CIoSEP Environmental Prospectus June 2012 · Prospectus_20120712_v2_0.docx . An Environmental...

An Environmental Prospectus for

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: 2012

Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

Consultation draft

Prepared by LUC

July 2012

An Environmental Prospectus for

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: 2012-2020

Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Environment Partnership

2020

Project Title: An Environmental Prospectus for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: 2012-2020

Client: The LNP Initiation Board

Version Date Version Details Prepared by Checked by Approved by

Principal

0.1 12.6.12 First internal version Sally Parker Lyndis Cole Lyndis Cole

0.2 20.6.12 Second internal version Sally Parker Lyndis Cole Lyndis Cole

0.3 21.6.12 Third internal version Sally Parker Lyndis Cole Lyndis Cole

1.0 22.6.12 First external draft for

discussion at 2 July LIB

Sally Parker Lyndis Cole Lyndis Cole

2.0 12.7.12 Final version incorporating

comments received

Sally Parker Lyndis Cole Lyndis Cole

J:\CURRENT PROJECTS\5300s\5338 Cornwall & Isles of Scilly LNP LIVE\C Project

Outputs\Environmental Prospectus and Organisational report\5338_Environmental

Prospectus_20120712_v2_0.docx

An Environmental Prospectus for Cornwall and

the Isles of Scilly: 2012-2020

Environment Partnership for Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly

Consultation draft

Prepared by LUC

June 2012

Planning & EIA Design Landscape Planning Landscape Management Ecology Mapping & Visualisation

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LUC uses 100% recycled paper

Contents

Foreword 1

1 Introduction 2 Purpose of this draft Environmental Prospectus 2 Background to the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Environment Partnership 2

1 Our vision for the environment of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly 1 Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: A special environment valued by all 1

2 Guiding principle and priorities for the environment 4 Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: A special environment valued by all 4

Advocating the value of the environment 5 What does the Environment Partnership want to see happen? 5 What will the Environment Partnership do? 5 Why does this matter? 5

Enhancing the environment and strengthening resilience to change 6 What does the Environment Partnership want to see happen? 6 What will the Environment Partnership do? 6 Why does this matter? 6

Increasing environmental accessibility and enjoyment 7 What does the Environment Partnership want to see happen? 7 What will the Environment Partnership do? 7 Why does this matter? 7

Encouraging lifestyles that support the environment 8 What does the Environment Partnership want to see happen? 8 What will the Environment Partnership do? 8 Why does this matter? 8

Growing environmental skills and knowledge 9 What does the Environment Partnership want to see happen? 9 What will the Environment Partnership do? 9 Why does this matter? 9

3 Looking forward 10

An Environmental Prospectus for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: 2012-2020 1 20 February 2013

Foreword

Introduction to the consultation draft of the Strategy by the Environment Partnership Chair (when

in post)


1 Introduction

Purpose of this draft Environmental Prospectus

1.1 This Environmental Prospectus sets out the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Environment Partnership’s

strategic framework for environmental activity across the area from now until 2020. It has been

designed to mirror the approach set out in the LEP’s Economic Growth Strategy (consultation draft

version, May 20121) to underpin close collaborative working between the environmental and

economic sectors.

1.2 This version of the Environmental Prospectus is intended to be further refined once the Cornwall &

Isles of Scilly Environment Partnership has been formally constituted, with the intention of a

consultation draft produced for wider comment later in 2012.

Background to the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Environment

Partnership

1.3 The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Environment Partnership (herein referred to as the ‘Environment

Partnership’) is being established as one of England’s first Local Nature Partnerships (LNPs).

1.4 The desire to set up Local Nature Partnerships, as explained in Defra’s Natural Environment White

Paper (June 2011), is to enable joined-up action for the environment at a local [yet strategic]

level. Their key aim is to achieve the most beneficial outcomes for the environment by enabling

cross-working between complementary organisations, in a way that is suited to particular local

characteristics and circumstances. The White Paper is clear that LNPs will have both a broad and

strategic remit, working for the environment in its widest sense. They are encouraged to form a

partnership drawing together a range of sectors, including the environment, health and wellbeing,

and education.

1.5 Forging strong links with the economic sector, including through close working with Local

Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), will be a strong feature of LNPs. In Cornwall and the Isles of

Scilly, the desire for the two partnerships to work closely together, along with the Health &

Wellbeing Board, has shaped the LNP’s development from the outset.

1.6 The name “Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Environment Partnership” for the LNP reflects a

strong desire for the partnership to cover all aspects of the environment, including natural

habitats and ecosystems, heritage, landscape and sustainable living (developing and promoting

low carbon lifestyles) and, of course, the marine environment which is such a central part of the

distinctive character and way of life of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This reflects the inter-

twining nature of the area’s environment, culture, and economy that have always and continue to

closely interact; shaping one another in turn. Links to the health and environmental education

sectors – recognising the critical role the local landscape plays to both – further broadens the

remit of the Partnership.

1 http://www.cornwallandislesofscillylep.com/strategy.html


1 Our vision for the environment of Cornwall

and the Isles of Scilly

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: A special environment valued by all

What does this mean?

1.1 Geographically and culturally distinct, respected as a unique blend of ‘people and place’,

where the environment is valued both as an economic asset and an essential element of

quality of life. Where a well-managed environment is integral to the health and

wellbeing of residents and visitors; accessible and valued as part of their everyday

lives. Diverse, rich and well-connected ecosystems across land and sea are resilient to

the effects of climate change. Where farmers, land managers and fishermen are

recognised and equipped to continue their roles as custodians of the area’s unique

landscapes and seascapes. Where the environment is recognised as a key asset for the

area’s future prosperity; permeating all aspects of decision-making.

The special environment of Cornwall

1.2 Cornwall displays a diverse and unique landscape steeped in history and shaped by centuries of

human interaction that has created a highly distinct sense of place. Its varied tapestry supports a

wealth of wildlife habitats and rich biodiversity; incorporating farmland, woodland, heathland,

moorland and former mining sites. Reflecting the national and international importance of

Cornwall’s biodiversity, it includes over 160 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and 16

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC).

1.3 Offshore, the sheer diversity of maritime wildlife makes Cornish waters a biodiversity hotspot,

including the muddy creeks of its estuaries, rugged granite cliffs, rocky reefs, islands and beaches

– all supporting an amazing array of species including basking sharks, dolphins and rare corals, as

well as commercially important fish and shellfish. Of the twelve separate areas that make up the

Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), ten cover sections of the Cornish coastline,

and the Tamar is designated separately in its own right as an AONB.

1.4 The legacy of man’s influence across Cornwall is evident in an outstanding collection of

archaeological and industrial relics; including some of the earliest evidence of settlement in the

country (ancient field patterns and coastal cliff castles to name but two visible examples) and

among the highest densities of archaeological monuments in Europe, including 1,650 Scheduled

Monuments. Its rich mining heritage includes parts internationally renowned as a World Heritage

Site, with engine houses symbolising the former might of the mining industry.

The special environment of the Isles of Scilly

1.5 Across the water lies the archipelago of five inhabited islands and numerous rocky islets that

make up the Isles of Scilly. The Islands’ unique position off the south-western tip of the British

Isles, with warming from the Gulf Stream, gives rise to unique environmental conditions.

Habitats and species include those endemic to the islands (such as the Scilly shrew) and range

from coastal grassland and heathland, cliff tops and faces, wetlands and dunes, woodlands and

rocky shores. The nature conservation importance of the islands is reflected in its 26 SSSIs and

designation of much of the area as a SAC and Special Protection Area (SPA).

1.6 Scilly’s clear waters support a unique mixture of marine flora and fauna, a wealth of colourful life

from anemones, soft coral, sea fans, fin and shellfish to eel grass beds, kelp and thong weed

forests. The resident population of Atlantic Grey Seals can frequently be seen, as well as visiting

pods of porpoises and dolphins and occasionally exotic species such as sunfish. In recognition of

the European importance of marine and shoreline habitats and associated species the seas around

Scilly are designated as a Marine Special Area of Conservation and a Voluntary Marine Park. The

rich waters also hide many wrecks (approximately 700-1000) and evidence of the drowned

prehistoric landscape is revealed at low tide.


1.7 The Islands' 238 Scheduled Monuments – Britain’s densest concentration – represent at least

4000 years of social, economic, cultural and religious activity. Many Scheduled Monuments cover

extensive areas, including entire islands such as Samson, and the all of the islands form one

Conservation Area.

1.8 Farming and fishing activities have longed help shape the distinctive landscape/seascapes of

Scilly. The Islands’ characteristic field patterns (bulb-strips and pasture), field boundaries (stone

walls and vegetative shelter hedges), rural settlements and heathlands are all a legacy of the

farming community – and the influence of farming still shapes today’s landscape, with colourful

flower fields being particularly symbolic of the isles. The entire archipelago is designated as an

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on merit of its nationally important landscapes and

seascapes.

The multiple benefits of the special Cornish and Island environment

1.9 Beyond its intrinsic value, the Cornish and Island environment provides a wide range of benefits

to its resident communities and visitors. The area is a key tourism destination, with visitors

drawn to its spectacular coastal scenery and rural hinterland. A 1999 study undertaken for the

National Trust2 found that 81% of visitors to Cornwall were motivated by the conserved

landscape. A more recent 2010 survey found that 63% of people regard visiting the coast as

important to quality of life, many with family loyalties to specific areas such as Cornwall and Scilly

(for example, 75% of the islands’ 95,000 annual visitors are on repeat visits). Tourism is

therefore of major importance to the local economy, with Cornwall’s five million visitors

generating some £1.2 billion per year (25% of GDP). In Scilly, tourism has become the mainstay

of the economy, accounting for 85% of its GDP and 37% of employment. Sixty per cent of visitors

to the islands take part in activities relating to wildlife and/or bird watching – again demonstrating

the inseparable link between tourism and the environment.

1.10 The area’s special environment is also central to quality of life – an attraction for the many

entrepreneurs that locate here for business start-ups and relocations. The development of low

carbon technologies is just one example of a high-tech industry that is flourishing in Cornwall. As

well as being the site of the UK’s first windfarm and solar farms, Cornwall hosts the world’s most

advanced testing for wave energy, following the installation in 2010 of the Wave Hub off the coast

of Hayle. The onshore sub-station forms part of a new £12.8M marine energy business park

promoting opportunities for wave and tidal power developments in the region. Current estimates

suggest that up to 1,000 jobs and £332 million revenue may be generated across the South West

through Wave Hub technologies. The county is also leading the way in the exploration of

geothermal energy generation from its underlying rocks; again harnessing its natural assets for a

future low-carbon technology.

1.11 Equally its natural assets are a key factor in the location of world-class environmental research

institutions within Cornwall, including the University of Exeter’s £30 million Environment &

Sustainability Institute (ESI) at Tremough. The ESI is leading cutting-edge research into

environmental change and its effects, as well as actively supporting the creation of a ‘dynamic

ecosystem services industry in Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and beyond’. Looking at the arts, the

area’s rich heritage in this sector has long built on the area’s dramatic landscapes and light

conditions, with many resident artists and writers gaining inspiration: from Daphne du Maurier’s

Cornish novels to Kenneth Graham’s Wind in the Willows, inspired by both the River Pang in

Oxfordshire and the River Fowey in Cornwall. Equally the St Ives School has an international

reputation, founded on the works of Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth and now celebrated in

the Tate St Ives which provides a contemporary centre for Cornish arts. The Eden Project’s Eden

Sessions attract international music and comedy stars to perform in this unique setting.

1.12 The role of the environment in providing benefits essential to human survival is increasingly

recognised, from the provision of fresh water and food to the sequestration and storage of carbon

and regulation of soil, air and water quality. Management of the environment needs to ensure

that these ‘ecosystem services’ are retained and enhanced to sustain the local economy and

2 Tourism Associates (February 1999) Valuing our Environment: A study of the economic impact of conserved landscapes and of the

National Trust in the South West.


wellbeing of local communities. The ever-increasing role that the environment plays in mitigating

environmental risks, such as flooding is becoming more and more obvious.

1.13 Clearly linked to environmental management are the activities of the land-based economy

(farming and forestry) and fishing. In Cornwall, agriculture contributes some 13% to the

County’s GDP, and Cornish fisheries retain a key role in the social fabric and cultural identity of

Cornwall’s coastal villages, ports and harbour towns. While flower farming is the most

economically productive agricultural activity on the Isles of Scilly, in total agriculture contributes

5% to the GDP of the Islands. Today, tourism is the mainstay of the Islands’ economy, strongly

dependent on the Islands’ unique marine environment, with specialist boat trips including sea

safaris, seal and bird watching, fishing, and diving.

1.14 The above section provides a flavour of the diverse range of benefits that are derived from a well-

managed, high quality environment. This range highlights the need for taking a new strategic

and holistic approach to the management of the environment – through the Cornwall and Isles of

Scilly Environment Partnership.


2 Guiding principle and priorities for the

environment

2.1 Our proposed approach is focused on five cornerstones of environmental activity (‘priorities’)

supported by an overarching guiding principle. The guiding principle matches that of the LEP’s

Economic Growth Strategy (consultation draft, May 2012) underlining the intrinsic value of a high

quality environment and its central place in the economy and well-being of Cornish and Island

communities and culture.

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: A special environment valued by all

Guiding principle

2.2 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is an incredibly special place. This is partly down to its outstanding

natural, cultural and historic environment and partly down to its people, heritage and a

rootedness in place. The Environment Partnership with the Local Enterprise Partnership, working

collaboratively with the health and education sectors, will ensure that the value of these

environmental assets is recognised widely; that the environment is viewed as integral to the

future prosperity of the area (its people, as well as its economy) – not just as a scenic backdrop.


Advocating the value of the environment

What does the Environment Partnership want to see happen?

• Celebration of the Cornish and Scillionian environment and its major contribution to the

economy and overall quality of life.

• An economy that sees a high quality environment as part of the solution.

• An area viewed as a UK exemplar for stimulating economic growth in harmony with the

environment.

• Cornish and Island communities living healthy lives in a healthy environment.

What will the Environment Partnership do?

Working with partners the Partnership will:

• Promote environmental achievements in the context of their wider benefits through real-life

project examples and easy-to-understand supporting data.

• Ensure the Environment Partnership is viewed as the main strategic body and decision-

influencer for the environment of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

• Input into the final stages of Local Plan, Economic Growth Strategy and Health & Wellbeing

Strategy development to ensure environmental considerations play a central role.

• Through its statutory strategic planning role, ensure that the environment is considered and

integrated positively into forward planning policies and major development proposals

(working closely with the LEP wherever possible).

• Encourage businesses to get involved in environmental projects (e.g. through sponsorship) to

help raise their profile and ‘green credentials’.

Why does this matter?

This Priority will cross-cut all of the Environment Partnership’s activities. We want Cornwall and

the Isles of Scilly to be an exemplar for stimulating economic growth in harmony with a high

quality environment. We feel that few other places in England are presented with such an

opportunity and strong existing desire to make this happen. To be able to achieve this goal, the

value of the environment will need to be advocated and made relevant to all – particularly local

businesses, communities, visitors and developers. The environment needs to be recognised and

valued as an asset and opportunity central to future prosperity, not a constraint. By taking on a

strong advocacy role, the Partnership will ensure that the environment is at the forefront of all

strategic decisions made across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.


Enhancing the environment and strengthening

resilience to change


• Marked improvement in the condition of the area’s land, marine and cultural environments.

• A coherent and resilient ecological network connecting a diverse range of wildlife sites.

• Healthy, productive and sustainable marine ecosystems.

• Well-managed marine and land-based ecosystems providing a rich diversity of vital benefits.

• Land-based and marine industries enhancing the environment and strengthening its

resilience.

• Local businesses inspired to use environmental resources wisely and seek to enhance these

assets.



• Implement landscape- and catchment-scale environmental enhancements that maximise

benefits to the environment, people and the economy (e.g. through existing partnerships

such as the Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative, Marine Liaison Group and AONBs).

• Work closely with academic and research institutions in Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly to

prepare a State of the Environment Report, which will include an analysis and evidence for

current ecosystem service provision to guide future management (e.g. Environment &

Sustainability Institute, European Centre for Environment & Human Health, Environment

Records Centre).

• Work closely with the land and marine management sectors to deliver sustainable land and

marine management activity (via the Rural Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Partnership, Isles of

Scilly Farming Initiative, Cornwall Agri-Food Council and the Inshore Fisheries & Conservation

Authorities).

• Ensure opportunities are available for training the next generation in traditional skills,

including through apprenticeship schemes. (Link to Priority 1)

• Work with the business sector (via the LEP) to ensure businesses are committed to reducing

their environmental footprint.


The Government’s Natural Environment White Paper3 is clear: the environment is highly

fragmented and unable to respond effectively to new pressures, such as climate and demographic

change. It wants to promote an ambitious, integrated approach, creating a resilient ecological

network by supporting healthy, well-functioning ecosystems and coherent ecological networks.

We want Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to be at the forefront of this new approach. By working

closely with existing conservation organisations, land and marine managers and local businesses

– putting the environment at the heart of all activities – enhancements at a landscape scale will

be put into action. Close working with academic and research institutions will enable a thorough

understanding of current ecosystem service provision to be made to guide and monitor delivery

on the ground. Linked to Priority 1, the key to success will be in ensuring that support and

training is available in those crucial traditional skills that underpin environmental enhancements.

Local farmers, land and marine managers will be at the forefront of delivering this approach.

3 HM Government (June 2011) The Natural Choice: Securing the Value of Nature. The Natural Environment White Paper.


Increasing environmental accessibility and

enjoyment


• The provision of a comprehensive network of Green Infrastructure across the area.

• Strategic access links provided between land and sea.

• The South West Coast Path managed and promoted, assisted by local communities.

• Schools and after-school clubs using the outdoor environment for learning.

• Levels of health and wellbeing improved through active use of the environment.

• All Cornish and Island communities having access to the environment on their doorstep,

recognising how it enriches their everyday lives.



• Contribute to the development of Cornwall Council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy.

• Work with Cornish and Island communities and the Cornwall Countryside Access Forum to

maximise opportunities for improving access routes between land and sea.

• Explore opportunities for local communities to manage their own sections of the Coast Path,

including through Natural England’s Paths for Communities initiative. Community

responsibility for other local environments will also be pursued through the Neighbourhood

Planning process.

• Initiate joint working with the Local Education Authorities and private education providers

(e.g. Academies) to promote the environment as a learning resource both as part of the

curriculum and at after-school clubs (e.g. Bushcraft).

• Work closely with the Health & Wellbeing Board and Clinical Commissioning Group on joint

initiatives that encourage the active involvement of people in their environment (e.g. Get

Active Cornwall, Stroll Back the Years, Green and Blue Gyms).

• Work with the Voluntary Sector Forum and others to provide and promote environmental

projects which actively involve local people/visitors in their delivery.

• Advocate the benefits of a well-managed environment to the quality of life, health & wellbeing

and learning opportunities of local residents.


The vast majority of people in Cornwall and Scilly know that they are blessed with an outstanding

environment on their doorstep (and this is one of the main reasons they choose to live here).

However, making the connections between the environment on their doorstep, and the multiple

benefits it provides, is not always fully appreciated. Promoting the benefits provided by a well-

managed environment not just to quality of life, but also for enhancing the health, wellbeing,

learning and economic potential of local communities will be a key strand of Environment

Partnership activity. We want local communities to be given the opportunities to be actively

involved in their own environment - not just in their leisure time, but as part of their everyday

lives. A strong and well-connected Green Infrastructure network will enable all local communities

to have easy access to green space, and ensure that the environment is integrated into all new

development. Through the Neighbourhood Planning process and initiatives such as Natural

England’s Paths for Communities project, local residents will be given the opportunity to be

custodians of their own environment and collectively plan for its future. By giving people pride in

place and responsibility for their own landscape, a stronger, brighter and more sustainable future

for the environment will emerge.


Encouraging lifestyles that support the

environment


• Everyone is inspired to live sustainable, low-carbon lifestyles in harmony with the

environment.

• Communities work together to build self-sufficiency in energy and food production.

• The area’s visitor economy is a national exemplar of sustainable tourism.

• Sustainable and active travel4 options are available and promoted to all as part of their

everyday lives.

• Businesses lead the way in low-carbon and healthy methods of working.



• Promote exemplar community projects and social enterprises such as the Wadebridge

Renewable Energy Network and Transition Penwith’s Food Group.

• Use the Neighbourhood Planning process and initiatives such as Transition Cornwall and

Transition Scilly to kick-start new community projects with a sustainability focus.

• Work with Visit Cornwall, CoaST and the Islands’ Business Partnership to promote and

expand the area’s sustainable tourism activities (e.g. Green Ambassadors).

• Work with the Councils and Local Access Forums to enhance the network of off-road

walking/cycling/bridleway routes (including through Natural England’s Paths for Communities

initative and work with the Cornwall Countryside Access Forum).

• Work with the LEP to develop and promote simple business ideas for reducing their carbon

footprint and the wellbeing of employees whilst saving money – e.g. walk or cycle to work

schemes, teleconferencing, car sharing (using successful examples such as Ginsters Active

Workplace scheme).


Climate change is the biggest issue facing our future, and that of the environment and wildlife we

cherish5. Making a real difference begins at home; where sustainable lifestyles can help to

mitigate the impacts of a changing climate. Local communities and residents – and the millions of

repeat visitors to the area - should be inspired and able to live sustainable, healthy lives with

minimal impacts on the environment. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are blessed with rich natural

resources that could provide all of the area’s energy, fresh water and food (from the land and

sea) without the need for imports (therefore dramatic reducing the area’s carbon footprint). The

potential for demonstrating a truly sustainable way of living is perhaps greater here than

anywhere else. In fact, there are already many examples of local food and community energy

projects, as well as sustainable tourism enterprises, running successfully in the area. There are

also examples of successful businesses instigating healthy, low carbon methods of working for the

benefit of both the business and its employees. By learning by local example, we want all

resident communities and businesses to be inspired to embrace the benefits provided by the

special environment on their doorstep.

4 Active Travel means travelling actively for everyday journeys such as to work, whether by walking, cycling, jogging, or using public

transport, if walking or cycling to the nearest stop. Active Travel helps people to build physical activity into their daily life. 5 UKCIP predictions (2009) for the South West up to 2050 include an average summer temperature increase of 2.7% , increased

winter precipitation of 17% and predicted sea level rises of 29 cm (for Newlyn) In addition, there is a predicted increase in the

frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as prolonged storms and droughts.


Growing environmental skills and knowledge


• Development and growth of green businesses, innovation and enterprise.

• Retention of traditional environmental skills and knowledge, including in farming and fishing.

• Area recognised as a centre of excellence for environmental education and research.

• Environmental knowledge and expertise exported to other parts of the UK (and Europe).

• Local communities and residents inspired about the environment through active involvement.



• Work with the LEP and tourism sector (through Visit Cornwall and the Islands’ Business

Partnership) to communicate simple environmental messages to local businesses and provide

information on how they can use the environment sustainably as an economic asset.

• Work with the LEP and others such as the Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership to

promote and implement projects and initiatives that develop green business skills.

• Ensure opportunities are available for training the next generation in traditional skills,

including through apprenticeship schemes. (Link to Priority 3 and working closely with the

Rural Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Partnership, Cornwall Agri-Food Council and the IFCAs)

• Provide opportunities for students and volunteers to get involved in environmental projects

and ‘green placements’ (working with the Volunteer Sector Forum and academic institutions)

• Grow the knowledge on valuing the environment – through collaborative working with

research centres and universities (such as the Environment & Sustainability Institute,

Environment Records Centre and European Centre for Environment & Human Health).


Making a real difference to the environment in the long-term will only be achieved if local

residents and businesses are enthused, inspired and equipped to make a difference. The area is

already fast gaining a reputation for innovation and enterprise in green business (e.g. low-carbon

technologies). We need to harness this potential and develop it further by example – encouraging

further entrepreneurial activity and opportunities to cement the area’s reputation as a place to

grow business in harmony with the environment. The area’s special environmental assets will

only be sustained and enhanced if the today’s farmers and fishermen pass their knowledge down

to the next generation. And the next generation need to be able to see a bright future in these

traditional industries and gain support and encouragement to follow their chosen career path.

Working in partnership with cutting-edge environmental research centres, Cornwall and the Isles

of Scilly will have the evidence and information needed to convey the value and benefits derived

from the environment to all.


3 Looking forward

3.1 The formation of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Environment Partnership (CIEP) marks the

beginning of a new chapter for the environment. However, as a strategic partnership it will not

work alone. It will work closely with other bodies and existing partnerships across the

environmental, health and education sectors to help deliver a collective vision for the

environment. In addition, the involvement of the local communities and visitors to Cornwall and

the Isles of Scilly in the work of CIEP and others will be key to achieving successful environmental

outcomes.

3.2 We will work with the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), emerging Health & Wellbeing Board,

Rural Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Partnership and others to broker dialogue and ensure that the

environmental aspects of all key initiatives are considered early in the process. Where

appropriate, we will work with other Local Nature Partnerships, both regionally and nationally,

particularly where working together will bring additional benefits.

3.3 Over the next year, CIEP will prepare the first ever Integrated Environmental Strategy for

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This document will specify how the five key priorities detailed in

this Environmental Prospectus will be translated into action – with specific projects commissioned

and delivered by specialist bodies such as the Cornwall Biodiversity Initiative. The Strategy will

include measurable targets and indicators to monitor success, with Task/Finish Groups convened

to oversee the successful implementation of key strands of activity.

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