Western Daily Press (Saturday)
West’s AONBs given a rebrand
Move underpins ambitious nature and climate goals, reports
AREAS of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales, including 10 in the South West, have been rebranded as National Landscapes.
Announced by the National Landscapes Association this week, the new name is intended to reflect their national importance; the vital contribution they make to protect the nation from the threats of climate change, nature depletion and the wellbeing crisis, whilst also creating greater understanding and awareness for the work that they do.
The change is a “significant milestone” and the next step in fully realising the National Landscapes’ vision to be the “leading exemplars” of how “thriving, diverse communities can work with and for nature in the UK”, it adds.
The South West National Landscapes include Dorset, Mendip Hills, Quantock Hills, Blackdown Hills, South Devon, East Devon, North Devon Coast, Tamar Valley, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
John Watkins, chief executive of the National Landscapes Association, said: “For decades, AONB teams have convened powerful partnerships which have placed them at the forefront of the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, but since their initial designation, our country has changed immensely, as have the needs and pressures on the environment and communities.
“However, we have great ambition as well as the commitment and readiness to care for and protect these important places, whilst also extending a welcome to more people. Our ambitious aims build on AONB teams’ long track record of successful delivery for nature and people and we are confident that we will achieve them. National Landscapes are the landscape designation for the 21st century and beyond.”
By 2030, National Landscapes aim that, within their boundaries: at least 200,000 hectares of the most valuable natural areas (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), which equates to one and a quarter times the size of London, will be in favourable condition; 100,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside of SSSIs will be created or restored, which is roughly nine times the size of Manchester; and 36,000 hectares of woodland, which is a little smaller than the Isle of Wight, will have been planted or allowed to regenerate.
National Landscapes Partnerships will also focus on habitat restoration to ensure the protection of some of the UK’s most endangered species; and increase their work to help more people to enjoy time spent in beautiful places.
Mr Watkins added that because of their size and scope, National Landscapes are ideally positioned to address the environmental issues the UK is facing. There are 46
National Landscapes in the UK, covering 14% of England, Wales and Northern Ireland including moorland, farmland, coast, forests, including Unesco World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, a Geopark and International Dark Sky Reserves,” he said.
“They are the UK’s nearby countryside – 66% of people in England (44 million) live within 30 minutes of a National Landscape and at least 170 million people visit them every year.
“National Landscapes teams have been at the forefront of delivering natural solutions to the main challenges facing the nation for many years. The new brand underscores their commitment to redoubling their efforts and engaging with a wider audience. In 2019, teams set themselves the most ambitious targets for nature in the sector and continue to work to meet them.”
AONBs in the South West have welcomed the move to National Landscapes status. The first AONB to be designated was the Gower Peninsula in South West Wales in 1956; and the most recent, designated in 1995, is the Tamar Valley, which spans West Devon and East Cornwall.
Sarah Gibson, manager of the Tamar Valley National Landscape, said: “Our Tamar Valley National Landscape includes 200km2 of hidden river valleys, estuaries and countryside, with a biodiversity value of £2 billion. Our powerful partnership works for nature, climate, place and people. It’s a unique area, 67% is farmed, 20% is woodland, it provides a gateway to Cornwall, Dartmoor National Park at the East, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park at the South, and a Unesco World Heritage Site within its boundary.
“Our National Landscape status will strengthen our ability to attract Green Finance investment as we channel funding and drive activities to benefit the area, to ensure it exists to provide a future for generations to come.”
Roger English, South Devon Partnership manager, commented: “As we become a National Landscape, the team at South Devon is excited about continuing to implement a wide range of initiatives to deliver for nature and people in an increasingly challenging time for our protected landscapes. Our recent work leading the multi-partner development phase of Life on The Edge to restore habitats for some of the UK’s rarest invertebrates, has demonstrated how we plan to make a difference with wider community involvement, landowners and farmers.
“Building on our successful track record we look forward to creating meaningful partnerships in the future and welcoming wider audiences to this special place.”
Our country has changed immensely, as have the pressures on the environment JOHN WATKINS