers fantastic a Provides the resource for local and wider and community maintaining and the improving enable will habitat continuepeople to to enjoy it cal communities and communities cal chools, schoolchildren and schoolchildren chools, pecialist groups interested roject Partners oung people and organised people and oung amilies children with young armers landowners and teachers people visiting the area heritage the in S Y groups youth F Lo S P F

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Audience(s) ¡ Project description CLEARANCE VEGETATION TERMINAL: FERRY AUST AT from vegetation of Clearance roof and buildings at Aust Ferry from National Grid Project description MANAGEMENT HABITAT TO FUNCTION ADVISORY To NUCLEAR INDUSTRY: habitat specialist provide management to advice the nuclear industry in the Lower Severn Vale Levels maximiseand opportunities on their land improve to and habitats new create Ref no. Ref CR11 no. Ref CR12 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 103 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of volunteers taking part Count number of hoursvolunteer Count number of sessions survey completed Count number of submitted records to HER cards / Feedback recordinterviews to participantshow have improved archaeologicaltheir skills investigations cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Improved the of knowledge history of Oldbury will Volunteers report they that have improved archaeologicaltheir skills investigations will Volunteers report they that have improved their understanding of archaeology the of Oldbury Participants will report they that widened have and shared their and understanding appreciation of the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower Levels use will Volunteers archaeologicaltheir skills other on areas of the Lower Levels Vale Severn records submit and theto South Gloucestershire HER Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Oldbury of Surveys completed Drawn and digital archive results survey the of completed on results the of Inclusion the South Glos HER of publication Formal the results either as an monograph, independent or as an article within an archaeological journal Transactions the as such of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society use will Volunteers archaeologicaltheir investigative skills on other areas of the Lower Severn Vale Levels and submit records the to South Gloucestershire HER Benefits for People benefit will People their improving by archaeological skills investigations knowledge and Oldburyof and greater understanding of heritagethe pecial interest groups tudents in highertudents and in ocal people ocal S rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology L S further education

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ INCREASING COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Project description VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEYS AND RESEARCH: undertakeTo a systematic of survey geophysical Oldbury along with a drawn and digital survey of the earthworks. use To Oldbury as a location train to volunteers in the above skills. encourage and enable To volunteers carry to out further surveys in other parts of the Lower Severn Vale Levels and submit their records to Environment Historic the Record (HER) Ref no. Ref ICP1 PROGRAMME B: PROGRAMME 104 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Count number volunteersof participating taking part Count number of hoursvolunteer Count number of sessions survey cards / Feedback recordinterviews to participantshow have improved archaeologicaltheir skills investigations cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Method(s) of Evaluation Improved the of knowledge archaeological site will Volunteers report they that have improved their understanding of archaeologythe will Volunteers report they that have improved archaeologicaltheir skills investigation Participants will report they that widened their have appreciation of the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower Levels use will Volunteers archaeologicaltheir skills other on areas of the Lower Levels Vale Severn records submit and theto South Glos HER standardMuseum of archive material excavated Outcomes Up to 48 volunteers 48 to Up taking part in the excavation over the 4 period week the of Partial excavation completed site Drawn and digital archive of the results on results the of Inclusion the South Glos Historic RecordEnvironment the of Publication results either as an monograph independent or as an article in an archaeological journal Transactions the as such of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of People will benefit will People their improving by archaeological skills investigations knowledge and of and greater understanding of heritagethe Benefits for People pecial interest groups highertudents and in ocal people ocal further education interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology S L S

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ Project description COMMUNITY DIG ARCHAEOLOGICAL One high2016: profile Community Archaeological dig take to place in 2016. include training in to Event archaeological excavation include the techniques. To professional of provision archaeologists, toilet and hire unit welfare hire, servicesspecialist as necessary. will Volunteers excavate over a period of 4 weeks, with a max of 12 volunteers per week Ref no. Ref ICP2 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 105 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of held festivals cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Count volunteer bersnum participating / hoursvolunteer Outcomes Participants the at festival will report a have they that better awareness understanding and of the Lower Levels Vale Severn the and landscape heritage Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Three annual Lower Levels Vale Severn Festivals delivered over the life of the project. 500Target participants to attend each festival Benefits for People engage will People the widest possible audience in interesting and fun activities People will learn the about more heritage and participate in heritage by the some developing of the content of the festival events and activities themselves producers Local will benefit from increased public appreciation traditional of and foods local understand the betweenlink the and traditional farming modern and practices Severnside the landscape creational user creational groups orkers and commuters in lder people over 65 ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople visiting the area needs mobility with eople olunteers participating oung people, schools and people, oung ocal across communities amilies children with young the project area / all users / visitors volunteers – walkers, cyclists and horse riders rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and L V Re P / visiting for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S Y organised youth groups and specialist interest groups F W Avonmouth / Severnside P access improving by O in specificForgotten A projects Landscape

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS FESTIVAL: organiseTo an annual festival promoting the Lower Severn Vale Levels to Project landscape. local people / target young levels / residents / schools visitors. and communities Based on a long weekend of events / activities for all audiences Ref no. Ref ICP3

106 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of volunteers taking part Count number of hoursvolunteer Count number of produced booklets people viewing / projectthe exhibition cardsFeedback from collected participants / viewers of the booklet and record to exhibition have they what learnt / understood heritageabout the Outcomes Volunteers participating in projectthe will report they that widened have and shared their and understanding appreciation of the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower Levels the Readers of booklet and viewers of the exhibition will report they that widened their have and understanding appreciation of the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower Levels Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of A project scoping report will inform / set out the project format volunteers 10 to Up will carry out primary research Research will be archived so it can be used as the basis for future academic research the e.g., Victoria County History or other regional projects and studies comparative Material created will be used interpretative for media such as panels, media digital and leaflets 500 copies of a project produced be will booklet that will be free and will different at available be the throughout outlets project area A project exhibition will be produced that tours libraries, village halls, and is available for events Benefits for People engage will People interesting andin about activities fun heritagethe The project benefitwill participating volunteers and people reading booklet or the by exhibition to them enabling learn and engage heritageabout the and deepen their and understanding the appreciation of Vale Severn Lower area Levels ople over 65 alkers and cyclists wishing orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach needs mobility with eople oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people ocal armers landowners and amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston. L W enjoyto the scenery, green countrysidespaces and P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S F C Y groups organised youth S educationhigher F F W Avonmouth / Severnside P Pe

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description OF THETALES VALE: the of research Historic Lower Severn Vale Levels aerial cartographic, through artistic and photographic, archaeological Will archives. include primary research of each of the parishes project the within area. Project budget will allow for production of a book and include exhibition / and support (editing costs materials) collating Ref no. Ref ICP4 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 107 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of volunteers taking part Count number of hoursvolunteer Count number interviewsof completed / number of interviews transcribed cardsFeedback from collected users of the booklet recordto what they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Volunteer participants will report they that widened their have and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn listening People theto oral history record report will have they that widened their and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn and valuable A interesting historical record be availablewill history local for archives and the communitywider Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of The project will engage volunteers work to with recordcommunities to the across histories oral Lower Severn Vale Levels project area At least 30 oral history interviews be will recorded Clips of interviews will be uploaded and transcribed onto website(s) documenting booklet A the main stories will be published Benefits for People The project will enable participants engageto and learn heritageabout the interesting ways in and deepen their and understanding the appreciation of Vale Severn Lower area Levels The project offers also opportunities for inter-generational working ople over 65 orkers and commuters in ommunities more in pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people who live in the amilies children with young children older with amilies area rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston. L S C Y groups organised youth S educationhigher F F W Avonmouth / Severnside Pe

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description OF THETALES VALE: ORAL HISTORY PROJECT: people of Gathering histories who have lived and worked across the Lower Severn Vale Levels area and who travelled the Severn Estuary (now or in the past). The collected stories / memories will be used promote to a and understanding greater heritage. the appreciation of Work be to completed by local project volunteers with budget allowing for the purchase or hire of specialist recording equipment Ref no. Ref ICP5 108 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of trained volunteers participating in traditional of survey orchards Count number of hoursvolunteer completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Count number of surveyed orchards Outcomes traditional All the orchards in project area plotted surveyed and information Survey base used to future prioritise management of orchards Increase local in skills base in of surveying orchardstraditional will Volunteers report they that have improved understandingtheir and skills in orchard surveying management. Participants will report they that widened have and shared their and understanding appreciation of the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower Levels Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of survey of Volunteer orchards - Number of trained volunteers who can carry out orchard surveys Increased data collected on the number of and orchards of condition orchards Number of surveyed Benefits for People increase will People knowledge their and skills in identifying wildlife associated with their orchards and understanding of the importance of this habitat and links the to wider heritage will Volunteers benefit from opportunities to meet and work with mindedother like people learn to heritageabout the cal landownerscal esidents of the local he local communities he oung people, schools and people, oung amilies with older children older with amilies R F Lo T across the project area Y organised youth groups and specialist interest groups community

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description FRUITS OF THE VALE: survey orchards Historic and surveying target to recording existing historic / all orchards in the project area. Results link to the to PTES and orchard survey national wider South Gloucestershire to Results survey. orchard inform / target the formative pruning and restorative of orchards as set out in the Restoring Conserving and project schedule Ref no. Ref ICP6 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 109 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of trained volunteers participating in survey of water voles Count number of hoursvolunteer completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Count number of rhines / ditches managed for water voles as a result of works monitoring Outcomes collectedData through this scheme will be used inform to future management work of the ditches and rhines information Survey base used to future prioritise surveying for water voles Increase local in skills base in water surveying voles will Volunteers report they that have improved their and understanding skills in water vole surveying Participants will report they that widened have and shared their and understanding appreciation of the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower Levels Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of monitoring of Volunteer water voles - number trainedof volunteers participating can who carry out habitat surveys Increased data collected on the number of and condition of water vole populations Number of new records for water voles Benefits for People The project will increase the and knowledge skills of people in water surveying courses recording / water vole numbers The project increasewill understanding of the importance of Severn Lower the Vale Levels area for water voles increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels Participants will learn / use new new meet and skills people ople over 65 orkers and commuters in ommunities more in pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents ocal people ocal armers landowners and interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston L S F C S educationhigher W Avonmouth / Severnside Pe

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description MONITORING: VOLE WATER Ongoing monitoring of of environment natural the projectthe area including water voles in order to understand of impact the other and change climate environmental changes. Will include different categories monitoring of Ref no. Ref ICP7 110 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of trained volunteers participating in GCNs of survey Count number of hoursvolunteer completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Count number of records provided for BRERC as a surveyresult of works Outcomes survey for Volunteer GCNs - number of trained volunteers participating who carry can out surveys habitat Increased data collected on the number of and GCN of condition sites / populations recordedwhere for records New GCNs sent to BRERC Landowners will have a greater understanding of distributionthe of the species and the appropriate regime of management of habitat Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of survey for Volunteer GCNs - number of trained volunteers participating can who carry out habitat surveys Increased data collected on the number of and GCN of condition where sites / populations recorded Number of new records for GCNs sent BRERC to Landowners will have a greater understanding of the distribution of the species and the appropriate regime of habitatmanagement of Benefits for People The project will increase the and knowledge skills of people in GCNs for surveying The project enablewill the volunteers to survey GCN refine techniques the in a field, creating new network of recorders wildlife and enabling them pass to on a and of knowledge enthusiasm the for species friends to and the next generation The project will pinpoint the to help GCN of locations colonies the in Vale Severn Lower Levels and thereby they ensure that are conserved and safeguarded the in future increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels Participants will learn / use new new meet and skills people ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups oung people, schools and people, oung amilies children with young children older with amilies armers landowners and interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology Y groups organised youth F F B wildlife the interested in S F

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description GREAT AND PONDS CRESTED NEWTS: Volunteers use to the skills techniques surveying and learnt in projects TS3 and CR4 survey to selected ponds across the Lower Severn Vale Levels for great created newts and establishto an on-going scheme for the annual these coloniesmonitoring of perpetuityin Ref no. Ref ICP8 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 111 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of trained volunteers participating in GCNs of survey Count number of hoursvolunteer completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Count number of records provided for BRERC as a surveyresult of works Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of trained volunteers participating in survey of wildfowl and waders Count number of hoursvolunteer completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Count number of wildfowl and wader to supplied records BRERC Outcomes survey for Volunteer GCNs - number of trained volunteers participating who carry can out surveys habitat Increased data collected on the number of and GCN of condition sites / populations recordedwhere for records New GCNs sent to BRERC Landowners will have a greater understanding of distributionthe of the species and the appropriate regime of management of habitat Outcomes Increased number of records of and wildfowl waders provided to BRERC to used Data inform dissertation or report on the distribution birds of change climate and Participants / project audience increasewill knowledge their and skills of identification regarding estuarine and wildfowl waders Participants / project audience increasewill their understanding of the importance of the Estuary and the conservation needs of its waterfowl The project will the develop network of existing / new amateur ornithologists and the networks them between Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of survey for Volunteer GCNs - number of trained volunteers participating can who carry out habitat surveys Increased data collected on the number of and GCN of condition where sites / populations recorded Number of new records for GCNs sent BRERC to Landowners will have a greater understanding of the distribution of the species and the appropriate regime of habitatmanagement of measures and Outputs success of Increase number the of records of wildfowl and waders provided to BRERC Data used inform to dissertation or report on the distribution of birds change climate and Benefits for People The project will increase the and knowledge skills of people in GCNs for surveying The project enablewill the volunteers to survey GCN refine techniques the in a field, creating new network of recorders wildlife and enabling them pass to on a and of knowledge enthusiasm the for species friends to and the next generation The project will pinpoint the to help GCN of locations colonies the in Vale Severn Lower Levels and thereby they ensure that are conserved and safeguarded the in future increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels Participants will learn / use new new meet and skills people Benefits for People The project will increase the and knowledge skills of people in wide identifying a range of species of wildfowl and waders The project increasewill understanding of relationship the between the birds wintering and the habitats along Estuary increase will People their awareness of heritage natural the of the Lower Levels Vale Severn bring will It together a new community of bird-watchers, connecting people sharing their and enthusiasm, and knowledge skills Participants will learn / use new new meet and skills people orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers and people tudents in further and in tudents oung people, schools and people, oung armers landowners and amilies children with young children older with amilies Young people, schools and people, Young groups organised youth childrenFamilies with young children older with Families Bird-watchers and people wildlife the interested in Special interest groups rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology landowners and Farmers deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston B wildlife the interested in F C Y groups organised youth F F W Avonmouth / Severnside S educationhigher Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description GREAT AND PONDS CRESTED NEWTS: Volunteers use to the skills techniques surveying and learnt in projects TS3 and CR4 survey to selected ponds across the Lower Severn Vale Levels for great created newts and establishto an on-going scheme for the annual these coloniesmonitoring of perpetuityin Project description WILDFOWL AND WADER On- MONITORING: the monitoringgoing of the of environment natural Project Area. centre Will on monitoring waterfowl numbers and movements co-ordinate / data gather to the work of groups in understand the to order change climate of impact environmental other and changes upon bird numbers. Monitoring work be to co- ordinated project by officers who will design survey forms / support volunteers and undertaking work survey of supply the co-ordinate Regional the to data survey RecordsEnvironmental Centre (BRERC) Ref no. Ref no. Ref ICP8 ICP9 112 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of trained volunteers participating in survey of ditches and rhines Count number of hoursvolunteer completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe of length the Count and rhinesditches surveyed / records BRERC to supplied Outcomes collectedData will be used to inform futurehelp management work of the ditches and rhines information Survey base used to future prioritise surveys specialist managementor proposals Increase local in skills base in ditches surveying and rhines will Volunteers report they that have improved their and understanding skills in ditch and rhine surveying Participants will report they that widened have and shared their and understanding appreciation of the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower Levels Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of volunteers Trained of participating survey in ditches and rhines 250kmTarget of ditches and rhines be to surveyed year per Number of new records / collected for information ditches and rhines Benefits for People This project an provides opportunity for volunteers to improve their understanding of the importance of and rhinesditches biodiversity for increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels Participants will learn / use new new meet and skills people orkers and commuters in ommunities more in pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents ocal people people ocal armers landowners and interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston L S F C S educationhigher W Avonmouth / Severnside

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description DITCH TIME: VOLUNTEER AND RHINE SURVEY: Survey assessment condition and of rhines establish to a clear which understanding of rhines still hold water and functioning.are The data collected provide the will surveys future for baseline and management work which will benefit a range of aquatic species including water voles and great crested newts Ref no. Ref ICP10 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 113 Method(s) of Evaluation Count numbers participating the in project cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe of volume Count cider traditional produced Outcomes Keeping alive a of local tradition production cider Increase local in cider in base skills production Participants will report they that have a better awareness and understanding of the Lower Levels Vale Severn the and landscape heritage Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Community cider-making Community cider-making day held product cider Local created Benefits for People The project will enable people to practiceput into skillsthe learnt cider- the from making training course The project will localrecreate a people of tradition coming together maketo gather the make and apples cider the cal landownerscal landownerscal esidents of the local he local communities he olunteers participating amilies with older children older with amilies R F Lo T across the project area / all users / visitors Lo V community in specificForgotten A projects Landscape

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description TRADITIONAL CIDER- MAKING: Cider-making opportunity provide for – project audiences learn to art traditional about the working cider-making of cider local existing with producers. Providing people local opportunities for maketo their own cider support Littleton from with Lifesaver local cider cooperative including collection and processing of fruit, and bottlingbrewing Ref no. Ref ICP11 4 11 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number schools local of pupils college and taking part in the of development designs bespoke and iconic illustrations. cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Count number of designs bespoke and illustrations produced that interpret the heritage Count number of post cards printed and distributed Count number of calendars printed and distributed Count number of posters printed and erected in the project area and locationsadjacent Outcomes Participants / visitors / residents reportwill that they widened their have and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Consultant work to and schools local with develop colleges to and designs bespoke iconic illustrations bespoke of Series illustrations designs and produced interpret that heritagethe 2000 post cards printed and distributed 500 calendars printed and distributed posters100 printed and erected in the project area and adjacent locations Benefits for People People will be able identify to the designs bespoke and iconic images project the with their broaden and understanding of heritagethe ople over 65 alkers and cyclists wishing orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach oung people, schools and people, oung amilies children with young interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement W enjoyto the scenery, green countrysidespaces and P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S C Y groups organised youth F W Avonmouth / Severnside Pe

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description CARDS POST POSTERS, Work CALENDARS: AND with a sixth form college / city college run to a competition designto bespoke posters and postcards market to the project. work with local To colleges / schools work to up ideas / designs Ref no. Ref ICP12 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 115 Method(s) of Evaluation Record that Volunteers one Thank and You Celebration event was held cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Count volunteer numbers participating Count number of hoursvolunteer Outcomes attending People the event will report a have they that better awareness understanding and of the Lower Levels Vale Severn and landscape heritage Participants will report they that are aware of continuing the volunteering opportunities over and beyond the life of the AFL scheme Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Volunteers one Deliver Thank and You the at Celebration event end of the project attend to of 750 Target the Thank and You Celebration event Benefits for People benefit will People engaging in by interesting and fun activities and by learning about the heritage The event will be targeted at volunteers and participants who have taken part in projects The event will also seek engage to the possible widest make to audience people aware of volunteers canhow the sustain help project in the future The event will encourage the participation of producers local benefited have who / taken part in the project increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels ople over 65 alkers and cyclists wishing orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach needs mobility with eople oung people, schools and people, oung armers landowners and amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston W enjoyto the scenery, green countrysidespaces and P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S F C Y groups organised youth F F W Avonmouth / Severnside P Pe

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description YOU THANK VOLUNTEERS AND CELEBRATION EVENT: Celebration event mark to the end of the AFL Scheme providing a summary of achievements, information including on-going support, and sustainability and the opportunity thank to all project volunteers, to thank all those who have contributions, in-kind made and thank to all of the acrosscommunities the project area. Format of celebration be to agreed with project partners Ref no. Ref ICP13 116 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number volunteersof participating Count number of hoursvolunteer Count number digitalof records of newly or sites identified reinterpretation of collected ones old Count number of records of newly or sites identified reinterpretation of old ones added to the HER cards / Feedback recordinterviews to participantshow have improved archaeologicaltheir skills investigations cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes understandingNew landscape the of of the AFL Scheme character, its area, environmental history and archaeology Better understanding of the survival of and earthwork other features which can be used for future conservation initiatives wide Landscape understanding of relationship the between different types of archaeology which may not be visible surface, the on which can be tied ongoing the into works set out in ICP2 and ICP1 Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of volunteers will 10 research the undertake data LiDAR analysing 20 (estimated) digital records of newly or sites identified reinterpretation old of ones with these will be added the to HER New records for the HER will be recorded Benefits for People This project will volunteers provide with skills in identifying and understanding archaeological using landscapes LiDAR The project will benefit people our improving by understanding of archaeologicalthe the of landscape Vale Severn Lower Levels pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents ocal people ocal interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology S S educationhigher L

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description FORGOTTEN THE SENSING - LANDSCAPE THROUGH ARCHAEOLOGY will Volunteers LiDAR: undertake a study of part of the AFL Scheme area making use of LiDAR identify to and interpret archaeological sites. LiDAR is already held the by council, but LiDAR data is as purposes research for free is the software. Volunteers will be able undertake to this in the comfort of their own home provided they have a computer and internet access and have taken part training the in Ref no. Ref ICP14 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 117 Method(s) of Evaluation Record number of hits website visitors site Web reporting they that learnt about have heritage and the project through / messages forum website Determine awareness and use of the AFL Scheme website as part of project participant cardfeedback questions projectTotal cost: £53,000 Web design and set up £44,000 in-kind Volunteer £9,000 costs: Outcomes Users of the web site will report that widened have they and shared their and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Users of the website will report have they that obtain to able been that information enabledhas them accessto the and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn One trained volunteer participating will report they that widened their have and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn will On volunteer report they that have improved their IT and web management skills Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of One web design consultant appointed to oversee procurement of web design contract One website created website 100,000 Target hits per year over life of project One trained to volunteer work half day per week / days per24 year Benefits for People One of point for information heritage and the project themes activities of Details and events, and how to volunteer Opportunities learning,for participation and training Information on access / to throughtravelling the project area Access maps to downloadable and information and learning resources benefit will It the public general who will be able widento their understanding of special qualities the and stories of the area an Provide opportunity for people with an the interest in heritage get to contactin and the celebrate heritage ople over 65 alkers and cyclists wishing orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers & people pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach needs mobility with eople oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people ocal armers landowners and amilies children with young children older with amilies L W enjoyto the scenery, green countrysidespaces and P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology & archaeology F C deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston Y groups organised youth S educationhigher F F W Avonmouth / Severnside P Pe

¡ ¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ACCESS AND LEARNING Project description A ONLINE: LANDSCAPE FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE PROJECT WEBSITE: A dedicated website for the Landscape Forgotten A to developed Scheme interpretive fully a provide Levels the about resource area. The website will include elements interactive to encourage user participation, data facilities, mapping with dedicated learningentry, resource, games, quizzes, Links webcams. and apps project facebook,to twitter Consultant pages. flickr and workto with partners and and brief co-ordinate the procurementoversee the of the website contract. To include a series of webcasts university by developed students on a range of subjects including wildlife, archaeology heritage and Ref no. Ref AL1 PROGRAMME C: PROGRAMME 118 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Feedback collected cards from children / teachers parents / participants/ on their level of what satisfaction, learnt have they heritageabout the they whether and learnt new have skills Participants will report they that understood have heritage themesthe for the activity Record numbers participating Count volunteer numbers / hoursvolunteer Count number of learning resources / loaded down and produced distributed Outcomes Users of the educational resource will report they that widened have and shared their and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn landscape Local used as a resource learningfor Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of 2 primary schools involved in the and development production of the educational resource from Primary schools across the wider AFL project area using the education resource Severnside from Schools usingcluster group educational resource schools of Number wider projectfrom urban adjacent / area educationalareas using resource 2 primary schools participating extended in learning resource activities Benefits for People benefit Schools will sustainable a from learning resource increasesthat understanding Lower the about Levels Vale Severn its and landscape heritage Pupils and teachers their improve will understanding of wide-rangingthe their heritage of area local teachersPupils, and families the of the pupils involved will also be take encouraged to an active role The project an provide will educational usesresource that landscape local the particular a with emphasis on the learning outside classroom rganised youth groups rganised youth ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople visiting the area ocal primary school primary school ocal people ocal amilies children with young children older with amilies children, teachers, support staff and parents rich the interested in geology history, wildlife, archaeology other and / community participants L F F O L P / visiting for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡

reation of a primary village trails; learning trails; village learningforum; / resources; downloadable school guide; studies field programme; exchange silver screen; seven severn characters; scripting the severn; activities for learners young informal and families C schools learning resource topics including kit, tool such as the River Severn, and commerce trade, industry, crossing the river, local area studies, living geology; and things,

Project description PRIMARY SEVERNSIDE LEARNINGSCHOOLS the Target directPROJECT: schools 2 of involvement over three years. Working in partnership with schools, the project will create schools learning resources / lesson plans / learning aids develop to awareness and understanding of the Lower Severn Levels that can be used other by schools area. the The in learning resource will draw on the learning proposals set out in A Forgotten Landscape - Interpretation Learning & Plan and will(2013) include: ¡ Ref no. Ref AL2 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 119 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number participantsof attending taking / part Count number volunteers / of hoursvolunteer cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, learnt have they heritageabout the they whether and learnt new have skills Outcomes (target720 of per event)15 participants will report they that widened their have and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn helping Volunteers to deliver events reportwill that they widened their have and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn developed and skills support to events Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of / events 48 of Minimum activities be to delivered over the life of the project programmes annual via volunteers21 will have received training to support deliver and events and activities Benefits for People The project will enable people to the with engage heritage in fun and interesting ways The project will their deepen and understanding the appreciation of heritage ople over 65 alkers and cyclists wishing orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach needs mobility with eople oung people, schools and people, oung amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston W enjoyto the scenery, green countrysidespaces and P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S C Y groups organised youth F F W Avonmouth / Severnside P Pe

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description LOWER THE DISCOVERING Programme VALE: SEVERN learningof and community to participation events include old photo days, local researching evenings, food historic food produced on the levels, Severn wildlife, historic environment walks and talks, arts based music (photography, events and performance). be To delivered as an annual events, of programme allowance budget a including for full and wide marketing project participation all of hire and venue events Ref no. Ref AL3 120 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of businesses local taking part Count number of people attending events food local cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of andsatisfaction have they what learnt about the heritage Outcomes Participants will report they that widened their have and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn businesses Local reportwill that they widened their have and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn their developed and providing in skills / marketing local foods the to public Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of local 5 food of Minimum events delivered local by business per year Benefits for People The project will enable people to enjoy and appreciate local traditional and foods understand the betweenlink the and traditional farming modern the and practices landscape local economyThe businessesand will benefitby local supporting food and producers outlets market to productstheir local the through programme foods ople over 65 ommunities more in eople visiting the area to oung people, schools and people, oung amilies children with young children older with amilies deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston P eat or drink C Y groups organised youth F F Pe

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description THELOVE LANDSCAPE THEEAT VIEW: Annual food local of programme supportingevents local outlets food local producers, and businesses across the project area. include Will information on foods people grew, / ate traditionally greater awareness of local production, food products and where buy to them, food local with combined menus in pubs / restaurants / businesses Ref no. Ref AL4 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 121 Method(s) of Evaluation cardsFeedback from collected teacherschildren / and parents on their level of what satisfaction, learnt have they heritageabout the they whether and learnt new have skills cardsFeedback / project web site will enable users of the spotter guide reportto that they understood have / learnt about the heritage Count number of Spotters I-Spy downloaded Guide and produced / distributed Outcomes teacher12 support parent volunteer / participants will take part and report they that widened have and shared their and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Users of the I-Spy Spotters Guide reportwill that they have a better understanding of Severn Beach railway line, local and landmarks the features in Vale Severn Lower Levels Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Guide Spotters I-Spy for pack media printed the Severn Beach railway producedline Benefits for People The project will informationprovide on features of interest along the Beach Severn railway line and importanceits providing in access sustainable communitiesfor route its along The project will raise awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Severn Lower wider Levels Vale teachersPupils, and parents from Beach Severn Primary School participating will improve their understanding of the features landmarks and local their of access and area opportunities provided the by railway line the Families of pupils involved will encouraged to be take an active role chool children and teachers pecial interest groups eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach oung peopleoung ocal people ocal amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and S Y F F L P eat or drink P for the coastal experience S

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description SEVERN BEACH RAILWAY GUIDE: SPOTTER I-SPY Spotters I-Spy an Develop Guide for the Severn Beach the highlighting line railway featureskey that can be seen of Features route. the along interest could include the River Avon, the motorway and Avonmouth bridge, Project wildlife. Severnside workto with Severn Beach research to Primary School content Ref no. Ref AL5 122 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation cardsFeedback from collected people young participants/ on their level of what satisfaction, learnt have they heritageabout the they whether and learnt new have skills cards / Feedback website will enable views of the film reportto that they understood have / learnt about the heritage Count number of times the film is viewed on the website Outcomes volunteer 10 participants from target will groups report they that widened have and shared their and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Viewers of the film reportwill that they have a better understanding of Severn Beach railway line, local features and the the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Short film of Severn Beach railway line produced Benefits for People The project will informationprovide on features of interest along the Beach Severn railway line and importanceits providing in access sustainable communitiesfor route its along The project will raise awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Severn Lower wider Levels Vale people Young participating will improve their understanding of the features landmarks and local their of access and area opportunities provided the by railway line Participants will learn video / film making skills the Families of people young involved will also be take encouraged to an active role amilies children with young eople visiting Severn Beach eople visiting the area to oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people people ocal amilies with older children older with amilies F Y groups organised youth F P for the coastal experience L P eat or drink

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description SEVERN TO BRISTOL BEACH FILM: Digital media project create to a short video of the journey on the Severn Beach Railway Line. This would be a speeded up taking journey the of version perhaps 2-3 minutes and and thesuitable for YouTube collaborative be To website. youth project involving route the along groups Ref no. Ref AL6 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 123 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of participants form who target groups parttook Count number of hoursvolunteer / volunteer of value time worked cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of andsatisfaction have they what learnt about the heritage Outcomes 60 participants targetfrom groups reportwill that widened have they and shared their and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn the Readers of panels will report have they that widened their and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Participants the in celebration event reportwill that widened have they and shared their and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of panels 12 of Installation participants60 engaged researchingin and panelsproducing 1 celebration event with a local school mark to the boards the of installation volunteers recruited 12 maintain and cleanto panels Benefits for People The project will local enable the community to the with engage heritage through learning and work research interpret the to themes and stories of the Lower Vale Severn benefit will It the public general who will be able widento their understanding of special qualities the and stories of the area ople over 65 rganised youth groups rganised youth ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach needs mobility with eople oung people, schools people, oung ocal people ocal amilies children with young interested in the rich the interested in geology history, wildlife, archaeology other and / community participants F O L P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S Y and special interest groups (helping research to and panels) produce P Pe

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description INTERPRETATION series a Install PANELS: panels interpretive 12 of explain to locations key at the stories of the project area and the sites be to Project AFL interpreted. Officer(s)workto with target audience / user groups to artwork develop research, and text Ref no. Ref AL7 124 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of participants form who target groups parttook Count number of hoursvolunteer / volunteer of value time worked cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of andsatisfaction have they what learnt about the heritage limited with People mobility and the elderly will report on their level of andsatisfaction have they what learnt about the heritage Outcomes participants25 targetfrom groups reportwill they widened have and shared their and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Users of the seats / benches will report they that have improved their awareness of the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower Levels Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of 8 seats and benches designed installed and Benefits for People The project will restingproviding points at 5 key the in locations Vale Severn Lower benefiting Levels limited with people elderly the mobility, and visitors and groups who are area the exploring People will be involved in the of development artwork and target audiences in the design of benches and seats which will help improve to and widen their understanding of heritagethe ople over 65 cal community and visitors communitycal and alkers wishing enjoy to the ird-watchers and people chools and youth groups pecial interest groups eople with mobility needs mobility with eople interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and Lo W scenery, green spaces and countryside B wildlife the interested in P access improving by Pe S S

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description BENCHES INTERPRETIVE AND SEATS: Design and install 8 benches and seats using designs agreed through the arts and sensory Design project. experiences fitto more harmoniously in the landscape, with a dual also can Benches function. carved include designs Ref no. Ref AL8 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 125 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of participants from who target groups parttook Count number of hoursvolunteer / volunteer of value time worked cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of andsatisfaction have they what learnt about the heritage Project web site will allow users of toposcopes the reportto on their satisfaction of level have they what and learnt about the heritage Outcomes participants 15 targetfrom groups reportwill they widened have and shared their and understanding appreciation of the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower Levels Viewers of the will toposcopes report they that have a better understanding of landmarks local and features in the Vale Severn Lower Levels Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of toposcopes Three installed Benefits for People information Provide local about and landmarks Generate features. the interest in and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Participants will benefitby their improving understanding of the features and landmarks of their local area and of function the toposcopes cal community and visitors visitors communitycal and alkers and cyclists wishing pecial interest groups eople visiting the area to oung people, schools and people, oung amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and Lo W enjoyto the scenery, green countrysidespaces and P eat or drink S Y groups organised youth F F

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description INTERPRETIVE Toposcopes TOPOSCOPES: fascinatingare many for visitors, where a view over flat land can revealwell- features and locations known and distant hills. The project / toposcopes install will key at panels toposcopic points aroundvantage the project area. Examples could church Arilda’s include St or on the Severn just Way north of Aust Service Station, and Wood well Meadows. Content and design of the toposcopes and siting to be agreed as part of project target with development audiences Ref no. Ref AL9 126 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of participants from who target groups parttook Count number of hoursvolunteer / volunteer of value time worked cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, learnt have they heritageabout the they whether and learnt new have skills Outcomes Participants in projectthe will report they that widened have and shared their and understanding appreciation of the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower Levels and people Local visitors will report have they that learnt about the the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of programme a Complete engagement creative of local communities with design a Complete interpretation for guide projects, including and benches interpretation signs install and Complete a permanent artwork/ artworks at Severn Beach agreed location other or Benefits for People The project will local support the community to the with engage heritage through learning, research work, design and bringing people together The project will engage directly local residents, and schools ensuring visitors, that their ideas are incorporated into finalworks and interpretation benefit will It the public general who will be able widento their understanding of heritagethe ople over 65 alkers and cyclists wishing orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach needs mobility with eople oung people, schools and people, oung amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston W enjoyto the scenery, green countrysidespaces and P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S C Y groups organised youth F F W Avonmouth / Severnside P Pe

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description ARTS AND SENSORY EXPERIENCES: To appoint a lead artist to deliver a programme of engagementcreative with develop communities, designs interpretive for project elements across the AFL Scheme, and create and install public art in the Severn Beach promenade area to interpret and celebrate help lower the heritage of the Levels Vale Severn Ref no. Ref AL10 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 127 Method(s) of Evaluation of Number volunteer participants who take part of Number hoursvolunteer / volunteer of value time worked cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, learnt have they heritage, about the whether and and physical well-being mental has improved cards / Feedback response website forms allow will audiences using to paths improved level report their and satisfaction of have they what learnt about the heritage Outcomes and people Local visitors will report have they that better access opportunities to explore the Lower Levels Vale Severn and people Local visitors will report have they that learnt about the the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels takingVolunteers part in work parties reportwill that they have used or improved their to practical skills improve PROW they what and learnt about have the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower Levels Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of circular10 walking routes furniture, improved, with surfacing, signing and waymarking volunteer10 work parties led Ramblers Avon by to implement improvements one day sessions13 led implement to TCV by with improvements a target trained of 10 volunteers per work party Benefits for People People will be able access to a circular network of walking routes to enjoy and experience the and heritage rich the of landscapes Vale Severn Lower Levels ople over 65 alkers wishing enjoy to the ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston. W scenery, green spaces and countryside P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S C F F Pe

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description ACCESS THE Access VALE: improvements routes 10 to that will be promoted to allow people explore to and discover the Lower the Utilising Vale. Severn assessment of Public Rights completedof Way at the phase, development project partnershipand working in with SGC PROW team / RamblersAvon and local identify and to communities, agree a schedule of Public Rights improvements of Way for the benefit of walkers. Survey detail / proposed routes outlined in the A - Landscape Forgotten Interpretation Learning & willPlan inform (2013) the selection of routes be to promoted and improvements made Ref no. Ref AL11 128 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number volunteer of participants hours / worked who took part Count number of access sustainable producedpacks and distributed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of andsatisfaction have they what learnt about the heritage Outcomes Users of the map and booklet will report they that widened their have and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Users of the map and booklet will report they that have been able to heritageaccess the of landscapes and Severn Lower the Levels Vale Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of 3,000 copies of map and booklet printed Electronic copies and pdf accessibledownloads projectfrom website Benefits for People People will be able access to the on information existing and new walking routes, easy access routes and cycle routes and enjoy and experience the and heritage rich the of landscapes Vale Severn Lower Levels People will improve understandingtheir appreciation and of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels ople over 65 cal residents and visitors and residents cal alkers and cyclists wishing orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach needs mobility with eople oung peopleoung amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston Lo W enjoyto the scenery, green countrysidespaces and P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S W Avonmouth / Severnside P access improving by C F F Y Pe

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description EXPLORE THE To VALE: Severnside new a develop comprehensive and map cyclists for guide booklet and walkers using the project area based on route audit the at completed works stage, development project complementing existing transport sustainable SGC promotion policies and all Information routes. Sustrans include accesswill surrounding from points Will roads. and communities use local hubs promote to Project forms routes. the part of access improvement the in proposals identified A Forgotten Landscape - Interpretation Learning & Plan (2013) Ref no. Ref AL12 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 129 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of participants from who target groups parttook Count number of hoursvolunteer / volunteer of value time worked cardsFeedback from collected project participants on their level of andsatisfaction have they what learnt about the heritage cardsFeedback from collected accesseasy path users on their level and satisfaction of learnt they what heritageabout the Outcomes and people Local visitors will report have they that better access to explore the Lower Levels Vale Severn takingVolunteers part in work parties reportwill that they have used or improved their to practical skills improve PROW Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of 5 easy access trails with surfacing,improved furniture, signing and waymarking volunteer10 work parties led Ramblers Avon by implement help to target with improvements of 5 people attending per session Benefits for People People will be able access to 5 easy access trails enjoy to and experience the and heritage rich the of landscapes Vale Severn Lower Levels ople over 65 alkers wishing enjoy to the ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople with mobility needs mobility with eople eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston P F F Pe W scenery, green spaces and countryside P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S C

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description EASY ACCESS ROUTES: To create 5 easy access routes people, all allow that will including those with mobility pushing people and issues baby buggies, gain to access the to Lower Severn understand to Levels, Vale where they can walk and feel confident accessing in the area in order enjoy to the communities its landscape, heritage learnand about the Ref no. Ref AL13 130 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of hoursvolunteer / volunteer of value time worked Count number of / visiting people using area and hubs local cardsFeedback from collected visiting people record to hubs their levels of andsatisfaction have they what learnt about the heritage Outcomes and people Local visitors will report were they that able access to information and resources area at and local hubs Users of hubs will report they that widened their have and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Establish of minimum a 8 area and local hubs information an as acting resource across the Lower Severn Vale Levels area Benefits for People and people Local visitors will be able access to information and interpretative a at information series of outlets in Severn Lower the Levels Vale ople over 65 alkers and cyclists wishing ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach needs mobility with eople oung people, schools and people, oung amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston W enjoyto the scenery, green countrysidespaces and P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S C Y groups organised youth F F P Pe

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description AREA AND LOCAL HUBS: Establish a series of area and local hubs where local people and visitors can obtain information and interpretation Lower the on Severn Vale Levels. The hubs will be stocked with a such information of variety map interpretative the as Spotter I-Spy booklet, and information events Guide, on and activities, training and opportunities, the skills surveys,results monitoring of of Tales investigations, and other booklet and Vale the information. The area hubs and some of the local hubs will also be venues for the of theTales Vale exhibition Ref no. Ref AL14 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 131 Method(s) of Evaluation cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, learnt have they heritage, about the whether and and physical well-being mental has improved cards / Feedback response website forms allow will users of the hide to level report their and satisfaction of have they what learnt about the heritage Outcomes Users of the bird hide will report that they have enjoyed and improved their understanding of birds and wildlife, and their wider the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of 1 new bird hide constructed and in place associated decking, with steps and access path Benefits for People and people Local visitors will be able watch to and enjoy birds and shelteredwildlife weather the from and improve their understanding of heritagenatural ople over 65 cal residentscal alkers wishing enjoy to the ird-watchers and people oung people, schools and people, oung amilies children with young children older with amilies B wildlife the interested in Lo W scenery, green spaces and countryside Y groups organised youth F F Pe

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description LITTLETON PITS BRICK RESERVE ACCESS One ofPROJECT: a chain of reed beds close the to Severn Estuary, this reserve is an important feeding and migrating for place resting provide The projectbirds. will a new bird hide and new access public improved into the site, either directly off the Severn or Way otherwise to through improvements the existing site access steps, (paths, infrastructure ramps The etc). project forms part of access improvement the in proposals identified A Forgotten Landscape - Interpretation Learning & Plan (2013) Ref no. Ref AL15

132

A F

Ref no. Project description Audience(s) Benefits for People Outputs and measures Outcomes Method(s) of LANDSCAPE ORGOTTEN of success Evaluation

AL16 OLDBURY POWER STATION: ¡ B ird-watchers and people Local people and One new bird hide Users of the bird Number of NEW BIRD WATCHING interested in the wildlife visitors will be constructed and in place hide will report that volunteer HIDE AND ACCESS ¡ Lo cal residents able to watch and with associated decking, they have enjoyed participants who IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT: enjoy birds and steps and access path and improved their take part ¡ W alkers wishing to enjoy the

Replacement / upgrade wildlife sheltered understanding of LEVELS VALE SEVERN LOWER THE OF HERITAGE THE : RESTORING scenery, green spaces and Number of of bird watching hide at from the weather birds and wildlife, countryside volunteer hours / Oldbury Power Station and improve their and their wider value of volunteer ¡ Y oung people, schools and where overlooking the silt understanding of appreciation of the time worked lagoon. Project to include organised youth groups natural heritage natural, cultural and Feedback cards access improvements to ¡ Families with young children industrial heritage collected from the hide and viewports of the Lower ¡ Families with older children participants on only over the lagoon / lower Severn Vale Levels their level of pond. The path to the hide ¡ People over 65 satisfaction, what also needs upgrading to they have learnt allow for improved access. about the heritage, Project forms part of access and whether improvement proposals physical and identified in the A Forgotten mental well-being Landscape - Interpretation & has improved Learning Plan (2013) Feedback cards / web site response forms will allow users of the hide to report their level of satisfaction and what they have learnt about the heritage A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 133 Method(s) of Evaluation collectedFeedback people from film the viewing have they what on learnt about the heritage collectedFeedback people from film the viewing have they what on learnt about the Scheme AFL Count number of times the film is viewed on the website Outcomes Viewers of the film reportwill that they have a better understanding of Severn Lower the Vale Levels and its heritage Viewers of the film reportwill that they have a better understanding of the aims and objectives of the Scheme AFL Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of One A Forgotten Landscape short film produced Benefits for People of point A the for information Scheme AFL of point A for information heritage and the project themes activities of Details and events, and how to volunteer Opportunities learning,for participation and training access to Links and maps downloadable information and learning resources the on available website an Provide opportunity for people with an the interest in heritage get to contactin and the celebrate heritage ople over 65 alkers and cyclists wishing orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach needs mobility with eople oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people ocal armers landowners and amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston L W enjoyto the scenery, green countrysidespaces and P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S F C Y groups organised youth F F W Avonmouth / Severnside P Pe

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE PROMOTIONAL FILM: Digital media project create to a summarise short to video the importance of the Lower Severn Levels, the aims and objectives of the A Forgotten the Scheme, Landscape landscape partnership, and examples of project works taking place over the life of projectthe Ref no. Ref AL17 134 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Record number of copies of newsletter produced / accessed on-line Record number of enquiries result as newsletter of Feedback from collected the people reading what on newsletter learnt have they heritageabout the Feedback from collected the people reading what on newsletter learnt have they AFL the about Scheme Outcomes audiences Target reportwill they widened their have understanding of the project and that they have a better and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn target from People audiences will read and projects about take to volunteer part in the AFL Scheme Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Electronic / pdf networking newsletter produced at least 3 times a year through the life of projectthe Benefits for People of point A the for information Scheme AFL of point A for information heritage and the project themes activities of Details and events, and how to volunteer Opportunities learning,for participation and training access to Links and maps downloadable information and learning resources the on available website an Provide opportunity for people with an the interest in heritage get to contactin and the celebrate heritage ople over 65 alkers and cyclists wishing orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups eople visiting the area to eople visiting Severn Beach needs mobility with eople oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people ocal armers landowners and amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich history, rich history, the interested in geology archaeology and deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston L W enjoyto the scenery, green countrysidespaces and P eat or drink P for the coastal experience B wildlife the interested in S F C Y groups organised youth F F W Avonmouth / Severnside P Pe

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description ALF NETWORKING E NEWSLETTER: Production the for regular e.newsletter of projectAFL Ref no. Ref AL18 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 135 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number participantsof trained in survey/ monitoring techniques for water voles Count the number of water monitoring vole training sessions completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Participants will learnt new have skills in water vole monitoring A pool of be volunteers will created are who participate to able in ICP7 (water vole Monitoring) Participants in training will the report they that have a greater understanding of the decline in numbers of water voles and the issues involved Participants will increase their awareness of the and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of training session 1 Deliver per year for 3 years volunteers12 to attend each training session The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area for water voles Benefits for People The project will increase the and knowledge skills of people in water surveying courses recording / water vole numbers The project increasewill understanding of the importance of Severn Lower the Vale Levels area for water voles increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels Participants will learn / use new new meet and skills people orkers and commuters in ommunities more in pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents oung people, schools and people, oung armers landowners and S rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology F C deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston Y groups organised youth S educationhigher W Avonmouth / Severnside

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ TRAINING SKILLS AND Project description WILDLIFE IDENTIFICATION IDENTIFICATION WILDLIFE SKILLS: RECORDING & TRAINING VOLE WATER train volunteers To to DAY: proficient be surveying in watercourses for the signs of water voles and encourage those undertaking this training take to part in ICP7 water vole Monitoring Ref no. Ref TS1 PROGRAMME D: PROGRAMME 136 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number participantsof trained pond in survey/monitoring techniques numberCount the survey pond of training sessions completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Participants will learnt new have regardingskills a surveying aquatic of range flora and fauna, providing a better understanding distributionof of species in AFL area Scheme Participants sharewill their and knowledge enthusiasm with local communities survey pond in techniques A pool of be volunteers will created are who participate to able (Ponds ICP8 in and Great Crested Newts) and CR4 ponds of (Creation Greatfor Crested Newts) Participants will report they that have a greater understanding of the importance of habitat as ponds biodiversity for Participants will increase their awareness of the and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of training session 1 Deliver per year for 3 years receive volunteers36 to training The project will increase understanding of the importance of ponds for wildlife across the Lower Severn Vale Levels area Increased number of records of a variety of part-aquatic) (and aquatic provided fauna flora and providing BRERC to increased records the of species distribution Benefits for People The project will benefit people increasingby the skills participants’ identifyingin a aquatic variety of part-aquatic) (and flora and fauna and bettergaining a and understanding the appreciation of ecology of complex ponds Participants will be able take to their local to back skills and communities record the flora and associatedfauna ponds with The project will public new result in BRERC records in increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels Participants will learn / use new new meet and skills people ird-watchers and people oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people ocal amilies with older children older with amilies armers landowners and Y groups organised youth F L F B wildlife the interested in

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description & IDENTIFICATION WILDLIFE POND SKILLS: RECORDING SURVEY run SKILLS: one To identification monitoringand session per year of the project Ref no. Ref TS2 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 137 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of participants trained and licensed in great crested newt survey/monitoring techniques numberCount the training sessionsof completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Participants will report they that increasedhave knowledge their regardingand skills great crested newts Participants sharewill their and knowledge enthusiasm with local communities A pool of licensed be volunteers will created are who participate to able (Ponds ICP8 in and Great Crested Newts) and CR4 ponds of (Creation Greatfor Crested Newts) There will be a better understanding of distributionthe of the species in project area Participants will increase their awareness of the heritage natural of Severn Lower the Levels Vale Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of introduction 1 Deliver 6 session, classroom fieldtraining sessions and required follow-up sessions in years 2 and 3 trainees volunteer for receive volunteers to 10 licensed be training to survey to surveyors ponds for great crested newts in the project area increasedand provide records of the species distribution. The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area for great crested newts Benefits for People The project will benefit people increasingby knowledge/ their understanding of habitat ecology, the conservation and needs of great crested newts An increase in surveyors licensed will mean a better likelihood that newt colonies will conserved for be generations future new result in Will recordspublic in BRERC increase will People their awareness of heritage natural the of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Participants will learn / use new new meet and skills people eople the interested in oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people ocal amilies with older children older with amilies armers landowners and Y groups organised youth F L F P including specialistwildlife (amphibians herpetofauna and reptiles) group

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description & IDENTIFICATION WILDLIFE GREAT SKILLS: RECORDING CRESTED NEWTS: To specialistprovide training for volunteers to complete formal training licensed and be surveyto for great crested sessions newts. Training beto followed site by across sessions monitoring to projectthe area. Training and identification one include monitoring session per year of the project Ref no. Ref TS3 138 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of participants trained and licensed in identification the of wildfowl and waders numberCount the training sessionsof completed numberCount the of new records of submittedbirds to BRERC Participants will record how they have passed on knowledge their and skills a new to bird- generation of watchers in the locality cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Participants reportwill they increasedhave knowledge their and skills in the identification of wildfowl and waders Participants reportwill their understanding of the importance of the Estuary and the conservation needs of its waterfowl Participants will report they that have begun pass to knowledge their on and skills a new to bird- generation of watchers in the locality records New of birds will be created and submitted to BRERC trained of pool A be volunteers will created are who participate to able in ICP9 (Wildfowl and Wader Monitoring) Participants will increase their awareness of the heritage natural of Severn Lower the Levels Vale Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Deliver maximum of 7 training sessions for participants receive volunteers to 42 surveyingtraining in and monitoring techniques for wildfowl over-wintering and waders The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Levels Vale Severn over-wintering area for wildfowl and waders Benefits for People The project will benefit bring and people to pleasure increasingby their understanding of relationship the between the birds wintering and differing typesthe the along habitat of Estuary The project will bring together a communitynew of bird-watchers, connecting people, and provide a generation to new present the whom generation of birders can pass knowledge their on and skills new result in Will recordspublic in BRERC increase will People their awareness natural the of the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels Participants will learn / use new new meet and skills people orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers and people oung people, schools and people, oung armers landowners and amilies children with young children older with amilies deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston B wildlife the interested in F C Y groups organised youth F F W Avonmouth / Severnside

Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description & IDENTIFICATION WILDLIFE BIRD SKILLS: RECORDING provide To IDENTIFICATION: people young and residents local communitiesfrom with the appropriate skills to speciesidentify various the of waterfowl (wildfowl and the associated with wader) Severn Estuary using both classes fieldwork. and indoor These skills will be used establishto a network of to wardens bird volunteer monitor the distribution of species, their numbers and the movement of birds along coastline the Ref no. Ref TS4 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 139 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number participantsof trained orchard in and surveying management numberCount the training sessionsof completed numberCount the orchard new of submitted records BRERC to cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Participants will learnt new have orchard in skills surveying Orchards within the project area will and surveyed be recorded the Orchards in project area will be better managed orchard New records will be created and submitted to BRERC trained of pool A be volunteers will participate to able (Fruits ICP6 in of the and Vale) (Orchard CR7 Restoration) Project participants reportwill that widened have they and shared their and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Deliver 2 x 1 day training sessions per year for participants receive volunteers to 18 surveyingtraining in orchards volunteers trained 18 carryto out practical orchard management The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area heritage the for Benefits for People The project will benefit bring and people to pleasure increasingby their and knowledge identifying in skills associated wildlife orchards with increase will People understandingtheir of the importance orchard of both habitat, biodiversity for and also for valuable the contribution provide orchards landscape the to heritage new result in Will recordspublic in BRERC Participants will learn / use new bring and skills with benefits social opportunities to meet and work with other volunteers increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents eople the interested in oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people ocal amilies with older children older with amilies armers landowners and interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology L F F Y groups organised youth P wildlife S S educationhigher

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description IDENTIFICATION WILDLIFE SKILLS: RECORDING & ORCHARD SURVEYING runAND MANAGEMENT: To 2 workshops per year for orchard train in volunteers to management and surveying techniques Ref no. Ref TS5 140 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of participants trained hedgerowin restoration and management skills numberCount the training sessionsof completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Participants will have learnt hedgerow new restoration and management skills the in Hedgerows project area will be better managed trained of pool A the volunteers in that local area carry can out traditional these management techniques Project participants reportwill that widened have they and shared their and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Deliver 4 weekend training sessions for participants over life of project receive volunteers to 40 hedgerowtraining in restoration and management The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area heritage the for Benefits for People The project will by benefit people increasing their and knowledge managing in skills is that habitat a important wildlife to landscape and People will be able traditional learn a to skill that has been carried out for generations Participants will learn / use new bring and skills with benefits social opportunities to meet and work with other volunteers pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents eople the interested in oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people ocal amilies with older children older with amilies armers landowners and interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology L F F Y groups organised youth P wildlife S S educationhigher

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description IDENTIFICATION WILDLIFE SKILLS: RECORDING & RESTORATION HEDGEROW SKILLS. MANAGEMENT AND run 1 weekendTo workshop for volunteers each year to hedgerow training in provide management and restoration skills Ref no. Ref TS6

Ref no. Project description Audience(s) Benefits for People Outputs and measures Outcomes Method(s) of of success Evaluation

TS7 FARMER LIAISON DAYS: 1 ¡ F armers and landowners Participants will Deliver 1 farmer liaison Greater uptake of Count number networking event per year to learn about new day per year over life of agri-environment of participants be held on a farm in the AFL opportunities that the AFL Scheme and other funding attending farmer Scheme area and/or visit to may be available 45 participants to attend schemes liaison days specific project site. To target for landowners each farmer liaison day Greater uptake Count the number farmers and landowners including The project will increase of AFL Scheme of agri-environment information about understanding of the Hedgerow Grants / funding different potential importance of the Lower (CR5) and Willow applications funding schemes Severn Vale Levels area Pollarding Grants submitted as a Liaison days will for the heritage (CR6) result of farmer provide a social Participants will liaison days A F occasion for an report that they Feedback cards LANDSCAPE ORGOTTEN industry known for have widened collected from solitary working and shared their participants on understanding and their level of appreciation of the satisfaction and natural, cultural what they have and industrial learnt / understood

heritage of the about the heritage LEVELS VALE SEVERN LOWER THE OF HERITAGE THE : RESTORING Lower Severn Vale Levels, including the importance of the AFL Scheme area for a variety of wildlife

14 1 142 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of participants trained historic researchin methodologies numberCount the training sessionsof completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Participants will have learnt new skills in research historic methodologies Quality historic produced research that can be used in a number of different ways AFLby Scheme projects and Lower wider Severn Levels communities A pool of be volunteers will created are who participate to able in (Tale ICP4 of the Vale Historic Research project) Participants will increase their awareness of the and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of volunteers key Recruit 10 beto trained a high to historic standard in research methodologies historic training 6 Deliver sessions key for 10 volunteers build to up the necessary skill set additional Recruit 10 casual volunteers trained in historic research a to more generic level The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area heritage the for Benefits for People The project will benefit people increasingby their skills and of knowledge research historic techniques, to them enabling trainedbe using in record offices, aerial and archives photos carry to out quality historic high research This will enable participants to develop a greater appreciation and awareness of the and built natural, heritage of cultural Severn Lower the Levels Vale Participants will learn / use new bring and skills with benefits social opportunities to meet and work with volunteersother levels across the area ople over 65 ommunities more in pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents ocal people ocal interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston L S C S educationhigher Pe

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description OF THETALES VALE: RESEARCH HISTORIC train TRAINING To – competent be volunteers to in using record offices and other archives so they can research historic undertake contributeto towards a exhibition booklet and Ref no. Ref TS8 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 143 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number participantsof oral in trained history recording techniques numberCount the training sessionsof completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Participants will have learnt new skills in oral history recording techniques history oral Quality recordings that can be used in a differentnumber of ways AFL by Scheme projects Lower wider and Severn Levels communities A pool of be volunteers will created are who participate to able in ICP5 (Tales of the History Oral Vale project) Participants will increase their awareness of the and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of volunteers to Recruit 10 history oral in trained be recording techniques Deliver 4 oral history recording training sessions volunteers for buildto up the necessary skill set The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area heritage the for Benefits for People The project will benefit bring and people to pleasure providing by opportunities for participants to learn and engage heritageabout the interesting ways in This project will offer people opportunities participate in to inter-generational working Participants will learn / use new bring and skills with benefits social opportunities to meet and work with other volunteers increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels ople over 65 orkers and commuters in ommunities more in pecial interest groups tudents oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people who live in the amilies children with young children older with amilies area rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston L S C Y groups organised youth S F F W Avonmouth / Severnside Pe

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description OF THETALES ORAL VALE: train TRAINING To HISTORY competent be volunteers to oral historyin recording techniques so they can research historic undertake contributeto towards a exhibition booklet and Ref no. Ref TS9 144 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of participants trained cider- traditional in making techniques numberCount the training sessionsof completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Participants will learnt new have traditional in skills cider-making techniques A pool of be volunteers will created are who participate to able (Traditional ICP11 in cider-making project) Participants will increase their awareness of the and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Recruit volunteers 30 to be trained in the skill of cider-making traditional techniques traditional one Deliver session cider-making per year for volunteers to build up the necessary skill set The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area heritage the for Benefits for People The project will benefit bring and people to pleasure providing by opportunities for participants to learn and engage heritageabout the interesting ways in Participants will learn / use a of skill traditional with cider-making opportunities to meet and work with other volunteers increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels ople over 65 ommunities more in pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents ocal people ocal armers landowners and interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston L S F C S educationhigher Pe

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ TRAINING: To TRAINING: To Project description TRADITIONAL CIDER- MAKING training sessions 2 provide per year open all to to traditional learn the about cider. making for techniques specialist by instruction Full trainer provided Ref no. Ref TS10 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 145 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number participantsof trained in lookering traditional techniques numberCount the training sessionsof completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Participants will learnt new have lookering in skills trained of pool A be will people local created who can be the ‘eyes and ears’ for livestock locally grazing increasingthus the chances of successfully re-establishing grazing on Chittening Warth A pool of be volunteers will created are who participate to able in (Salt CR1 Marsh Grazing project) Participants will increase their awareness of the and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of volunteers to Recruit 10 trainedbe lookering in skills lookering 1 Deliver training session per year over 2 years for volunteers build to up the necessary skill set The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area heritage the for Benefits for People The project will benefit bring and people to pleasure developing by connection to a landscape the and greater understanding of importancethe of salt marsh as a habitat Participants will learn new skills with opportunities to meet and work with other volunteers increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels ople over 65 orkers and commuters in pecial interest groups ocal people ocal armers landowners and interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology L S F W Avonmouth / Severnside Pe

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description GRAZING STOCK TRAINING:LOOKERING train volunteersProject to supportto Salt CR1 Marsh Grazing Project Ref no. Ref TS11 146 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation Count number participantsof trained event in management skills numberCount the training sessionsof completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Participants will learnt new have managementevent skills poolA of volunteers will be created who are able to ICP3 participate in Vale Severn (Lower Levels Festival) and Volunteers ( ICPl3 Thank you and Celebration Event), and other AFL Scheme projects Participants will increase their awareness of the and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Recruit volunteers 30 beto trained in event management skills over the life of the AFL Scheme Deliver 1 event management skills training session per year (three in total) build to up the necessary skill set The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area heritage the for Benefits for People Participants will skills, new learn many of which will transferrable be benefit could and in volunteer the aspectsvarious life.of Organising and running events local their in community will bring with it a social element increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels ople over 65 orkers and commuters in ommunities more in ird-watchers and people pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents oung people, schools and people, oung ocal people ocal armers landowners and amilies children with young children older with amilies interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston L B wildlife the interested in S F C Y groups organised youth S educationhigher F F W Avonmouth / Severnside Pe

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description EVENT MANAGEMENT to TRAINING: Training develop skills manage to / including guidedlead events, walks, event management, talks etc Ref no. Ref TS12 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 147 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number participantsof Sharingattending Practice Good networking events numberCount the Sharingof Practice Good networking events held cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood practice good Outcomes Improved communication between Landscape Partnership Schemes leading to improved sharingnetworking, and knowledge of resources Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of 30 participants attend to Sharing Goodeach networkingPractice events per year of the scheme AFL Complete 3 x 1 day Sharing Good Practice networking per events year (three in total) Sharing Good Practice provide will events opportunitiesnetworking for LPS schemes Benefits for People The project provide will opportunities networkto with other officers and issues LPS discuss problems and and share practice, good and experiences advice ther Landscape ther O Partnership Schemes (LPS) organisations aspiring to or create a LPS

Audience(s) ¡ Project description PRACTICE: GOOD SHARING Specific learning opportunity / networking days for other projects. LPS Sessions beto based on specific including sites, / topics project restoration, habitat community and management participation applicable to - LPS projects at delivery and stage development Ref no. Ref TS13 8 14 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Count number participantsof attending archaeological techniques survey intrusive) (non- training sessions numberCount the of sessions to train volunteers archaeologicalin techniques survey (non-intrusive) cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Method(s) of Evaluation Participants will have learnt new skills in archaeological techniques survey intrusive) (non- A pool of volunteers trained archaeologicalin techniques survey (non-intrusive) will be able to participate in (Volunteer ICP1 Archaeological and Surveys and Research) (CommunityICP2 Archaeological Dig) Participants will increase their awareness of the and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outcomes Up to 70 participantsUp 70 to to attend training sessions archaeologicalin (non- techniques survey intrusive) Deliver 7 weekend training sessions to train volunteers in archaeological survey techniques (non- intrusive) The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area heritage the for Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of The project will increase the and knowledge skills of people to use and interpret LiDAR so that they undertakecan desk- wide scheme assessmentbased and identify new archaeological sites Participants will skills, new learn people new meet and will discover importancethe of relevance and historical these Volunteers sites. learnwill skills new and will discover and importance the relevance of these sites historical increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels Benefits for People pecial interest groups highertudents and in ocal people ocal further education interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology S L S

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ Project description SURVEY ARCHAEOLOGY TRAINING WEEKENDS: of programme Deliver Archaeological Survey (7 Weekends Training weekends) over 3 years. To specialist of provision include train volunteers to trainer(s) archaeological unobtrusive in techniques. Records go to on Record. Environment Historic taught be will Volunteers how undertake to earthwork geophysics. and survey These skills are repeatable and non-destructive and volunteers training, following will be able undertake to only with sites on surveys minimal supervision Ref no. Ref TS14 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 149 Count number participantsof attending QGIS and processingLiDAR and interpretation training sessions numberCount the of sessions to train volunteers in QGIS and LiDAR and processing interpretation training sessions cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Method(s) of Evaluation Participants will learnt new have skills in QGIS and processingLiDAR and interpretation will Volunteers report they that competentare in using GIS software can and LiDAR and then put this use to as part of ICP14 Sensing(Remote Forgottenthe Landscape) Participants will report they that widened have and shared their and understanding appreciation of the heritage of the Vale Severn Lower Levels Outcomes 10 volunteers trained 10 in QGIS and LiDAR and processing interpretation Deliver 3 x 1 day training sessions train to QGISvolunteers and in processingLiDAR and interpretation The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area heritage the for Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Volunteers will will Volunteers skills new learn and will discover importancethe of relevance and archaeological throughout sites the area, helping to onesidentify new increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels Benefits for People pecial interest groups highertudents and in ocal people ocal further education interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology S L S

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ Project description REMOTE SENSING A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE TRAINING:LiDAR Volunteers will be taught how use to and they that so interpret LiDAR undertake can wide scheme assessment and desk-based archaeologicalidentify new provision include To sites. train to trainer specialist of and LIDAR. GIS volunteers in Records go to on Historic Record. TheseEnvironment skills are repeatable and non-destructive following and be volunteerstraining, will undertake surveys to able across the area with only minimal supervision Ref no. Ref TS15 150 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS Method(s) of Evaluation numberCount the of new farm agri- environment schemes numberCount the of willow trees pollarded length the Count hedgerow of managed of Number new farm plans produced Count number of meetings / advice of provision supportand farmers to provided landownersand cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of andsatisfaction have they what learnt / understood heritageabout the Outcomes Increased area managed land of favourably more biodiversity for including flora,trees, invertebrates, wading birds and mammalsvarious and Farmers landowners participating / from benefiting a farm visit will report they that have improved their about awareness the importance for biodiversity and Farmers landowners participating will report they that widened have and shared their and understanding the appreciation of and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of Deliver 5 new farm agri- schemesenvironment willow281 trees pollard as delivered through CR6 (Grant for Willow Pollarding) 2km of hedgerow CR5 managed through Hedgerow for (Grant Management) Number of new farm plans produced (total to agreed) be support and Advice agri-environment on Schemes farmers to and ownersland AFL Administration of CR5 grants scheme management) (Hedgerow Pollarding) (Willow CR6 & The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area heritage the for Benefits for People The service will benefitfarmers landownersand not only with free advicebut also with completing in help Environmental Stewardship and applications Environment Farm something – Plans applicantan would normally have to pay for armers landowners and F

Audience(s) ¡ PROJECT OVERHEADS PROJECT Project description FARMING & WILDLIFE WILDLIFE & FARMING GROUP: ADVISORY FWAG of Commissioning undertaketo proactive farmers of encouragement schemes. stewardship into overseeing grant FWAG schemes / salt marsh grazing projects. Allows for FWAG to liaison, undertake landowner content prepare input into for literature promote to the AFL Scheme farmers to provide landowners, and on guidance and advice applications, stewardship of administration the project grants scheme including associated farm visits, preparation of farm plans, and input into projects restoration habitat meadows, wetlands, – orchards Ref no. Ref PO7 PROGRAMME E: PROGRAMME A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 151 Method(s) of Evaluation Count number of participants trained input ecologicalto data survey numberCount the produced reports BRERC by Count number of hoursvolunteer completed cardsFeedback from collected participants on their level of what satisfaction, they have learnt / about understood heritagethe Outcomes Participants will learnt new have skills in the input of ecological data in environmentalan officerecords A pool of volunteers will ecologicalinput of collecteddata from across all the AFL Scheme projects, resulting increasedin for ecological data the AFL Scheme area interimBRERC / final project data monitoring reports improve will accessibility to data for the AFL area Scheme Participants will increase their awareness of the and cultural natural, industrial heritage of the Lower Levels Vale Severn Outputs and measures measures and Outputs success of complete to BRERC volunteers with training of skills input to data in an environmental records office 45 BRERCTotal days for management of wildlife & habitat data over 3.5 year life of project BRERC produce to 2 projectinterim data monitoring reports BRERC produce to 1 final report of all data submitted volunteer 120 Total in- kind days for entry of data wildlife & habitat BRERC by completed trained volunteers The project will increase understanding of the importance of the Lower Severn Vale Levels area for water voles Benefits for People will Volunteers data in trained be entry and will gain experience from working in environmentalan officerecords The project will increase the and knowledge skills of people in collection anddata entry The project increasewill understanding of the importance of Severn Lower the Vale Levels area increase will People their awareness of cultural natural, the and industrial the heritage of Vale Severn Lower Levels ople over 65 orkers and commuters in ommunities more in pecial interest groups tudents in further and in tudents ocal people ocal armers landowners and interested in the rich the interested in wildlife, history, geology and archaeology deprived areas where there are low levels of engagement with the heritage – particularly Lawrence Weston L S F C S educationhigher W Avonmouth / Severnside Pe

¡ Audience(s) ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ ¡ Project description AND WILDLIFE HABITAT DATA MANAGEMENT: Data entry and mapping of wildlife and habitat data generated from the project Regional Bristol the through Environmental Record Centre (BRERC) Ref no. Ref PO8

153

6 Sustainability

A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 155

6 Sustainability

mechanisms or structure required for the 6.1 Introduction AFL Partnership to continue into the future. If the AFL Scheme is to have a long-lasting and secure legacy, it is important to view In addition to the legacy strategy, three the funding provided by HLF as the start of elements have been built into the AFL a long journey to achieve the Partnership’s Scheme which will help support the vision for the Lower Severn Vale Levels Partnership to clearly identify its legacy landscape (Section 4.1 above) and the ambitions. These are: communities within it. This journey will not end when the HLF funding ceases in 2018. ¡ Sharing Good Practice: A budget of £300 An important legacy of the AFL Scheme will has been included to support learning be to leave in place a robust mechanism to and networking days with other LPS sustain the landscape distinctiveness of the projects. One of these sessions will be area in the long term. designed to focus on legacy and share and learn from the experiences and best practice of others 6.2 Mid-Term Legacy strategy

In February 2013 the HLF circulated a report ¡ A Forgotten Landscape Partnership entitled Legacy Planning for Landscape Support: A budget of £3,000 has been Partnerships. This sets out a number included to enable AFL Partnership of recommendations for Landscape members to work closely together and Partnerships to consider when thinking take collective ownership for delivering about how they might best secure a legacy the AFL Scheme vision and outcomes. from their activities after their Scheme has The funding will support training, site completed delivery. The report emphasises visits, and facilitator costs for partnership the importance of taking an ambitious view meetings and networking sessions. A part of the legacy and that a formal mid-scheme of this support will be directed to help review is the best time to firm up legacy the Partnership agree and co-ordinate its ambitions and arrangements for beyond legacy strategy at the mid-term review the life of a project. The Partnership will therefore commit to undertake this review ¡ Evaluation And Monitoring: A budget of at the same time as the mid-term evaluation £22,000 has been set aside for external review detailed in Section 7.6.2. This will consultants to carry out the evaluation allow the Partnership to consider its legacy and monitoring work. This budget will ambitions at the same time as reviewing specifically cover the costs of work how well the Scheme’s wider level outcomes required for the Partnership to produce a are being achieved. The Partnership will mid-term legacy strategy produce a mid-term AFL legacy strategy that identifies the actions that need to be taken The sustainability of the AFL Scheme before the end of the Scheme in 2018. has been carefully considered during the development phase to identify the best ways The AFL legacy strategy will also be of continuing its benefits and key activities reviewed and updated in response to the after HLF funding has ceased. Sustainability final Scheme evaluation. It will set out issues are considered for each of the main the long-term vision for sustaining the programmes area below. Scheme and will be used as a tool to secure resources and put in place the appropriate 156 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

In the Salt Marsh Grazing Project (CR1), 6.3 Programme A: management agreements with graziers and Conserve and Restore the land owner will be set up to agree who New significant infrastructure capital is responsible for fence repair and other projects undertaken in this programme essential infrastructure. The local community (eg. CR2 Wetland Management and CR8 will be involved in sustaining and securing Species Rich Meadow Restoration) will be the future of saltmarsh grazing through a protected by agreements to ensure the lookering scheme which will to continue after benefits are maintained for a minimum 10 the life of the funding. year period. Management plans will also be put in place prior to the creation or The AFL Scheme will establish good working restoration of features such as species-rich relationships with landowners to ensure meadows, scrapes and ponds to ensure that that rhines cleared of scrub are kept clear landowners sustain the future management in the future, either with the landowners of these habitat features. carrying out the work themselves or through the involvement of volunteers. Work will All landowners receiving hedgerow or willow be undertaken with the Internal Drainage pollarding grants will receive a farm visit Board (IDB) to look at ways of extending and from FWAG SouthWest and farm plans will supporting the programme of rhine scrub be drawn up. Farmers and landowners will clearance and sustaining this in the future. be encouraged to enter agri-environment schemes that will last five or 10 years Traditional habitat management skills such depending on the type of scheme entered as hedgelaying will be taught via annual into. There is good evidence to show that training courses, ensuring that these skills farmers / landowners will re-apply once their are sustained in the local community over scheme expires. the longer term.

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Orchard restoration works will require an assessment to be carried out and a mini- management plan will be produced. The Scheme will ensure that there will be a number of trained volunteers in the area that will be able to sustain this advice and support in the future.

Working with established organisations – There will be numerous programmes to such as Lawrence Weston Community Farm train and enhance the skills of volunteers and enable them to play an active role in These skills can be used to continue to monitoring and enhancing the heritage. support events and activities that promote learning about the heritage in future years Where physical works (ponds, scrapes) without the need for significant funding. disturb the ground, archaeological watching briefs will be required to ensure that the Volunteers will be trained and supported archaeology of A Forgotten Landscape is to carry out surveys and monitoring of a properly recorded. range of habitats and species, including orchards, rhines, ponds, water voles, The AFL Scheme will also act as a habitat great crested newts, wildfowl and waders. advisory function, offering advice and The aim is to have a long-term and self- building close relationships with the nuclear sustaining monitoring network of volunteers. and other industries / companies in the All records arising from the project will be area. This will help to sustain their continued administered and maintained by BRERC and support and co-operation after the AFL will contribute to the central Government Scheme finishes. tenet of sustainable development (NPPF). New local wildlife recorders will have an ease of contact with BRERC and be put on their 6.4 Programme B: newsletter mailing list. Community Participation

The AFL Scheme will equip volunteers with Trained volunteers will gain sufficient skills long-term sustainable, and importantly, so that they can offer advice to landowners repeatable skills, to continue monitoring, on pond and orchard management and conservation and learning activities in the continue to offer this advice after the future beyond the life of the Scheme. Scheme has finished.

Volunteers will be trained in archaeological The AFL Scheme will also create a new survey and research skills that will enable generation of bird-watchers on the Estuary them to study other sites within the AFL who will be self-sustaining and who can in Scheme area and use transferable skills on turn pass on the same knowledge and skills other future digs and surveys. The results of to the following generation in turn. A new surveys and digs will also be published and network of volunteer birders will also help made available on the South Gloucestershire contribute towards reducing activities which HER ensuring that they can be easily disturb the birds for which the Severn Estuary accessed after the project has finished. has been designated a European Site.

Volunteers will receive event management The traditional cider-making project (ICP11) training and play an active role in running will equip volunteers with the necessary skills events, organising annual festivals and an to continue on with cider making beyond the end-of-scheme volunteer celebration. life of the AFL Scheme with the support of Littleton Lifesaver cider co-operative. 158 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

resources, the I-Spy Spotters Railway Guide, 6.5 Programme C: Access and Learning the Bristol to Severn Beach film, maps and An important part of sustaining the legacy route guides, copies of e-newsletters and of the AFL Scheme will be to ensure its the AFL promotional film. achievements, records and outputs continue to be shared and are accessible to partners, A network of volunteers will be recruited volunteers, participants, other LP Schemes to monitor and maintain interpretative and the general public. To this end, the lead infrastructure, such as interpretation panels, partner, South Gloucestershire Council benches and seats, toposcopes and will aim to continue to maintain the AFL community artwork. A maintenance plan for website after the Scheme finishes, unless a these features will be created as part of the successor structure identified in the legacy legacy strategy. strategy takes on this role. Content for the website will continue to be managed by The outputs from the Primary Schools both partners and volunteers to ensure it Learning Project (AL2) will be publicly remains up to date, accurate, and makes available on the AFL website for schools the most of social media to communicate its to use / download. The two target schools messages to the widest possible audience. It participating in the development of the will continue to provide detailed information resource will continue to work on the on the legacy of the AFL Scheme including development of this extended learning on-going opportunities for volunteering, resource. Their direct involvement will training courses and events across the area. make the overall learning resource familiar The website will contain many of the outputs to teachers and schools and give them from the AFL Scheme including oral history the confidence to continue to deliver the recordings, schools learning resources, resource on their own once the wider AFL iconic images and artwork, schools learning project has ended. A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 159

It is hoped that local food events (AL4) will The bird hide and boardwalks at Littleton be popular, well-attended and profitable Brick Pits will be maintained in perpetuity by for local businesses and that a lead AWT as part of their on-going management business owner can be recruited to co- of the reserve whilst the Oldbury hide will be ordinate future events once the project has managed by the landowner, Magnox in the ended. Developing links to the wider South short to medium term. Gloucestershire ‘Discover’ festival should enable local producers to continue to raise 6.6 Programme D: Training and Skills awareness and interest in their products into the future. Programme D has been designed to equip volunteers and partners with the skills Projects to improve access to the Lower necessary to monitor and care for the Severn Vales Levels (AL11 and AL12) will use heritage in the long term. Training will ensure the existing Severnside Ramblers volunteer volunteers can continue to run events and group to help improve access to a number activities after the Scheme finishes. There of routes. Once the projects have finished are a number of ways in which this training the PROW team and volunteer ramblers will will support the Scheme’s legacy and continue to survey and maintain the routes ensure that work by partners and volunteers in the future and material to promote the continues: routes will continue to be made available to the public. Access to the routes by public transport will be promoted and volunteers will continue to stock area hubs with information and interpretative materials over and beyond the life of the Scheme.

Working with schools 160 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

Training local people in the skills they It is anticipated that the Scheme’s legacy need to run their own events will decrease strategy will equip the Partnership with the dependence on external projects and tools to sustain the distinctiveness of the organisations to make events and activities Lower Severn Vale Levels area for the long happen. term.

People will be given the skills and confidence 6.8 Delivering the Legacy to carry out specialist wildlife surveys and allow the groups of volunteer recorders to During the second half of the AFL Scheme connect, establish contact and maintain delivery phase it will be important for skills in perpetuity. In this way, the project the Partnership to put in place the will aim to create groups of new recorders recommendations of the mid-term legacy providing data for the local records centre. strategy. One of the challenges that it will have to address is that there is not Other volunteers will be equipped with one single organisation with a remit for the skills to carry out historical research landscape conservation and learning in and oral history recording, and discover the Lower Severn Vale Levels. The legacy new ways of relating and sharing these strategy will identify how the vision of the stories and findings with others. Training partnership can continue to be delivered in archaeological investigation and survey and how the various statutory and non techniques will provide volunteers in the statutory organisations, volunteers and local local community with the skills to discover community will work together to support and new information about the heritage. achieve the Scheme’s objectives.

The legacy strategy will specifically identify 6.7 Programme E: Overheads how the Partnership can maintain and The employment of a Project Manager build momentum developed though the and Project Officer will bring new skills life of the Scheme to ensure the long to the Partnership, raise its profile across term commitment to the heritage of the the Scheme area and help form new area is maintained. Partners will seek to relationships with local communities and learn lessons from the most successful other organisations and groups. Landscape Partnership Schemes across the country and apply successful legacy The Scheme will be delivered over a three lessons. and a half year period with the bulk of delivery occurring between years two to four. Whilst the current programme of financial The Project Manager and Project Officer will austerity presents real and difficult be responsible with the wider Partnership for challenges for all Scheme partners, building and putting in place the Scheme’s opportunities to develop effective legacy and ensuring the sustainability of partnership working and networking with the Scheme once the delivery phase is elected council members, managers, local complete. This will involve maintaining a businesses, and volunteers will be taken high profile for the Scheme and making it an to ensure a lasting momentum for the AFL essential component of local and regional Scheme. strategies and plans for the delivery of sustainable landscape management, heritage The Partnership will therefore explore best conservation and community engagement practice and models that have worked and participation. elsewhere and ensure that there is a structure in place to continue the legacy of the Scheme. 161

7 Evaluation

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7 Evaluation

The monitoring and evaluation approach that 7.1 Monitoring & Evaluation Approach will be adopted by the AFL Scheme is as Evaluation is about collecting quantitative follows: and qualitative information that allows the AFL Scheme story to be told, in a narrative ¡ Develop a detailed evaluation plan at form, so that people can make a connection the start of the delivery phase (first between the ‘before’ and ‘after’ in terms four months) and appoint evaluation of how the activities of the Scheme have consultants produced immediate and lasting change. By being able to tell the story of the Scheme ¡ On-going process of data and it becomes possible to understand which information collection as individual activities are producing the best results in projects are delivered terms of bringing about the desired changes, the difference the project is making to ¡ Quarterly reviews of progress to the heritage and difference it is making be carried out by the Partnership to people, either directly or indirectly. As Management Board to consider evaluation described in Evaluating your HLF project, feedback and how project management April 2008, the evaluation has two purposes, and delivery can be improved one is about proving – demonstrating that change is taking place, the other is about ¡ A mid-term delivery review (after 21 improving – a continual process of learning months) and the development of a and growth. The evaluation will contribute to legacy strategy (see LCAP Section 6 both of these purposes. Sustainability) 164 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

¡ An end of Scheme evaluation Indicator levels (e.g. number of volunteers participating in particular activities or ¡ Review and amend final legacy strategy percentage of participants reporting that in response to final scheme evaluation their understanding of the heritage has improved) will also be refined and agreed. ¡ Complete HLF evaluation questionnaire (within one year of completion of the It is worth noting that ‘outputs’ are a measure project) of what the Scheme hopes to deliver and can more often be measured quantitatively whilst ‘outcomes’ are the difference the 7.2 Draft Evaluation Framework Scheme will make to people who live, work During the development phase careful in or visit the area – some outcomes can be consideration has been given to the outputs easily measured or will be the sum of multiple and outcomes that individual projects are project outputs, however others are less seeking to achieve, and how these relate tangible and more difficult to evaluate. to Scheme vision, aims and objectives. In section 5.4 of this LCAP (Summary of The evaluation plan will be developed in Projects tables, p. 92) individual projects partnership with beneficiaries and project are listed under each of the Scheme’s four partners and the Council’s Corporate aims. Each project describes the audiences Research and Consultation Team (CRCT) to be targeted, benefits for people and and it will follow the advice and guidance outputs. In addition, expected outcomes set out in Evaluating your HLF project for each project to produce and ideas on April 2008. The CRCT are a separate team the methods that can be used to evaluate within South Gloucestershire Council whether that change has taken place are which has significant expertise in project outlined. This information forms a draft evaluation, including the development and evaluation framework for the Scheme and management of evaluation plans. The role provides a solid foundation for its future of the team is to provide specialist and evaluation. technical support to service areas, helping them to develop their understanding of service users and stakeholders as well as the 7.3 Development of the Detailed impact of projects. This is achieved through Evaluation Plan undertaking specific research, consultation The outputs, outcomes and methods of and evaluation tailored to the project and its evaluation that form the draft evaluation objectives. framework (Section 5.4 of this LCAP, p. 92) will be further refined and expanded into In addition to the advice and support a detailed evaluation plan which will be provided by the CRCT, independent external developed in the first four months of the consultants will also be appointed to co- Scheme. This will include the full involvement ordinate the evaluation. Their role will be to: of project beneficiaries and partners in determining the key questions to evaluate, ¡ Re view the detailed evaluation plan and how they will be investigated, how the advise on any changes findings will be used to improve project delivery, and how the findings will be shared ¡ Support the collection and monitoring of with others. The detailed evaluation plan evaluation data over the life of the Scheme will set indicators, methods and tools for gathering evaluation data and also consider ¡ U ndertake the mid-term delivery review baseline information and where there are gaps. ¡ Work with the Partnership to produce a legacy strategy (see Section 6) A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 165

¡ Carry out the end of project evaluation ¡ W hat people already know about and report the Lower Severn Vale Levels and its landscape The AFL Scheme is more than the sum of the individual projects that it will deliver ¡ What percentage of people think it is and it will be important to demonstrate the distinctive and recognisable change and impact that it has made as a whole across the Scheme area. To do this ¡ H ow many already engage with the it will be important to have a good baseline heritage against which change can be measured and evaluated, particularly in terms of whether Towards the end of the project it will be the vision, aims and objectives have been necessary to carry out a repeat survey achieved. For example, the title of the to evaluate the various indicators, assess Scheme is A Forgotten Landscape which is what change has been generated and reflected in the vision (and objectives) that how successfully the outcomes have been the Lower Severn Vale Levels will become achieved. a ‘distinctive, recognisable and appreciated landscape’ in its own right. The evaluation will involve collecting a mixture of quantitative and qualitative data. To evaluate whether this wider outcome It is relatively straight forward to count such has been achieved it will be necessary to things as metres of rhine cleared of scrub know how the public view the landscape at or number of people attending an event the start of the Scheme, and whether this however the evaluation will also need to changes over time. The detailed evaluation assess more subjective and less tangible plan will set out how such wider baseline things such as whether people have widened information can be collected and what their understanding and appreciation of the the indicators of change are. Examples of heritage or improved their skills in different baseline data that can be collected through ways. surveys include: 166 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

A range of information will therefore need to A variety of methods are likely to be used to be monitored and evaluated including:- collect information, including the following:

¡ C omments and anecdotal evidence from ¡ A focus group of volunteers, project participants on their experiences beneficiaries and local people

¡ O ther indicators of change identified ¡ Creative approaches to evaluation that by project beneficiaries, partners and make it easy for young people and stakeholders people with different needs to contribute fully to the evaluation. Such approaches Seasonality and peaks and troughs of visitor may include the use of photography, art use will also be considered when designing and other techniques and timing surveys and data collection. ¡ T argeted questionnaires will be developed in consultation and piloted 7.4 Evidence Gathering and Involving with the focus group. Questionnaires Project Beneficiaries and Partners will be kept short and focused and Project beneficiaries and stakeholders will an intermediary will help to complete be involved at all stages of the evaluation questionnaires where appropriate including thinking about and agreeing what baseline data is required, appropriate ¡ T elephone surveys to target groups / monitoring techniques, gathering data and individuals who are not responsive to evaluating the results so that the quality questionnaires and impact of project delivery is improved. The lessons learnt will be shared with ¡ S imple feedback cards for participants to beneficiaries, stakeholders and partners at complete at the end of project activities all stages of the evaluation process including at Partnership board meetings, and mid- ¡ M eetings and ongoing liaison with term and end of project evaluations. project beneficiary groups – for example ramblers groups, bird-watching The data and evidence to monitor the groups, local history societies, farmers project and carry out the evaluation will be and landowners, local schools and determined in the detailed evaluation plan youth organisations, communities and build upon the work done to develop around Lawrence Weston, disabled the draft evaluation framework. The plan action groups and various community will also set out what information needs to organisations. be collected regarding project beneficiaries including age, gender, ethnicity, disability, All forms of evaluation will include a briefing socio-economic status etc. It will also take summarising the purpose of the evaluation account of the information that will be and meaningful feedback on how the required for the HLF evaluation questionnaire thoughts and experiences of participants (that is submitted within one year of Scheme have contributed. Data and child protection completion). guidelines and requirements will be adhered to in relation to the collection, storage, use and dissemination of monitoring and evaluation material collected – including image permission for use of photographs where appropriate. A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS 167

7.5 Learning from the Evaluation 7.6.1 Partnership Board Meetings

The evaluation will explore the extent to Quarterly Partnership Management Board which (and how, why and when) the Scheme meetings will receive reports and monitor outcomes have been achieved. It will look project delivery, outputs and outcomes, at the quality of project delivery using the problems, challenges and solutions so that Scheme outcome indicators to evaluate the there is a continual process of monitoring, value and significance of the Scheme to the evaluation and improvement. beneficiaries. The evaluation will need to be flexible and adaptive so that it can identify 7.6.2 Mid-Term Review any additional and unanticipated outcomes of the project. The lessons learnt will be A mid-term review will be carried out in discussed with the focus group and partners the 21st month of the Scheme to check and be used to improve service delivery and progress, project management structures quality. Qualitative feedback comments will and the quality of delivery. The review will also be invited, recorded and fed into the assess whether the Scheme’s wider level evaluation process. outcomes are being achieved in addition to that of the individual projects. The evaluation will be carried out by independent 7.6 Evaluation Outputs and consultants and will identify what has Communicating / Acting upon the been achieved to date, the difficulties and Results challenges and extent to which HLF and The evaluation results will be disseminated Scheme outcomes / objectives are being at AFL Partnership Board meetings and met. It will also assess whether the scheme through the mid-term and end of project is meeting the aspirations of partners evaluation reports which will include and project beneficiaries and look at how recommendations to develop and improve effectively the Partnership is working. project delivery. The recommendations will It will make recommendations for changes be discussed with project beneficiaries and delivery improvements for the second to identify the most effective ways of half of the Scheme. acting upon them and disseminated to all stakeholders and partners so that they can As part of the mid-term review the fully benefit from lessons learnt. consultants will also work with the Partnership to develop a legacy strategy, as described in Section 6.2. 168 A FORGOTTEN LANDSCAPE: RESTORING THE HERITAGE OF THE LOWER SEVERN VALE LEVELS

7.6.3 Final Evaluation Report 7.7 Evaluation Budget

During the last three months of the project A budget of £22,000 has been allocated the delivery team staff and consultants will for external consultants to support the produce a final project evaluation report evaluation process and produce mid-term (following HLF suggested format) which and end of Scheme evaluations. This funding will be shared with HLF and all beneficiary will also be used for the external consultants groups, partners, funders and stakeholders. to develop the mid-term legacy strategy. This report will tell the story of the Scheme, The CRCT will also support the evaluation examine the extent to which outputs and process by helping to develop the detailed outcomes were met, identify weaknesses evaluation plan and survey questionnaires. and shortcomings and review how effectively the Scheme was governed and managed. It will also make an assessment of the longer term impacts of the Scheme, the legacy that it has left and how the Partnership’s legacy strategy will be implemented.

The final end of Scheme evaluation report will also inform a review of the Scheme legacy strategy. The legacy strategy will be amended and/or updated in response to final Scheme evaluation and will set out the long- term vision for sustaining the Scheme. 169

8 Adoption and Review

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8 Adoption and Review

The Landscape Conservation Action Plan Electronic copies of the LCAP will be held (LCAP) was adopted by the Partnership by all members of the Partnership Board. Board at the beginning of March 2014, just An edited copy without the costings will prior to submission to the HLF. It will be be accessible to the public and this will be reviewed annually – with particular regard available as a pdf on the Scheme website to Section 5 Scheme Plans and Costs – by and on demand from the Project Manager. the Partnership Board and the Scheme Project Manager.

The LCAP will be used as a guide and a working manual for the implementation of the Scheme. The Project Manager along with the Partnership Board will be responsible for making sure that the LCAP is followed by all partners including local communities.