Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

MANAGEMENT PLAN Produced on behalf of North County Council, SUPPLEMENTARY Ryedale District Council and Council by: HOWARDIAN HILLS AONB JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TECHNICAL INFORMATION The Mews, Wath Court, , . YO62 4NN BOOKLET Artwork prepared by: Hambleton District Council SUPPLEMENTARY TECHNICAL INFORMATION

This booklet contains additional details and information about the Howardian Hills, as referred to in the main sections of the Management Plan SUPPLEMENTARY TECHNICAL INFORMATION

HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 STI 1 CONTENTS NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY

Nature and Biodiversity ...... STI 3 Wildlife resources pastures. Those wildlife habitats that show the strongest semi- The wildlife of the Howardian Hills natural characteristics probably Cultural Heritage...... STI 8 has fascinated ecologists for represent only about 4% of the centuries. There is a strong cultural CONTENTS Agriculture total area of the AONB and are ...... STI 10 tradition of plant surveying in the therefore extremely precious. area, with Richard Spruce (1817 – Forestry and Woodland ...... STI 16 1893) being perhaps the most Further information about the famous local botanist. Robert extent, occurrence and quality of Development ...... STI 19 Teesdale before him documented these semi-natural habitats was the flora of the AONB in the gained from a survey of Sites of Recreation, Access and Tourism ...... STI 21 1780’s and ‘90’s and pioneered Importance for Nature scientific botany in Yorkshire. Conservation (SINCs) and other Awareness and Promotion ...... STI 23 These historical plant records give key habitats in 1999 (3). This an insight into the exceptional involved detailed survey of specific Monitoring ...... STI 27 quality of habitat that was once sites known to be of high wildlife present in the AONB. value and has subsequently been References...... STI 31 used to target management action. More recently, separate surveys of NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY woodlands (1) and all other The work of the AONB Unit has habitats (2) in 1992 provided also led to the discovery of smaller important baseline data on habitats areas of semi-natural habitat. within the Howardian Hills. They These are not perhaps significant showed the extent to which on a regional basis but are still formerly extensive areas of semi- important within a Howardian Hills natural woodland had been context. modified by restocking with non- The JAC recognised the botanical native species, as well as the importance of road verges in the relative scarcity of remaining semi- previous Management Plan and natural grassland and fen habitats. commissioned a survey of the The results of the surveys are AONB in 1998 (4). The illustrated in Figure 1, which shows opportunity was also taken to that nearly 80% of the habitats in survey roadside hedgerows at the the AONB are either farmland or same time. This provided valuable are associated with human information on both the biodiversity settlement (urban and amenity). value of road verges and also The remaining 20% of habitats are management issues affecting them less intensively managed, but (see Grassland below). A total of nonetheless have been substantially 92km of species-rich roadside modified by management practices hedge was recorded, in 195 such as woodland plantation and separate stretches. This equates to agricultural improvement of approximately 18% of the roadside

STI 2 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 STI 3 boundaries in the AONB (96km collated and compiled, in order to Such information is likely to arise total only 362ha (1.8% of the area out of 515km), although it should improve knowledge of the from a variety of sources, including of the AONB). These are be borne in mind that not all distribution of scarce species. small surveys commissioned by the concentrated mainly in the roadside boundaries are hedged. It is unlikely that another JAC or partner organisations. Derwent Valley, where several Apart from the above, recent comprehensive survey of all Another useful source will be fields are designated as Sites of survey work commissioned by the habitats within the AONB will be whole-farm environmental audits, Special Scientific Interest, with a JAC has concentrated on specific carried out in the foreseeable compiled as part of the application scattered distribution of sites sites, largely as part of the future. The 1992 surveys process for Defra's Higher Level throughout the rest of the AONB. Biodiversity Action Planning pinpointed those areas of high Environmental Stewardship A further 761ha of botanically process. Invertebrate surveys have value and, whilst small additional Scheme. much poorer semi-improved been carried out on the River Rye, areas have subsequently been Woodland grassland was also recorded during at the Castle Howard Arboretum discovered, it is not felt that there the survey, although much of this is The total area of woodland is and on fen habitats in the Coulton are large gaps in our knowledge of of very low quality indeed and is extensive, comprising 3,017ha or and Scackleton area. Some farmers habitat quantity. The main priority mainly of importance for 15% of the land area of the AONB and land managers are now for the future is to ascertain the ‘landscape’ rather than nature in 1992 (2). Further more detailed recording the occurrence of quality of these important areas of conservation reasons. The floristic information can be found in the farmland bird and mammal species, habitat, together with more diversity of calcareous (limestone)

NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY AND NATURE Forestry and Woodland as part of the application process information on the distribution of grassland tends to be much higher NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY section of this booklet. Ecological for the Countryside Stewardship scarce species, so that future than that of neutral grassland. surveys (1) have shown that 50% Scheme. There is a need for these planning and management Although the underlying rocks in of the woodlands are of Ancient diverse sources of information to be decisions are adequately informed. the North Ridge and Caulkleys origin, in that they are thought to Bank landscape character areas are have had continuous woodland strongly calcareous, only 11.5ha of FIGURE 1: WILDLIFE HABITATS cover since at least AD 1600. This, unimproved grassland was recorded together with woodland in the during the Phase I survey. Thirty south western corner of the percent (3.5ha) of this occurs at adjacent one site, showing the high fragility National Park, represents one of of this habitat within the AONB. the largest concentrations of Areas of acidic grassland and Ancient woodland in northern lowland heath would once have . been common in the Plateau Grassland landscape character area, but are now confined largely to rides within In comparison with woodland, high forestry plantations. quality grassland habitats are few in number and small in scale. The The road verge survey (4) revealed 1992 Phase I survey (2) found that the importance of verges as a the best nature conservation sites, remnant of formerly much more i.e. those which have been little extensive unimproved grassland. Source: Southern Ryedale Nearly 38ha of unimproved and Howardian Hills AONB altered by ploughing, re-seeding, Phase 1 survey, 1992 (2). fertilising or herbicide treatment, grassland habitat was discovered on 132 separate stretches of verge.

STI 4 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 STI 5 This equates to 10% of the road particularly valuable habitat for Key species verge length in the AONB (46km wetland plants and invertebrates. Hambleton and Ryedale BAP Local Priority species, for which the out of 515km). Whilst the majority 85ha of open water was recorded, Howardian Hills is important: of the Special Interest Road Verges with the largest water bodies being identified are neutral grassland the lakes at Castle Howard, „ Lapwing „ Knapweed „ Great crested habitat, significant new areas of Wiganthorpe, Newburgh Priory and „ Tree sparrow broomrape newt both calcareous and acid grassland Pond Head (Oulston) Reservoir. A „ Redshank „ Cowslip „ Bumblebees were also discovered. The most number of farm and village ponds „ Spotted flycatcher „ Orchids „ Giant bellflower botanically diverse verges occur are also important, although these „ Song thrush „ Arable flowers Gall-fly mainly in the eastern half of the are relatively scarce. Relatively few „ Bullfinch „ Otter UK BAP Priority AONB, in the Slingsby and of the open water bodies are high „ Yellow wagtail „ Water vole species also found in Kirkham areas. quality mesotrophic (low nutrient „ Farmland birds „ Brown hare the AONB: level) habitat, with the majority Wetlands „ Wetland birds „ White-clawed „ Skylark being adversely affected by Wetland habitats in the Howardian „ Baneberry crayfish „ Linnet management practices to some Hills include rivers/streams/open „ Bat species degree. The River Derwent is water and their associated considered to represent one of the

NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY AND NATURE waterside habitats, spring-fed mires best national examples of an NATURE AND BIODIVERSITY and fens and areas dependent upon unpolluted lowland river with a a high water table or seasonal ‘classic’ river profile, supporting flooding. diverse communities of aquatic The habitat survey in 1992 (2) flora and fauna. It is a Site of recorded 14.5ha of mire. These Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) sites include flushes, which occur as and a Candidate Special Area of small wet areas along seepage lines Conservation (cSAC). Stretches of on sloping ground, often within the Holbeck and the Rivers Rye woodland. Most of the mire habitat and Foss, together with their minor is however found along streams and tributaries, also provide valuable rivers, particularly in the Derwent habitat. Valley and near Coulton, and is a

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The following is a brief description ploughed. At the other end of the Brandsby. These are all still increased correspondingly at this of the historic development process social spectrum, lords of the manor recognisable today, to a greater or time, to provide the materials for and features found in the established deer parks for hunting – lesser degree. Rural manufacturing these buildings. Extensive Howardian Hills. A fuller examples are known from industries such as stone quarrying, remnants from these industries can description can be found in the Henderskelfe (Castle Howard) and lime burning and the new industry still be found throughout the area. Historic Environment Study Sproxton. The Black Death in of brick and tile making also report (5). 1348 will have been a factor in the The earliest known man-made abandonment or shrinkage of structure in the AONB is the several villages in the Howardian Neolithic long barrow near Hills, with remains still being Grimston Grange, which dates from visible at Crambe, East Newton approximately 4000BC. Bronze and Thornton-on-the-Hill. CULTURAL HERITAGE CULTURAL and Iron Age monuments, dating In the late Medieval period large CULTURAL HERITAGE from 2500BC to AD50, are more monasteries such as Kirkham and common. Round barrows (tumuli) Newburgh established sizeable and earth boundary ditches are estates, managing the land through scattered throughout the farmsteads known as granges. Howardian Hills but are more Many Grange Farms still survive common on the higher ground of today, even though the Dissolution the Plateau and Ridges, which in of the Monasteries in 1538 broke- the Iron Age would have been open up the great church estates. heath or grassland. Newburgh Priory converted from a The majority of the villages in the monastic estate into a private AONB would have become estate and is still in existence, established during the 9th and 10th although much reduced in size. centuries, setting out the parish One of the key defining features of boundaries, village layouts and the Howardian Hills is its extensive churches that we still see today. designed landscapes, with their The Norman invasion introduced magnificent houses and parklands. new ideas on land management and The building of Castle Howard, for also introduced features such as example, started in 1699, Castle into the landscape. completely removing the village of This was originally a timber motte- Henderskelfe with its church and and-bailey castle that was later earlier castle. Other parklands and rebuilt in stone. The ploughing of large country houses were the common fields resulted in the established at Howsham, Kirkham, well-known ‘rigg and furrow’ Whitwell, High Hutton, Ganthorpe, pattern, much of which has now Swinton, Hildenley, Wiganthorpe, been lost except in pasture fields Hovingham, Gilling, Dalby, too steep or poorly drained to be Sproxton, Nunnington and

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Agriculture in the provide a ‘snapshot’ of the general Agricultural land use barley and grassland, with Howardian Hills composition of the agricultural The pattern of variable soil quality increases in the areas of potatoes industry, as well as an indication of creates a landscape typical of and horticultural crops. The dairy A report in 2003 by Defra (6) has trends between the years 1990 and mixed lowland agriculture, where herd has contracted whilst the provided a valuable appraisal of the 2000. land versatility allows some number of pigs has increased farming systems operating in the flexibility in cropping and stocking. significantly. All these changes have AONB and the patterns of Farm types Figure 3 shows the trends in been driven primarily by the AGRICULTURE cropping, farm structure, income The percentage of farms in AGRICULTURE agricultural land use and stock Common Agricultural Policy’s and employment. Although the different categories is illustrated in numbers over the last 10 years. support mechanisms and hence the information is approximate, it does Figure 2. The most significant trends include profitability of certain crops and livestock. FIGURE 2: PERCENTAGE OF FARMS OF DIFFERENT decreases in the areas of winter TYPES FIGURE 3: AGRICULTURAL TRENDS 1990-2000.

% change 1990 1995 2000 1990-2000 AGRICULTURAL LAND USE (ha) Wheat 4,408 3,944 4,415 - Winter barley 2,112 1,767 1,495 -29% Spring barley 438 509 451 - Other cereals 137 116 112 -37% All Cereals 7,096 6,336 6,474 -8.7% Potatoes 553 745 812 +47% Sugar beet 327 267 255 +22% Oilseed rape 1,017 735 750 -26% Beans & Peas 167 206 N/A N/A Horticulture 16 30 42 +160% Source: The Howardian Hills AONB Agricultural Issues Report, Defra, 2003 (6). Other Crops and Fallow 157 227 545 +250% *‘Other’ includes farms where either no particular sector dominates or specialist cropping e.g. horticulture, takes place. All Crops and Fallow 9,333 8,546 8,878 -5% Short-term grassland 1,520 1,154 755 -50% Farming patterns are strongly of the land area is categorised as Long-term grassland 3,437 2,972 2,720 -21% influenced by soil types, which are Grade 4. The best farmland occurs Rough Grazing 144 195 92 -36% graded between 1 (excellent) and 5 on the deeper soils over limestone All Grassland 5,101 4,321 3,567 -30% (very poor). In the Howardian Hills along the North Ridge, where Farm Woodland 484 570 591 +22% these are variable but mainly of nearly 70% of the land is devoted good quality. 83% of the land is to arable cropping. In contrast, Set-aside 136 1,257 1,126 +728% categorised as Grade 3, with much grass pasture dominates the steep Other land on farms 250 304 297 +19% of the remainder being equally split ground on the southern flank of the All Agricultural Land 15,304 14,998 14,459 -5.5% between Grade 2 and non- Howardian Hills. agricultural/urban land. Only 1.1%

STI 10 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 STI 11 % change 1990 1995 2000 FIGURE 5: AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT 1990-2000. 1990-2000 % change LIVESTOCK (No.) 1990 1995 2000 Dairy herd 2,144 2,053 1,591 -26% 1990-2000 Full-time Workforce 435 395 386 -11% Beef herd 621 709 688 +11% Part-time Workforce 37 34 27 -27% Other Cattle and Calves 4,775 4,311 3,999 -16% Seasonal or Casual 44 45 38 -13% Sheep and Lambs 37,811 33,510 33,128 -12% AGRICULTURE TOTAL WORKFORCE 516 474 451 -13% AGRICULTURE Pigs 36,969 49,508 60,846 +64% Fowls 134,713 N/A 127,690 -5% Source: The Howardian Hills AONB Agricultural Issues Report, Defra, 2003 (6). Source: The Howardian Hills AONB Agricultural Issues Report, Defra, 2003 (6). Land tenure the large Estates are now farming Farm incomes and –6% Return in 2000. The knock-on This is an important factor affecting more of their land ‘in-hand’, they employment effect of this has been that, both future farm management and are not selling land and this would Over the last 10 years, the most although the number of farms has cultural structure in the AONB. therefore allow the future ‘re- marked trend has been in farm remained almost constant, The amount of rented land has assembly’ of tenanted farms, should incomes, which for arable farms agricultural employment has fallen decreased (-14%) since 1990, the agricultural climate become have seen a decrease from 29% by 13%. See Figures 4 and 5. probably as a consequence of more favourable for both owners Return on Capital in 1995 to a landlords taking land back ‘in-hand’ and tenants. The large number of when it becomes vacant, rather Estates in the Howardian Hills FIGURE 4: FARM INCOME 1990-2000, PERCENTAGE than re-letting it. Owner/occupiers does mean that this fragmentation RETURN ON TENANTS CAPITAL* have greater flexibility (and often process could potentially be incentive) to diversify their farm significantly reversed in the future. Type of Farm 1990 1995 2000 business into a range of new The agricultural landscape Arable Farms with Cash Roots 16.5 29.5 -6 enterprises. Farm amalgamations The Howardian Hills landscape is Mixed Arable and Cereal Farm 14.5 26.5 -6 are increasingly likely in the special because of its mix of current agricultural climate, Dairy Farms 12 16 -6 lowland agriculture and extensive involving both owner/occupied and Arable with Intensive Livestock 3 20 2 woodland. The significance of the tenanted land. When a farm Arable with Grazing Livestock -2 10 -6 woodland resource is described in business closes, the land is likely to Average Bank Borrowing Rate (%) 17 9 8 the Forestry and Woodland be amalgamated with a section of this booklet, but the Source: The Howardian Hills AONB Agricultural Issues Report, Defra, 2003 (6). neighbouring farm (either via sale pattern of farmland use also has a * Tenant’s capital is the estimated total value of capital on the farm (other than land and fixed or tenancy), to create a larger and equipment) and is used here so that tenanted and owner-occupied farms are assessed on an equal significant impact on the character basis. more efficient enterprise. The of the landscape. One of the farmhouse is either sold or let simplest indicators of this is the separately, with a small parcel of relative balance between grassland land. This process can lead to a (both long-term and short-term) reduction in the number of full-time and arable cropping, although it is farm holdings, as well as the loss of often the relative location of these employment and change to the uses within the landscape that social fabric of parishes. Although

STI 12 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 STI 13 re-inforces its character. Figure 6 changed over the last 10 years. „ The EU’s Agenda 2000 Higher Level Scheme that will shows how this balance has proposals. These have already replace the Countryside started the process of reforming Stewardship Scheme. FIGURE 6: BALANCE BETWEEN ARABLE LAND AND support for different types of „ The Government’s Rural GRASSLAND production. They include White Paper (2000). This reducing the linkages between sets out Government policy for payments and production rural areas in general, but also AGRICULTURE (decoupling) and increasing includes sections on agriculture. AGRICULTURE funding for rural development „ The Government’s (including farm diversification). Strategy for Sustainable „ The England Rural Farming and Food (2002). Development Programme This aims to ensure a long-term (ERDP). This is an EU and future for farming, based Government funding around diverse, modern and programme which aims to adaptable businesses which are support projects which benefit integrated with the rest of the the rural environment, economy food chain and take into and the people who live there. account the needs of the Source: The Howardian Hills AONB Agricultural Issues Report, Defra, 2003 (6). Some of the funding is derived environment and rural from reducing direct payments economy. The decline in the area of grassland cereal crops as opposed to sheep to farmers (modulation). The „ The Mid-Term Review of is unlikely to be due to the production. Future fluctuations in ERDP contains funding the Common Agricultural extensive conversion of long-term the balance are likely to again be initiatives including the Policy. This aims to further grassland to arable cropping. A cut- affected by market forces, although Countryside Stewardship decouple support payments to off date was set in 1992 for the agri-environment schemes will have Scheme (CSS), Rural farmers and increase funding registration of land eligible for an important role to play in Enterprise Scheme (RES), for rural development and agri- Arable Area Payments and restoring grassland on marginal Processing and Marketing environment schemes. It therefore any subsequent (particularly very wet) arable land. Grant (PMG) and the proposes a new Single Farm conversion is ineligible for these Much of this was created during Vocational Training Scheme Payment, to replace many of payments. In addition, the the 1960’s and 70’s by the (VTS). Defra's existing agri- the existing individual crop and Environmental Impact Assessment ploughing-out of permanent environment schemes are being livestock payments. Farmers Regulations (2002) should now grassland, but is now unviable for reviewed, with the aim of are likely to be freer to farm largely prevent the intensification arable crops in the current rolling out a revised scheme their land in response to market of agricultural activity on areas of economic climate. (Environmental Stewardship) demands, be these for specialist important semi-natural habitat. Policy change in 2005. ES will include a new crops or enhanced landscape Much of the change would Entry Level Scheme and a and biodiversity value. therefore appear to have come Agriculture is currently going about through the reduction in the through radical re-structuring. A area of short-term grassland (see number of new initiatives and Figure 3), possibly in response to policies have been developed, the relative returns available from including:

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The woodland National Vegetation Classification FIGURE 7: WOODLAND TYPES resource category. The proportions of woodland in the The percentage of woodland cover different categories are illustrated is one of the defining features of the in Figure 7. The data shows that: Howardian Hills landscape and was quantified as 3,017ha or 15% of „ 50% of the woodland is of the AONB in 1992 (2). No Ancient origin, of which: comprehensive habitat survey work „ 16.6% retains a semi- has been carried out since then, natural character. although the Native Woodland „ 83.4% is replanted, mainly Development report (7) roughly with broadleaf or estimated woodland cover as broadleaf/conifer mixes. 3,900ha (19%). Data from the „ 50% of the woodland consists of Forestry Commission’s National more recent plantations, of Inventory of Woodland and Trees which: (8) indicates 3,051ha of woodland „ 73.8% contains conifers or a FORESTRY AND WOODLAND AND FORESTRY over 2ha, equating to 15% of the conifer/broadleaf mix. FORESTRY AND WOODLAND AONB land area. The true figure „ 26.2% is broadleaved. for total woodland cover is estimated to be in the region of 16- Further information from the 17%, when woods under 2ha are National Inventory of Woodland also included. and Trees (8) indicates the following species composition: Information supplied by the „ Of the 3,051ha of woodland ecological appraisal of woodlands in larger than 2ha in size: Modern Woodland 1992 (1) provided a valuable insight into their biodiversity „ 12% is coniferous. significance. This information was „ 23% is broadleaved. updated for some sites in 1999, „ 39% is mixed. during the survey of Sites of „ 26% is open space Importance for Nature (including felled land). Conservation (SINCs) (3). The „ In the 2,261ha of ‘high forest’ Source: 1992 survey provided a useful basis the principal species are: Ecological Survey of for analysing the various woodlands „ 61% broadleaved. Woodlands in the present, based upon their historical Howardian Hills „ AONB, 1992 (1). origins, main tree species and 39% conifer.

Although the original survey data composition and management could is now 12 years old, it provides a be judged. It is possible therefore comprehensive baseline position that the survey may be repeated at against which trends in woodland some time in the future.

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In addition to the continuous tree small farm woodlands, pheasant cover of woodlands, the Howardian shooting may often be the primary Economic situation in example). This is typical of a Hills also contains a large number objective of any management the AONB predominantly agricultural of field trees and designed historic carried out. For larger estates and area, with a high level of self- parklands, both of which contribute landowners, the objective is likely No information has been gathered employment. about the economic situation within significantly to the well-wooded to be pheasant shooting in „ The workforce has a higher the specific AONB area. Work has appearance of the landscape. Many combination with commercial than average number of skilled of these trees are ‘veteran’ (i.e. timber production. There are a however been undertaken for the blue-collar staff (twice the DEVELOPMENT Malton and Norton Area ancient) trees and are an important number of large conifer plantations, national average), due to the Partnership and as part of the habitat for rare invertebrates (9 & many on Ancient Woodland Sites, high percentage employed in preparation of the Community 10). which were formerly owned by the the manufacturing and Investment Prospectuses for Forestry Commission. These are agricultural industries. Land tenure , Malton/Norton and now in private ownership, having „ Although the area is perceived The National Inventory of . Census data also been sold during the Commission’s to be relatively prosperous, its Woodland and Trees (8) indicates provides some indication of now-suspended Disposals economic base is largely built that 80% of woodland in the employment categories and the size programme. Many of these woods on those industries forecast to AONB is in private ownership, of the labour market. The primary were not thinned during their first decline further over the next FORESTRY AND WOODLAND AND FORESTRY with the remaining 20% focus of local economic activity is thirty years, resulting in restricted decade. For example, Census owned/leased by the Forestry the market towns of Malton, management options for their new statistics (12) indicate that 29% Commission. Ownership of private Easingwold and Helmsley, all of owners. It must be accepted that of the working population woodlands is divided between large which are outside the AONB. They some large-scale felling may be within the AONB is employed estates or landowners (who tend to act as the main centres for necessary in order to return them in the Agriculture, Forestry or have multiple objectives for their employment, shopping, leisure and to sustainable management. Fishing sector. woods) and individual farmers. In health services, with smaller facilities located throughout the „ The population decline in the AONB. 20-29 age group is of concern, indicating a potential future The Amion Report (11) for the lack of local labour to sustain Malton and Norton Area economic growth. Partnership gives some baseline information that is considered to be The Amion Report forecasts a fairly indicative of the situation as a slow-down in the decline in whole in the AONB. agricultural employment, perhaps as a result of extensive business re- „ Unemployment is low (1.8% in structuring. Employment in the Malton, Norton and construction and manufacturing hinterland), although there is a industries is predicted to fall high level of out-commuting. sharply. Major growth is forecast „ The majority of businesses are however in the retail and tourism small (less than 10 employees), sectors, as well as in financial and with few large employers of business services. 200+ (Castle Howard is one

STI 18 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 STI 19 RECREATION, ACCESS AND TOURISM Housing good range of services. Policies within the Local Plans also The AONB is an important area attractions e.g. Yorkshire Lavender The AONB has a relatively high stipulate the percentage of low-cost for quiet recreation for both local and Farming Flashback, are dotted proportion of rented housing affordable housing that should be people and visitors. It caters for a around the AONB and there is a 9- (40%), when compared to North included within new housing wide range of activities, from the hole golf course at Gilling Castle. Yorkshire as a whole (30%) (12). developments. Ryedale District more traditional such as walking, Much of this is provided by the Current facilities for staying visitors Council is currently reviewing its horse riding, cycling and country are relatively limited, with Estates, with properties ranging sports, through to occasional events DEVELOPMENT Local Plan policies on affordable from terraced cottages through to accommodation available in village housing, whilst the Hambleton like motor cycle scrambling and large farmhouses. The availability hotels/pubs and bed-and-breakfast District Council policies will be hot-air ballooning. These activities of these is likely to remain fairly in farmhouses and guesthouses. considered during their are generally adequately dispersed constant in the long-term, as There are a number of small farm- forthcoming Local Plan review. or at low frequency, so that serious Estates are generally not disposing based caravan and camping sites, Currently proposed amendments or prolonged conflict is rare. of property at the current time. with larger sites for both static and to the Ryedale Local Plan suggest Touring by car along the quiet One of the main issues however, as touring caravans at Coneysthorpe, that the threshold for affordable country lanes is popular, as is highlighted in the Ryedale Housing Slingsby, Sproxton and Welburn. housing provision in rural villages visiting the attractive stone-built Needs Survey (13), is the low A Visitors and Users Survey should be sites where 5 or more villages such as Coneysthorpe, income of many local people and conducted in 2002 (14) provided new houses are to be built. Terrington, Hovingham and hence the affordability of detailed information on the source Alteration No.1 of the Hambleton Brandsby. These generally cope accommodation, whether to buy or of visitors and their reasons for Local Plan revised its thresholds well with the number of visitors rent. This situation has worsened visiting the Howardian Hills. The for affordable housing, to cover they receive, although parking markedly in recent years, due to survey results should be treated development sites of 3 or more problems do occur during busier large increases in house prices with caution, as they reflect the houses in villages. Ryedale District periods. One of the assets of the throughout the AONB and the sampling pattern used rather than Council is seeking a target of 35% Howardian Hills is its network of wider area. the whole AONB, but they do tend public footpaths and bridleways, RECREATION, ACCESS AND TOURISM affordable housing on suitable to confirm established theories Government policy encourages the which offer extensive opportunities residential developments, although about the origins and motivations of majority of new housing to be for exploring the unspoilt beauty of this percentage will be kept under visitors. Just under half of all visits located close to services, e.g. the AONB away from main roads. review. At the time of writing, only to the AONB (45%) were made to within market towns, to reduce the one such allocated housing site The area is rich in heritage and the need to travel. Current Local Plan visit a particular attraction/place exists within current village five main historic houses open to and the majority of visitors (64%) policies echo this, but also Development Limits in the the public attract large numbers of recognise that limited housing had come from the Yorkshire area. AONB. Other 'windfall' sites of this visitors. Castle Howard is the main 82% of them were repeat visitors, development could take place in size could however come forward draw, with more than 200,000 villages, particularly those with a indicating that the area is attractive for re-development. visitors per year. and that people are willing to attracts more than 55,000 and the return. The majority (63%) ruined Kirkham Priory more than appeared to be day visitors, 10,000. Other popular historic although those who stayed did so houses include Newburgh Priory for an average of 4.4 days and used and Hovingham Hall, although serviced accommodation. The these have limited opening times. A majority of people surveyed were in number of smaller visitor

STI 20 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 STI 21 AWARENESS AND PROMOTION

the over-45 age bracket and from that people are attracted by the The following text is a summary of of the work of the AONB the higher social groups. Feedback unspoilt landscape, the peace and the AONB Interpretation Strategy Project involves encouraging from visitors and focus groups with tranquillity and the sense of prepared by the Joint Advisory partner organisations to give a local tourism providers indicated ‘discovery’. Committee in 2000. higher priority to work in the Target audiences AONB, and therefore awareness of its national One of the major problems is importance is critical. considered to be the general lack of awareness of the Howardian Hills Suggested Actions AONB. This applies to residents of Raising awareness the area, visitors and staff at the Local authority Liaison three local authorities. Groups „ Many residents are unaware of Internal co-ordination procedures the nationally important within each local authority, to feed landscape in which they live back information to the Officers and may only come into contact Working Group and JAC. with it in relation to the AONB Website planning system, e.g. the design The production of a website is now of house extensions, etc. Other considered to be an important AWARENESS AND PROMOTION residents are better informed means of raising awareness of the but are confused about the role area. As well as providing that the Joint Advisory information on the AONB it could Committee plays. also be used to promote locally „ Many visitors come to the area produced products and RECREATION, ACCESS AND TOURISM AND ACCESS RECREATION, to see the historic properties, accommodation facilities available e.g. Castle Howard or in the AONB. Nunnington Hall. Many of Leaflets them are unaware that they are There are two key priorities. in an Area of Outstanding Firstly, to produce a general Natural Beauty and that special information leaflet on the AONB. care needs to be taken to look The second priority would be to after the landscape. They also produce information leaflets on may not know that there are selected topics of interest to the other attractions, both man- public, e.g. the historic made and natural, to be seen environment of the AONB. The nearby. leaflets will be distributed via local „ Many staff in the local visitor attractions and through local authorities seem unaware of the shops and pubs. Leaflet dispensers, AONB designation and the carrying a range of AONB involvement of their authority information, would be sited in as in a management project. Much

STI 22 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 STI 23 many local shops as possible, both local residents and visitors those locations that offer the leaflet dispensers located in local thereby making the information know when they were in the maximum potential for publicity. shops. accessible to both local residents AONB. On-site interpretation Guided walks and tourists and also encouraging Media coverage Information boards A programme of guided walks spending within the shops. This method is considered an These will be sited in quiet should be developed, perhaps using AONB Newsletter important tool for publicising some locations that allow appreciation recurring annual themes, e.g. A simple annual newsletter could of the more unusual work that the and enjoyment of the AONB’s summer dawn chorus, bat walks be produced, highlighting the work AONB undertakes, e.g. the scrub landscape. One such example is the and fungi, fruit and nuts in autumn. of the JAC and achievements over clearance on Scheduled Ancient City of Troy turf maze, which was Another option would be to centre the past year. This newsletter could Monuments. Interesting stories provided with a small new walks on the historic houses of the be distributed to all households as a initially run in the local media can information board in 1998. Only AONB, looking at the parkland mailshot and sent to all Parish sometimes make their way into the two other sites have been identified from views perhaps not seen from Councils for display on village regional newspapers, thus initially, interpreting the geological public footpaths. The preferred notice boards. increasing their impact. The and wildlife features visible at method of delivery would be to use Threshold signs current method and frequency of Kirkham and the view from the top a local expert, to ensure accuracy Many AONBs have signs on major News Releases is considered to be of Caulkleys Bank. and in-depth knowledge of the sufficient to achieve its aims. subject. roads, marking the point of entry Circular walks and rides into the AONB. This can be AONB Information boards leaflets Influencing land AWARENESS AND PROMOTION AND AWARENESS carried out in an unobtrusive way if The main car park at Castle There are a number of locations in management AWARENESS AND PROMOTION sympathetic designs and materials Howard was identified in the the AONB where interesting Information leaflets – There is a are used. The Howardian Hills has Management Plan as a possible circular walks or rides could be need to produce simple leaflets, a historic network of roads, many of trial location for a signboard, developed, using existing Public covering a maximum of two sides of which skirt the fringes of the providing information about the Rights of Way and/or the increasing A4, on a number of topics. The AONB rather than crossing it. The AONB and its purpose. Other number of permissive links. priorities are considered to be the scope for threshold signs is possible locations would include Possible locations include the River management of semi-improved somewhat limited therefore, but it Kirkham, Nunnington Hall and Derwent/Howsham Wood, grassland, the management of wet is felt that there are a number of Newburgh Priory, where large Nunnington and Caulkleys Bank, grassland and the planting or sites that might be suitable. numbers of visitors would see them. the Coulton area, /Oulston restoration of hedges. Leaflets on a Footpath and bridleway Site boards Reservoir/Peel Park and the number of these topics already markers These would be used to advertise /Gilling area. Local exist, produced by a number of The AONB logo could be practical conservation work that communities would need to be different organisations, including incorporated onto public has been assisted in some way by consulted before publicising any some of the JAC partners. The footpath/bridleway waymarkers and the AONB Project. Boards have new routes, as parking problems production of new leaflets is time fingerposts. A simple way of doing already been produced and are can arise in villages at the start/end consuming and therefore, subject to this would be to design and produce currently deployed in selected of the route. Simple leaflets obtaining permission from the a new waymarker that could be locations, usually where work has explaining the route and any originators, existing information will used to replace existing taken place near to well-used features of interest could be be re-packaged to incorporate the waymarkers. This measure would Public Rights of Way or roads. Site prepared and distributed via the AONB logo. be an unobtrusive way of letting boards will continue to be put up in

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Farm walks in partnership with organisations Nature and „ Number of parkland A number of these have already such as the Farming and Wildlife Biodiversity management plans completed. been held in the AONB and they Advisory Group (FWAG) or „ Number of Conservation Plans are a useful method for discussing Yorwoods, who can draw on a Possible Performance for SAMs completed. land management practices. It has wider catchment area. Smaller Indicators „ Grant aid scheme for rural become clear that events are more ‘workshop’ events could also be „ Number of SSSIs in Favourable structures At Risk developed. successful if they are open to land organised, specialising in a MONITORING Condition. „ Number of LHI grants to local managers from outside the AONB particular habitat type and targeted „ Percentage of Special Interest communities. area as well. It is therefore specifically at those land managers Road Verges in Favourable Local Communities preferable to organise these events known to have important sites. Conservation Management. „ Total area of new native Possible Performance woodland created 2004 – 2009. Indicators „ Total length of riparian „ Number of village plans woodland/grassland corridors prepared. created 2004 – 2009. „ Number of community projects „ Total area of grassland habitat completed with AONB input. recreated 2004 – 2009. „ Village Forum established. „ Total area of lowland heath

AWARENESS AND PROMOTION AND AWARENESS Agriculture habitat restored 2004 – 2009. Possible Performance „ Number of ‘best practice’ events/promotions held. Indicators „ Number of sites managed by „ Number of farms accessing local groups. ERDP funding. „ Length of new hedge and hedge „ Area of land in organic or gaps replanted. energy crops schemes. Cultural Heritage „ Number of ‘best practice’ events/promotions held. Possible Performance „ Annual turnover of farm Indicators ownership/tenancy? „ Historic Landscape Forestry and Characterisation survey completed. Woodland „ Number of research studies Possible Performance completed. Indicators „ Histories of individual „ Percentage of woodland parklands completed. managed to the UK Forestry „ Number of community Standard. management schemes set up. „ Percentage of ASNW under management.

STI 26 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 HOWARDIAN HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN MARCH 2004 STI 27 „ Percentage of woodland Roads, Transport and Recreation, Access Awareness and managed to UKWAS standard. Traffic Management and Tourism Promotion „ Total area of PAWS restored to native broadleaves 2004 – Possible Performance Possible Performance Possible Performance 2009. Indicators Indicators Indicators „ Total area of new woodland „ A64/B1257 junction completed. „ Rights of Way survey and „ Number of gateway signs MONITORING MONITORING created 2004 – 2009. „ Weight restriction placed on improvement programme installed. „ Number of best practice Castle Howard Avenue. completed. „ Number of AONB Information events/promotions held. „ Something on bus services. „ Quantity of information Points established. Development „ Number of companies provided to District Council „ Number of site information approached to re-route HCVs. Tourism Guides, TICs, tourism boards erected. Possible Performance providers in the AONB. „ Number of villages where traffic „ General information leaflet Indicators speed monitored by automated „ Number of car park produced. „ Number of developments counters. improvement schemes „ Number of AONB Information completed. determined in accordance with „ Number of villages where speed Boards installed. JAC advice. checks carried out by police. „ Number of Parish Councils „ Number of AONB ‘parish participating in Community „ Number of successful appeals in „ Number of ‘speeding’ and leaflets’ produced and Paths Initiative. AONB as a percentage of the ‘driver behaviour’ events held. distributed. total number of appeals. „ Definitive Map Review for „ Number of relevant LTP/RTP „ Number of school projects Ryedale District completed. „ Number of building projects implemented. carried out. improvement schemes. „ Number of ‘missing’ or ‘lower „ Number of AONB information „ Number and duration of ‘hits’ status’ route anomalies „ DAPA Project continuing. points giving information on bus on the AONB website. rectified. „ Rural Design Guidance services, etc. „ Number of ‘media mentions’ „ Length/area of new access completed. „ Extended Moorsbus service for per year. routes/areas established. „ Number of Conservation Area Howardian Hills. „ Number of guided walks and „ Number of circular routes appraisals completed. „ Highway Authority talks held per year. established and guides written. „ Number of features repaired/ liaison/consultation „ Interpretation Strategy restored. arrangements established. „ New Tourism, Recreation and reviewed. Access Forum established. „ Number of planting schemes „ Design protocols prepared and „ Number of volunteer hours on implemented for visually adopted. „ YTB occupancy surveys/trend conservation or recreation data. intrusive developments. „ Projects implemented by Safer work. Ryedale and Hambleton Community Safety Partnerships. „ Number of historic roadsigns/mileposts maintained. „ Number of historic roadsigns/mileposts repaired or restored.

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1. Ecological Survey of 7. Native Woodland Woodlands in the Development in the North Howardian Hills AONB, A York Moors and Weston, Howardian Hills, G F County Council, 1992. Peterken, Forestry Commission/ 2. Southern Ryedale and NYMNPA/HHAONB/English MONITORING MONITORING

Howardian Hills AONB Nature/Royal Forestry Society, REFERENCES Phase I Survey, A Weston, 2002. University of York/English 8. The National Inventory of Nature, 1992. Woodland and Trees, 3. The North Yorkshire Forestry Commission, 2002. SINCs and Key Habitats 9. Invertebrate Survey of Survey (BioDat), Bullen Veteran Trees, A Drane, Consultants, North Yorkshire Howardian Hills AONB Joint SINC Survey Steering Group, Advisory Committee, 2003. 1998. 10. Invertebrate Survey of 4. Howardian Hills AONB Veteran Trees, A Godfrey, Roadside Verge and Howardian Hills AONB Joint Hedgerow Survey, Bullen Advisory Committee, 2003. Consultants, Howardian Hills 11. Economic Impact and AONB Joint Advisory Needs Analysis, Amion Committee, 1998. Consulting, Malton and Norton 5. Howardian Hills AONB Area Partnership, 2002. Historic Environment 12. 1991 Census of Study, M McElvaney, North Population, Small Area Yorkshire County Council, Statistics (SAS), 10% 1993. Sample, ONS, Crown 6. The Howardian Hills Copyright. AONB Agricultural Issues 13 Housing Needs Study, Report, Defra, Howardian DCA, Ryedale District Council, Hills AONB Joint Advisory 2002. Committee, 2003. 14. The Howardian Hills AONB Visitors and Users Survey, Bowles Green Ltd, Howardian Hills AONB Joint Advisory Committee, 2003.

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