Cotswolds AONB Management Plan 2008-2013 · Cotswolds AONB Management Plan 2008-2013 The Cotswolds...

Cotswolds AONB Management Plan2008-2013

www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

Cotswolds AONB Management Plan 2008-2013

Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

BRISTOL

LONDON

BIRMINGHAM

OXFORD

Stow-onthe-Wold

Painswick

Northleach

Tetbury

NailsworthCIRENCESTER

STROUD

BATH

Bourton-on-the-Water

ChippingCampden

A429

A40

M50

M5

M4

A46

M5

RIVERSEVERN

Fairford

Lechlade

Stratfordupon Avon

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Bredon Hill

Dursley

COTSWOLDS AONB

COUNTY BOUNDARY

COTSWOLD WAY

THAMES PATH

Kemble

WARWICKSHIRE

OXFORDSHIRE

SOUTHGLOUCESTERSHIRE

BATH ANDNORTH EAST

SOMERSET

Malmesbury

Chippenham

Burford

Banbury

M40

ChippingNorton

Lower Brailes

CHELTENHAM

WinchcombeCleeve Hill

GLOUCESTER

Wotton under-Edge

DISTRICT BOUNDARY

Bristol

A46

A417

WILTSHIRE

Uley

Marshfield

Charlbury

Moreton-in-Marsh

Broadway

WORCESTERSHIRE

A44

A44

A44

Evesham

1

Contents

Foreword 2

Summary 3

Introduction 4

Forces for change 12

Conserving and enhancing 20

Landscape 24

Rural land management 30

Natural resources 36

Historic environment 42

Biodiversity 48

Development and transport 54

Understanding and enjoying 62

Awareness and appreciation 66

Enjoying and exploring 70

Implementation, monitoring and evaluation 76

Glossary 82


2

Foreword from Chairman, Niel Curwen

The Cotswolds is one of the country’s best known andmost loved landscapes. Covering almost 800 squaremiles, it is also the largest AONB.

The Cotswolds Conservation Board has two statutorypurposes:

• to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of theCotswolds AONB

• to increase the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the AONB

In fulfilling these roles, the Board seeks to foster theeconomic and social wellbeing of people living in the area.

The Board is pleased to present its first AONBManagement Plan (the first prepared by a ConservationBoard), which sets a vision for the future management of the AONB, together with clear objectives and policieswhich will guide us in exercising our responsibilities and taking actions, to ensure the future of the CotswoldsAONB. In preparing this plan, the Board has alsoproduced one of the first protected landscapemanagement plans to fully comply with the need toundertake a Strategic Environmental Assessment andAppropriate Assessment of it.

This is not just a plan prepared by the Board for itself. It is a plan for all those who value the area and have aninterest in it. The plan in particular reflects the many,varied and enthusiastic contributions of all those whohave taken part in discussion workshops and respondedas part of our consultation process. Everyone involvedhas contributed to this plan and we wish to thank them all.

Our successes to date reflect the commitment of manydifferent individuals and organisations. This will also betrue of the implementation of the new plan over thenext five years. It will only succeed in shaping a positivefuture for the Cotswolds AONB if people with variedinterests work closely together to achieve results.

This new plan is a further step along the road of suchcollaborative working. The process is continuous. We willneed to work together with partners to get things done,to monitor our achievements, to reflect on them and toreview and update the Management Plan in due course.

I would encourage you to read the plan and considerhow you or your organisation can help achieve a brightand successful future for the Cotswolds.

The Cotswolds is a very special place, a fact well recognised by residents and visitors alike.Its special character has also been recognised by the Government through its designation,in 1966, as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Niel CurwenChairman of the Cotswolds Conservation Board

Summary

3

The Board initially adopted the plan prepared by theformer Cotswolds AONB Partnership, which had similarlybeen adopted by the 17 Local Authorities in the Cotswolds.The Board was required to prepare a new AONBManagement Plan within three years of itsestablishment.

The plan will operate alongside other statutory plans and programmes, especially community strategies,development plans and transport plans, and aconsiderable range of other initiatives.

The plan provides the Board’s vision over the next 20 – 25years, with an immediate five year time frame of 2008 –2013.

Structured around two main sections, the plan reflectsthe Board’s two statutory purposes of conserving andenhancing the natural beauty of the AONB andimproving the understanding and enjoyment of thespecial qualities of the Cotswolds. Each section containsa set of objectives, with sub-sections providing a series of policies with actions and associated tasks.

The following fundamental principles inform the Board’sapproach to managing the Cotswolds AONB:

• The implications of climate change for all activitiesmust be addressed.

• The landscape of the AONB must be managed in waysthat conserve and enhance landscape character, localdistinctiveness, geology and geomorphology, historicfeatures, habitats and biological diversity.

• A sustainable approach must be taken to all issueswithin the AONB, particularly in the development andmanagement of its rural economy.

• It is important to increase people’s awareness,knowledge and understanding of the qualities of theAONB, and of the opportunities to enjoy and explorethe area.

Three forces for change are so fundamental that theyinfluence the entire plan. These are:

• climate change and our response to it

• globalisation on land use

• pressures from development, changing lifestyles and transportation.

These overarching issues have been separated out in anintroductory section along with associated objectives,policies actions and tasks.

The Management Plan is much more than a set ofobjectives, policies, actions and tasks for the Board alone.

Relevant authorities are advised by the Department forEnvironment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that AONBManagement Plans are a useful mechanism for securingtheir active involvement in the management of the AONB and demonstrating their compliance with therequirements of the CROW Act.

The AONB Management Plan is therefore guidance to the17 constituent local authorities and other public bodies as to how this duty can be discharged in the Cotswolds. Having been consulted in the preparation of this plan it is hoped that many of these public bodies will be able toadopt the same objectives and policies in shaping anddelivering their work in the Cotswolds.

This is an ambitious plan for an extensive area ofprotected landscape. Its aspirations are beyond the directresources of the Board’s members, staff and volunteers.

Implementation of the management Plan will thereforerequire the support and involvement of many otherorganisations and individuals who have key parts to playin the future of the area. Many of these have beeninvolved in drawing up the plan. Implementation of the Management Plan will be monitored by reviewingprogress and reported in the Board’s Annual Review.

The Cotswolds Conservation Board (‘the Board’) was established by Parliament in 2004under the provisions of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act).


The Cotswolds Conservation BoardThe Cotswolds Conservation Board (‘the Board’) wasestablished by Parliament in 2004, superseding theCotswolds Area of Outsanding Natural Beauty (AONB)Partnership.

The Board has two statutory purposes:2

a) to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB; and

b) to increase the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the AONB.

In fulfilling these roles, the Board has a duty to seek to foster the economic and social wellbeing of peopleliving in the AONB.

The Board is an independent statutory body. It has 40 members, of which 17 are appointed by the 17 local authorities in the AONB, 15 are appointed by theSecretary of State for Environment, Food and RuralAffairs, and eight are elected by the town and parishcouncils in the AONB.

The Board is supported by a small team of staff based at Northleach in Gloucestershire, and by the CotswoldsVoluntary Wardens. The wardens number approximately340 volunteers who undertake a comprehensiveprogramme of countryside management tasks and run an extensive guided walks programme.

The Cotswolds AONB Management PlanThis plan is statutorily required under Section 89 of theCountryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (‘the CROWAct’). It will have significant weight in influencing thewide range of future decisions that will affect the AONB. It will operate alongside other statutory plans and programmes, especially community strategies,development plans and transport plans, and also aconsiderable range of other initiatives. It is intended to provide direction for a period of around 20 years,although the focus is on policies and actions for the period 2008-2013.

To prepare this plan, the Board has reviewed theCotswolds AONB Management Plan that was preparedby the former Cotswolds AONB Partnership in 2004. That plan was adopted by the 17 constituent localauthorities and the partnership in 2004. It wassubsequently adopted by the Board in April 2005.

The Board has taken the opportunity presented by therequirements of the CROW Act to update and restructurethe existing plan, taking account of changes incircumstances since 2004. As a result, this revised planreflects the formulation of the Board’s policies for themanagement of the Cotswolds AONB and for carryingout its functions in relation to it.

The review process has involved consultation with manypeople and organisations involved in, or affected by, themanagement of the AONB. The consultation process hasbeen independently assessed and this review of theprocess is available on the Board’s website.

4

Introduction

“Nowhere in all England is there such a lack of stridency. The colours, the grey of the stonewalls, which in much of this land do duty for hedges, and of the cottages and manorhouses, the green and pale gold of the pasture and arable fields, seem softly blended...The landscape is a watercolour...” 1

1 Robert Bryan, ‘The British Countryside in Colour’, (1950).

2 Section 87, Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

This Management Plan sets out a series of objectives forthe AONB which the Board wishes to see achieved. Theserepresent the Board’s current view of what it considersare the most important management actions whichshould be pursued, and which also reflect the views andaspirations of a multiplicity of stakeholders with aninterest in the AONB. Actions the Board intends to taketo implement these policies throughout the five years of the plan are also included.

The Management Plan is therefore much more than aset of objectives for the Board alone. It is designed to be a guide for local authorities, statutory agencies, andother bodies working within the AONB, as well as forprivate owners of land, a wide variety of businesses, and the many communities who live in the area.

This concept is reinforced by statute. Section 85 of theCROW Act makes it a duty for all relevant authorities(government departments and agencies, localauthorities, including parish councils, and all publicbodies) to have regard to the purpose of designation ofthe Cotswolds as an AONB when making their decisionsor carrying out activities in relation to or affecting landwithin the AONB. Relevant authorities are advised by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs(Defra) that AONB management plans are a usefulmechanism for securing their active involvement in the management of the AONB and demonstrating theircompliance with the requirements of the CROW Act.3

5

3 Duties on relevant authorities to have regard to the purposes of National Parks, AONBs and the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads - Guidance Note, Defra (2005).


Section 40 of the Natural Environment and RuralCommunities Act 2006 requires that “Every publicauthority must, in exercising its functions, have regard,so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of thosefunctions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity”. The AONB Management Plan is guidance to theconstituent local authorities as to how this duty can be discharged, particularly through working on alandscape scale, rather than a site-based approach.

Implementation of the plan will be monitored andevaluated by the Board and an assessment provided as part of its annual reports.

Areas of Outstanding NaturalBeauty (AONBs)The primary purpose of AONB designation is to conserveand enhance the natural beauty of the area.4 Within anAONB priority is given to the landscape, flora and fauna,geological or physiographical features and heritage,including archaeology and settlement character. The organisation that existed prior to the creation of Natural England, The Countryside Agency, suggestedthat, “Landscape encompasses everything - ‘natural’ andhuman - that makes an area distinctive: geology, climate,soil, plants, animals, communities, archaeology,buildings, the people who live in it, past and present, and the perceptions of those who visit it.” 5

In pursuing the primary purpose of designation, accountshould be taken of the needs of agriculture, forestry andother rural industries. Attention should also be paid tothe economic and social wellbeing of the area, as thisplays a vital role in underpinning the area’s naturalbeauty. Particular regard should be paid to promotingsustainable forms of social and economic developmentwhich in themselves conserve the environment.Recreation is not an objective of designation, but thedemand for recreation should be met so far as it isconsistent with the conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses.6

In a written answer to Parliament in June 2000, theGovernment confirmed that AONBs and National Parksshare the same highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty.

6


5 ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: A guide’, CA23, Para 1.1, Countryside Agency (2001).

6 Based on advice in ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: A policy statement’, CCP356, Countryside Commission (1991).

Introduction

Largely because of the special place given to natureconservation within the statutory definition of naturalbeauty, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) considersAONBs to be of international importance as Category VProtected Landscapes.7 They are therefore listed on theWorld Database on Protected Areas compiled by theUnited Nations Environment Programme’s WorldConservation Monitoring Centre.8

On 21 November 2006, the Government announced thatthe UK had ratified the Council of Europe’s EuropeanLandscape Convention. The convention aims to securebetter landscape protection, landscape management,landscape planning and European co-operation, througha range of measures such as awareness raising, trainingand education, identification and assessment, settinglandscape quality objectives and an effective policyframework. AONBs are well placed to use the conventionto raise the importance of large-scale landscapemanagement to deliver multiple benefits for society.

For the reasons outlined above, AONBs are thus not only national but also international assets.

What makes the Cotswolds special?(Statement of Significance)The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscapein England after the Lake District National Park, as wellas the largest of the 40 AONBs in England and Wales,covering 790 sq miles (2,038 sq kms).

Limestone gives the area unity. This can be seen in theunderlying geology and in the stone used for buildingsand drystone walls throughout the Cotswolds. Withinthe area there is, however, considerable scenic diversity.

Nineteen different landscape types have been identified.9

These include the dramatic escarpment all along thewest of the area cloaked in beech woodlands and opencommons; high wolds with expansive open views; deepincised valleys which dissect the area; and gentler rollinghills and vales to the east of the area.

Distinctive vernacular architecture, using the localbuilding stone which varies markedly in colour across the AONB, contributes a wonderful sense of harmonybetween the landscape and its towns and villages.Streams trickling through such places set amongst thepatchwork of farms and woodland, and dramatic viewsacross the Severn Vale add to the attractions of this truly beautiful area.

7

7 Category V: Protected Landscape/Seascape: protected area managed mainly for landscape/seascape conservation and recreation.

Definition: Area of land, with coast and sea as appropriate, where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant aesthetic, ecological and/or cultural value, and often with high biological diversity. Safeguarding the integrity of this traditional interaction is vital to the protection, maintenance and evolution of such an area (IUCN, 1994).

8 For more information, see http://sea.unep-wcmc.org/wdbpa/9 ‘Cotswolds AONB Landscape Character Assessment and Landscape

Strategy and Guidelines’, Landscape Design Associates (2003).


The principal elements that make the Cotswolds specialare summarised below. More specific reference to thesespecial characteristics is also contained in each section of this plan, so that it is easier to see how the issuesidentified in the plan affect them.

The Landscape Character Assessment for the CotswoldsAONB 10 identified the principal elements that occuracross the designated area. These elements encompassfeatures of landscape, historic and biodiversity interest,as well as the built environment. The Board considersthat either singly or in combination these elementscontribute to the unique character and quality of theCotswolds landscape.

These principal elements include:

• drystone walls

• ancient semi-natural woodlands and veteran trees

• permanent pasture, including unimproved calcareousgrassland

• archaeological sites and their settings and remnanthistoric landscapes

• vernacular stone buildings and their settings

• settlement patterns and their relationship to landscape

• parkland and historic designated landscapes

• hedges

8

10 ‘Landscape Character Assessment of the Cotswolds AONB’, Cotswolds AONB Partnership (2004).

Introduction

The Board also considers that the tranquillity of theAONB, provided by the absence of major development,few main roads, and the presence of dark skies, is asignificant attribute given the Cotswolds’ location in the southern half of England.

Key principles for the managementof the AONBThe Cotswolds AONB can deliver multiple benefits for society. In addition to scenic beauty, ecosystemservices 11 and cultural heritage it can provide:

• healthy lifestyle recreational opportunities for all - “an inspirational breathing space away from it all”

• opportunities for climate change mitigation measures

• water supplies for an extensive area of SouthernEngland

• locally produced food and wood products

• opportunities for renewable energy generation

Management of the AONB is about realising this rangeof important benefits at a time of rapid change.

The following fundamental principles inform the Board’swhole approach to managing the Cotswolds’ AONB.

• The implications of climate change for all activitiesmust be addressed - seeking to mitigate the causes of climate change by minimising the output ofgreenhouse gases; and at the same time taking actionto adapt to the effects of climate change in ways thatconserve and enhance the Cotswolds’ special qualities.

• The landscape of the AONB must be managed in waysthat conserve and enhance landscape character, localdistinctiveness, geology and geomorphology, historicfeatures, habitats and biological diversity.

• A sustainable approach must be taken to all issueswithin the AONB, particularly in the development and management of its rural economy.

• It is important to increase people’s awareness,knowledge and understanding of the qualities of theAONB, and of the opportunities to enjoy and explorethe area.

Structure of the planDuring the consultation process it became clear that there are three forces for change that are sofundamental that they influence the entire plan.

These are:


• the effects of globalisation on land use

• pressures from development, changing lifestyles and transportation

These overarching issues have been separated out in an introductory section called ‘Forces for Change’ (pg 12),along with associated objectives, policies, actions and tasks.

9

11 For definition of ecosystems services see ‘Securing a healthy natural environment - An action plan for embedding an ecosystems approach’, Defra, 2007 http://www.Defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/natres/pdf/eco_actionplan.pdf


The rest of the plan is structured around two mainsections (Conserving and enhancing, and Understandingand enjoying), reflecting the Board’s two purposes. Theduty to seek to foster the social and economic wellbeing of local communities is incorporated within these main sections of the plan. A commentary is provided to indicate how the policies and actions will impact on communities in the AONB.

Within each of the two main sections there is a set of objectives. Subsequent sub-sections include aseries of Board policies with actions and associated tasks.These form the core of this Management Plan, settingout how the vision will be achieved.

The objectives are goals to be aimed at if the long-termvision for the AONB is to be met - “This is what we wantto be achieved”.

The policies are the means by which the objectives will be achieved - “This is how things will get done”.

The actions are intended to deliver the policies - “These are things we want to do”.12

The tasks are detailed activities which the Board, often in conjunction with partners, will undertake during theplan period.

The objectives and policies are designed to be taken upby the many organisations and individuals involved inmanaging the Cotswolds AONB. The actions and tasksset out how the Board will pursue these objectives, oftenin partnership with others.

Strategic Environmental AssessmentStrategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a statutoryprocess.13 A formal SEA is required for new plans andprogrammes that are likely to have significant effects on the environment. SEA aims to provide for a high levelof protection of the environment and contribute to theintegration of environmental considerations into thepreparation and adoption of plans with a view topromoting sustainable development.

The Board employed consultants to undertake the SEA of the Management Plan. Preparation of the SEA hasbeen undertaken in consultation with Natural England,the Environment Agency, English Heritage, the localauthorities and partner organisations. An EnvironmentalReport has been published along with the plan, assessingthe environmental impact of the plan. An EnvironmentalStatement has also been published which explains howthe plan has been influenced by the SEA process.

Appropriate AssessmentThe Board has undertaken an Appropriate Assessment of the potential impact of the objectives of theManagement Plan on the conservation objectives ofSites of European Importance for nature conservationaffected by the plan, as required by The Conservation(Natural Habitats, etc) (Amendment) (England andWales) Regulations 2006.

An Appropriate Assessment was published by the Boardfor consultation with Natural England, the localauthorities and partner organisations.

Natural England has confirmed that the assessmentcomplies with the legislative requirements.

10

12 ‘Guidance for the review of AONB Management Plans’, Countryside Agency (2006).

13 Required under the Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations (the SEA Regulations, Statutory Instrument 2004, No. 1633).


Three interlinked overarching external ‘forces forchange’ will impact significantly on the CotswoldsAONB:


• the effects of globalisation on agricultural land use

• pressures from development, changing lifestyles and transportation

The AONB cannot be immune to their effects. Moreoverthese issues will affect the special qualities of the AONB.Therefore the Management Plan needs to set out clearlyhow the Board intends to address them.

ObjectivesThe following are the Board’s objectives regarding these issues:

CCO1: By 2010, the likely impacts of climate change onthe character of the Cotswolds are understood and astrategic response has been developed.

CCO2: By 2013 a comprehensive programme of measuresto mitigate the effects of and adapt to the consequencesof climate change is in place and being implemented.

GLO1: By 2010 the potential adverse impacts ofglobalisation on agricultural land use are understood,and a strategic response is in place to secure theconservation and enhancement of landscape character.

PO1: By 2013 a robust framework of strategies and plansis in place to secure development 1 in and around theAONB, which contributes to the social and economicwellbeing of the Cotswolds whilst conserving andenhancing its distinctive character and enabling greaterunderstanding and enjoyment of its special qualities.

12

Forces for change

1 Development includes transport infrastructure and service provision.

Climate change/global warming:the evidenceGlobal warming is “unequivocal”. This is the finding of the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) .2 The report also states that “most of the observed increase in globally averagedtemperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations”.

The role of the Cotswolds AONB As the largest designated area in southern England, the Cotswolds AONB can play a significant part in theresponse to climate change. Through the ManagementPlan, the partnerships involved can develop acomprehensive approach to mitigate and adapt toclimate change within, and to some extent around, theAONB. This is particularly the case with the provision of water supplies and control of flooding, species andhabitat adaptation, tourism provision and renewableenergy generation.

Future climate scenarios for the Cotswolds AONBFor the Cotswolds AONB, the likely changes in climateare, broadly, as follows:3

• The Cotswolds will continue to get warmer

• Summers will continue to get hotter and drier (with exceptions to the trend)

• Winters will continue to get milder and wetter (with exceptions to the trend)

• Some weather extremes will become more common,others less common:

• the number of very hot summer days is expected to increase

• the number of very cold winter days is expected to decrease

• winter storms and mild, wet and windy winterweather are expected to become more frequent

Potential impact of climate changeon the Cotswolds AONBThe impact of climate change on the landscape of theCotswolds may be considerable. An analysis of predictedtrends in rainfall, temperatures and wind speeds willprovide an indication of the actions that may be requiredto mitigate the causes of climate change, and to adapt to the changes which occur.

Climate change will potentially impact on all aspects of the Cotswolds AONB, including:4,5 landscape;biodiversity; the historic environment; natural resources(rivers, wetlands, water resources and soil); rural landmanagement (agriculture and forestry); and enjoyingand exploring (tourism and access).6

13

2 ‘IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change’, (2007).

3 ‘Warming to the Idea: meeting the challenge of Climate Change in the South West, South West Region Climate Change Impacts Scoping Study’, South West Climate Change Impacts Partnership, 2003; also, the UK Climate Impacts Partnership (UKCIP) website.

4 ‘Warming to the Idea: meeting the challenge of Climate Change in the South West, South West Region Climate Change Impacts Scoping Study’, South West Climate Change Impacts Partnership, 2003.

5 ‘The Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Attempts Towards Determination and Recommendations for Action’, Richard Garland. Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the MSc Degree in Rural Estate Management, Royal Agricultural College (2006).

6 More information on the likely impacts are set out in the relevant section of this plan.


The kind of consequences that may occur include the following, all of which would seriously affect thelandscape of the AONB:

• A possible loss of trees, especially beech trees on the scarp.

• The impacts that come from more intensive farmingand the growing of farm crops that are currentlyassociated with southern Europe.

• Increased pressure on water resources, with moreintensive droughts leading to falling water tables, and flooding leading to calls for flood protectionengineering.

• The growing of biofuels to replace fossil fuels.

• The development pressures that may be created by tourism patterns, and even human populationmigrations, in response to less hospitable climaticconditions in southern Europe.

• Pressures on species and habitats that are adapted totoday’s climate. In this respect, there will be difficultchoices concerning when to abandon efforts tomaintain the ‘status quo’.

Consequently climate change will affect the character ofthe area in many ways. If these changes were to becomecollectively very damaging, it is not unthinkable that thedesignation of the Cotswolds as an AONB might comeinto question.

It is therefore important that the Board is properlyinformed of the likelihood and scale of the possiblechanges, and takes immediate action in respect ofmitigation and adaptation measures (see below).However, a more comprehensive climate change action plan for the Cotswolds AONB will need to bedeveloped within the timescale of this ManagementPlan.7

14

Policy

CCP1: That the impact of climate change on the Cotswolds AONB is understood and a strategic response is developed.

Actions

CCA1: Encourage, support and analyse research on theimpact of climate change on the Cotswolds AONB.

CCA2: Agree an action plan by 2010 to encourage all those involved in the management of the AONB toaddress climate change issues by adapting land usesand by exploiting new opportunities arising out ofmitigation strategies.

Tasks

CCT1: Be actively involved in regional fora and othergroups researching the impact of climate change.

CCT2: Monitor and analyse climate change researchfindings and their implications for the special qualitiesof the Cotswolds AONB.

CCT3: Promote agreed Climate Change Action Plan to land managers.

Climate change - understanding

7 More information on possible management strategies and a case study is available on the Board's website www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

Forces for change

Addressing climate change in theCotswolds AONB - mitigationFuture climate change scenarios are heavily dependenton current and future greenhouse gas emissions.Reducing the global carbon footprint by achievingreductions in greenhouse gas emissions will potentiallyreduce the degree and impact of climate change. Toachieve this, the Climate Change Bill puts into statutethe UK’s targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissionsthrough domestic and international action by at least60% by 2050 and 26-32% by 2020, against a 1990baseline.8

All organisations in the Cotswolds have their part to playin reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, for example,through:

• increasing energy efficiency

• using appropriate forms of renewable energy

• reducing car use and using public transport more

The Board will be setting an example by looking at itsown carbon footprint and developing a programme to reduce it.

15

Climate change - mitigation

Policy

CCP2: That measures are taken to mitigate the causes of climate change.

Actions

CCA3: Encourage and support energy conservationmeasures in order to help meet national and regionaltargets for energy consumption in order to mitigatethe impact of climate change by reducing greenhousegas emissions.

CCA4: Encourage and support appropriate scalerenewable energy generation in order to help meetnational and regional targets for renewable energygeneration to mitigate the impact of climate changeby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Tasks

CCT4: Be active in regional and local fora involved in promoting energy conservation measures.

CCT5: Provide and promote advice on energyconservation measures to reduce the ‘carbon footprint’of the Cotswolds compatible with the character andappearance of the landscape.

CCT6: Develop and implement a carbon footprintreduction action plan in relation to the Board’s ownactivities.

CCT7: Be involved in regional and local fora promotingrenewable energy compatible with the character andappearance of the landscape.

CCT8: Provide and promote advice on renewableenergy technologies compatible with the characterand appearance of the landscape.

8 Climate Change Bill, published October 2007.


Addressing climate change in theCotswolds AONB - adaptationAlthough there is the potential to reduce the extent ofclimate change through mitigation measures, significantimpacts will still occur because past greenhouse gasemissions have already raised carbon dioxide levels inthe atmosphere. A further increase appears unavoidableeven under the most optimistic of scenarios. For theCotswolds AONB, this will potentially pose a threat tothe natural beauty of the area and its designation as an AONB.

The Board therefore needs to consider how it andpartner organisations involved in managing the AONBcan help the area to adapt to the impacts of climatechange in a way that helps to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB. The following table sets out the policies, actions and tasks that will help to address this issue.

16

Climate change - adaptation

Policy

CCP3: That measures are in place to adapt to the likely impacts of climate change.

Actions

CCA5: Analyse published research by 2010 to betterunderstand and disseminate the implications ofclimate change on the special qualities of theCotswolds and by 2013 to agree an action plan toimplement measures to adapt to these impacts, andidentify the effects of these measures on existinglandscape character.

Tasks

CCT9: Analyse published research into the likelyimpacts of climate change on the Cotswoldslandscapes.

CCT10: Develop and promote adaptation policies as part of a Climate Change Action Plan (see CCA2).

Forces for change

Globalisation and the effects ofagricultural land useFarming in the UK is increasingly being opened up to global markets. European agricultural supportmechanisms are moving away from supporting prices.

Pressures on global food supplies are arising from:

• new consumption patterns in the developing world,particularly in India and China

• the global impacts of climate change on the growingof crops and loss of agricultural land

• the growing of biofuels in place of food crops

As a result, food commodity prices are rising worldwideand there will be increasing pressure to intensifyproduction in the UK as food surpluses become a thingof the past. This process has already begun with theremoval from 2008 of the European Union requirementto 'set aside' arable land, with a potential adverseimpact on landscape and biodiversity in the Cotswolds,particularly arable plants and farmland birds.

The impact of intensification on the character of theCotswolds is likely to be negative if not managed withthe conservation and enhancement of the area in mind.We have the experience of the intensification ofagricultural production during and after the SecondWorld War, which resulted in a loss of character as stone walls and hedges were removed to amalgamatefields, grassland was converted to arable land, wetlandswere drained and woodland was cleared. Intensificationcan also lead to loss of biodiversity and historicenvironment features.

Such intensification of production may be inhibited bythe cost of fuel which is increasing in response to risingworld-wide demand. Some oil and gas analysts suggestthat the production of oil and gas may have alreadypeaked, or will peak in the next decade. If this is the

case, the demand for alternative fuels will increase the call for biofuels production at the expense of foodand potentially of the landscape.

Acting alone the Board can have negligible impacts onsuch global forces. What it can do is try to understandthe potential impacts of these forces and prepareresponses to them and thereby influence the impact of national policies as they are developed. In this way,the purpose of designation can be secured. This couldinclude examining different scenarios; for example, anindustrial-scale farm economy versus a more specialisedrural economy exploiting niche markets whilstconserving landscape character.

More information on the Board’s policies, actions andtasks in relation to rural land management can be found in the Rural Land Management Section.

17


18

Pressures from development, changing lifestyles and transportationBy virtue of being a nationally designated landscape, the character of the Cotswolds AONB has a considerabledegree of protection through national, regional and localpolicies. However, external pressures continue to need to be considered and addressed. Such pressures includethe following:

• The UK population is projected to increase by 10% (5 million) by 2026.9 Of this, a 750,000 increase isexpected to be in the South West Region. 10 (Similarincreases are expected in the South East and WestMidlands.) Much of the increase in population in ruralareas is the result of migration for lifestyle reasons,including retirement. The scale of developmentrequired to provide housing, employment and servicesto this expanding population will be considerable.

Policy

GLOP1: That the likely impact of globalisation on agricultural land use in the AONB is understood and a strategicresponse is in place.

Action

GLOA1: To analyse published research by 2009 tobetter understand and disseminate the implications ofglobalisation on the special qualities of the Cotswoldsand by 2010 agree an action plan to implementmeasures to adapt to these impacts, and identify theeffect of these measures on existing landscapecharacter.

Tasks

GLOT1: Analyse published research into the likelyimpacts of globalisation on the Cotswolds landscape.

GLOT2: Develop policy responses to mitigate and adaptto the identified impacts of globalisation onagricultural land use.

9 Office for National Statistics, 2001.

10 Draft South West Regional Spatial Strategy 2006.

Climate change - globalisation

Forces for change

19

• The towns and cities of Swindon, Bath, Keynsham,Yate, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Evesham, Banbury,Oxford and Chippenham which surround the AONBare all expected to accommodate significant housingand employment development in the next 20 years. 11

• Whilst housing and employment development withinthe villages of the AONB is likely to address only localneeds, Cotswold market towns such as ChippingNorton, Broadway, Winchcombe, Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford and Tetbury, can be expected toaccommodate significant new development.

• The increasing demand for more reliable journey timesbetween employment centres will lead to pressure forroad widening and other ‘improvement’ schemes onmajor roads in the AONB.

• Increased prosperity enjoyed by some of thepopulation leads to other environmental impacts, such as more over-flights by aircraft of all kinds, theuse of roads and rights of way for motorised leisurepursuits, and competition for housing.

Unless effectively managed, all of these pressures willwork cumulatively to impact adversely on both thelandscape character and tranquillity of the area. TheBoard’s role is to ensure that the conservation andenhancement of the landscape is incorporated intostrategies and plans produced by other agencies andbodies which address these issues.12

12 More information on the Board’s policies, actions and tasks in relation to Development and Transport can be found on pg54.

Policy

PP1: That the conservation and enhancement of the AONB and its special qualities is fully taken into account instrategies, plans and guidance produced to address development, transport and service provision in and around the AONB.

Action

PPA1: Encourage and assist Government, regionalagencies and local authorities when devising theirpolicies, plans and strategies and implementing them,to understand and take properly into account thepurpose of the designation of the Cotswolds AONB.

Tasks

PPT1: Be actively involved in the preparation of policies,plans and strategies for planning, transport andservice provision affecting the AONB.

PPT2: Produce and promote position statements on issues affecting the AONB.

PPT3: Respond consistently and constructively toconsultations on planning and transport matters,using position statements as the basis for responses.

11 Regional Spatial Strategies set out the broad location of development for 20-year periods.

Climate change - development pressures

20

Conserving and enhancing


22


Vision:The Cotswolds will be widely recognised as a place where:

• The underlying geology, cultural and natural features combine harmoniously with thepredominantly oolitic limestone construction of the villages, farms and drystone walls ina uniquely distinctive way which is a delight for people in which to live, work and play.

• The landscape is appropriately managed through a thriving rural economy to conserveand enhance the distinctive characteristics of the Cotswold landscape, and where themanagement requirements and recreational value of the landscape are widelyunderstood and appreciated.

• The sustainable management of natural resources involves the effective and efficientuse of minerals, energy, waste products, soil and water.

• The transport network promotes sustainable local access to services, industry,employment, leisure and tourism opportunities.

• All new development is planned to meet local social and economic needs, enhances andrespects the special qualities of the AONB and reflects the distinctive style of the builtand natural environment.

• In the context of a coherent and sustainably managed historic landscape, thesignificance of the archaeology, distinctive settlements, vernacular buildings andlandscape features is understood and valued.

• A rich diversity of flora and fauna is retained and is subject to a range of measuresdesigned to enhance that diversity.


IntroductionThe first purpose of the Cotswolds Conservation Board is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of theAONB. All of the objectives in this section contribute to achieving this first purpose.

Conserving and enhancing the characteristic Cotswoldsenvironment provides a wide range of benefits that arebeyond monetary value and become of ever greaterimportance as the surrounding urban population growsand rates of change in the wider world accelerate.

These benefits include:

• An internationally important, large-scale managedlandscape.

• Wildlife, geological and cultural resources, many of international importance, which are fragile,irreplaceable within a lifetime and, in the case ofgeological and archaeological sites and the extensivehistoric built environment, finite.

• Helping to meet the water needs of southern England.

• Capturing and storing CO2 from the atmosphere(carbon sequestration) through its woods andvegetation cover.

• A tranquil recreation resource for relaxation andescape in natural surroundings, contributing to thehealth and wellbeing of the population of threeregions and beyond.

The unique harmony of the buildings and landscape ofthe Cotswolds is the reason why it is such an importantresource for public enjoyment and understanding.

ObjectivesThere are important objectives to be reached over thecoming 20 years and beyond if these benefits are tocontinue and increase:

CEO1: National policy continues to support the range of benefits provided by the Cotswolds. These cannot be achieved through the market economy alone.

CEO2: The viability of farming and of livestock and dairyfarming in particular is maintained and thereby theretention of grazing animals to enable farming tocontinue its vital role in managing the grasslandlandscapes of the Cotswolds.

CEO3: The resilience of the Cotswold landscape, habitatsand water environment to the effects of climate changeis increased, through landscape scale restoration, andthe re-linking and management of habitats.

CEO4: All major management decisions take account of the interdependence of different aspects of theenvironment and their contribution to publicunderstanding and enjoyment.

CEO5: Employment and housing is provided, particularlyfor those involved in the promotion and care of thelandscape, as part of a buoyant rural economy and viable communities.

These objectives will have to be met in the context of the measures arising from the forces for change.

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Special qualities:• The unifying character of the limestone geology -

its visible presence as natural outcrops, through its use as a building material and through the plant and animal communities it supports.

• The Cotswold Escarpment.

• The high wolds - an elevated landscape with largeopen landscapes, commons, expansive skies and longdistance views.

• River valleys, the majority forming the headwaters of the Thames.

• Drystone walls, which give the AONB its essentialcharacter in many areas.

• Internationally important flower-rich limestonegrasslands.

• Internationally important ancient broadleavedwoodland, particularly along the top of theescarpment.

• Variations in the colour of the stone from one part of the AONB to another which add a vital element of local distinctiveness.

• The tranquillity3 of the area.

• Arable and livestock farms managed withconsideration for biodiversity.

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Landscape

The Cotswolds represents the best known section of the oolitic limestone band thatextends across England from Dorset to the North Sea. Natural and man-made outcrops,along with more recent fluvial deposits, landslip and river processes, make up theunderlying framework of geodiversity.1

The western face of the Cotswolds forms a prominent escarpment overlooking the Valesof Berkeley, Gloucester and Evesham, the Severn Estuary and Wales beyond. Historicvillages shelter under the edge of the escarpment and beech woods and grassland line its face, while Cheltenham, Stroud and Bath enjoy a magnificent backdrop nestling withindeeply incised valleys that extend into the heart of the escarpment. The AONB includesparts of, and provides a setting of hills for, the City of Bath World Heritage Site.

The landscape of the Cotswolds is the result of millions of years of natural evolutionaryand climatic processes and thousands of years of human settlement and use. It is a rich mosaic of historical, social, economic, cultural, geological, geomorphological2 andecological features. Consideration of the area’s landscape needs to take account of theway these varied elements display a unique harmony.

1 The geology of the Cotswolds AONB is detailed in the report ‘The geological and geomorphological importance of the Cotswolds AONB’, CCB (2006).

2 Geomorphology is the physical features of an area, strongly influenced by geology.

3 Tranquillity is very difficult to define but is essentially the absence of inappropriate noise, development, visual clutter and pollution, “a feeling of being away from it all”.


Landscape

The Natural England ‘Countryside Quality Counts’programme assessed the character of the CotswoldsJoint Character Area to have been “enhanced” between1999 and 20034. Further assessments may be publishedby Natural England at five-yearly intervals.

The AONB contains 36 Geological ConservationReview/Geological Sites of Special Scientific Interest(SSSIs) and 84 Regionally Important Geological Sites(RIGS). Consideration will be given during the lifetime of the Management Plan to securing Geopark status for the most geologically significant part of the AONB.

A Landscape Character Assessment was published in2004, taking account of previous character assessmentsfor the AONB, including the Historic Landscape CharacterAssessment, and using the national landscape typology.5

It identified 19 landscape character types, within whichthere are 68 separate landscape character areas.

To provide a spatial dimension for this plan, LandscapeStrategy and Guidelines for each landscape characterarea have6 been produced by the Board. These set out detailed guidance for the conservation andenhancement of the distinctive characteristics identifiedin the landscape character types. They will be subject to review during the lifetime of the plan, particularly to take account of anticipated climate change impacts.

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4 Only 16 out of 159 JCAs were assessed to be “enhanced” between 2000 and 2003; see www.cqc.org.uk.

5 ‘Landscape Character Assessment Guidance’, Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage, 2002.

6 Landscape Strategy and Guidelines for all landscape character types are available on the Board's website at www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk.


Key issues7

LK1: Landscape and rural land use are inextricably linked.Changes in agriculture and forestry will inevitably havean impact on the appearance of the landscape in thefuture, with some changes being seasonal and othersincremental. Rural land management proposals, such astree planting, need to be carefully assessed against theBoard’s Landscape Strategy and Guidelines and otherguidance to ensure that they conserve and enhance thenatural beauty and landscape character of the AONB.

LK2: It is important to protect the appearance of theescarpment and other skylines from both inappropriatedevelopments and inappropriate landscapemanagement, including telecommunication masts andwind turbines, and to reduce the impact of existingstructures.

LK3: The surroundings of the AONB are also important to its landscape character and quality. Views out of theAONB and into it from surrounding areas can be verysignificant. Development proposals that affect views into and out of the AONB need to be carefully assessedin line with Planning Policy Statement 7 to ensure thatthey conserve and enhance the natural beauty andlandscape character of the AONB.

LK4: Development can damage the landscape, includingthe settings of settlements. While some development isneeded to ensure a viable rural economy and can providebenefits such as affordable housing8, renewable energyand local stone, rigorous assessment of need and of any impacts - in line with Planning Policy Statement 7and the Board’s Landscape Strategy and Guidelines and other published guidance - is required.

LK5: Tranquillity is under pressure from increasing noise,light and traffic. In 2006 the Campaign to Protect RuralEngland introduced a more refined methodology formeasuring tranquillity. The ‘Tranquillity map of theCotswolds AONB’ shows areas where tranquillity isreduced by the impact of major roads, urban areas and aircraft over-flying.

LK6: Large holdings of 100 hectares or more control 24%of the agricultural land within the AONB and a further18% is in holdings from 50 to 100 hectares.9 The way in which these areas are managed is therefore veryimportant to the overall natural beauty of the area.Increasing numbers of small land holdings can result in a less coherently managed landscape.

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7 Further information on the issues is available on the Board’s website at www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk.

8 As defined in Planning Policy Statement 3.9 Defra Census (June 2002.)


Landscape

LK7: The loss of traditional skills is perhaps the mostsignificant issue for the future management of thelandscape. With increasing migration of workers to the towns, traditional crafts and skills are being lost from communities within the AONB. Such workers areoften less well paid and are forced to move out becauseof high house prices. A revival in such skills, and theability to make a living from using them, should beencouraged. In-migration of agricultural/land workersfrom across Europe may provide new opportunities tosource rural skills. Access to training opportunities needsto be made available to all members of the community,tailored as necessary to their diverse needs.

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Policy

LP1: That the unique character, tranquillity, and special qualities of the Cotswolds landscape are conserved and enhanced.

Actions

LA1: Rigorously assess development proposals 10

and changes in land management that would havemajor implications for the Cotswold landscape, bothindividually and cumulatively, and/or would set animportant precedent for future proposals that wouldadversely affect the special qualities, geology ortranquility of the AONB.

LA2: Encourage the use of published landscape andland management guidance which interprets andapplies landscape character assessments.

LA3: Monitor landscape change at five-yearly intervalscommencing at the start of the plan period.

Tasks

LT1: Respond to all consultations on such proposals fordevelopment and land management changes to securethe conservation and enhancement of the landscape.

LT2: Publish, review, monitor and assess the use ofLandscape Strategy and Guidelines for all landscapecharacter types in the AONB.

LT3: Secure Geopark status for the most geologicallysignificant part of the Cotswolds AONB.

LT4: Set up and implement a landscape monitoringsystem, including on a parish basis.

10 See ‘Development and Transport’ section for further consideration of ‘development’.

Landscape

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!!

!

!

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KENNET

COTSWOLD

STROUD

MENDIP

NORTH WILTSHIRE

WYCHAVON

WEST OXFORDSHIRE

TEWKESBURY

WEST WILTSHIRE

STRATFORD-ON-AVON

FOREST OF DEAN

SWINDON

CHERWELL

VALE OF WHITE HORSE

TEST VALLEY

WEST BERKSHIRE

MALVERN HILLS

SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE

SALISBURY

COUNTY OF HEREFORDSHIRE

BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET

BASINGSTOKE AND DEANE

CHELTENHAM

GLOUCESTER

WORCESTER

CITY OF BRISTOL

CHERWELL

WINCHESTER

SOUTH NORTHAMPTONSHIRE


OXFORD

NORTH SOMERSET

Witney

Tetbury

Burford

Broadway

Badminton

Charlbury

Marshfield

Winchcombe

Northleach

Bishop's Cleeve Chipping Norton

Stow-on-the-Wold

Moreton-in-Marsh

Chipping Campden

Wotton-under-Edge


Cotswolds AONBLandscape Character Area Assessment

Based upon Ordnance Survey map with permission of the Controller of H.M.S.O. © Crown copyright Reproduced under licence No. 100040971

DATE

0 10 205KilometresMap produced by the GeoData Institute

MXD: \GIS_Projects\Standard_Maps_MXD\Land_Char_Assessment.mxdPDF: H:\Installed_CotswoldsGIS\GIS_Admin\Reporting\Standard_Maps_PDFs\Land_Char_Assessment.pdf

Landscape Character Area Assessment

AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)

Landscape Character Area

1. Escarpment Outliers

2. Escarpment

3. Rolling Hills and Valleys

4. Enclosed Limestone Valley

5. Settled Valley

6. Ironstone Hills and Valleys

7. High Wold

8. High Wold Valley

9. High Wold Dip-Slope

10.High Wold Dip-Slope Valley

11. Dip-Slope Lowland

12. Dip-Slope Lowland Valley

13. Low Limestone Plateau

14. Cornbrash Lowlands

15. Farmed Slopes

16. Broad Floodplain Valley

17. Pastoral Lowland Vale

18. Settled Unwooded Vale

19. Unwooded Vale

UrbanAreas

District

SRTM Hillshade

Value

High : 238

Low : 107

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Special qualities:• A mix of pasture, arable cultivation and woodland,

with subtle differences in the balance between theseelements from one part of the AONB to another.

• Large estates in the central and north Cotswolds withlong-term and sustained positive management withinthe AONB.

• Large commons along the top of the scarp.

• Small/medium-scale historic field patterns defined by drystone walls and hedges.

• The Cotswold Lion or ‘Cotswold’ breed of sheep.

• Well maintained and sensitively managed farmlandand farm buildings, including traditional barns.

• Ancient woodland, especially beech, is a particularlydistinctive and prominent feature of the scarp andenclosed limestone valleys. Part of this woodland isincluded within the Cotswold Beech Woodland SpecialArea of Conservation, which indicates that it is ofEuropean importance.

• Parkland, including wood pasture, often associatedwith the large estates.

• Veteran trees.

Key issues4

RLMK1: The agricultural economy generally hasexperienced a pronounced period of uncertainty duelargely to the strong pound and increasingly competitiveinternational markets. Under the 2003 reforms of theCommon Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Single PaymentScheme replaces 11 schemes with one new singlepayment. Farmers now have greater freedom to farm to the demands of the market as support payments havebeen decoupled from production and environmentallyfriendly farming practices are better acknowledged andrewarded.5 The end of the requirement to ‘set-aside’

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Rural land management

Farming has been the principal influence on the development of the Cotswolds landscape.However, it had generally been in economic decline since the mid-1990s. This wasdramatically accentuated by the effects of BSE and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in 2001. This latter crisis underlined in particular the interdependence of activities within the countryside, especially the key relationship between farming, tourism and recreation.1

Whilst a recovery in farm incomes from arable farming is occurring, problems remain forlivestock farming, crucial for the traditional management of the landscape.2

The type and location of woodland cover in the Cotswolds, which is nearly 9% of landcover3, is an essential element of its landscape character. Woodland cover varies greatlybut its location, particularly along the escarpment, in the enclosed limestone valleysand in significant blocks within the dip landscape, makes it an important feature.

1 Cotswold Farming Study, Cotswolds AONB Partnership (2003).

2 Farm Business Survey Government Office Region Reports 2005/06, Defra.

3 9% of England is wooded; ‘A Strategy for England’s Trees, Woods and Forests’, Defra (2007).

4 For more information on key issues see the Board’s website www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk.

5 An analysis of threats and opportunities of the CAP reforms was undertaken as part of the ‘Cotswold Farming Study’, Cotswolds AONB Partnership (2003).



land from agricultural production will increase farmincomes whilst reducing the biodiversity value offarmland.

The farming and forestry industry is currently facing a recruitment and succession crisis as many farmersapproach retirement age.

Many farmers and landowners in the Cotswolds aredependent upon diversification options to sustain the economics of their farming businesses. An upturn in commodity prices may reduce this dependency. The popularity of the area with tourists presents realopportunities, and there is scope to develop local quality products in view of the area’s affluence.

RLMK2: Changes in farming patterns linked to changesin the economics of particular crops or traditionalfarming practices can potentially lead to changes inlandscape character. Reductions in the numbers oflivestock, partly due to changes in agricultural supportmechanisms, are having a detrimental impact in someareas. If unmanaged, limestone grassland deteriorates in biodiversity value. Reversion to grass from arablewhere appropriate is hampered by difficulties in re-stocking and a shortage of skills.

Stone walls and hedgerows have been removed andoften replaced by wire fences as a result of the creationof large fields. Hedges have also been left unmanaged,since they are no longer used to contain stock. Therehave been changes in the agricultural crops grown,including the widespread use of oilseed rape and anincrease in maize grown for forage.

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Energy crops such as short rotation coppice, Miscanthusand straw could become important crops over the nextfew years. The contribution made by these materials in reducing carbon emissions would be reduced if theyhave to be transported over long distances to be utilised.

More mechanisation, improved efficiency and pressuresto reduce costs have led to contract farming and adeclining local workforce. This decline in workforcenumbers can mean that there is insufficient labour orskills available on the farm to carry out much of the worknecessary to maintain the landscape and associatedhabitats.

RLMK3: Farmers markets6 and campaigns such as ‘Tasteof the West’7 and ‘Buy Local’8 encourage consumers topurchase locally sourced food. This helps forge closerlinks between producers and customers. It can increaseconsumers’ understanding of the countryside, how foodis produced and where food comes from.

RLMK4: Many types of woodland are either under-managed or not managed at all. This is due tomany factors but especially to the loss of appropriatemarkets for woodland products. New or developingmarkets for low-grade timber, such as wood fuel, are essential for the viable management of manybroadleaved woodlands. In most cases restoration ofneglected woodland and new woodland planting is

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6 www.farmersmarkets.net

7 www.tasteofthewest.co.uk

8 www.bbc.co.uk/gloucestershire/focus/foodanddrink/2003/05/buy_local/buy_local.shtml



not economically viable without government support.Country sports can be a source of additional revenue.Indeed these are often a prime reason for activemanagement of woodland given the difficult marketconditions for timber and other woodland products.Recreational uses of woodland could raise income, butcare needs to be taken to minimise the impact of noiseand disturbance and prevent inappropriate developmentand effects on biodiversity within the AONB. A furtherissue is the need for deer management and grey squirrelcontrol. Regeneration of broadleaved woodland can bethreatened by excessive numbers of deer which browsecoppice regrowth and prevent natural regeneration andby failure to control the numbers of grey squirrels whichstrip bark.

RLMK5: Some recent shelter-belt planting and woodlandplanting does not take proper account of its landscapesetting and in particular its effects on traditional openviews across the Cotswolds. Additional woodlandplanting in the AONB should only be permitted providingthe location, scale and design is appropriate to thelandscape character. Care must also be taken in thelocation of new planting to protect sites of historic,ecological and archaeological importance. Emphasisshould be given to restoring existing ancient woodlandrather than creating additional woodland.

The Board has published guidelines for tree planting foreach of the landscape character types identified in theAONB Landscape Character Assessment.9 Single treesand small groups of trees within hedgerows and fields, especially veteran trees, can make a particularlysignificant contribution to the appearance of somelandscape character types.

RLMK6: Woods and forests have the potential to helpimplement renewable energy policies, by providing woodfor fuel as an alternative to fossil fuels. Trees can bereplaced or may re-grow after being cut and woods and forests are beginning to play an important role in

helping deliver renewable energy in the AONB especiallythrough local heating. Fuel sourced from existing woodsshould be seen as a complement to growing energycrops, such as Willow and Miscanthus, which can providea new use for agricultural land. The development of alocally based supply chain will be of benefit. The Boardhas issued a position statement setting out criteria to beconsidered when assessing the impact of a proposedMiscanthus crop on the AONB. Firewood supply is auseful business opportunity in rural areas and woodfuelsystems geared to domestic use could become asubstitute for fossil fuel heating.10

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9 www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/files/uploads/Woodland-text.pdf 10 ‘South West Regional Woodland and Forestry Framework’, Forestry Commission (2005).


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Policies

RLMP1: That viable, sustainable farming that meets environmental standards remains one of the principal land uses within the Cotswolds AONB and contributes to maintaining the quality of the landscape.

RLMP2: That rural land management that conserves and enhances natural resources including biodiversity andlandscape character, and aids public enjoyment of the Cotswolds AONB is supported and rewarded.

RLMP3: That all landscape management is in accordance with guidance based on landscape character assessmentswhich identify the special qualities of the Cotswolds landscape.

RLMP4: That a sustainable rural economy, which provides economic viability whilst enhancing the Cotswoldslandscape and biodiversity, is developed.

RLMP5: That the conservation and enhancement of ancient woodland, parkland, hedgerow, urban and veteran trees is undertaken to maintain their landscape, ecological and cultural value.

RLMP6: That the skills required to care for and promote the landscape and its special qualities are increased, with opportunities to acquire and develop such skills available to all.

Actions

RLMA1: Pursue the adoption of land managementpolicies and funding regimes at the national andregional level which reflect AONB priorities.

RLMA2: Identify and support opportunities forCotswold land managers to diversify their businessesin ways that are compatible with AONB objectives.

RLMA3: Pursue and support landscape managementthat takes account of sustainable economic, social andenvironmental objectives and is supported by advice,grants and strategies.

Tasks

RLMT1: Take part in regional and local fora to advancepolicy and practice in the AONB.

RLMT2: Respond to consultations on new supportmechanisms and strategies including any proposals for the revision or replacement of the EnvironmentalStewardship scheme.

RLMT3: Provide and promote guidance on farmdiversification.

RLMT4: Provide and promote guidance on sustainablelandscape management.

RLMT5: Take part in regional and local woodland fora.

RLMT6: Respond to consultations on proposals for newstrategies and grant schemes.




35

RLMA4: Encourage and support actions to protect and manage limestone grassland, ancient and semi-natural woodland, veteran trees and importantindividual trees.

RLMA5: Encourage and support the development ofmarkets for timber, wood fuel and other woodlandproducts and services and other income generatinguses for woodland, including access, which encouragessustainable management and economic viability.

RLMA6: Encourage and support tree and woodlandplanting which is in accordance with landscapecharacter assessments and guidelines.

RLMA7: Encourage suitable training provision for landmanagement and building skills where skill shortagesare identified, and make such training accessible to allmembers of the community.

RLMT7: Provide and promote published guidance on limestone grassland, ancient and semi-naturalwoodland and veteran tree management.

RLMT8: Provide and promote guidance on sustainablewoodland product marketing.

RLMT9: Revise and promote woodland plantingguidance in the light of known climate changeimpacts. 11

RLMT10: Develop and implement a programme givingopportunities for residents within and around theAONB to obtain rural skills.

Note: Policy RLMP4, Actions RLMA2, 3 and 5, and TasksRLMT3, 4, and 8 particularly contribute to the social andeconomic wellbeing of those living and working in theAONB by promoting a viable rural economy.

Policy RLMP6, Action RLMA7 and Task RLMT10 foster the social and economic wellbeing of those living andworking in the AONB by providing employment andactive leisure opportunities.

11 See ‘Forces for Change’ section for more information and responses to climate change.


Alongside energy efficiency, renewable energy sources are now seen by Government as a priority for reducingcarbon emissions by 60% by 2050 and to maintain reliableenergy supplies.2 Nationally it is expected that the mainsources of renewable energy will be provided by:

• Biomass - wood from existing forests, energy crops such as short rotation coppice, and forestry andagricultural residues including straw and broiler litter.

• Wind energy - including on-shore grid connectedturbines, small-scale on-site generators and large off-shore wind farms.

• Solar energy - including photovoltaic/active waterheating systems and building space heating (passivesolar design).

• Ground source heat pumps

Other sources, of more limited potential, may include

• Small-scale hydro through water driven turbines

• Anaerobic digestion plants fuelled by slurry or sewage.

Special qualitiesThe following aspects of resources within the CotswoldsAONB are considered distinctive:

High-quality building stone - seams of high-qualitylimestone occur within the AONB and have beenquarried extensively for centuries. These represent a very valuable resource. It is important to maintainsupplies of high-quality building stone to ensure thatrepairs and new buildings can be constructed in a waythat is in keeping with their distinctive surroundings,particularly within the Cotswolds area itself, but also at important sites elsewhere.

Good quality water - the Cotswolds AONB is renownedfor its high-quality sources of water. The riversthroughout the area are largely fed by flow from deep in the limestone aquifers. The waters from the aquifersare largely of a very high quality, which sustain a diverseecosystem within the rivers. The aquifers are also a veryimportant source of drinking water for extensive areasoutside the AONB. For these reasons it is essential thatthe water quality of the aquifers and the rivers areprotected.

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Natural resources

The principle of conserving natural resources within the Cotswolds AONB and using them in the most sustainable way is fundamental to the future management of resourceswithin the area. Natural environmental systems, resources and the biodiversity of theAONB should be protected from adverse change and enhanced, wherever possible.Human activity is having an adverse impact on natural resource functions such as thecarbon cycle. Increased importance is placed on maintaining resources, (such as quarryproducts, soils and water), encouraging renewable energy sources, managing noise, lightand atmospheric pollution, and dealing with waste creation and disposal in a sustainableway. Carbon management is particularly crucial to reduce and mitigate climate change.1

1 See ‘Forces for Change’ section for more information and the Board’s response to climate change.

2 Energy White Paper, ‘Meeting the Energy Challenge’, Department of Trade and Industry (2007).


Natural resources

High average wind speeds - offer a potential energygeneration source in parts of the AONB but one whichrequires very careful consideration in relation to thelandscape impact of any proposals. Highest averagewind speeds are achieved on the escarpment, where the adverse visual impact of wind turbines would begreatest. In a national context, however, the area as a whole is not one of those with the highest average wind speeds.

Key issues3

NRK1: A key issue is future quarrying within the AONB.Planning Policy Statement 7 and Minerals Planning PolicyStatement 1 require that an overriding national need mustbe established before further quarrying can take place.

As a mineral operation, quarrying is subject to policiesestablished by county and unitary authorities acting as Minerals Planning Authorities within Minerals Local Development Frameworks. Minerals planningapplications are also determined by these authorities.They must balance the supply of minerals withsafeguarding the environment.

To ensure continued supplies of suitable high-qualitybuilding stone and in recognition of the basic principlethat minerals can only be worked where they occur,existing quarries within the AONB must continue tooperate effectively.

The Board has adopted a Position Statement on MineralsPlanning.4 This makes it clear that the Board is opposed

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3 More information on key issues can be found on the Board’s website www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

4 Minerals and Waste Position Statement can be viewed on the Board’s website www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk


to the development of quarries predominantly for thewinning of crushed limestone (aggregates) within orwhich affect the setting of the AONB. The Board alsowishes to see Local Minerals Development Documentssupport the provision of small-scale quarries and delvesto supply natural building, walling and roofing stone forpredominantly local projects.

NRK2: The presence of a significant number of urbanareas close to the AONB can result in pressure to importwaste into the AONB, particularly to former quarrylocations. Such action results in additional lorry trafficwithin the AONB and its immediate surroundings. Thereare implications for the groundwater resource becauseof the permeable nature of limestone. This represents aconstraint on the disposal of non-inert waste material

at such sites unless clay is imported to line landfill sites,which is costly. As sites for waste disposal generallybecome scarcer this will become an increasinglyimportant issue.

The Board’s Position Statement on Minerals and WastePlanning, makes it clear that the Board supportsinitiatives to increase rates of reuse and recycling of waste, whilst resisting the importation of waste,including green waste, from adjoining urban areas into the AONB.

NRK3: The Energy White Paper 2007 makes clear that the Government considers that the use of energyefficiency and conservation measures will be necessaryto bring about a significant reduction in carbonemissions by both businesses and households.

There is also a national drive towards more sustainableand renewable sources of energy. Planning PolicyStatement 22 (PPS22) calls for local and regional policies to promote and encourage rather than restrictrenewables development, and does not rule outrenewable energy projects in AONBs. This guidanceindicates that permission should only be granted wherethe objectives of designation will not be compromisedand any significant adverse effects are clearlyoutweighed by the environmental, social and economicbenefits.

The Board encourages householders, businesses andcommunity groups to use energy efficiency andconservation measures to reduce demand for energy.The Board has issued guidance on renewable energytechnologies it considers may be suitable for theCotswolds AONB. It has also issued a position statementsetting out criteria to be considered when assessing theimpact of a proposed Miscanthus crop on the AONB5. The area of Oil Seed Rape being grown may increase tomeet demand for biofuel.

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5 See the Board’s website www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk


Natural resources

NRK4: The AONB is characterised by rivers of high waterquality that are fed from important aquifers deep in thelimestone geology. As well as providing water to supportthe diverse ecology of the watercourses, the aquifers arealso a vital source of drinking water for the AONB and for extensive areas beyond in the wider catchments. The rivers often suffer from natural ‘low flows’ as levelsin the aquifers drop during drought periods. All of the AONB is within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ). The aim of this designation is to prevent excess nitratefrom entering drinking water; it also protects rivers andthe ecology from the damaging impacts of increasednutrient levels. Siltation of watercourses can also be anissue in places. Climate change may well accentuatemany of the problems outlined above, so measures toreduce run-off and conserve water should be pursued.

NRK5: It is government policy that England’s soils will be protected and managed to optimise the variousfunctions that soils perform for society. Historically,these functions have been thought of as supporting

agriculture and forestry, protecting the cultural heritage, supporting biodiversity and as a platform for construction.6 However, it is fast becoming clear that there is a close connection between soils andvarious aspects of climate change, which adds to theirsignificance. Thus well managed soils store carbon,whilst poorly managed soils release it; soils areparticularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change,with increased run-off due to heavier rainfall events; and soils that are eroded degrade the quality of riverwater, affecting aquatic life, fisheries and water supply.

Protection of the quality of soils, and indeed of soilsthemselves, is therefore an increasingly important issuefor the AONB, especially where soils are thin, vulnerableand susceptible to erosion. Damage to soils, and therelease of carbon from soils, can be reduced by propermanagement techniques, such as appropriate ploughing.The Environment Agency and Defra provide best practiceadvice on these issues in accordance with the NationalSoil Strategy and Soil Action Plan.

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6 ‘The First Soil Action Plan for England: 2004-2006’, Defra.


40

Policies

NRP1: That the exploitation of natural resources is managed so as to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the AONB.

NRP2: That carbon emissions from activities within the AONB are reduced through a combination of reducing energyconsumption by applying energy conservation measures and encouraging more sustainable patterns of development,together with renewable energy generation by technologies that are of an appropriate scale for their siting.

NRP3: That less waste is produced through waste minimisation and recycling of waste materials generated by residentsand visitors, construction and redevelopment, agriculture and tourism providers. Any residual waste is disposed oflocally where there is no harm to the distinctive characteristics of the AONB.

NRP4: That soils are used sustainably by maintaining the protection and management of soils within a range of landuses so as to reflect good agricultural practice and to minimise the direct pollution of soils and loss of this irreplaceablenatural resource through soil erosion.

Actions

NRA1: Encourage and support the reduction, reuse and recycling of waste through policies in Waste LocalDevelopment Plan Documents, including the localdisposal of residual waste where this will ensurereduced traffic impact and will result in no harm to the distinctive characteristics of the AONB.

NRA2: Encourage and support energy conservationmeasures, more sustainable patterns of development,and appropriate scale renewable energy generation in order to help meet national and regional targets for energy consumption and generation and mitigatethe impact of climate change.

NRA3: Encourage and support, through policies in Minerals Local Development Plan Documentsproduced by Minerals Planning Authorities, thesafeguarding of supplies of natural building androofing stone from sources of appropriate location and scale for historic repair and preservation purposes.Further, to maintain local distinctiveness where no harm is caused to the landscape and traffic isminimised, whilst discouraging the extension ofquarrying for crushed rock and aggregates, exceptwhere required in the national interest.

Tasks

NRT1: Contribute to the preparation of Waste LocalDevelopment Plan Documents.

NRT2: Provide and promote guidance on energyconservation and renewable energy generation with particular reference to the need to conserve and enhance the distinctive characteristics of the AONB.

NRT3: Contribute to the preparation of RegionalSpatial Strategies, Minerals Local Development PlanDocuments, and Local Development Frameworks.

Natural Resources


Natural resources

41

NRA4: Support appropriate measures to protect waterresources and maintain water quality and minimiseflood risk as set out in Catchment AbstractionManagement Strategies and River Basin ManagementPlans and other measures.

NRA5: Support measures to conserve soil quality as set out in the Soil Strategy and Action Plan forEngland.

NRT4: Contribute to the preparation of CatchmentAbstraction Management Strategies and River BasinManagement Plans and similar plans.

NRT5: Promote guidance on soil conservationmeasures.


Information on the historic environment is held in Historic Environment Records (HERs), which aremaintained by the county and unitary councils. Listedbuildings and conservation areas are the responsibility of district and unitary councils.

Some archaeological sites of national importance areScheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs). Advice on thesesites can be obtained from English Heritage. However,the majority of the archaeological sites in the AONB are

not scheduled; information on them and further advicecan be obtained from the relevant local authority HER.Landowners should be encouraged to consult HERs.

The AONB designation recognises the importance of thisheritage and reinforces the need to protect and managecharacteristic features. Protection and conservation ofbuildings and settlements is largely administeredthrough planning legislation and regulations.

42

Historic environment

Shaped by more than 5,000 years of human activity, the Cotswolds AONB contains a wealth of archaeological sites, historic buildings and landscapes and, uniquely among the country’s protected landscapes, provides the setting for two World Heritage Sites:Blenheim Palace to the east, and the City of Bath in the south-west.



However, there are many aspects of the management ofthis heritage that can be influenced by this ManagementPlan. The forthcoming Heritage Bill may change thelegislative regime for scheduling ancient monumentsand listing historic buildings.

Historic landscape character assessment is a tool todescribe changes in the landscape over time, and toidentify those elements of the historic landscape whichcontribute to local distinctiveness as described inlandscape character assessments. A historic landscapeassessment of the AONB has been completed but not yet published. The Board has issued Landscape Strategiesand Guidelines which incorporate advice on the historicenvironment for each of the landscape character areasidentified in the Cotswolds Landscape CharacterAssessment.

Special qualities:• The Cotswolds is rich in archaeological and historical

sites of all periods and contains one of the mostimportant groups of Neolithic chambered cairns in the country, and a major group of Roman villas.

• During the Middle Ages and in the sixteenth andseventeenth centuries the area was predominantly a pastoral and sporting landscape. This is reflected in its market towns, gentry houses, field systems,commons, drove roads and woodland.

• The great estates of Blenheim to the east andBadminton in the south-west dominated parts of the area in the eighteenth century.

• The decline of the pastoral economy and thecomparative absence of industrialisation led to the survival into the late nineteenth century of anunusually high proportion of relatively unalteredseventeenth and early eighteenth century buildings. As a result, the Cotswolds came to be recognised as the quintessential pre-industrial English landscape.

Local distinctivenessIn 2003 the Cotswolds AONB Partnership published a study ‘Local Distinctiveness and Landscape Change’. 1

The aim of the study was to assist understanding ofwhat it is that makes the Cotswolds AONB different from other parts of the country, with particular reference to the built environment.

The study emphasised that “distinctiveness is essentiallyabout the nature of the landscape, as defined andunderstood in its broadest sense. The built environmentand its elements are part of the landscape and cannot be considered in isolation from its characterisation. Theircontribution to local distinctiveness must be understoodin the context of the landscape character types.”

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1 www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/local_distinctiveness_landscape_change/index.html


Similar considerations apply to landscape features suchas woodland, wood pasture and belt planting, all ofwhich are historical in origin and critical to landscapecharacter.

The report categorised local distinctiveness of the builtenvironment in terms of the following key themes:

Settlement: The importance of the internal and externalform of the various types of settlement found within the AONB in relation to where they are located in thelandscape. Definite links between the type of settlementform and physical location of eight types of settlementwithin different landscape character types wereidentified.

Boundaries: This includes the drystone walls, hedges andother types of boundary that subdivide the landscape,whether or not they occur within settlements, parklandor farmland. The approximate distribution of drystonewalls and hedges in the landscape were identified.

Roofs and walls: Roofs and walls are elements that playthe greatest part in defining the distinctive appearanceof buildings within the AONB. The distribution over the AONB of different types of roof covering and various types of walling was examined. The historicalimportance of quarrying in defining the character of the area was emphasised.

Key issues2

HEK1: HERs are key sources that need adequateresources. Limited resources have led to a cessation of the Monuments Protection Programme by EnglishHeritage. This has delayed designation and statutoryprotection of new monuments and their settings.

Awareness of sources of information on archaeologicalresources is limited. There is a need to promote betterawareness of HERs as a key source (while acknowledgingthat these often record some types of heritage betterthan others, so other sources should also be used).

Understanding needs to be raised, particularly amongstlandowners and managers.

Local authorities are encouraged to produce local lists of non-designated buildings and sites of local interest.

HEK2: Ploughing and other cultivations can seriouslyaffect archaeological sites, including loss of ridge and furrow and permanent pasture.

Lack of grazing leads to the development of scrub. This can mean that archaeological sites become harderto recognise when overgrown and are prone to severedamage if trees or shrubs establish themselves.Overgrazing, on the other hand, can result in erosion. Burrowing animals such as badgers and rabbits are also an increasing problem, causing damage tounderground remains.

44

2 More information on key issues is set out on the Board’s website www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk



The recreational use of sites and excessive visitorpressure can lead to erosion.

New woodland planting and forestry operations,including short rotation coppice and other energy crops such as Miscanthus, can damage the historicenvironment.3

Opportunities should be taken to raise the awareness of landowners, for example through the guidancepublished by English Heritage, the former AONBPartnership and Gloucestershire Archaeology Service.4

Agri-environment schemes should also seek greateropportunities to improve the management of historicsites.

HEK3: Careful planning and design is required to ensurethat development pressure does not adversely affect thetraditional character of villages and other settlementsthroughout the AONB. There is a threat to surviving,unconverted traditional farm buildings because although government guidance requires thatemployment is considered before other uses, thegreatest demand is for residential occupation. This canresult in unsympathetic conversions. Features that givetowns and villages their distinctive character need to berespected and accommodated by new development.Production of Design Guidance, Conservation AreaAppraisals, Village Design Statements and Parish Planscan assist in achieving sensitive development.

45

3 See ‘Forces for Change’ section for information on the Board’s response to climate change impacts.

4 ‘Archaeology & farming - A guide to the care and management of archaeological sites’, English Heritage/Gloucestershire County Council (2003).


Planning permissions need to be subject to assessmentof the archaeological and historical implications of thesite and its surroundings, otherwise they can damagethe archaeological sites, historic towns and landscapesthat are crucial to the character of the area.

46

The introduction of renewable energy micro-generationtechnologies could have adverse impacts on the historicenvironment unless care is taken with siting and design.

Policies

HEP1: That change is managed in ways that protect, conserve and enhance the historic environment and the culturalheritage of the AONB.

HEP2: That the wealth of historic resources in the Cotswolds AONB is better identified, recorded, and understood.

Actions

HEA1: Provide support and assistance for theconservation, restoration and interpretation ofsignificant local features within the AONB.

HEA2: Encourage the adequate provision of historicenvironment advice across the whole of the AONB to ensure adequate protection and recording of anysignificant remains.

HEA3: Encourage and support the development of acomprehensive set of Historic Environment Records for the AONB which is maintained in a secure andeasily accessible form.

Tasks

HET1: Encourage new land management and agri-environment schemes to include measures to encourage the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment.

HET2: Work with the Boards Historic EnvironmentWorking Group to identify and implementprogrammes of work in relation to the disseminationof best practice relating to the conservation andenhancement of the historic environment in the AONB.

HET3: Encourage English Heritage to accelerate thescheduling of ancient monuments and the review of listed buildings.

HET4: Encourage English Heritage and the localauthorities to provide an adequate level of historicenvironment services.

HET5: Work with the Historic Environment WorkingGroup to secure the Historic Environment Record forthe Cotswolds AONB.


47

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KENNET

COTSWOLD

STROUD

NORTH WILTSHIRE

WYCHAVON

MENDIP

WEST OXFORDSHIRE

TEWKESBURY

STRATFORD-ON-AVON

FOREST OF DEAN

WEST WILTSHIRE

SWINDON

CHERWELL

VALE OF WHITE HORSE

WEST BERKSHIRE

MALVERN HILLS

TEST VALLEY



SALISBURY



CHELTENHAM

GLOUCESTER

WORCESTER

CITY OF BRISTOL

CHERWELL



WINCHESTER

OXFORD

WARWICK

NORTH SOMERSET

Witney

Tetbury

Burford

Broadway

Badminton

Charlbury

Marshfield

Winchcombe

Northleach


Stow-on-the-Wold

Moreton-in-Marsh

Chipping Campden

Wotton-under-Edge


Cotswolds AONB

Historic Environment


DATE


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Historic Environment


Historic Battlefield

Listed Building (area)

! Listed Building

Record of Scheduled Monument

District Boundary

Urban Area


48

Biodiversity

The AONB supports a range of habitats and diverse flora and fauna. Many of thesehabitats are under pressure or declining. Many of the sites supporting these habitats arethe remnants of wider areas of semi-natural communities and lower intensity agriculturalpractices. Key habitats have shown a decline in extent and sometimes in condition,especially since the 1940s. Some of these sites are still under threat from active andpassive change, climate change and factors such as changing farming and landmanagement practices. Sites have also become more fragmented as this decline has occurred.

Special qualities:3

The priority habitats are:

• ancient woodlands• unimproved limestone grasslands and meadows• rivers, streams and wetlands• arable fields • areas important for bats (batscapes)• wood pasture, veteran and parkland trees• hedgerows and field margins• field margins

The priority species are:

• farmland birds, such as Skylark, Linnet, Corn Bunting• Pearl Bordered Fritillary• arable plants• Juniper• Cotswold Pennycress• bats• Dormouse• Water Vole• Brown Hare• Otter• limestone grassland butterflies• Violet Click Beetle• White Clawed Crayfish• Bath Asparagus

There are approximately 400 semi-natural grasslandsites of a total area of 30km2 in the Cotswolds. Nearlyhalf of this area (14.5 km2) is notified as Sites of SpecialScientific Interest (SSSIs). Of these 40 sites that are SSSIs,only around 14 are in ‘entirely favourable’ condition.1

Scrub is also an important habitat but invasion,

due to a decline in grazing, is a concern within the‘unfavourable condition’ grasslands.

Regional statistics on farmland bird indicators showedno significant change from 1994 to 2005, except in theWest Midlands region where a 15% decline was recorded.Woodland birds showed a decline over the same periodof 5-10% in the South East and South West.2

1 ‘A Limestone Grassland Strategy for the Cotswolds AONB 2005-9’, Cotswolds Conservation Board (2005).

2 Wild bird indicators for the English regions: 1994-2005, Defra (2006).

3 Priority species and habitats identified from UK and Local Biodiversity Action Plans.


Biodiversity

Designated sitesThere are sites designated under national and Europeanlegislation within the Cotswolds AONB. There are fiveEuropean Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) within theAONB. They are the Cotswold Beechwoods (beechwood),Rodborough Common (limestone grassland), Bath andBradford-on-Avon (bats), Dixton Wood (deadwoodinsects) and Bredon Hill (deadwood insects).

There are two categories of national statutory siteprotection which help to conserve the best wildlifehabitats and geological exposures. These are:

• three National Nature Reserves (NNRs) - CotswoldCommons and Beechwood (near Painswick,Gloucestershire), Bredon Hill (Worcestershire), and Wychwood Forest (near Witney, Oxfordshire)

• SSSIs - 89 in the AONB, including the NNRs.4

There are also two Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) in the AONB.

County Wildlife Sites, Key Wildlife Sites, and Sites ofNature Conservation Importance are identified by countywildlife trusts or the local authorities as having localsignificance for biodiversity. Sites are also protectedbecause they are owned by organisations such as theNational Trust, Woodland Trust and the Wildlife Trusts.

Key issues5

BK1: Characteristic habitats and species are in decline or have been lost because of a range of factors. Changesin farming have been the principal cause. Since 1945large areas of semi-natural habitat have been lost toimprovement and ploughing for arable crops. Globalmarket and notably climate change influences areaffecting crop choice and reducing local distinctiveness

in varieties, with adverse effects on associatedbiodiversity. Development pressures can also lead to loss of habitats. Areas of habitat do survive but are fragmented. This reduces the viability of species and hence their ability to survive and also prevents re-colonisation. Nationally, whilst overall populations of farmland birds may have stabilised, numbers of‘specialist’ farmland birds, such as Corn Bunting,Lapwings, Skylarks and Grey Partridges, have declinedsteeply. The Skylark is a key species in the Cotswolds.

BK2: The condition and ultimately the survival of wildlife habitats can be threatened by inappropriatemanagement, such as overgrazing, lack of grazing andscrub invasion, replanting with conifers, and poormanagement of ancient trees. The Board’s ‘Caring for the Cotswolds’ grasslands project, completed in 2007,illustrated the potential success of using a targetedapproach to improve site management.

49

4 67% of SSSIs in the AONB by area were in ‘favourable’ or ‘unfavourable recovering’ condition in 2005 (South West ProtectedLandscapes Forum data).

5 For more information on key issues see the Board’s website www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk


BK3: Groundwater-fed rivers such as those found in theCotswolds are susceptible to low flows as groundwaterlevels drop following a period of low rainfall. This can be exacerbated by abstraction of water for public supply,agriculture etc. Heavy rainfall in areas of the catchmentwith steep gradients can cause rapid run-off fromagricultural land and urban areas, leading to excessivesediment entering the watercourses. This may smotherimportant river habitats and cause flooding. Goodagricultural practice and sustainable drainage systemscan help to reduce these problems. Climate change maywell increase the low flow problems in the future with a trend for hotter, drier summers evident. Similarly,heavy localised storm events may well become morecommon, leading to flash flooding events.6

BK4: Introduced/invasive non-native species, such asSignal Crayfish, Mink and Japanese Knotweed, can causeproblems.

BK5: Access to areas that are rich in biodiversity adds to the quality of experience for visitors to thecountryside. Visitor pressure at some locations that areimportant for recreation, such as commons, has lead to physical changes in habitat due to wear and tear anddisturbance to sensitive species such as the dormouse.Visitor use can also lead to destructive events such asfires. Visitor pressure needs to be carefully managedthrough a more integrated approach to improve visitorappreciation and enjoyment while managing theimpacts.

BK6: There is limited knowledge about the overallbiodiversity resource of the AONB. This is partly becauseof gaps in survey and analysis and also becauseinformation gathered is usually collated on a countybasis, making it very difficult to extract information on an AONB basis. The key data sets that are critical to AONB management need to be clearly identified.

BK7: Increased membership and interest in organisationsthat support wildlife conservation is occurring. However,there remains limited understanding of how land usemanagement and development policies affect wildlife.

BK8: While the protection and management ofimportant sites and species is an essential task, it is alsoimportant to improve the quality of habitats in the wider landscape. This needs to involve both enlargingand linking important habitats that are fragmented or isolated, restoring those that are damaged ordegraded, and improving the quality of the surroundingenvironment to sustain the wildlife outside of them and to allow natural movement across the landscape in response to forces such as climate change and humanpressures.

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6 See climate change section for more information and the Board’s proposed response.

Darw

in S

mith


Biodiversity

51

Policies

BP1: That UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats and species in the Cotswolds AONB have been maintained and where possible, enhanced, by the end of the plan period.

BP2: That 95% by area of designated sites and UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats in the Cotswolds AONB are in ‘favourable’ or ‘unfavourable improving’ condition by the end of the plan period.

BP3: That a co-ordinated programme of work is in place to restore, recreate, link and buffer UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats and species assemblages.

BP4: That by the end of the plan period, baseline biodiversity data will be available across the AONB in a readily accessible form.

Actions

BA1: Encourage and support action during the planperiod to prevent any further loss and enhance wherepossible designated areas and other areas known tocontain priority Biodiversity Action Plan habitats andspecies when identified within, and adjoining, the AONB.

BA2: Encourage the improvement of priority habitatand species conservation by extending and improvingecological connections between habitats at anappropriate landscape scale.

BA3: Encourage and support measures, includingfinancial subsidies under agri-environment schemes,targeted towards the protection and enhancement of the AONB’s priority habitats and species.

BA4: Encourage the recording of the key prioritybiodiversity resource within the AONB in an easilyaccessible form.

Tasks

BT1: Work with the Board’s Biodiversity Working Groupand other partners to develop and implementprogrammes and projects relating to the priorityhabitats and species.

BT2: Work with the Biodiversity Working Group toachieve consistency in priority habitats and species in Local Biodiversity Action Plans.

BT3: Work with the Biodiversity Working Group toidentify and obtain the datasets critical to AONBbiodiversity management.

BT4: Work with the Biodiversity Working Group andother partners to develop and implement programmesand projects, through the ‘Nature Map’ and otherregional programmes.

BT5: Work with the Biodiversity Working Group andFarming Forum to make representations to Defra and other organisations regarding targeted funding of schemes.

BT6: Work with partner organisations through theBiodiversity Working Group to secure better recordingand interpretation of the biodiversity resource.

Biodiversity

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KENNET

COTSWOLD

STROUD

NORTH WILTSHIRE

WYCHAVON

WEST OXFORDSHIRE

TEWKESBURY

STRATFORD-ON-AVON

MENDIP

SWINDON

CHERWELL

VALE OF WHITE HORSE

FOREST OF DEAN

WEST BERKSHIRE

WEST WILTSHIRE

MALVERN HILLS



TEST VALLEY


SALISBURY


CHELTENHAM

GLOUCESTER

WORCESTER

CHERWELL

CITY OF BRISTOL



OXFORD

WARWICK

Witney

Tetbury

Burford

Broadway

Badminton

Charlbury

Marshfield

Winchcombe

Northleach


Stow-on-the-Wold

Moreton-in-Marsh

Chipping Campden

Wotton-under-Edge


Cotswolds AONBDesignations inc. Ancient Woodlands


DATE February 2008


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Nature Conservation Designations


SAC (Special Areas of Conservation)

SPA (Special Protection Area)

RAMSAR

NNR (National Nature Reserve)

LNR (Local Nature Reserve)

Lowland Dry Acid Grassland

Lowland Calcareous Grassland

Updated Lowland Grassland April 2007

Ancient Woodland

SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest)

Urban Area

District Boundary


Accessibility to the Cotswolds has increased because of motorways and other high speed roads through, andclose to, the AONB. Traffic flows continue to increase.Nationally they rose by 1% between 2005/6 and have increased by 2% on major rural routes and by 3% on minor rural roads in the same period. 1 88% ofhouseholds in the Cotswolds own at least one car, whichis high compared with the national average of 77%.2

This much enhanced road network and increased road usage has resulted in a number of consequences,including more long-distance travel through the AONBand more tourism. And more commuting from theAONB. Advances in telecommunications make the area even more attractive to live in and work from.

There is a national trend towards smaller householdunits.3 These trends create increasing pressure for thefurther development of land in the AONB, including an

urgent requirement for affordable housing. However,simply increasing the rate of building of open markethousing will not solve the problem of a lack of affordablehousing. In the AONB significant increases in housingnumbers are likely to do irreversible damage to theenvironmental assets which underpin prosperity.Particular pressures are likely to exist where the AONBadjoins the urban areas of Bath and Cheltenham.

With regard to public transport, problems include thefrequency of services, their reliability, connectionsbetween different modes of transport, people’s access to the network and standards of comfort and service.

Four railway lines serve the Cotswolds AONB area. All of these rail services are potentially attractive toshort-to-medium distance commuters. However, theiruse is limited because the level of service is not welltimetabled due to single track sections on two of thelines and because the road links are easier to use. Whilst rail freight has increased in the past ten years, it is generally recognised that the continued increase in rail freight will have little effect on the number ofHGVs on the roads in the AONB.

The Board is not the planning authority for theCotswolds AONB. That role rests with the localauthorities. The Board has agreed a protocol with the local authorities which sets out the roles andresponsibilities of the Board and the local authoritieswith regard to planning matters, and when the Boardwill be consulted. The Board has resolved only tocomment on planning applications that have significantimplications for the special features of the AONB, or may set a harmful precedent for similar developments. The Board sees its role as mainly contributing to thestrategic planning process.

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Development and transport

Towns, villages and individual buildings form a vital element of the character of theCotswolds, particularly because of the widespread use of limestone and the area’sdistinctive architecture. The planning of development both within the AONB and aroundit is of crucial importance in maintaining the character and appearance of the area.

1 Road Traffic in Great Britain 2006, Department of Transport (2007).

2 Census 2001.

3 Census 2001.



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The Board has also agreed a protocol with the localhighway authorities and the Highways Agency whichsets out the roles and responsibilities of each party withregard to transport matters, and when the Board will be consulted.

Key issues4

DTK1: There is a need to manage development pressureswith sensitivity both within and in the setting of theAONB in order to maintain a balance in promotingeconomic and social viability whilst retaining traditionalCotswolds character. Communities need to beeconomically viable and have adequate housing,amenities and facilities whilst retaining traditional

character. However, the primary purpose of designationof the AONB needs to be paramount when consideringsuch issues.

DTK2: The importance of providing affordable housingthroughout the Cotswolds is recognised as vital toensure that balanced communities can survive andprosper, particularly as many jobs within agriculture and tourism are relatively low paid. Younger people are most affected by this issue.

DTK3: Market towns and larger villages appear relatively thriving. However, there is considerableconcern regarding loss of local facilities and services.Once facilities like shops, schools, post offices and pubsdisappear, the mutually supporting nature of socialactivities and trade, which is part of the fabric of thecommunity, begins to break down.

4 Further information on key issues can be found on the board’s website www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk


People, including school pupils, become more dependenton transport and are obliged to travel further afield. Thefact that entertainment, particularly for younger people,is increasingly within nearby towns and cities reinforcesthis trend. Nearly one in eight of the households living inthe Cotswolds AONB is without a car.5 Many other peopledo not have access to a car during the day. This meansthey are heavily dependent on the frequency and qualityof public and/or community transport and on local shopsand facilities which are vulnerable to closure.

DTK4: The AONB retains traditional agricultural buildingsthat have not, as yet, been converted for other uses.Conversions need to be carefully appraised so that thebuildings’ distinctive characters are retained and adverseimpacts on important nature conservation interests,such as bats, are avoided. Significant changes in thelandscape can occur when farmhouses and/or farmbuildings are sold off separately from the rest of theoriginal farm holding. These changes may result

from the effects of conversion on the appearance of traditional buildings, and through changes in the use of adjoining land (for example, the introduction of extensive gardens, lighting, and planting that is out of character).

DTK5: Noise and activity arising from developments inthe countryside can have an adverse impact on tranquilareas. Lighting can also have a widespread impact andneeds careful consideration and design.

DTK6: Equine-related activities provide valuable farmdiversification opportunities. Impacts on landscapequality and character, through new buildings, damage toground flora, hedges and trees, means of enclosure suchas post and rail fencing, and changes in the appearanceof areas of land must be sensitively controlled.

DTK7: Tourism is an important element of the economyof the AONB. It is inevitable that there will be continuingpressures for new tourist-related developments withinthe AONB during the life span of this Management Plan.

DTK8: Modern telecommunications, including access tobroadband, are important to a successful rural economy.However, careful siting and appropriate design of masts,both within and in sight of the AONB, are essential to minimise the continuing threat they pose to thelandscape because of their increasing proliferation.

DTK9: The AONB and its surroundings may well attractproposals for more wind turbines or even wind farms.These could have very visible effects on the AONB’slandscape if considerable expansion of facilities ispursued as part of the national drive towards moresustainable energy sources. Small-scale low mountedturbines and solar energy could be more appropriateprovided turbines and solar panels are carefully designed and located. The Board has issued a positionstatement and guidance leaflets on renewable energy.These support the provision of technologies that are not harmful to the landscape, including ground source heat pumps and micro-hydropower.6

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5 Census 2001.6 www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/page_wide.asp?pageID=21

#categoryID95



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DTK10: The design and speed of roads, traffic generatedby different forms of development, traffic calmingmeasures, the impact of parking requirements and new access routes, some of which may be lit at night, all need to be carefully assessed and designed.

DTK11: Within the Cotswolds AONB there are variousrural ‘brownfield sites’ (i.e. previously developed land andbuildings), including ex-MOD properties and redundantairfields. The impact on the charcter of the AONB by thereuse of these sites can be significant if for residential orindustrial use. Change of use of existing buildings canhave an impact on adjoining properties and the widercountryside, as well as bringing a potential increase intraffic movements. In addition, it may bring the potentialfor loss of services such as pubs, shops, garages, etcthrough conversion to residential properties.

DTK12: The Fosse Way (A429) and the A40 are long-established through-routes within the AONB. Major newroads have also been built through the AONB to servelong distance movement. Positive management isrequired to deal with traffic ‘rat-running’ along minorroads and through villages to and from these routes.Government policy is to pursue traffic managementsolutions that relieve congestion, rather than buildingnew roads.7 Modern high speed roads can have anadverse impact on the landscape by generating noise,traffic movement, signage, lighting and engineeringmeasures, causing a loss of ‘sense of place’.

Other road improvements, such as local bypasses andtraffic calming measures, can affect the landscape in asignificant way. The Board’s Transport Protocol with thehighway authorities ensures that the impact of schemeson the special features of the AONB is fully considered.

DTK13: Increasing flows of regular and seasonal trafficcause congestion in villages and towns, and excessivedemand on car parks. Heavy traffic also discouragesother users such as cyclists, walkers and horse riders. The general visitor experience is thus compromised andthe enjoyment of the AONB marred. Increasing relianceon inaccurate satellite navigation devices is causing the inappropriate use of small rural roads by HGVs inparticular. Vehicles become trapped and cause damageto roadside features. The use of roads, particularly minorroads, by lorries and other large vehicles can cause greatproblems for residents and visitors and can impact onthe landscape. Many local authorities are introducinglorry routing schemes, including weight, width, heightand length restrictions. Such schemes are supported by the Board, particularly when co-ordinated acrosshighway authority boundaries. The resolution of localproblems through local liaison groups can in the firstinstance be the most effective solution.

7 ‘Planning and the Strategic Road Network’ DfT circular 02/2007.


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DTK14: Road signage must conform to nationalspecifications that primarily meet the requirements ofroad safety and legibility for drivers travelling at speed.Such signage can, however, have significant visualimpacts on the landscape. The Board is encouraginghighway authorities to undertake clutter audits and to remove unnecessary signage, and to use discretion as permitted by national guidance.

DTK15: Residents and visitors do not differentiatebetween county areas when considering travelling by public transport across the AONB. Public transportprovision and policy for the Cotswolds, as elsewhere in the country, is not properly integrated. Achieving co-ordination is difficult. With low population densitiesin parts of the AONB and the need for a volume ofpassengers to achieve viability it can be difficult tomaintain rural bus services. Those without cars and withlow disposable incomes are particularly affected by thissituation. A study of the Cotswold and Malverns RailLine8 showed significant demand for an improved levelof service between London Paddington and Hereford.

Within the draft South West Regional Spatial Strategy,improvements to services on the Cheltenham/Gloucesterto Swindon line to enhance frequencies and createadequate capacity are proposed as a high priority.

DTK16: In principle, park and ride is supported by the Board as a means to encourage the use of publictransport and reduce car journeys. However, the location,sensitive design and landscaping of such sites, andassociated traffic effects, must be appraised verycarefully wherever potential adverse effects on thenatural beauty of the AONB could result.

DTK17: Increasing traffic volumes mean that cycling and horse riding is not always safe on some roads. This is particularly evident on major through-routes, incongested villages and on minor roads that are used as‘rat runs’ by residents and visitors. The disappearance of traditional road users as a result of these pressuresreduces the character of the environment. Somerecreational routes have been devised using bridlewaysand minor roads, giving visitors access to the relativelyundiscovered parts of the Cotswolds. The introduction of off-road cycling routes and more cycle lanes on mainroads needs to be considered.

DTK18: Significant numbers of HGVs parking in lay-bysclose to the major through routes render these areasunusable for most families and lone motorists. There is a need for more designated lorry parking areas,preferably outside the AONB, with lay-bys restricted to non-commercial users.

DTK19: Increasing demand for air transport is leading toexpansion of controlled air space over the AONB, with areduction of tranquillity caused by increased visualintrusion and noise.

8 Cotswold and Malvern Line Rail Study, Cotswolds and Malvern’s Transport Partnership (1999).



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Policies

DTP1: That all Local Development Framework documents and planning decision-making processes will use thefollowing criteria to determine the acceptability of a proposed development in the Cotswolds AONB. Development will:

• be compatible with the distinctive character of the location as described by the relevant landscape characterassessment, strategy and guidelines

• incorporate designs and landscaping consistent with the above, respecting the local settlement pattern and building style

• be designed to respect local building styles and materials • incorporate appropriate sustainability elements and designs• maintain or improve the existing level of tranquillity• not have an adverse impact on the local community amenities and services and access to these • protect, or where possible enhance, biodiversity• be in accordance with a more sustainable pattern of development, reducing dependence on car travel

DTP2: That only development which supports the local economy, improves access to local services, and increases theopportunity for people to live and work in their local community will be promoted in Regional Spatial Strategies andLocal Development Frameworks, unless required for some clearly identified national interest.

DTP3: That the special qualities of the AONB are fully respected in the planning, design, provision and management of all types of transport.9

DTP4: That those involved in the care of the AONB have the opportunity to live within it.

DTP5: That the current level of local services and access to those services is maintained or enhanced where possible, to support sustainable communities.

DTP6: That issues of importance for the management of the landscape are fully reflected in community focusedstrategies and plans.

DTP7: That opportunities are taken to promote public transport and reduce the use of private cars.

Actions

DTA1: Promote consistency in decision making onproposed developments throughout the AONB and insurrounding areas, having regard to the criteria inobjective DTP1.

Tasks

DTT1: Provide and promote guidance for decisionmakers on developments within and affecting the AONB.

DTT2: Work with the Board’s Planning Working Groupto achieve consistency of approach to planningmatters across the AONB.

9 Transport includes walking, cycling and horse riding as well as road and rail transport.



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DTA2: Encourage high standards of sensitive siting and design, using traditional building styles, energyconservation and innovation that respects thedistinctiveness of character within particular parts of the AONB.

DTA3: Devise and promote measures for the design,provision, and management of transport infrastructurefacilities which respect the special qualities of theCotswolds AONB.

DTA4: Encourage the provision of an adequate level of affordable housing 10 within the Cotswolds AONB,including for those who care for the landscape.

DTA5: Encourage and promote the increased use of buses, trains, cycling and walking through LocalTransport Plans, Rights of Way Improvement Plans and other measures.

DTA6: Monitor proposed changes to services andaccess to those services and pursue the maintenanceof at least the current level of service.

DTA7: Contribute to the formulation of strategies,plans and policies impacting upon communities andtheir environment within the Cotswolds AONB.

DTT3: Provide and promote design guidance.

DTT4: Provide and promote design and maintenanceguidance and promote best practice with respect totransport matters.

DTT5: Work with the Board’s Transport Working Group to achieve consistency of approach to transportmatters across the AONB.

DTT6: Work with the Planning Working Group tosecure consistent affordable housing policies in Local Development Frameworks.

DTT7: Work with Rural Housing Enablers to identifyopportunities for affordable housing.

DTT8: Provide and promote guidance and timetablesto link public transport with opportunities to explorethe Cotswolds.

DTT9: Develop further and implement a guided walksprogramme accessible to all and with links to publictransport.

DTT10: Contribute to the preparation of LocalTransport Plans and Rights of Way Improvement Plans.

DTT11: Work through the Transport Working Group to achieve improvements in public transport services.

DTT12: Set up monitoring systems with serviceproviders.

DTT13: Respond to proposed changes in service provision or access to services.

DTT14: Respond to consultations on such strategies,plans and policies.

10 Affordable housing includes social rented and intermediate housing, provided to specified eligible households whose needs are not met by the market, Planning Policy Statement 3.



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Note: Policies DTP 2, 4, 5 and 6, Actions DTA 4, 5, 6 and 7 and Tasks DTT6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14 also seek to foster theeconomic and social well-being of people living in theAONB by promoting sustainable communities and aviable rural economy.

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Understanding and enjoying


IntroductionThe second purpose of the Cotswolds ConservationBoard is “increasing the understanding and enjoymentby the public of the special qualities of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty”.

Achieving the second purpose provides a number of important benefits. Access and enjoyment have the potential, if appropriately managed, to increaserespect for the special qualities of the Cotswolds and, in so doing, to raise environmental awareness moregenerally.

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VisionThe Cotswolds is a place where:

• all residents and visitors are encouraged to access, share, enjoy, experience andunderstand the special qualities and unique harmony of the well-managed Cotswoldslandscape, distinctive historic buildings, cultural heritage and biodiversity

• visits are a pleasurable and beneficial experience and support the care, economy and sustainability of the area for future generations


Communication, education and all forms of awareness-raising are central to delivering the Board’s secondpurpose and to bringing the Cotswolds to a wider audience. The Cotswolds Voluntary WardenService has and will continue to play an important role in this regard.

Access and recreation can help meet broader nationalagendas for healthy living, improved quality of life andgreater enjoyment of the countryside by all.

Recreation and tourism have the potential to make a major contribution to the local economy which, ifcarefully managed, can contribute to the conservationand enhancement of the Cotswolds’ special qualities.

The Cotswolds is highly valued for the recreational and tourism opportunities it offers. Much is being donethrough interpretation, information, education andcommunication that is relevant to all ages andbackgrounds with the aim of increasing access tounderstanding and enjoyment of the Cotswolds’ specialqualities. A commitment is made by the Board to engagewith ‘hard to reach’ groups that live within and aroundthe AONB.

ObjectivesThe Board’s objectives to reach in taking the secondpurpose forward are:

UEO1: The Cotswolds is understood and appeciated by as wide a range of people as possible.

UEO2: The barriers that are preventing people fromexperiencing the Cotswolds are identified and thesebarriers are removed.

UEO3: An integrated approach to the management ofrecreation and tourism is taken, ensuring that they donot damage the character and special qualities of theCotswolds.

UEO4: Public transport choices for recreation andtourism access are improved significantly.

UEO5: Sustainable tourism contributes to the localeconomy and to the conservation and enhancement of the Cotswolds’ special qualities.

UEO6: There is greater public engagement in conservingthe AONB through volunteering and partnerships withother organisations.

These objectives will have to be met in the context of the measures arising from the forces for change 1 .

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1 See Forces for Change Section at the front of this Management Plan p12.


Good quality interpretation and information and clearcommunication are essential to raising public awarenessand appreciation of the Cotswolds and its specialfeatures. They are also used to explain the work done by the many organisations and individuals who help to look after the area.

The conservation and enhancement of the Cotswoldsand its sustainable development will always bedependent upon sharing values, exciting interest, raising understanding of wider environmental and ruralissues, and influencing the attitudes and behaviour ofresidents, neighbouring urban populations and visitorsfrom further afield. There is a particular role to play in encouraging the use of the AONB’s assets byunderrepresented groups in the surrounding urbanareas.

Special qualities: • One of the best known and best loved landscapes

in the UK.

• The second largest protected landscape in England.

• A wide range of information and interpretationmaterial published by the Board and otherorganisations.

• Tourist Information Centres operated by localauthorities and local communities.

• Extensive numbers of commercial guidebooks about the area.

• The Cotswold Voluntary Warden Service, whichundertakes an extensive range of practical tasks,guided walks and interpretative actions.

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Awareness and appreciation

Interpretation, information and communication lie at the heart of delivering the Board’s purposes and reaching out to a diverse audience. They are important in helping to raise awareness of the increasing roles that the Cotswolds AONB plays in meetingenvironmental, social and cultural needs, and responding to agendas for inclusion, health and resource management.



Key issues1

AAK1: Raising awareness of the Cotswolds and bringingthe AONB to a wider audience, including those who arenot 'typical' countryside visitors, through the use of awide range of media suited to all members of society.

AAK2: Of growing importance is the use of virtualinformation via the web. There are now many websites,including that of the Board (that receives around 2.7 million hits every year), which provide a wealth of easily updateable information on the Cotswolds. Web-based media provide opportunities to increaseaccessibility to groups that have traditionally been ‘hardto reach’. This provides more opportunities to increasethe understanding of those living in urban areas of themanagement techniques and resources needed toconserve and enhance a designated landscape. However,the multiplicity of information sources, and the use of

the term ‘Cotswolds’ to describe a much wider area than the AONB, can lead to confusion. The Board needs tomake sure that the key messages regarding the purposeof designation are clear and the status of the AONB isreflected in guidance produced by others.

AAK3: Businesses, the Board and other organisationsthat welcome the visiting public will continue to provide the human face of the Cotswolds, catering fordifferent audiences, including the local population as well as visitors. Guided walks, focused activity days and celebrations of the Cotswolds traditions are alldimensions of interpretation through activeparticipation.

AAK4: Community aspirations and initiatives toappreciate and celebrate local distinctiveness areincreasing. Links with local cultural strategies, ParishPlans and Settlement Design Statements, and workingclosely with life-long learning providers all providespringboards for new and innovative provision.

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1 For more information on key issues see the Board’s website www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk


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Policies

AAP1: That there is greater awareness and appreciation by those who live in and around the AONB, work in or visit the Cotswolds, of the purposes of designation, the special qualities of the AONB and the positive benefits of actively experiencing and helping to sustain them.

AAP2: That landowners and the public have a greater awareness of the positive benefits obtained by sustainable land management in conserving and enhancing landscape character and how they can support this by the productionand consumption of the goods, products and services provided by such management.

Actions

AAA1: Take action to promote greater publicunderstanding of the significance of the landscape, its management requirements and the benefits ofactively experiencing the special qualities of the AONB.

AAA2: Make people more aware of the opportunitiesprovided by the AONB for enjoyment, appreciation,and active conservation as well as a resource for economic activity.

AAA3: Promote the dissemination of publicinformation and accessible advice for land ownersregarding land management techniques to conserveand enhance the AONB.

AAA4: Promote the production and consumption of the products, goods and services that help conserveand enhance the AONB.

AAA5: Encourage and support inclusive publicinvolvement and commitment to the future planningof communities and the countryside.

Tasks

AAT1: Interpret, provide and promote guidance on thesignificance of the landscape, its special qualities,opportunities for access, and managementrequirements.

AAT2: Provide events and outreach opportunities to improve the Board's interface with the public.

AAT3: Interpret, provide and promote guidance on the opportunities provided by the AONB forenjoyment, appreciation, and active conservation as well as a resource for economic activity.

AAT4: Work through the Farming Forum and othermethods, including the Board’s website, to provideinformation regarding land management techniques.

AAT5: Provide and promote information regarding theproducts, goods and services produced in the AONB.

AAT6: Provide and support guidance for thepreparation of Parish Plans.




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AAA6: Provide advice and guidance on localdistinctiveness throughout the AONB and encourageprovision by others. This will include advice on designin towns and villages, the design of agriculturalbuilding conversions, the retention and restoration of locally distinctive features and the promotion ofbest practice.

AAT7: Provide and promote information about thehistoric environment for householders, farmers,landowners and land management advisers within the Cotswolds.

AAT8: Maintain contact with organisations involved in managing the historic environment of the area, andfacilitate dialogue between them through the Board’sHistoric Environment Working Group.

AAT9: Encourage the production of, and contribute to the development of, strategies, design guidance and Supplementary Planning Documents whichpromote the conservation and enhancement of thehistoric environment.

Note: Policy AAP2, Actions AAA2, 4 and 5 and Tasks AAT3, 5, and 6 also seek to foster the economic and social well-being of people living in the AONB by providingopportunities to develop sustainable communities and a viable rural economy.


Special qualities Various qualities of the AONB attract visitors and tourists:

• Natural environment - despite change and pressures,much of the AONB remains relatively unspoilt andoffers a tranquil, high-quality experience of naturewithin varied attractive landscape settings and historicand geological features. It is an extremely well knownand recognisable area, which many see as thequintessential English landscape.

• Villages and market towns - the traditionalsettlements of the Cotswolds, combined with theirsympathetic landscape settings are in themselves keyassets of the AONB. Places such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden andBurford are extremely well known and are often the prime attractions for many visitors to the area.

• Visitor attractions - there is a wide range of visitorattractions throughout the AONB, ranging fromcountry parks, parks and gardens to historic buildings,craft centres, archaeological sites and museums.2

• Access to the countryside - the Cotswolds is anaccessible, renowned and well used destination forwalking, cycling and horse riding. Public rights of way throughout the Cotswolds are generally wellmaintained and signposted. In fact, the area has one of the best kept rights of way networks in the country,although access for less able users is not welldeveloped. The AONB also contains a number ofnational and regional routes, including the CotswoldWay National Trail. Circular routes with self-guidedleaflets are also well distributed.

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Enjoying and exploring

Tourism and recreation are important employment sectors in the Cotswolds, supporting23 1 million day visitors per year. Tourism is a growing industry sector that supports around10% of the working population through direct and indirect employment (11,500 people in 2003). The Cotswolds is a desirable place to live and work. Tourists, residents andbusinesses clearly find the distinctive and well managed Cotswold landscape attractive.Access to high-quality, well managed countryside is known to be important for health and wellbeing and overall quality of life.

1 ‘The value of tourism to the Cotswolds AONB’, South West Tourism (2005).

2 See interactive map on the Board’s website - http://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/page.asp?pageID=41



• Viewpoints - there is a series of popular viewpoints,particularly from the escarpment looking westwards,with extensive distant views.

For many visitors, the accessibility and tranquillity of the area provides a release from hectic modern day urban environments - a “chance to recharge the batteries”.

Key issues3

EEK1: There is a need for the Board to work more closely with the tourism industry generally and with the Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) in particular in developing and applying viable andsustainable tourism principles.

EEK2: The Cotswolds attracts very large numbers ofvisitors during the year and will undoubtedly continue to do so. This clearly impacts on the character of theAONB, and affects both the quality of life of the residentsand the quality of the visitor experience itself and causescongestion, noise and litter, and increased use of energyand water. Most visitors arrive by car, despite theavailability of public transport services. The majority areday visitors, who make a smaller contribution to the localeconomy than those who stay overnight.4 The Board isconcerned that very few visitors have opportunities tobecome involved in practical landscape conservation.

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3 For more information on the key issues see the Board’s website www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk.

4 ‘The value of tourism to the Cotswolds AONB’, South West Tourism, (2005).


EEK3: A DMO has been set up for Gloucestershire(branded as the Cotswolds and Forest of Dean) to securebetter liaison between different organisations. Parts of the remaining AONB are covered by other DMOs.

EEK4: New public access rights to open country underthe CROW Act have been established. Guidance has beenproduced to encourage landowners and the generalpublic to respect each other's rights and responsibilitiesand to minimise disruption and damage to the AONB.

EEK5: Under the requirements of the CROW Act,planning improvements to countryside access across the whole of their areas are a key responsibility for eachof the seven highway authorities through Rights of WayImprovement Plans. Public transport facilities linked torights of way would be desirable and should form part of the Rights of Way Improvement Plans and LocalTransport Plans.

EEK6: There is a lack of information to enable peoplewith disabilities and other disadvantaged groups toaccess and enjoy the Cotswold countryside. This includespeople living in nearby urban communities who may notbe aware of what the AONB can offer them.

EEK7: The proposed restoration of part of the CotswoldCanal from east of Stroud to the Sapperton Tunnel mayprovide opportunities for a range of new tourism andrecreation activities. Such activities would need to bemanaged in a sensitive fashion, especially with regard to the effects on biodiversity, tranquillity and landscapecharacter.

EEK8: Cycling and horse riding are popular activitieswithin the Cotswolds. Over the period covered by thisManagement Plan increased affluence, leisure time and mobility may well lead to pressure for further active sports and for more recreational facilities.

EEK9: The Cotswold Way National Trail providessignificant opportunities for tourism, recreation andfocus for land management within the AONB as well as the opportunity for the AONB and the Cotswold Wayto be marketed together to mutual benefit.

EEK10: The Board’s Voluntary Wardens undertake acomprehensive programme of practical tasks, guidedwalks and interpretation. Other organisations alsoprovide an opportunity for active involvement incountryside management and interpretation. Theseopportunities promote an active lifestyle for residentsand visitors.

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5 Other DMOs operate in Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Bath, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.

6 For details of the accreditation scheme, see www.green-business.co.uk.

Policies

EEP1: That visitors and the tourism industry understand the need for, and support the conservation and enhancementof, the special qualities of the AONB as the key assets upon which tourism in the Cotswolds is based.

EEP2: That the tourism industry makes a vital contribution to the Cotswold economy while at the same time seeking to manage in a positive and sustainable manner the pressures tourism places on the natural beauty of the AONB.

EEP3: That there is a co-ordinated approach to the appropriate management and promotion of public access and quietrecreational activities with planning to ensure access for all.

Actions

EEA1: Support strategies for the provision andmanagement of tourism and visitor requirements in ways which are of high quality and areeconomically, socially and environmentallysustainable, and which fully respect the natural beauty of the Cotswolds.

EEA2: Research and implement green tourisminitiatives.

Tasks

EET1: Work with the Cotswolds and Forest of DeanDMO and other DMOs5 to implement elements ofthose strategies relating to sustainable tourism in the Cotswolds.

EET2: Implement an initiative whereby voluntaryfinancial contributions are obtained from visitors forthe management of, and access to, the Cotswoldslandscape and encourages tourism businesses toachieve Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS)accreditation.6

EET3: Investigate securing European Charter forSustainable Tourism status for the Cotswolds AONB.



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EEA3: Support further opportunities and facilities forquiet recreational activity, public enjoyment andunderstanding of the special qualities of the AONB,and the improvement of health and wellbeing for bothresidents and visitors, and managing those activitieswhich may adversely affect those qualities.

EEA4: Encourage and promote during the plan periodthe increased use of rights of way by all in a coherentway through Local Transport Plans, Rights of Way Improvement Plans and other measures.

EET4: Maintain and develop further a guided walksand events programme in association with partnerorganisations to provide access opportunities for all.

EET5: Maintain support for the Cotswolds VoluntaryWardens and volunteering for the management of theAONB landscape, and access and interpretationopportunities.

EET6: Develop and implement a programme linkingthe AONB with the most deprived wards around theAONB to provide opportunities for access, quietrecreation and landscape conservation.

EET7: Work with transport providers to secureimproved links with recreational opportunities.

EET8: Be involved in the formulation of consistentLocal Transport Plans and Rights of Way ImprovementPlans and the promotion and management of theCotswold Way National Trail.

Note: Policy EEP2, Action EEA1, and Task EEA1 seek tofoster the economic and social well-being of peopleliving in the AONB through the development of a viable rural tourism economy.

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Implementation, monitoringand evaluation


ImplementationDelivery of the Management PlanThis is an ambitious Management Plan. Its aspirationsare beyond the direct resources of the Board’s members,staff and volunteers.

In preparing this plan the Board has formulated its policyfor managing the Cotswolds AONB and its functions in relation to it.

For government, local authorities, other public bodiesand other ‘relevant authorities’ active support for theimplementation of this plan is the key to satisfying their general legal duty to “have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the AONB”.1

Implementation of the objectives, policies and actions of this plan needs the support and involvement of manyother organisations and individuals who play key roles inthe future of the area. Many of these have been involvedin drawing up the plan.

The Board will contribute by providing leadership;facilitating discussion and co-operation; co-ordinatingwhere appropriate, and by continuing to take directaction itself.

It is important that the strategies, plans and action plansof key local, regional and national authorities, agenciesand organisations reflect the vision, objectives andpolicies of this plan.

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Implementation, monitoringand evaluation


Implementation, monitoring and evaluation

Local parish councils, statutory agencies and regionalbodies acting individually or collaboratively throughLocal Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) and Local AreaAgreements (LAAs) can all contribute to fulfil the Board’s vision.

Whilst the Board has a strong ‘voluntary arm’ (theCotswold Voluntary Wardens), a wide range of othercommunity and voluntary groups can help make a realdifference to the conservation, enhancement, enjoymentand understanding of the AONB during the course ofachieving this plan. The Women’s Institutes, YoungFarmers’ Clubs, youth groups, volunteers from industryand many more besides could all make a real differenceto the quality of the environment in the years to come.

The challenge for the Board is to inspire and capture this rich vein of talent to help it achieve its vision for the Cotswolds.

Business PlanTo implement the objectives, policies and actions of theManagement Plan precise tasks have been identified.The Board will prepare an annual Business Plan showingclearly which tasks will be undertaken in the nextfinancial year. The aspiration is to develop a three-yearrolling Business Plan.

It is recognised that it is absolutely essential to involvepartners fully in agreeing activity, targets, and above allresponsibilities and resource allocations to secure theirreal commitment to Management Plan tasks that requiretheir involvement.

During the period of this Management Plan the actionsset out in it should remain central to the conservationand enhancement, and understanding and enjoyment of the AONB. The Business Plan will focus on the tasksderived from these actions. It may also include timelyactions to respond to opportunities.

MonitoringChecking progress in implementing the Management Plan and the state of the AONBIn addition to monitoring the successful implementationof the Management Plan, the Board has an obligation tomonitor the state (or condition) of the AONB. Both typesof monitoring play important roles in identifying keyissues and in assessing the continued relevance ofManagement Plan objectives, policies and actions.

Monitoring progressImplementation of the Management Plan will bemonitored by reviewing progress on actions in this plan and on the detailed tasks specified in the annualBusiness Plan. Annual reports will be produced by the Board and include progress reports on theimplementation of the plan.

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Monitoring the state of the AONBMonitoring the state of the AONB is a more long-termprocess. Ideally, good baseline information is required in respect of each of the special characteristics of the Cotswolds AONB. A relevant indicator that can be consistently measured over time should then beidentified for each special characteristic. However,information relating to the whole AONB is difficult to assemble, particularly given the size andadministrative complexity of the Cotswolds AONB. The baseline information used to inform thisManagement Plan can be found on the Board’s website.2

It is intended that, as part of their general duty toconserve and enhance the AONB, the statutory agenciesoperating in the area, particularly Natural England,English Heritage and the Environment Agency, together with the local authorities, will make positivecontributions to efficient collation of data formonitoring.

The final choice of indicators is influenced by factorsincluding: practical considerations such as time,resources and availability of data; the need formeaningful indicators that focus on the AONB’s primary concerns with landscape and the environment;and the need to ensure that indicators make practicalcontributions to baseline data on the state of the AONB,rather than act simply as performance indicators.

The proposed list of headline condition indicators is3:

Headline condition indicators4

Farmed landscape5

• % of land managed under agri-environment schemes • Changes in farmland type (permanent pasture/rough

grazing/arable land, etc)

Woodland landscape• % of woodland under management for public benefit6

• % of established eligible National Inventory ofWoodland and Trees woodland in the Cotswolds AONB covered by a Woodland Grant Schememanagement agreement

• % of ancient woodland sites covered by a WoodlandGrant Scheme agreement

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2 www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

3 Current statistics relating to these indicators will be placed on the Board’s website.

4 Indicators suggested in Appendix 3, of ‘Guidance for the review ofAONB management plans’, Countryside Agency (2006). The Board will develop further indicators, including those relating to the duty to have regard to social and economic wellbeing.

5 Agricultural Census June 2006 - Defra.

6 Countryside Quality Counts (or its successor) - Cotswolds Joint Character Area.

Phot

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Pau

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Implementation, monitoring and evaluation

Biodiversity7

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) Condition8:

• % by area of SSSIs by condition

Water quality9

Historic environment & built environment

• Condition of Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs)• Condition of historic landscapes, parks and gardens• Listed (and other significant) buildings at risk• Numbers of listed buildings by grade

Tranquility

• % of AONB recorded as ‘most tranquil’ 10

Dark skies

• % of AONB affected by light pollution

Nature & location of Informal recreation facilities & public access opportunitiesRights of way and land available for access:

• Total length of rights of way• % registered common land• % ‘CROW ACT’ access land• % Section 15, CROW Act land 11

• Rights of way condition

Landscape character assessmentLandscape character enhanced/maintained/diverged/neglected 12

EvaluationLearning and applying lessonsMonitoring and reviewing these indicators will provide a means of assessing and communicating change overtime, and will thus inform reviews of this plan. The indicators will only be part of the analysis. Issues, changes and trends will need to be re-examined through appropriate research and information.

As part of the Management Plan review process,evaluation will be necessary to reflect on the lessons to be learned from the experience of operating theManagement Plan and Business Plan. It will alsohighlight how external changes have, and are, affecting the state of the AONB itself.

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7 A monitoring report including information regarding BAP priorityspecies and habitats will be created and made available on theCotswolds AONB website once the information becomes available.www.cotswoldsanob.org.uk

8 South West Protected Landscapes Data 2005.

9 Countryside Quality Counts (or its successor) - Cotswolds Joint Character Area data.

10 Tranquility maps are produced for the Campaign to Protect RuralEngland www.cpre.org.uk

11 Land with certain rights of access granted prior to the CROW Act 2000.

12 Countryside Quality Counts (or its successor) - Cotswolds Joint Character Area.


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Glossary

Abbreviations

AA Appropriate AssessmentADAS Agricultural Development Advisory ServiceAWM Advantage West MidlandsAONB Area of Outstanding Natural BeautyBAP Biodiversity Action PlanBSE Bovine Spongiform EncephalopathyBTCV British Trust for Conservation VolunteersCA Countryside AgencyCAP Common Agricultural PolicyCCB Cotswolds Conservation BoardCLA Country Land and Business AssociationCPRE Campaign to Protect Rural England CROW Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000SAC Special Area of ConservationCSS Countryside Stewardship SchemeDefra Department for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsDBERR Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform DTI Department of Trade and IndustryEA Environment AgencyEGWS English Woodland Grant SchemeEH English HeritageEN English NatureEIA Environmental Impact AssessmentERDP England Rural Development ProgrammeESA Environmentally Sensitive AreaETSU Energy Technology Support UnitEU European UnionFC Forestry CommissionFMD Foot and Mouth DiseaseFWAG Farming and Wildlife Advisory GroupGOSE Government Office for the South EastGOSW Government Office for the South WestGOWM Government Office for the West MidlandsHER Historic Environment RecordHLF Heritage Lottery FundICT Information and communications technology

Glossary

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IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural ResourcesJAC Joint Advisory CommitteeLA Local AuthorityLDD Local Development DocumentLDF Local Development FrameworkLNR Local Nature ReserveLPA Local Planning AuthorityLSP Local Strategic PartnershipLTP Local Transport PlanMAFF Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and FoodMPG Minerals Planning GuidanceNAAONB National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural BeautyNE Natural EnglandNFU National Farmers UnionNNR National Nature ReserveNOMIS National On-line Manpower Information SystemPPS Planning Policy StatementRFF Regional Forestry FrameworkRIGS Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological sitesRoW Rights of WayRPG Regional Planning GuidanceRSPB Royal Society for the Protection of BirdsSAMs Scheduled Ancient MonumentsSEEDA South East England Development AgencySERA South East England Regional AssemblySINC Site of Importance for Nature ConservationSMR Sites and Monuments RegisterSPA Special Protection AreaSPD Supplementary Planning DocumentSRA Strategic Rail AuthoritySSSI Site of Special Scientific InterestSUSTRANS The Sustainable Transport CharitySWRA South West Regional AssemblySWRDA South West of England Regional Development AgencyTB TuberculosisUNESCO The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural OrganisationWGS Woodland Grant SchemeWMRA West Midlands Regional Assembly


Community Strategies are intended to reflect the needsand aspirations of local communities, and set out futurevisions for those communities. There is wide diversity intheir form, arising from the fact that they are producedunder non-statutory procedures and the processes bywhich they are prepared are still evolving.

A Conservation Board is a new type of managementorganisation to represent the full cross-section ofinterests within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,as provided for in the Countryside and Rights Way of Act2000. It is particularly appropriate for extensive AONBswith a multiplicity of local authority and interest groups,such as in the Cotswolds.

The Cotswolds AONB Partnership was a partnership oflocal, regional and national organisations representingfarmers, landowners, communities, the tourism sector,government agencies, local authorities and wildlifetrusts. The partnership had 34 member organisations, 17of which were local authorities with a geographical stakein the AONB. The partnership was superseded by theCotswolds Conservation Board in 2004.

Cotswolds Voluntary Wardens are the voluntary arm ofthe Cotswolds Conservation Board; there are currentlyaround 340 voluntary wardens who undertake a widerange of practical tasks, guided walks and landscapemonitoring throughout the AONB.

Decoupling refers to breaking the direct link betweenfarm subsidies and production.

Geodiversity covers the variety of rocks, fossils, minerals and natural processes within an area.

Geomorphology is the study of landforms, or of thearrangement and forms of the earth’s crust.

A habitat is the place in which a particular animal lives,or the wider interaction of plants and animals that arefound together.

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Explanation of terms

Appropriate Assessment is required by the Birds andHabitats Directives of the European Union to assess the effects of a plan on a nature conservation site ofEuropean importance to enable a judgement to be madeas to whether there will be an adverse effect on the site’sintegrity.

Agricultural land classification is the method of gradingagricultural land devised by MAFF (now Defra) toindicate the quality of farmland. Agricultural land isgraded according to the degree to which its physicalcharacteristics (particularly climate, relief and soil)impose long-term limitations on the agricultural use ofthe land. The best and most versatile land is classifiedGrades 1, 2 and 3a.

Agri-environment schemes refers to a range of schemesoperated by Defra which are designed to encourageenvironmentally friendly farming and public enjoymentof the countryside.

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is an areadesignated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, with the primary purpose of designation being to conserve and enhance naturalbeauty.

Biodiversity means ‘biological diversity’ and includes thewhole variety of life on earth in all its forms, or any partof it and its interaction.

Category V Landscape refers to Category V (Protected:Landscape/Seascapes) of lived-in landscapes in theUnited Nations List of Protected Areas. These areas are characterised by their scenic beauty, for example, as mountain, hill, wetland and coastal scenery.

Glossary

Historic Environment Records are mainly local authority-based services used for planning, but they also operate a public information service and play a role in education.These records were previously known as Sites andMonuments Records or SMRs: the name has changed toreflect the wider scope of the data they now contain.

High forest is all woodland except stands managed ascoppice or coppice-with-standards, or with potential to achieve a tree cover of more than 20%.

Indicators are ways of quantifying and measuring theimpact of policy objectives.

The International Union for Conservation of NaturalResources (IUCN) is the World Conservation Union.

Local Strategic Partnerships are non-statutory bodiesthat aim to bring together local organisations from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors.

Local Transport Plans define five-year strategies fortransport provision. County councils and unitaryauthorities prepare them for their areas.

Modulation is the process under EU legislation ofrecycling a proportion of payments made direct tofarmers under CAP commodity regimes.

National cycle routes are part of the national cyclenetwork. It is designed to provide good quality, directlinks between towns and villages and through the heartof urban areas.

Natural beauty includes the landscape, flora and fauna,geological or physiographical features and heritage,including archaeology, historic environment andsettlement character.

NOMIS is a web-based database of labour marketstatistics. Nomis is run by the University of Durham onbehalf of the Office for National Statistics. Nomis housesan extensive range of government statistical informationon the UK labour market including Employment,Unemployment, Earnings, Labour Force Survey andJobcentre Plus vacancies.

A Parish Plan sets out a vision of how local communitieswould like their town or village to be.

Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) are the Government’snational guidance for land use planning. There is also a Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) for each of the threeregions within which the Cotswolds AONB is located anda series of Minerals Planning Guidance notes (MPGs).

Rural Renaissance Partnerships are programmesgenerally promoted by regional development agencies to help rural communities respond to and influenceeconomic change, by supporting the development and implementation of sustainable projects that useinnovation and enterprise to create prosperity andgenerate employment; improve delivery and access to services; and realise the value of the environment as an economic asset.

The ‘Silkin test’ refers to the criteria which must beapplied by local planning authorities when decidingwhether a major development is acceptable in NationalParks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, andwhich are as set out in paragraph 22 of Planning PolicyStatement 7 (PPS 7).

The South West Protected Landscapes Forum encouragesnetworking and exchange of information and ideasbetween the two National Parks and 12 Areas ofOutstanding Natural Beauty in the South West region.

Strategic Environmental Assessment is to be requiredbased on a European Directive intended to promotesustainable development, by ensuring that anenvironmental assessment is carried out for certainplans and programmes that are likely to have significantimpacts upon the environment.

A Supplementary Planning Document is prepared bylocal authorities to amplify and support policies instatutory development plans. It must link directly to apolicy, or policies, in a Local Development Document and be subjected to adequate consultation.

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Sustainability has been defined by the WorldCommission on Environment and Development as‘development that meets the needs of the present,without compromising the ability of future generationsto meet their own needs’.

Village Design Statements are documents that describethe visual character of a village as seen through the eyesof its inhabitants. Residents of an interested villagevolunteer to undertake a study of their village and itsenvironment and through consultation and discussiondetermine what they feel this to be.

The ‘Wiltshire Wiggly Bus’ is an example of more flexibletransport where residents can telephone to request to bepicked up close to home through a specific variation tothe route taken.

World Heritage Sites have been recognised by UNESCO(the United Nations Educational Scientific and CulturalOrganisation) as places of outstanding universal valuefor their architecture, town planning, landscape,archaeological remains and its role as a setting for social history.

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Cotswolds Conservation Board

Cotswolds Conservation BoardFosse Way

Northleach

Gloucestershire GL54 3JH

Tel: 01451 862000Fax: 01451 862001Website: www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

CotsAONB/4.08/500 Some of the photos in this publication are © Natural England, Photographer Nick Turner and some are © Nick Turner. Design: www.touchmedia.uk.net

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