Category: Board

More than 5,000 farmers and land managers have now benefited from the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, new figures have shown.

The programme, now in its third year, offers funding to farmers across AONBs and National Parks. Support for nature recovery and climate resilient businesses, heritage conservation and better access for people to enjoy our protected landscapes all feature in programme delivery. To date, £25 million has been allocated, and more than 2,400 projects have been approved for funding.

The new report – Farming in Protected Landscapes programme: Year 2 update – showcases projects across National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) which have benefited from the Defra funding. Examples include The Pollinator Project in North Wessex Downs AONB – a group of 20 farmers collaborating to improve the landscape for key pollinators and invertebrates; and Dalefoot Farm in the Yorkshire Dales, an area which includes SSSI designation, supporting nature recovery through the establishment of a network of hedgerows, riparian strips and trees that connect the existing ancient semi-natural woodland.

Neil Heseltine, NPE Chair and Chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “Our work across protected landscapes to help farmers and land owners engage with the FiPL programme shows how important partnership working and collaboration are to driving forward sustainable land management initiatives. As a farmer myself, I have seen the nature and biodiversity crisis that the country faces grows more acute. Whilst farming is often seen as one source of this crisis, it is only through harnessing farmers as partners in aspiration, that we will overcome it. The challenge is to inspire and reward farmers for delivering positive benefits for nature whilst running profitable businesses. It is therefore essential that the Government commit to embedding the principles of FiPL within the environmental land management offer beyond 2024.”

Tom Munro, Dorset AONB Manager and NAAONB Agriculture & Land Use Panel spokesperson added: “The huge successes of FIPL over the last two years has demonstrated how AONB teams are uniquely placed to facilitate on-farm projects to deliver for nature, climate, people and place across these treasured landscapes. While our pre-existing networks with farmers and advisers helped us hit the ground running, FIPL has helped us cement these relationships and to be regarded as trusted delivery bodies. These landscapes have been shaped by thousands of years of farming and it’s only by working like this at scale with farmers that we will adequately respond to the climate and ecological emergency while ensuring rural communities thrive underpinned by sustainable farm businesses.”

The report was launched today at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for National Parks. Attendees heard from representatives from across protected landscapes and farming community about the importance of sustainability and land management to the future of these special places, and how farmers and other land managers play a vital role in shaping the landscapes they operate within to enhance the natural and cultural heritage, improve productivity, and create more vibrant, sustainable communities.

Surrey Hills case study- Hampton Estate – The King’s Pond

The Hampton Estate is 2,250 acres of historic parkland, grazing meadows, arable fields, woodlands and traditional farmyards.  The funding of £12,624 was used to transform a silted-up and inaccessible pond into a feature of significant ecological and educational value. The historic old dairy pond, shown on maps at least as far back as c.1700, is located adjacent to the converted dairy farm which is now used as a hub for a variety of farm walks, school visits and open days the Estate hosts each year. These visits consist of groups of varying ability who visit the farm to learn about the countryside, agriculture and the environment. Now renamed The King’s Pond to honour the Coronation of King Charles III, the project has created:

• New wheelchair access, pathways and a platform to enable visitors to enjoy pond dipping and nature study.
• Ground works and planting to enhance existing and create new habitats to optimise the pond’s ecological function.
• Educational resources to help visitors to the pond maximise their engagement and learning from the pond.

Find out more about Surrey Hills FiPL projects here and view the full report here.

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Notes 

Key cumulative figures from the FiPL programme since it began:

• More than 2,400 projects have been approved for funding so far
• The number of farmers engaged in the programme has exceeded 5,000
• Programme funding for farmers and land managers to date is more than £25 million
• The programme has created 42 new farm clusters and helped support 106existing ones
• Funding has supported 485 Projects to reduce flood risk
• The number of volunteers engaged through the programme is over 5,000
• Over 100 miles (approximately 190 km) of new hedgerow have been planted
• 8 miles (approximately 13 km) of dry-stone walling have been restored

Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL): FiPL is a funding programme from Defra which funds projects in protected Landscapes which reflect at least one of the four themes: nature, climate, people and place. It is for one-off projects and is now in its third year.

Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs): ELMs is part of the Government’s Agricultural Transition plan. Defra are expanding their schemes to pay farmers and land managers to provide environmental goods and services alongside food production; and are providing one-off grants to support farm productivity, innovation, research and development.

There are 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) across England (34), Wales (4) and Northern Ireland (8). They are protected by the nation for everyone. They are places where landform, climate, species, industry, heritage, culture and language come together to create something unique and distinctive, shaped by generations and waves of people. Some of the nation’s most iconic views are in AONBs: from the tin mines of Cornwall AONB to the silhouette of Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland Coast AONB, Willy Lott’s farm in Dedham Vale AONB (the subject of Constable’s Haywain) to the stark uplands of North Pennines AONB. AONBs are the nation’s nearby countryside – 66% of England’s population lives within a half hour journey time of their nearest AONB.  AONB’s are the nation’s landscapes.

The National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a charity that provides a strong collective voice for the UK’s AONB Network. Its objectives are to promote the conservation and enhancement of AONBs, advance the education, understanding and appreciation by the public of AONBs.

Web: www.landscapesforlife.org.uk

Twitter: @naaonb @AONBFamily

National Parks England (NPE) brings together English National Park Authorities to provide a strong, collective and expert voice at a national level. We shape policy by drawing on our extensive experience, facilitating discussion, sharing knowledge, cultivating partnerships, and testing innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing society.

For more information about the report, contact:

National Parks England (NPE):

Enquiries@nationalparksengland.org.uk

National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (NAAONB):

ruth.colbridge@landscapesforlife.org.uk

Former Independent Chair of the Surrey Hills Board, Heather Kerswell receives The King’s Award

Congratulations to our former Independent Chair of the Surrey Hills Board, Heather Kerswell for receiving The King’s Award presented at our Board Meeting on the 7th of June by Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, Perdita Hunt OBE. This award reflects Heather’s outstanding achievements and commitment to raising the profile of Surrey including campaigning to secure the review of the AONB boundary for the first time since the Surrey Hills was designated in 1958.

A very productive session for the Surrey Hills Byways working group in Ranmore. Collaboration across Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, local councillors, off-road community groups, the Surrey Hills team and local residents has meant that procedures can be put in place to make steps in eradicating illegal off-road activity in the Surrey Hills countryside. This small minority of people partake in behaviours that cause destruction to habitat, disruption to wildlife and tensions with residents and communities. A special thanks to Surrey County Council for their efforts implementing access measures in the area to create a safer place for people and nature.

Over the past few months, members from the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People have been undertaking accessibility audits across the Surrey Hills to help create a more accessible countryside for all. People with disabilities are 10x less likely to access the countryside than the general population, therefore the projects developed from these audits look to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and protect our national landscape.

The Surrey Coalition of Disabled People team comments:

“We have been delighted to work with the Surrey Hills team to ensure that the countryside is accessible for all. In particular, we want to highlight how the Surrey Hills team involved us from the outset of the project. It’s so important that accessibility is thought through from the beginning of any project. Thanks to the team for working with us, we’re looking forward to many walks, wheels or sitting in the Surrey countryside.”

The Surrey Coalition recently returned to one of their original access audit sites, Newlands Corner, to experience the improvements made and provide further feedback for future projects. In collaboration with the Surrey Coalition, Surrey Hills team, Albury Estate and Surrey County Council, the easier access trail now provides an improved experience with resurfacing works and the addition of benches.

Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, Paul Deach comments:

“It’s great to welcome the addition of the new easy access trail at our iconic Newlands Corner site and is something we want to see more of across Surrey’s countryside. We cannot underestimate the value of being outdoors and the great mental and physical benefits it brings, and it is important that our green spaces offer facilities that make them accessible to everyone.  The advice and guidance offered by the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People for this new trail has been invaluable and shows what can be done when we work collaboratively”.

There are further projects planned at this site including the addition of a boardwalk made from Albury Estate timber to protect the ancient yew trees, which have suffered from soil compaction. This is enabling visitors to understand the significance of these internationally important trees and feel empowered to protect them. The Surrey Choices Growth Team, who provide outdoor work experience to supported adults, have been hard at work at Newlands Corner conserving and enhancing the enjoyment of the area. Activities have included helping construct the new boardwalk, creating dead hedging to protect the yew trees, and a huge array of conservation works at the viewpoint, much of which facilitated by Surrey Hills Society and funded by the Surrey Hills Access Fund. The team recently were joined by the Adult and Health Select Committee and Mayor of Guildford to see the fantastic habitat restoration and conservation work they have done, which won the Environmental Award at the BBC Make a Difference Awards.

Mette le Jakobsen, Surrey Choices Managing Director said “The partnership between the Growth Team at Surrey Choices and the Surrey Hills Society is exceptional. We had the delight of seeing some of the work the team have done, restoring grassland, and conserving the woodland. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to admire the ancient yew trees, it was quite inspirational and actually a little bit emotional.”

These projects come in response to our landscapes being protected for nature and for more people to enjoy and protect it. DEFRA has provided all National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty with an Access for All Fund, of which the Surrey Hills received one of the highest amounts of funding. The Surrey Coalition have helped inform a multitude of access improvement projects across the Surrey Hills, alongside the feedback gathered by over 300 guests at the Surrey Hills Symposium in 2022.

Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills Board comments:

“In order to protect the Surrey Hills for the future, and so that everyone can benefit from this amazing landscape, it’s essential for us to be able to work with expert groups such as Surrey Coalition, who can bring their understanding of access issues and work with us to address these. People will only fight to protect and nurture the countryside if they really value it, so supporting access for people to spend time in the Surrey Hills helps to build our army of countryside protectors. And then there is the power of volunteering, as our work with Surrey Choices demonstrates. Doing something practical and useful in an amazing setting . . . it’s good for the volunteers and it helps the natural environment too. We are so grateful for all the work done by our Surrey Choices friends who have been out in good weather and bad!”

A small group of off-roaders continue to carve out illegal tracks in an area of ancient woodland in the Surrey Hills. In response, off-road user groups, residents and landowners are now united in taking action by reporting this illegal activity to the police to assist them in prosecuting the offenders.

Green Lane Association Director and Surrey local Stuart Boreham said “It’s always infuriating to see the selfish actions of a few damaging the countryside we all love. Driving unsurfaced roads and byways, often called ‘green laning’, is a hobby enjoyed across the nation by our 5000 members and many others. We see drivers of all ages, races, and backgrounds, able-bodied and less able, peacefully using their vehicles to access the countryside. The Green Lane Association will, as here, always support councils and local groups to promote and enforce safe legal laning for all. I look forward to action being taken against the vandals.”

Kristina Kenworthy, Chair of the Surrey Hills Byways Working Group said “I am saddened and shocked by the ongoing abuse by a small group of off-road users, inflicting such destruction in the bluebell woods and special landscape of the Surrey Hills. This is not a new issue, but I am pleased to see the collaboration between residents, community groups, local councils and organisations and the Surrey Police to take serious action. A huge thank you to Surrey County Council for all their efforts so far in supporting the mitigation of this issue.”

Chairman of Mole Valley District Council, Paul Potter, who is a keen motorcyclist and advocate for safe and respectful riding along our green lanes, and Claire Malcomson, member of the Surrey Hills Board and Climate Change Cabinet Member for Mole Valley, with residents and concerned stakeholders have been attending regular meetings in the Ranmore area to try to save our green lanes. Some parts of these ancient byways are being destroyed by what could be just a handful of off roaders breaking the law through trespass, churning up the land and destroying the special woodlands in the Surrey Hills. This creates deep ruts in the tracks that then fill with water and make them impassable.

These meetings have welcomed the support of Surrey Police to help take serious action against this illegal and destructive activity.

Cllr Malcomson said, “We are so very thankful to the police for taking this seriously and supporting the residents. We want to also thank the Surrey Hills National Landscape for organising and funding the initiative. This will then deter the behaviour, supply evidence of who is doing this and identify the culprits. What a team.”

To report illegal off-road activity, use the live chat function at Home | Surrey Police. If a crime is taking place or there is a threat to life, always call 999.

For further information on the Surrey Hills National Landscape visit www.surreyhills.org.

Boundary reviews of our nationally protected landscapes do not come around very often; in fact, this is the first time the public has had a chance to influence the boundary of the Surrey Hills since it was first designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1958.

On Tuesday 7 March, Natural England opened their public consultation period of 14 weeks to gather comments from individuals and organisations on a proposed extension to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Surrey Hills Board met on Wednesday and discussed this fantastic opportunity with thanks to the hard work undertaken by Natural England so far.

Kathy Atkinson, Chair of the Surrey Hills Board said:

“Whether you are a resident or a visitor to the Surrey Hills, you will know just what an incredible landscape this is; we are so close to London yet you can feel a million miles away from urban life when you stand on one of the many viewpoints in the Surrey Hills, take a deep breath and look southwards to the outline of the South Downs, with gorgeous undulating countryside and woodland in between.

By extending the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty we will be protecting it by law for the future, and it could unlock additional resources to help the Surrey Hills thrive, in a way that is good for nature and for people. This is – literally – a once in a lifetime opportunity to tell the government how important this area is for all of us, and to ensure as much of it as possible is protected for future generations. I would encourage anyone who cares about this precious natural environment to get involved in the consultation and make their voice count.”

The proposed new boundary has been developed following an initial public engagement phase which ran from late 2021 into early 2022, during which Natural England received over 2,000 pieces of evidence from residents and community groups to help inform which areas should be considered as an extension to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In the last year Natural England has been evaluating the evidence, as well as undertaking field and desk-based research to create a proposed new boundary and a bigger Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The proposed extension to the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty looks to increase the size of the area by 25%, over 100 square kilometres. Already a quarter of the county of Surrey is nationally protected as the Surrey Hills and the proposed extension would take this figure to over 30% of the total area.

This is a fantastic opportunity to improve the conservation of our natural and cultural heritage, to enhance people’s access to the landscapes they love for mental and physical wellbeing, to nurture sustainable economic growth and to protect the unique habitat and species that call this area home.

You can read Natural England’s full press release here and find out more from the Surrey Hills here.

To get involved in the consultation, click here.

Hear from the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People about their reflections on recent access audits they have been involved with in the Surrey Hills. Their members have kindly given up their time to join us at gateway sites such as Newlands Corner, Box Hill and the Devil’s Punchbowl to provide feedback on what projects could be developed out of our Defra Access for All fund.

“Our lovely members and staff have been getting stuck in mud, wheeling around natural play parks, testing out the countryside gates and checking accessibility of the cafes to help the Surrey Hills National Landscape with their work on making the countryside accessible to all. This is supported by government funding to help improve accessibility to National Parks and National Landscapes. 
 
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People have been working with the Surrey Hills team to audit some of the beautiful Surrey Hills countryside such as Box Hill, Devil’s Punchbowl and Newlands Corner to understand what actions and projects would generate the most valuable outcomes for Disabled People and those with long term health conditions when visiting the countryside.  

The Surrey Hills team are now reviewing the feedback and are developing a plan for the next steps.”

Visit the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People’s website here.

On Wednesday 7 December, The Surrey Hills Board thanked their outgoing Independent Chair, Heather Kerswell, for her fantastic commitment to the Surrey Hills National Landscape. The Board welcomed their new Chair, Kathy Atkinson into her new role.

“It is a real privilege and a pleasure to have been appointed as the new Independent Chair of The Surrey Hills Board, and I am grateful to Natural England and to all the Board members for placing their confidence in me. I know I have some pretty hefty shoes to fill; Heather Kerswell has been an incredible Chair, taking up the role just before the pandemic, and she has given fantastic support to the Board and to the staff team during a difficult few years.

I cannot think of a more exciting or challenging time to take up the role of Chair. The boundary review currently being led by Natural England is a once in a generation opportunity to engage residents and visitors with the Surrey Hills National Landscape, and I cannot wait to see the proposals for the boundary, and to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation (due early next year) to finalise these.

Whilst the boundary review is a fantastic opportunity for the Surrey Hills, the challenges facing us are starker than ever. I come from a campaigning background, and I make no apology for that. If we are, collectively, to improve access, restore nature and improve biodiversity, manage our food and energy production (and use) and, in my view, most importantly, arrest climate change, then we are facing the fight of our lives. It is a fight for the National Landscape we treasure.

Perhaps we should look back to some of the great social movements of the 20th century for inspiration… the civil rights movement, women’s equality, even the original National Parks and countryside access movement in the 30s and 40s. These societal shifts were not achieved by administrators, but by visionaries who galvanised communities and mobilised the public in support of a radical change. So, this is our job, and we have no time to waste.”

Kathy Atkinson, Independent Chair The Surrey Hills Board

About Kathy

Kathy has lived in Guildford for most of her adult life; she has two teenage children and has been Chief Executive of the Safer Tourism Foundation for the last six years. She also holds a non-executive role with Surrey Heartlands NHS Integrated Care Board. For seven years Kathy was Chief Executive of the Campaign for National Parks, and she has also worked for a range of charities including Voluntary Service Overseas.

Heather Kerswell (left) with Kathy Atkinson (right)

NOW CLOSED

The Surrey Hills National Landscape are recruiting for a new Chair of their Board.

Main Purpose of the Role

To provide leadership and strategic direction to the Surrey Hills AONB Board and champion the activities of the Surrey Hills family.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

To:

• Chair meetings of the AONB Board and sub-groups and to guide the AONB Director on the agenda and approach to meetings.

• Provide general advice and guidance to the AONB Director and AONB team to ensure that the AONB Management Plan outcomes and objectives are closely linked to government funding
• Champion the interests of the Surrey Hills AONB and gain support for the aims, priorities, and delivery of the AONB Management Plan and the work of the Surrey Hills AONB family.
• Foster supportive and inclusive partnerships in support of the work of the AONB, building mutually beneficial relationships with all interested bodies working in the countryside, including partnerships with organisations representing those traditionally excluded from the countryside.
• Ensure effective cooperation between the Surrey Hills AONB Board and the constituent members of the Surrey Hills family.
• Assist in maintaining a positive relationship with the host local authority, balancing the benefits of integration with the interests of all partners and with the need for the Board and the wider AONB family.
• Represent the AONB Board on a variety of networks (local, regional and national); participate in activities of the National Association for AONBs to help champion a more consistent approach across the family of landscape designations.
• Continue to play a prominent role in the on-going review of the Surrey Hills AONB Boundary (led by Natural England), as a member of the Management Advisory Group for the project. (It will be important that the incoming Chair has no conflicts of interest in this regard.)
• Take an active interest in the work of the AONB Board, including staff members and working groups.
• Maintain an understanding of the issues facing the AONB and to undertake such training and seminars as may be necessary.
• Fulfil their duties in a manner that is free from political bias and influence
• Encourage AONB Board Members to act in the interests of the Surrey Hills AONB and
• Work with the wider family of protected landscapes, ensuring that the AONB considers issues and opportunities outside of its boundaries and between other protected landscapes to support nature recovery.

To apply and ask any questions about the role, please contact surreyhillschair.applications@naturalengland.org.uk.

Applications close on 5 September and interviews are provisionally on 23 September at the Surrey Hills office Warren Farm Barns, Mickleham.