Management Plan - Quantock Hills

Transcription

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Management Plan
2009 - 2014
Published by the
Quantock Hills AONB
Joint Advisory
Committee, 2009
MANAGEMENT PLAN
QUANTOCK HILLS AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
QUANTOCK HILLS AREA OF OUTSTANDING
NATURAL BEAUTY
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2009 - 2014
Prepared under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 for
Somerset County Council
Sedgemoor District Council
Taunton Deane Borough Council
West Somerset Council
By
The Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee
Chris Edwards - AONB Manager
The Quantock Hills AONB Office,
Fyne Court, Broomfield,
Bridgwater, Somerset TA5 2EQ
Tel: 01823 451884
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.quantockhills.com
This Management Plan recommends policies, projects and actions over a range of subjects relating to
landscape, wildlife, economy, culture, distinctiveness and access in the Quantock Hills.
It updates the 2004 Management Plan through review, further consultation and statutory advice.
Consultation on this and the plans on which it is based have involved local people and individuals and
organisations with direct experience of the issues addressed.
Produced and published (March 2009) with the assistance of :
The Quantock Hills Management Plan Review Group
(Representatives from Natural England, West Somerset Council,
Sedgemoor District Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council,
Somerset County Council, Country Landowners Association
and Friends of Quantock)
The Quantock Hills JAC Partnership
The Quantock Hills AONB Team
Natural England
LANDUSE, WILDLIFE AND HERITAGE
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
Foreword by Anthony Trollope-Bellew
Quantock Joint Advisory Committee Chairman
It is not difficult to see why the Quantock Hills are nationally protected;
they are outstandingly beautiful. As someone who lives and farms on the
Quantocks, and as a County Councillor for the area, I am fully aware of the
sense of pride that local people feel for the Quantocks. As chairman of the
Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) I am pleased to work
alongside partner organisations that include parish councils, community
groups and the AONB Service, to oversee and support the work carried out
to protect the beauty and unique nature of this special place.
Much of the beauty of the Quantocks is derived from the rarity of its
habitats and geological exposures. The heathland hilltops, the ancient oak
woodlands and the Triassic and Jurassic exposures of the coast are some of the rarest of their type
in Europe. These features in particular mean the Quantocks are a fragile landscape, deserving of care.
As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the law protects the hills, and does so not only
through designation as a protected landscape, but also through ensuring key partners work together
and agree a Management Plan.
This document, which is a statutory requirement, will guide all work carried out by the AONB Service,
continuing to move towards the Quantock Hills we want to see in twenty years time. A place just
as beautiful with greater biodiversity, greater understanding of its history and archaeology, containing
forestry and farming businesses that enhance the hills and a place of tranquility for visitors and locals
alike to enjoy; understanding why the Quantocks are protected, and what they can do to help.
‘To conserve and enhance’ the Quantock Hills is the primary purpose of the AONB Service.
To maintain what is special about the AONB and to seek to improve habitats and increase
understanding about its wildlife, archaeology and geology. Vital to this purpose, are the people that
live and work in the Quantock Hills and those that visit to enjoy its splendour. By working to support
traditional businesses, such as farming and to encourage a greater understanding of the area by
working with schools and visitors a balance can be encouraged between enjoyment, local economy,
and ensuring its fragility and unique nature remain safe.
This is achieved, both by working with a wide ranging partnership of interested organisations and
individuals and producing practical ‘on the ground’ results. Very little that you will see in this plan can
be achieved in isolation, but by working together, in partnership it can be achieved. Everything that
makes the Quantock Hills outstandingly beautiful, and a national asset to be proud of, can and must
be conserved and enhanced. By doing this we safeguard our landscape heritage for the future.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have worked so hard to produce this Plan,
and to all those who have engaged in the consultations, sharing their specialist knowledge and
expertise. I look forward to working with you, and continuing to see action points realised and all
the associated benefits take root.
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FOREWORD
MANAGEMENT PLAN
CONTENTS
Page
1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
INTRODUCTION
A Special Landscape
Pressures For Change
A Protected Area
2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
THE QUANTOCK HILLS MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Need
Strategic Context
Local Management
Public Involvement and Review
10
10
12
14
3.
3.1
3.2
A VISION FOR THE QUANTOCK HILLS
Background
The Vision
15
15
4.
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
LANDSCAPE AND HERITAGE
Landscape Quality
Farming
Forestry and Woodlands
Wildlife
Historic Environment and Cultural Influences
Geology and Coast
Climate and Ecosystem Services
Development and Planning
17
21
26
31
40
45
49
52
5.
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
PEOPLE
Visitors and Recreation
Access and Rights of Way
Traffic and Country Lanes
Community and Local Economy
Education and Information
57
64
67
70
74
6.
6.1
6.2
IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Delivering the Management Plan
Monitoring
78
79
APPENDICES
1
Monitoring Indicators (description).
2
Monitoring Indicators (data).
3
Policy and Action links to Sustainable Community Strategies.
Artists Biographies
CONTENTS
5
6
7
80
81
82
84
3
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
4
AONB
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
BAP
Biodiversity Action Plan
BASC
British Association for Shooting and Conservation
CAP
Common Agricultural Policy
CRoW
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
C/LWS
County/Local Wildlife Site
DEFRA
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Devonian
geologic period 416 to 359 million years ago
Ecosystem Services
the range of beneficial resources and processes supplied by the
natural environment
EWGS
English Woodland Grant Scheme
ELS
Entry Level Stewardship
ES
Environmental Stewardship
GM
genetic modification, altering genetic material by technological means
HLS
Higher Level Stewardship
LAA
Local Area Agreement
LSP
Local Strategic Partnership
Miscanthus
a tall thick-stemmed grass from eastern Asia grown specifically to be
harvested and burnt in power stations
NAAONB
National Association for AONBs
NE
Natural England
Ramsar
Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance
RIGS
Regionally Important Geological Site
SAC
Special Area of Conservation
SAM
Scheduled Ancient Monument
SCS
Sustainable Community Strategy
SERC
Somerset Environmental Records Centre
SSSI
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Swaling
planned and controlled heather burning undertaken in winter
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
MANAGEMENT PLAN
1. Introduction
Towards Lady’s Edge above Sheppard’s Combe © Ron Carlson
1.1
A Special Landscape
The Quantock Hills form some of the most beautiful landscape and finest wildlife sites in south west
England.They are the only upland AONB based on sandstone rocks of the Devonian Period and their
dramatic ridge landform with its deep folds and varied land cover gives the Quantocks a distinctive
identity which includes extensive open heathlands, woodlands, and rich farmland pastures.The narrow
upland plateau rising above its surrounding agricultural plain often appears more imposing than its
actual height and exerts an influence over a wide area as a backdrop landscape and skyline feature in
views to the hills. Views from the hilltops extend across the Bristol Channel to Wales in the north,
over the distinctive wetlands of the Somerset Levels to the Mendip Hills AONB to the east, to the
Blackdown Hills AONB in the south and across the Brendon Hills to Exmoor National Park in the
west.The coastal boundary of this otherwise predominantly upland area forms a further exceptional
landscape feature.
In the southern AONB rolling hedged farmland sprinkled with copses, hamlets and villages climbs
through broad farmed combes and slopes to open hilltops. The western side of the AONB is a steep
scarp slope of pasture, hanging woods and historic parkland with ancient trees above the string of
settlements and large houses lining the bottom of the slope. Deep stream-cut combes to the north
east contain extensive oak-woods that climb towards small flower-rich bogs in the high heaths of
gorse, heather, bracken and thorn.This virtually unbroken hilltop heathland is bounded in some places
by conifer plantations and to the north gives views across a coastal strip of fields, small woods and
abrupt cliffs, all within the AONB, to the Bristol Channel and the Welsh coast. In addition to being of
great geological interest, the coastal edge of the AONB also provides foreshore and cliff habitats that
add to the area’s richness and diversity.
Towards Taunton by Jenny Graham
INTRODUCTION
5
MANAGEMENT PLAN
The whole landscape is a watershed run through with streams and brooks while distinctive beech
hedgerows, tree lines and avenues link farmland to higher heaths. A network of country lanes ranges
mainly around the lower contours connecting distinctive villages often built of the hard red sandstone
that shapes the higher hills.
This apparently unchanging and ancient place with its outstanding wildlife value, distinct cultural
heritage and varied village communities is deeply valued locally as a native or adopted homeland and
a workplace, it is also a favoured educational, recreational and even spiritual resource. These hills,
which are largely privately owned, accommodate up to half a million visits a year1, many from people
who live within sight of them.
In January 2003 the Countryside Agency (now Natural England) published a significant document for
the Quantock Hills – The Quantock Hills Landscape, An assessment of the Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty (ISBN 0 86170 617 X). This descriptive assessment aims to raise
awareness of the importance of the AONB, to show why it is of national importance and to guide
those responsible for developing and implementing policies to protect the area. Further to this it
contains an important analysis of the landscape, history and perceptions of the Quantocks to act as
baseline data against which change may be measured in the future. The AONB Management Plan
draws deeply on the landscape assessment, along with Natural England’s Exmoor and the
Quantocks Natural Area Profile1998, for much of its information and policy direction.
1.2
Pressures For Change
Changes affecting the Quantock Hills in twenty-first century rural Britain include building and
development (small and large scale), land management, farming and agricultural changes, fuel poverty
and mobility/transport issues and changing demands of tourism and recreation. On top of all this
climate change has the potential to affect every aspect of this protected landscape. A range of social
and economic changes also threaten the cultural nature of many rural areas and the quality of life for
local people.
New Development
Development within the Quantocks is a particularly sensitive issue, as new development can so easily
change the character and landscape beauty of the area.This is recognised by our Planning Authorities
and reflected in statute and government guidance. On the wider scale the southern Quantocks are
within a ten minute drive of Bridgwater and Taunton, the largest towns in Somerset, and both are
expanding rapidly towards the AONB. The proposed major development of two new nuclear power
stations at Hinkley Point will impact on views from the hills and bring the pressures of large numbers
of people during the building phase.These pressures include impacts on views, tranquillity and visitor
numbers leading in turn to traffic increases.
Looking to Longstone Hill from Black Ball Hill
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1
Quantock Hills Visitor Survey 2003,Tourism RMD.
INTRODUCTION
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Changes to Farming and Forestry
Economic and policy shifts in farming and forestry continue to drive change in the Quantock
landscape. The reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy and new agri-environment schemes
create new opportunities for wildlife and access friendly land management while supporting the rural
economy.The variable timber market and changing grant schemes affect the management of Quantock
woodlands and the search for renewable energy is changing the farmed landscape of the Quantocks
with the planting of miscanthus. Protecting the landscape character of the Quantocks within the everchanging pressures on farming and the rural economy is a challenge but opportunities exist to improve
wildlife conservation and encourage public understanding of the countryside.
Recreation and Access
Public enjoyment of the hills is a worthy objective of this Plan, however it can impact on the historic
landscape and wildlife of the AONB.Trends and changing policies in access rights and activities provide
challenges and opportunities to be acted on by the partnership and AONB Service. Examples include
large increases in local housing leading to greater visitor numbers, government initiatives on
countryside recreation for health and the need to encourage the less mobile and those who don't
visit the countryside regularly to enjoy the area.
Climate Change
While there is broad consensus that the global climate is changing in ways which will impact on local
biodiversity, landscapes, water resources, historic features, recreation, coastlines and rural industries,
assessing the precise nature of these changes is more difficult. Protected landscapes are particularly
well placed to monitor and develop responses to these challenges, and the first step is to understand
the threats. A further challenge is to balance the general need to increase the production of renewable
energy sources and reduce carbon dioxide production with the duty to protect the character and
beauty of the Quantock countryside.
1.3
A Protected Area
Designation
Local awareness and appreciation of the Quantock Hills is
particularly high and the rich distinctiveness of this area’s
landscape, settlements and wildlife has also long been
recognised nationally. The Quantock Hills, along with a
further thirty-five of the finest landscape areas in England,
are recognised and protected through designation as
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).There are
also four AONBs entirely in Wales and nine in Northern
Ireland, with a further two proposed. AONBs have the
same level of protection as National Parks in relation to
landscape and scenic beauty. Conservation of the natural
beauty of the landscape and countryside therefore has
great weight in planning policies and development
management decisions for these areas.
INTRODUCTION
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), along with National Parks, represent our finest
countryside. AONBs account for 15% of the English landscape; they are designated by Natural England
under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949. In 1957 the Quantock Hills
became the first area in England to be confirmed as an AONB.
© Crown copyright reserved. Reproduced from Ordnance Survey mapping with the
permission of Her Majesty's Stationary Office under License No. 100023366 (2006).
All maps in this document are representative only and should not be relied on for accuracy.
Natural England
Natural England2 was launched in October 2006, its purpose under the Natural
Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 20063 is:
‘to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and
managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby
contributing to sustainable development’.
Natural England (NE) is the key central government link for AONBs, contributing the largest
proportion of funding for AONB core costs, projects and Sustainable Development Fund
disbursements. It is a statutory body with the role of rural champion and watchdog for England and,
along with giving direct advice and being a core member of the JAC partnership, NE also provides
significant regional and national information and policy framework documents.Among these the annual
South West State of the Countryside Report is particularly valuable, as is Natural England’s
Strategic Direction document published in 2006 and subsequently refreshed.
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2
www.naturalengland.org.uk
3
www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2006
INTRODUCTION
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Natural England advice, based on the Wildlife and Countryside Act, gives the following objectives for
AONBs:
•
the primary purpose of AONB designation will be to conserve and enhance
natural beauty
•
recreation will not be an objective of designation but AONBs should be used
to meet the demands for recreation as far as this is consistent with the
conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, forestry and
other users
•
in pursuing the primary objective of designation, account should be taken of
the need to safeguard agriculture, forestry, other rural industries and of the
economic and social needs of local communities
Natural Beauty
The 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act4 which introduced AONBs as a statutory
designation states that natural beauty includes “flora, fauna and geological and physiographic features”
(s114). Perhaps the most significant and comprehensive description can be found on Natural England’s
website in the 2001 AONB Management Plan Guidance CA23: “Landscape encompasses everything –
natural and human – 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”.
The CROW Act
Section four of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 20005 confirms the
significance of AONBs and extends and clarifies the authority and responsibilities of local authorities,
Natural England and other organisations in respect of AONBs. These include a statutory requirement
for local authorities to produce a Management Plan (Section 89), and the placing of a duty on all public
bodies and statutory undertakers to have regard for the purposes of designation when carrying out
their function (Section 85).
In March 2005 DEFRA published a guidance note entitled ‘Duties on relevant Authorities to have
regard to purposes of National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Norfolk & Suffolk
Broads’.The purpose of this guidance note was to provide greater clarity on the duties and to whom
they applied; it provides advice on issues over which public bodies may be unclear, most notably:
•
The duty applies to any decisions or activities that a relevant authority may take affecting land in these
areas, not just to those that relate to environmental or countryside issues
•
The duty applies to relevant authorities operating outside the boundaries of these areas since, on occasions,
their activities may have an impact within them
The guidance sets out DEFRA’s expectations of relevant authorities and includes a list of authorities
that are considered to be subject to the duty, although it is acknowledged that this list is not
exhaustive. The DEFRA list includes eight categories of bodies:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Government departments, their executive agencies and related public bodies
Government Offices
Regional assemblies
Regional development agencies
Regulators
Statutory undertakers
Local authorities, committees and other authorities
Miscellaneous others (e.g. Crown estates, New Forest Verderers)
INTRODUCTION
4
www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1949a
5
www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000a
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
2. The Quantock Hills Management Plan
Higher Hare Knap © Ron Carlson
2.1 The Need
This Management Plan is a revision of the first statutory 5-year
Management Plan (2004-2009) for the Quantock Hills. It has been
produced by the Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee as a
requirement (on local authority members) of the Countryside and
Rights of Way Act 2000 and is designed to outline a vision, policies and
recommendations for action across a range of topics in and around
the AONB.
The responsible local authorities for the Quantock Hills AONB are
Somerset County Council, West Somerset Council, Taunton Deane
Borough Council and Sedgemoor District Council.
Consultation workshops in
October 2008
Development of the 2004-09 Management Plan relied heavily on working with and listening to local
communities along with the strong support of Natural England and the involvement of bodies and
groups with responsibilities and interests in the area. This revision to produce the 2009-14 Plan has,
in turn, been subject to wide consultation.Advice and comments from Natural England on the previous
plan provided a valuable starting point for this task.The main objectives of an AONB Management Plan
include highlighting the special qualities of the AONB, assessing the condition of and key issues
confronting the AONB landscape, presenting a long-term vision for it and setting out policies and
objectives to achieve this vision. An action plan is required to deliver
these objectives and an ongoing monitoring process has been
developed to regularly assess the state of the AONB and its
management (see Section 6).
2.2
The northern common from
Withyman’s Pool
Strategic Context
This section lists and briefly describes some key organisations and
strategies at international, national and regional levels which influence
the work of the Joint Advisory Committee and the content of this
plan. For a more comprehensive list see the Strategic Environmental
Assessment (SEA) associated with this plan and available on our
website at www.quantockhills.com.
2.2.i At an international level UK AONBs, along with National Parks and Heritage Coasts are
recognised as Category V Protected Landscapes under the protected areas classification system
devised by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(IUCN). Category V Protected Landscapes reflect the extent to which land use has created their
distinctive appearance and wildlife interest and have a central theme of man and the environment
rather than biodiversity or landscape in isolation.
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
In February 2006 the UK signed the Council of
Europe's European Landscape Convention.
The European Landscape Convention addresses
protection, development and sustainable landscape
management. The Convention will help guide
government policy development within individual
departments and devolved administrations.
2.2.ii The Department for the Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) funds Natural
Longstone Hill
England (NE see 1.3) as a non departmental
government body; much of the core cost of an AONB unit is contributed directly by Natural England,
which also provides guidance, other project funding, and committee/board representation. The
Strategic Direction of Natural England (refreshed 2008) targets the following outcomes:
•
•
•
•
England’s natural environment will be conserved and enhanced
More people are inspired to value and conserve the natural environment
The use and management of the natural environment is more sustainable
Decisions which collectively secure the future of the natural environment
2.2.iii The South West Regional Assembly is responsible for the Regional Spatial Strategy
(RSS) 2006 – 2026. Minerals and Waste and Local Development Frameworks must be prepared
in accordance with this strategy, as must AONB Management Plans. The Regional Assembly has also
produced the South West Integrated Regional Strategy 2004 to provide a joined-up approach
to environment, economy and quality of life in strategic policy at the regional level, and to bring
together the wide range of issues in the south west. Further key documents produced by this body
are Our Environment, Our Future, the Regional Strategy for the South West
Environment and the South West Rural Delivery Framework. AONBs contributed to
consultations on all these documents, mainly through the National Association or the regional
Protected Landscapes Forum.
A 10 year regional strategy for economic development has been prepared by the South West
Regional Development Agency (SWRDA). Based on a long-term view the Regional Economic
Strategy for South West England 2006-2015 aims for sustainable growth through the achievement of
economic growth alongside a fairer society and protection of the environment. Along with other
strategies and delivery programmes/structures SWRDA, in partnership with Natural England and the
Forestry Commission, have also produced the Rural Development Programme England
(RDPE) South West Implementation Plan 2007-2013.
2.2.iv The National Association of AONBs6 was formed in December 1998 and has established
itself as the collaborative voice of AONBs in England and Wales. It is a company limited by guarantee with
an executive committee elected by its member organisations. The long-term vision of the Association
is to be part of a major national independent body representing those involved in the management of
all protected landscape areas of international importance in the UK. The Association aims to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Create an effective internal communication network amongst members
Develop the Association’s Parliamentary links and influence
Develop a wide range of contacts both in the UK and Europe with government and nongovernmental
organisations
Work with government departments and agencies to strengthen public policy and practice in pursuit of
the purposes for designating AONBs
Act as a focus for technical information and expertise on the protection and management of AONBs
Strengthen the structure and membership of the Association
6
www.aonb.org.uk
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
2.2.v The South West Protected Landscapes Forum7 is of particular significance in networking and
advising south west AONB partnerships and National Parks on regional issues. This forum brings
together the twelve AONBs and two National Parks of the South West on a regular basis and develops
appropriate working groups, research, training and projects to give them valuable support in their
work. Examples of this work include multiple AONB projects on recreation and renewable energy and
developing the Regional Prospectus on Protected Landscapes explaining the importance of such areas
to the quality of life in the region.
This Management Plan has been prepared with the policies, principles and visions of the relevant
regional strategies and organisations in mind. Particular consideration has been given to the ways in
which the plan can contribute, through the effective management of this AONB, to the protection and
enhancement of the environment allied with improved quality of life for local communities and visitors
to the area.
2.3 Local Management
Local authorities, through the national
designation of the Quantock Hills as a
special area, are required to positively
address the range of changes that are
affecting the character of the AONB.
Section four of the CRoW Act 2000 (see
1.3) confirms the authority and
responsibilities of local authorities in
respect of AONBs. These include a
statutory duty (Section 89) on local authorities to produce, adopt and publish a Management Plan, and
to revise it at intervals not exceeding five years. The Act states that the purpose of the Management
Plan is to formulate the polices of local authorities for the management of the Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty and for the carrying out of their functions in relation to it. The Act also sets out the
provisions for establishing statutory conservation boards for those AONBs where there is support
for this option.
The development and delivery of this Management Plan is carried out at local level and involves a wide
coalition of organisations and individuals with a particular interest in the Quantocks. This broad
partnership (the wider partnership or consultative bodies) has an annual event and receives papers
for (and an invitation to) all meetings of the JAC, which occur at least four times a year. The JAC
forms a tighter “executive” partnership between the County, District and Parish councils along with
representatives from Natural England, Friends of Quantock organisation, the Forestry Commission,
Somerset Local Access Forum and the Quantock Commoners Association.The AONB Service reports
to this body, which directs the Service and acts as their watchdog.
This Management Plan provides a consensus view on the needs of the area and a shared vision of the
future. It recognises the relationship between economic, social, landscape, access and wildlife factors.
The Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee and other organisations are provided through this
Plan with a flexible and positive structure for responding to issues raised and priorities set during local
consultations on this plan and its predecessors. These issues are set within a wider sustainable
framework that will further help the development of effective partnerships between organisations.
The cost of supporting the AONB Service is provided by funding partners within the Joint Advisory
Committee with core costs and project costs separated. Core costs of the service including office
premises and equipment, salaries and JAC administration are funded at up to 75% by Natural England,
with the remainder provided by the three District or Borough Councils of Taunton Deane, West
Somerset and Sedgemoor along with Somerset County Council.The AONB staff unit is hosted
and line-managed by Somerset County Council.
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7
www.southwestlandscapes.org.uk
MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Management Plan Objectives and Action Points are delivered through projects and activities
usually involving the AONB Service in partnerships with stakeholder organisations and/or local
communities. Project costs have varied funding packages including external funding developed
according to the nature of each project. While local authority and Natural England funding remains
highly significant for projects, partnership funding and involvement is also sought from other bodies
which have in recent years included the Forestry Commission, English Heritage, The Arts Council,
Avon and Somerset Police Authority, Friends of Quantock, the RSPB, private estates, Exmoor National
Park and others.
AONB Service team positions at the time of writing are the AONB Manager, Development Officer,
Senior Ranger, Partnership Ranger (shared 50% with The Forestry Commission), part-time Support
Officer, part-time Communications Officer and the part time Landscape Planning Officer. This team
works with the support of the Quantock Conservation Volunteers jointly managed and supported by
the AONB Service and the National Trust.The volunteers partnership is proving very successful with
the two organisations working closely, sharing both resources and work programmes.This has ensured
that the essential work carried out by volunteers on the Quantocks is undertaken efficiently, with the
best use of equipment and knowledge from each organisation. In 2007-08 the number of volunteer
members increased from 10 to 25, with the equivalent of 170 days work carried out. The
Conservation Volunteers undertake a huge range of work, all of which is indispensable to the AONB
Service. The partnership with the National Trust has increased the diversity of work that volunteers
can become involved in, including tasks such as: scrub clearance, hedge planting, orchard restoration,
stonewalling, swaling, visitor event monitoring, archaeological protection and surveying.
Quantock Hills AONB Service Staff Unit
Chris Edwards
AONB Manager
Tim Russell
Andy Harris
Iain Porter
Emma-Jane Preece
Senior Ranger
Partnership Ranger
Development Officer
Landscape Planning Officer
Georgie Grant
Jane Lillis
Communications Officer
Support Officer
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee has a purpose statement, which is:
The Joint Advisory Committee, by working with others, aims to be the
custodian of the Quantock Hills by safeguarding and enhancing their
unique beauty and distinctive character for future generations.
Significant elements of this purpose include:
•
Supporting and improving the viability of the landscape, flora, fauna, community and
economy of the Quantocks
•
Maintaining broad consensus, agreement and involvement in the development and
implementation of the Management Plan
•
Further developing the partnership of the JAC and broader partnerships to include all
those with an interest in the management and future of the hills
•
Working through the AONB Service within achievable resources
2.4 Public Involvement and Review
In the late 1990s an Issues Report was published containing the strong concerns raised by many
hundreds of people and numerous organisations during the preceding extensive AONB consultation
process. This document highlighted the need for a strategic plan over the whole of the AONB. In
1999 the Quantock Hills Management Strategy was published based on outcomes from these
meetings and debates.
The requirement of the CROW Act
2000 that a Management Plan review
be carried out by the end of March
2004 led to a full refresh of this
Strategy. This was based on the
recommendations
of
Dunelm
Consultants public and extensive
stakeholder consultation undertaken
during September/October 2003.
The current 2009-2014 Management
Plan has been the subject of
stakeholder consultation through
workshops, individual interview and
comments on the draft and of public
consultation through a published
Consultation
Broadsheet
and
comments on the draft plan.
Tawny field by Jenny Graham
14
MANAGEMENT PLAN
3. A Vision For The Quantock Hills
Summer colour on Longstone Hill © Ron Carlson
3.1 Background
The landscape of the Quantocks, from the lowland farms around their base up to the heather-clad
top of Wills Neck, has for thousands of years been used and modified by people living and working
here. As human activities and demands on the landscape change at an increasing rate we are in danger
of losing much that is valuable, rare and important. This vision for the Quantock Hills describes the
Quantock Hills most people want to see in twenty years time.
It has been developed from local consultations, government legislation, Natural England advice and JAC
partnership aims for the AONB. It outlines aspirations for the protection and enhancement of the
Quantocks into the future.
3.2 The Vision
The following statements form the Quantock Hills Vision; they describe the AONB we would like to
see in twenty years time.
Conservation of the distinctive and beautiful character and diversity of the
AONB landscape, encompassing Quantock heaths, woods, farmland, parkland
and villages
Detailed understanding of and protection for the Quantock historic environment
and conservation of existing man-made elements retaining both the ordinary
and the exceptional
Productive and sustainable farming and forestry businesses that support and
enhance the intimate scale, historic character and biodiversity of the Quantock
Hills
Protection and enhancement of biodiversity and wildlife habitat over the whole
Quantock landscape
Maintained levels of tree cover containing an increased percentage of native
species
Sympathetic design in any new development affecting the AONB
A sustainable level of Quantock tourism and recreation maintaining the quality
of experience for AONB users and contributing to the local economy without
harming landscape and biodiversity
15
MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Quantock Hills ready and able to adapt to the changing climate and AONB
management actively contributing to efforts to mitigate further climate change
Easily available information helping to protect the Quantock environment and
residents, while maximising public enjoyment and appreciation of the area
High-quality access across the AONB through a well maintained network of
paths and open access areas
A minimum of user conflicts and equality of access giving people of all ability
levels the chance to enjoy the area
A reduced level of vehicular traffic in the network of Quantock lanes and roads
Road use adapted to the rural size and nature of local routes, maintaining the
distinctive character of country lanes and improving safety in respect of
livestock, wildlife, walkers, riders and drivers
Strong sense of community and local pride of place along with the involvement
of local people in managing change and protecting the area
Communities in the AONB enjoying sustainable economic and social prosperity,
with better service provision and an improved quality of life, benefiting from and
contributing to the area’s high environmental quality
Wider public understanding of the Quantocks including their management and
conservation and other related issues, and the integration of these subjects into
local schools’ studies
From Cothelstone by Jenny Graham
16
4. Landscape and Heritage
4.1 Landscape Quality
From Lower Hare Knap to Longstone © Ron Carlson
(i) Significance
The primary purpose of AONB designation is “to conserve and enhance natural beauty”. At its most
fundamental level this refers to the quality of the landscape, a difficult value to measure. As a part of
the process of testing the current state of the AONB, alongside nationally developed assessment
indicators such as the “Countryside Quality Counts”8 set and the existing Quantock Hills Landscape
Assessment,9 the AONB Service has been developing its own current assessment. Quantock
Landscape Planning Officer Emma-Jane Preece has developed the following characterisation and
assessment of significant AONB landscape types. This is a work in progress and is subject to
amendment. It will be completed during the lifetime of this plan. Issues raised within landscape types,
such as lack of hedgerow management or loss of parkland features, will be a significant aspect of the
landscape type, there may well be examples of good practice alongside them.
Strong
Moderate
Poor
LANDSCAPE CONDITION
The matrix below guides judgement of landscape quality and helps determine the
appropriate landscape strategy. It can significantly inform landscape management, agrienvironment schemes, planning policy and control decisions.
Moderate
Moderate – Good
Good
Enhance
Conserve and Enhance
Conserve
Moderate
Moderate – Good
Enhance
Poor – Moderate
Enhance and
Restore
Poor
Poor – Moderate
Restore
/Create
Enhance and
Restore
Enhance
Poor
Moderate
Strong
Moderate
STRENGTH OF LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
9
8 www.countryside-quality-counts.org.uk
www.naturalengland.communisis.com/naturalenglandshop
17
MANAGEMENT PLAN
(ii) Threats and Opportunities This map illustrates some of the
Lowland Agricultural Fringe
• Deterioration of some historic parkland
landscape features
• Decline of hedgerow network due to lack
of traditional management techniques
(replaced by short mechanised flailing).
• Noise from adjacent A358
Heathland Summits and Combes
• Damage to heathland vegetation and archaeological features/
sites due to visitor/user pressure including mountain biking,
horse riding and motorised vehicles
• Loss of sense of openness and important views due to
scrubbing up of heathland vegetation (gorse, bracken and
trees)
• Invasion of heathland with rhododendron
• Reduced quality of open views/visual amenity e.g. to urban
fringe areas where large scale buildings (large shed
architecture) dominate/clutter within some viewsheds
• Loss of sense of remoteness and tranquility due to increased
awareness of human activity within the landscape and e.g. car
parking areas, interpretation boards, visual awareness of
nearby urban areas
• Decline of beech hedgebanks
18
Wooded Escarpment
• Highly visible scarring of the scarp due to
previous mineral extraction at Triscombe.
• Decline of beech hedgebanks and other
hedgerows in areas of pasture
• Deterioration of some historic parkland
landscapes
MANAGEMENT PLAN
threats to these key landscapes
Farmed Fringing Hills and Combes
• Upgrading of rural roads (kerbing/widening) reducing rural
character of the landscape (urbanising effect)
• Conversion of agricultural buildings for residential use
• Visual impact of bright hues and block patterning in areas of
turf growing and stripping
• Cluttering of settled combes with increased highway signage
and infrastructure
• Visual impact of urban fringe development and infrastructure
e.g. prominent pylon tracts
• Impact of horse-related development (sub-division of fields,
field shelters, ménages)
Open Summit
• Visual impact of small-scale infrastructure – car parks, picnic tables,
benches, signs, fencing
• Loss of views and the sense of openness due to expansion of
surrounding areas of woodland, bracken encroachment and scrubbing
up (loss of visual connectivity with other summit landscapes e.g.
Lydeard Hill Heathland Summit)
• Reduced quality of open views/visual amenity e.g. to urban fringe areas
where large scale buildings (large shed architecture) dominate/clutter
some viewsheds
• Footpath erosion and scarring due to heavy use
• Damage to archaeological features (round barrow) and associated
need to protect through erection of intrusive post and rail fencing.
• Dog fouling
• Illegal access by motorised vehicles
Farmed Ridge and Plateau
• Decline in visual amenity and weakening of the field pattern due to
the widening of field entrances (accompanied by removal of field
gates) to ease access for large-scale agricultural machinery
• Weakening/deterioration of the field pattern due to gappy, thin
hedgerow sections with few mature hedgerow trees
• Dilution of field pattern and reduced visual interest due to previous
removal of hedgerow lengths to create extensive sweeping
(featureless) field units
• Decline in visual amenity due to inappropriate siting of intrusive and
large agricultural buildings (interrupting views of the wider Quantock
landscape including the Open Summits)
• Mast at Lydeard Cross indicating potential pressure for further
communication masts (potential cluttering of visually sensitive skyline)
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER MAP
19
MANAGEMENT PLAN
(iii) Responses
The following is work in progress and subject to ongoing development.
Farmed Fringing Hills and Combes
Landscape Condition:
Strength of Character:
Landscape Quality:
Landscape Strategy:
Moderate
Strong
Moderate to Good
Farmed Ridge and Plateau
Landscape Quality:
Landscape Strategy:
variable, moderate overall (poor to good)
Moderate
Moderate
Enhance
Open Summit
Landscape Quality:
Landscape Strategy:
Moderate to Good
Strong
Moderate to Good
Heathland Summits and Combes
Landscape Quality:
Landscape Strategy:
Moderate to Good
Strong
Moderate to Good
Wooded Escarpment
Landscape Quality:
Landscape Strategy:
Moderate to Good
Strong
Moderate to Good
Agricultural Fringe
Landscape Quality:
Landscape Strategy:
Moderate to Good
Moderate to Strong
Moderate to Good
Enhance (and conserve)
Policies, Objectives and Action Points
20
Policies & Objectives
Action Points
L1: To protect and enhance the landscape
and character of the AONB
Landscape Action Points are reflected in the
following more specific sections of the
Management Plan. Action Points throughout the
entire plan are informed by this section
MANAGEMENT PLAN
4.2
Farming
Farmland above Merridge village © Ron Carlson
(i) Significance
The ability of farmers to manage this landscape in such a way that its most valued wildlife and landscape
features are protected and sustained is tied to the financial viability of appropriate farming methods.
Quantock farmland includes:
Hilltop common - unenclosed grazed heathland and upland oak woods, these areas are of the
very highest landscape and wildlife value. The main blocks are specifically addressed as a part of
this Management Plan under separate cover entitled Quantock Common Continuing Management
2000 - 2010
Unimproved hill land - generally rough grazing grassland, outside the hilltop commons. This has
become a rare resource high in biodiversity and valued for its wild and open landscape character
Improved hill land - green grass areas high in the hills with comparatively low levels of
biodiversity
Farmed combes - mixed management but often well hedged pastures with streams, springs and
small woodlands, important for biodiversity and apparently unchanging landscape
Lower farmland - varies from areas of intensive arable (low biodiversity and changing landscape)
to small-scale mixed farming (high biodiversity and unchanging landscape)
Farmed coastal strip - fairly intensive mixed arable and improved grazing with areas being
returned to low input extensive grazing and sensitive arable cultivation adjacent to narrow cliff
edge zone of unimproved grass/scrubland. Wildlife interest varies from low to very high, as do
levels of change in the landscape. Miscanthus now features significantly in this part of the AONB
landscape, the impact of this comparatively new crop has yet to be fully assessed
Significant Quantock field boundary types:
•
Saxon or older hedgerows and banks
•
Banked beech hedgerows
•
Established species-rich hedgerows
•
Significant historic boundaries e.g. parish or common.
•
New native-species hedges
Field patterns and the hedges that enclose Quantock farmland are important historic features,
creating rhythm and form in the agricultural landscape. Other than beech hedgebanks (see below), and
possible vestiges of the Iron Age landscape pattern represented by some smaller enclosures, the
hedges are mainly of Saxon-medieval origin created directly from woodland or other unenclosed
wastes. The field boundaries are typically composed of hawthorn, blackthorn, ash, oak and hazel and
enclose small, irregular fields. Within the combes, boundary banks are also a common feature, often
FARMING
21
MANAGEMENT PLAN
bordering the steep, narrow lanes; these are either earth banks or stone-faced earth banks, with or
without a hedge on top.The stone-faced banks are worthy of special mention as the intricate chevron
patterns are a small local detail of great beauty. In the Quantock Hills the hedgerow boundaries
create the structure and pattern of the agricultural landscape, fringing the uplands. The combination
of topography and landform means that their importance is magnified, as the farmland fringes are
often looked down upon or across to from the summits and hillsides.
Beech hedgebanks, highly distinctive features
consisting of earth banks topped with a row of
beech trees, many surrounding rectangular
Quantock C18 and C19 parliamentary enclosure
fields. They create a distinctive and visually
prominent landscape feature, although their
original form and function has long been lost.
These beech banks occur on the edge of the
hilltop plateau around the northern and central
part of the hills, while further south they are
evident on lower ground taking in land which had
remained unenclosed during the medieval period.
Occasionally, beech trees have also been planted
Beech hedgebanks along the Drove Road
along far older boundaries, perhaps the bestknown example being the Drove Road, which runs along the central spine of the hilltop from
Crowcombe Gate to the Triscombe Stone. In many cases where these highly significant landscape
features have grown to impressive stature they are under significant threat of being uprooted due to
their own weight and unbalanced nature combined with high winds.
Coastal Farmland is a further significant element of the enclosed AONB landscape. An RSPB
farmland bird study of this area (published in 2001) identified a small colony of tree sparrows within
the area along with other positive indicators for arable/pasture farmland. As a result of an AONB
partnership project with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group the Quantock coastal strip is now
largely under environmentally sensitive farm management particularly aimed at maintaining a strong
and diverse farmland bird population.
(ii) Threats and Opportunities
Significant changes in the economics of farming have been taking place at the end of the 20th century
and into the beginning of the 21st. Two of the most important changes for Quantock farming, and
therefore Quantock wildlife and landscape, are the reduction of income associated with livestock
farming, and the ongoing review of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Global price of raw
materials such as wheat and timber are unstable but appear to reflect an overall trend of general
decline in the economic viability of many forms of UK farming and forestry. Declining incomes and
increased competition from imported products have had significant impacts on the rural economy and
the availability of jobs in the agricultural
sector. It may be of particular significance
for the Quantock landscape that despite
increasing prices for meat and milk
livestock farming is struggling with the
rapidly increasing price of fuel and animal
feed stuffs, coupled with higher standards
of animal welfare, increasing regulation
and a lack of local infrastructure such as
abattoirs.
22
FARMING
MANAGEMENT PLAN
A sustained message for nationally recognised landscapes such as the Quantocks is that it remains
difficult for many farmers to maintain their incomes from farming alone. This is a particularly acute
problem for small and medium sized farms making it a real threat to the intimate scale of the enclosed
Quantock farmed landscape.
Impacts of this situation can include farms becoming larger through purchase and rent of land –
sometimes with unviably small holdings left behind, farming intensification leading to a reduced range
of landscape and wildlife, and diversification - finding new sources of additional income. Diversification
takes a range of forms including adding value to produce, through on-farm processing (e.g. producing
and selling clotted cream and cheese as well as milk), farm gate or farm shop selling and “pick your
own” enterprises, providing facilities for visitors and tourists, other non-agricultural businesses on
farm and working off the farm. Agri-environment schemes are arguably another form of diversification
- payment for producing, protecting and maintaining high quality landscape and wildlife habitat
alongside food production.
In recent years major changes in agricultural support have changed the framework within which
farming operates. The Common Agriculture Policy now provides a Single Payment Scheme for farmers,
simplifying the CAP mechanism, while the Rural Development Programme for England provides
funding to farmers and other land managers in England who deliver effective environmental
management on their land. The system of Environmental Stewardship that was launched in 2005 has
met with mixed fortunes.The lower tier Entry-Level Scheme has been well-subscribed but is currently
under scrutiny in terms of positive countryside management delivered, an alternative is the Organic
Entry Level Scheme.The significantly more demanding Higher Level Scheme has to date suffered from
a shortage of resources, resulting in low numbers of schemes nationally. Under new targeting systems
the Quantock Hills AONB is a priority area and increased resources in the next few years should
result in more successful applications. Over the next 5 years many farms will come out of the previous
Countryside Stewardship Scheme, which the Quantocks very successful engaged with, and continuity
of sensitive land management for these farms and areas is a significant challenge.
Genetic modification of agricultural crop species has the potential to significantly impact on
biodiversity in the following ways:
Out-crossing: if GM plants pass their new traits on to wild relatives this may alter the role of these
wild species in their respective ecosystems, potentially out-competing other species
Agricultural practices: herbicide tolerant GM plants allow weed-management strategies which may
significantly affect the number of wild plants found in fields impacting on relevant ecosystems
Government licensing for GM crop cultivation is decided on a case by case basis against a policy
background of protecting human health and the environment. Proposed releases (planting) of
genetically modified organisms are assessed individually for risk, with public consultation.
The majority of the important beech hedgebanks in the Quantocks suffer from a lack of management
and endure as rows of often magnificent
mature beech trees, with root systems
binding the earth banks. In many cases,
where these highly significant landscape
features have grown to impressive
stature, they are under significant threat
of being uprooted during stormy
weather from a combination of their
own weight and their unbalanced
nature.This threat entails damage to the
landscape and hedgebank along with
potential danger to the public.
FARMING
23
MANAGEMENT PLAN
(iii) Responses
Agri-environment scheme support is very important for the protection and positive management of
the whole farmed landscape of this nationally designated area. As the revision of this Plan is
progressing in 2008 the AONB Service is again engaged in discussions with Natural England about
targeting of the Higher Level Scheme to ensure the importance and value of the Quantock Hills is
properly recognised in respect of Agri-Environment Scheme support. There have been two major
initiatives in this area of activity by the JAC Partnership under the 1999 Strategy, the first was initiating
and seeing through the development of the largest lowland heath Countryside Stewardship Agreement
in the country to protect the main Quantock Common. The second major area of development has
been a practical partnership with the Somerset Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) leading
to strategically targeted clusters of high quality whole-farm Countryside Stewardship Schemes
including the Quantock coastal strip.
Other schemes and support available in the AONB include our own Sustainable Development Fund,
local authority grants for landscape conservation, grants for converting to organic production, and
Forestry Commission support for woodland management. The full range of possibilities is wide and
complex and professional advice may be necessary to help applicants identify and benefit from the
most appropriate schemes.
Clearly promoting agri-environment schemes and providing free advice is an effective short to medium
term policy for protecting landscape quality. During the life of the previous 04/09 Plan the AONB
Service has successfully produced or supported the production of technical but easily read
information leaflets on Beech Hedgebanks and Red Deer. Producing support information on
mainstream grants including Higher Level Scheme and Woodland Grants Scheme could potentially
benefit the landscape of the Quantocks significantly. This information should be Quantock-specific
and break down the complicated process of applying for grants to an easily understood and
manageable process.
A newly restored beech hedgebank
24
FARMING
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Beech hedgebanks are key Quantock landscape features and for many years planting and experimental
coppicing/laying of beech bank stretches has been undertaken by the National Trust and the Quantock
Rangers, however the scale of this work was unable to address the overall threat. To move the
situation on the AONB Partnership published an illustrated advisory document commissioned from
local environmental consultant Dr Chris Smith on the management of Quantock beech hedgebanks.
Based on this awareness-raising the 2004/09 Management Plan stimulated DEFRA funding for a
detailed study of these features (Land Use Consultants 2005 survey/report) and the “Restoration
Plan for the Beech Hedgebanks of the Quantock Hills”10 was published in 2005. In response to this
2006/7/8 has seen a concentrated effort by key landowners to reintroduce management.With support
from Environmental Stewardship and/or the Quantock Sustainable Development Fund they are
working to reprofile collapsed and eroded banks while layering, gapping up and/or replanting the
beech rows that sit on them. Examples of this work can be seen from rights of way and access land
at Quantock Farm and on the Crowcombe Estate at key landscape locations.
Action Points
F1: To protect and enhance the wildlife,
landscape and character of Quantock
farmland
FAP 1: Ensure the Quantock Hills are targeted
for agri-environment schemes
FAP 2: Encourage sensitive management
practices by supporting the provision of agrienvironment advice on schemes and organic
conversion in the Quantocks
FAP 3: Further develop links with the County
Farms Estate to provide local examples of good
environmental practice
FAP 4: Oppose the cultivation of Genetically
Modified crops in and bordering the AONB until
definitive research results are available, and
continue to screen energy crop planting for
impacts
F2: To conserve and promote proper
management of Quantock hedges and
associated banks
FAP 5: Protect, enhance and reinstate
traditional field boundaries, particularly beech
hedgebanks
From the Quantocks by Jenny Graham
FARMING
10
Available from the Quantock Hills AONB office
25
4.3
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Forestry and Woodlands
Sessile oaks, Dowsborough Hill © Ron Carlson
(i) Significance
Forests and woodlands within the Quantock Hills are highly significant in landscape, wildlife,
recreational and economic terms – it is critical for the AONB that the quality and diversity of these
areas is maintained and enhanced.
According to the Ancient Woodland Inventories for England and Wales the Quantocks have 1,113.5
hectares (11.13 km2) of ancient woodland site which amounts to 11.21% of the AONB area - the sixth
highest percentage of all AONBs in England and Wales (just under 5.75% of the total AONB area for
England and Wales is ancient woodland site).
There are four main types of woodland within the AONB:
Ash-hazel woodlands are found in the lower lying areas on the less acid rocks of central and
southern parts of the AONB. Examples include the Somerset Wildlife Trust reserve of Aisholt Wood
and a mixture of ancient and secondary woodland on the lower southern slopes of Cothelstone Hill.
The Ash-hazel mix allows good light levels at the woodland floor leading to a healthy ground flora in
some cases including extensive bluebell cover.
Western sessile oak woodlands cloak the steep sided combes which cut into the hard
sandstone rocks in the north eastern part of the hills.They support a distinctive range of bird species
including the summer migrant species of
wood warbler, pied flycatcher and
redstart. These species which fly from
south of the Sahara each spring to breed
in our western oak woodlands may be
under significant threat from climate
change as they rely on the timing of
caterpillar hatching to feed their young.
These woods are dominated by sessile
oak, although other species include
rowan, birch, holly and hazel, with alder
and willow in wetter areas and ash and
hazel on less acid soils. Whortleberry
(Billberry), bracken, wavy-hair grass, cow
wheat make up most of the ground flora
Above Slaughterhouse Combe © Ron Carlson
26
FORESTRY AND WOODLANDS
MANAGEMENT PLAN
along with a luxuriant carpet of mosses and ferns which thrive in the cool, moist conditions and the
trees support a rich lichen flora.The assemblages of lower plants of bryophytes, epiphytic lichens and
fungi of these woodlands are recognised as being of international importance.
Much of this woodland was in coppice management for decades or even centuries prior to the 20th
century. This involved cutting the trees down to approximately ground level and then allowing them
to grow back over many years until they were cut again – the timber and bark were used locally for
charcoal production and tanning. The forest area was split into large areas or coups for this
management to take place, and when this activity ceased the woods grew up into the canopy
woodland we see today. One effect of this historic management is that large areas of woodland have
no variety in their age-structure.
The sessile oak woodlands are designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) at European level,
over and above their national designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); they form a key
element of the AONB woodland resource. This highly distinctive type of woodland tends to climb
the hillsides, mainly up the combes and this location means that it falls largely within Quantock
common. The conservation of these oak woods is addressed in the Quantock Common Management
Plan11 published by the JAC Partnership in 2000. Under the Quantock Common Countryside
Stewardship scheme that began in 2002 the state of these woodlands has been monitored by Natural
England and there is some concern that grazing levels (mainly from deer and sheep) may be too high.
It is, however, a strength of the Quantock Common that a strong grazing regime is in place, as
important sites elsewhere are suffering from undergrazing. Interested parties (including the AONB
Service, Landowners including the National Trust, Commoners, Natural England and the Forestry
Commission) are currently actively considering how to address this issue. The management of the
common is considered in more detail in the Wildlife section.
Coniferous plantation includes
extensive areas planted early in the
20th century which dominate a large
area of the central upland plateau at
Quantock Forest, with other
significant forestry blocks occurring
throughout the AONB. These
plantations over large areas of the
Quantocks replaced important areas
of sessile oak woodland and heathland
habitat and are significant features in
the landscape. Although they are not
the native cover for the Quantocks,
reducing the wildlife habitat value,
Mixed woodland © Ron Carlson
these forests do provide an important
refuge for red deer and have a distinct range of invertebrates and birds including goldcrest, siskin,
crossbill, buzzard and sparrowhawk. In the interests of nature conservation the Forestry Commission
have created a 12ha area of heathland reversion from a plantation area on the boundary with Aisholt
Common. It may be possible to formally link this reverted area into a much-needed management
agreement for Aisholt Common.
Small farm woodlands associated with the lower enclosed landscape form a distinct feature in
the AONB. These can be conifer or broadleaf and in some cases are on ancient woodland sites. Small
woodlands and copses are significant elements in the farmed Quantock landscape, valuable for
landscape and biodiversity reasons with many designated as County Wildlife Sites. Opportunities for
the production of wood-fuel at the local level are strong in these woodlands (also for the other
woodland types mentioned), potentially benefitting the farmer, the local economy and renewable
energy production.
11
Contact the Quantock Hills AONB office for details
27
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Key pressures on forestry and woodland industry include:
• global markets favouring cheap imports of timber and woodland products
• high operation costs for the financial return
• fragmentation of woodlands into small parcels, through sales to private leisure
market
• lack of markets for low grade broadleaved timber, particularly coppice, which
has led to a consequent decline in rotational woodland management
• new woodland owners lacking understanding of woodland management and
industry
• increasing regulation
• ageing woodland workforce and consequent loss of skills
• poor soils limiting quality of hardwood timber
• small woodland size limiting economies of scale
• low incomes for woodland workers and many small businesses lacking capital to
invest
The strategic background to this section of the Plan is formed by the Forestry Commission’s
South West Regional Woodlands and Forestry Framework 2005- 2015.
The sessile oak woodlands are, as has been explained, highly protected – however there are potential
threats that are being monitored. One issue is whether the same-age nature of the trees in these woods
is a threat to their long-term survival. This is not a situation that would be found had they grown
undisturbed over many centuries where, subject to grazing pressures, the trees would be present at all
stages of their life-cycle. Grazing pressures are themselves a more immediate concern – these woods
form a part of the common and the usual solution of stock fencing would not be an easy option with
landscape and access issues to be considered. The ideal levels of grazing are different, however, for
heathland and woodland, and to achieve appropriate grazing management for the heather, deer, sheep and
pony numbers may have a damaging effect on woodland regrowth and ground flora. A happy medium has
been sought through the current Countryside Stewardship Scheme, and Natural England is monitoring
the impact on these
woodlands (see Wildlife
section).
Further large-scale conifer
planting in the Quantock
uplands is unlikely and any
proposals would no doubt
receive a strong negative
reaction from local people
and a range of organisations
including
the
JAC
partnership. The major
Forestry
Commission
plantation half way down the
east side of the AONB which
Looking into Frog Combe © Ron Carlson
28
MANAGEMENT PLAN
includes Ramscombe, Seven
Wells and Great Wood was
mainly planted in the 1920s by
the newly-formed Forestry
Commission. It is sited on
heathland and oak woodland
locations (possibly part of ‘that
famous wood which is called
Cantocwudu’ referred to in a
charter from West Monkton
dated 682) felled as part of the
war effort for WWI. The
Forestry
Commission
has
introduced continuous cover
forestry management in parts of
Beech trees in Cockercombe
Great Wood; this involves leaving
mature trees when felling areas to seed the next generation. While this is a clear benefit to the
landscape beauty of the AONB it needs to be balanced with consideration for Quantock nightjars, one
of the AONB’s more important wildlife species, which find clear-felled forestry areas to be valuable
habitat.The area is a very significant recreation resource for the AONB and this should be maintained
and if possible further enhanced. A move towards further permanent restoration of western oak
wood and heathland habitat from current plantations, alongisde careful management of the 12ha
already achieved, would be strongly welcomed.
The role of forestry plantations in providing sustainable building materials is increasingly significant
for climate change mitigation. In 2007 The Forestry Commission launched ‘A Woodfuel Strategy for
England’ with an ambitious target to bring an additional two million tonnes of wood from English
woodlands to the market per year by 2020. The Quantock Hills AONB is a key partner in (and
geographic part of) the successful Western Somerset Local Action Group bid for European funding.
This will provide significant funding to stimulate low-carbon economy initiatives in the area over the
life of this plan (See Section 5.4 iii for more information).
The Forestry Commission English Woodland Grant Scheme encompasses the full range of
grants for stewardship of existing woodlands and the creation of new woodlands. As of 2008 there
are 250.53ha of woodland under this scheme in the AONB.This is a significant reduction on the 2003
figure and a number of Quantock schemes come to an end later in 2008 or early in 2009. The target
programme for new woodlands to be planted autumn/winter 2008 in the region is 600ha. Funding
levels are higher for broadleaved planting than conifers, and planting on agricultural land will attract
additional annual payments for land managers running an agricultural business.The use of farmland in
the southern AONB to grow Christmas trees is a recent development which will be monitored for
landscape and biodiversity impact.
Statutory requirements for formal consultation between planning authorities and the Forestry
Commission, who apply and enforce planting and felling control, were reduced in the 1990s. The
CROW Act requirement (Section 85) on statutory undertakers applies to the Forestry Commission
and their strong relationship with the AONB should ensure this landscape is properly protected in
respect of forestry operations.
Decline in traditional management including small-scale felling, replanting, coppicing and the clearing
of unwanted alien species such as rhododendron may have led to a reduction of wildlife interest in
many Quantock woodlands. Loss of economic significance in the produce of these woods in part
generated by the availability of cheap alternative materials for markets such as fuel and fencing is
mainly responsible for this decline; however wood fuel initiatives may be able to counteract this.
29
MANAGEMENT PLAN
(iii) Responses
The Forestry Commission’s English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) is a critical mechanism of
financial support for appropriate management of woodlands. Increased take-up of this scheme would
benefit the landscape and biodiversity of the AONB significantly.
Somerset County Council (SCC) owns several woodland areas in and around the AONB including
the sessile oak woodland of Over Stowey Customs Common that falls within the area of the
Quantock Common Management Plan. The remnant ash-hazel wood called Buncombe Wood forms
part of SCC’s Cothelstone Hill amenity landholding in the southern Quantocks. The AONB Service
manages these woodland areas and is working with the Forestry Commission to ensure they are
appropriately managed. A further series of small woodlands, particularly on the eastern side of the
AONB are managed directly by SCC.
Forest Design Plans for Forestry Commission estate in the Quantocks are regularly revised and
updated. The AONB Service is consulted on these plans to ensure significant benefit to Quantock
landscape and wildlife. The Forestry Commission has achieved some heathland reversion in Great
Wood and the possibility of extensions to this will be raised.
Policies & Objectives Action Points
Action Points
FW1: To further develop the sensitive
management of woodland and plantations to
protect, enhance and extend the distinctive
character, landscape and wildlife of the
Quantocks
FWAP1: Promote best practice in woodland
management, including appropriate native
broadleaf planting, throughout the AONB,
particularly through the provision of advice on
woodland grant schemes and links with SCC
owned woods in the Quantock area
FWAP 2: Stimulate local markets for products
of woodland management including woodfuel,
and investigate linking producers to local
markets
FWAP 3: Further develop partnerships with
forest owners/managers across the AONB and
maintain JAC consultation on forest plans to reestablish landscape quality through native
broadleaf planting and re-shaping commercial
forestry areas
FW2: To maintain or enlarge current levels
of native woodland cover and protect areas
of ancient semi-natural woodland in the
AONB
FWAP 4: Further develop understanding and
sensitive management, including the management
of grazing animals, of the Quantock Upland
Oakwoods
FWAP 5: Support the restoration and
enlargement of heathland and oakwoods
through working with forest owners in
the AONB
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
4.4 Wildlife
Red deer at Weacombe Hill © Ron Carlson
(i) Significance
The Quantock Hills are of great importance for nature conservation. The combination of geology,
landform, soils and its history of human land use has resulted in a wide range of semi-natural and
farmed habitats in close proximity, this makes the AONB a biodiversity resource of the highest
significance.
The Quantock Hilltops provide the two most significant Quantock habitats of sessile oak
woodland with a wealth of lichens and bryophytes and lowland heath, which includes heather,
whortleberry, bell heather, western gorse and cross leaved heath. The heathland habitats include
boggy areas known as acid flushes, botanically the richest habitats in the AONB, with streams flowing
from them through the wooded combes to the farmland below. Regular surveys of bird populations
are carried out on the Quantocks through the RSPB/AONB Service partnership.12 The latest national
heathland surveys show Quantock populations of Dartford warbler and nightjar are over 1% of the
UK populations, a recognised indicator of national importance.
The hilltop heathland and sessile oak woodland habitats together form one of the most extensive
areas of semi-natural habitat in south west England and fall chiefly within the main Common “CL10".
They are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and additionally the sessile oak
woodland is listed under the EC Habitats and
Species Directive and protected at an
international level, along with similar parts of
Exmoor, as a Special Area of Conservation
(SAC). This level of protection may also be
appropriate for Quantock heathland based on
the results of AONB/RSPB heathland bird
surveys noted above.
Pied flycatcher chick
Ranger Andy Harris monitoring woodland
bird populations
WILDLIFE
12
31
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Wildlife Designation Map
KEY
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Special Area of Conservation
County Wildlife Sites
32
WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
The coordination and implementation of traditional and
new techniques required to protect and manage the
common needs detailed planning. This is achieved
through a partnership which includes landowners,
commoners (graziers), the JAC and AONB Service,
Natural England and others. The 1990 Phase 1
Management Plan established a Commons Management
Group developing this partnership to agree and oversee
the necessary management activities, and this group
continues to be active and vital to looking after the
Quantock hilltops.
Between 1990 and 2002 much of Quantock Common
was returned to management with a swaling programme
Quantock adder
established, partial stockproofing of the common land
boundary achieved and significantly improved grazing levels. Further to this, substantial areas of
invasive bracken and rhododendron treatment and removal were carried out, and invading scrub
taken off some heathland areas. In 2002 a Countryside Stewardship agreement was signed between
a wide range of interested parties and this has directed the management of the area since then.
Significant areas of the common are not included in the agreement, however and within the agreement
area Natural England have concerns over elements of the management, a situation which the key
parties recognise needs to be addressed.
Other significant wildlife sites that fall outside the main common area, many recognised as
County Sites or nature reserves, can be found in the AONB. These sites include more southerly
hilltops at Cothelstone Hill and Broomfield Hill and the coastal edge of the AONB including foreshore
and cliff habitats that support specific ranges of flora and fauna. The coastal area is very different to
other parts of the AONB. Whereas much of the AONB supports vegetation on acidic soils (such as
heathland), the coastal stretch is primarily alkaline due to the limestone cliffs. Specialised biodiversity
including orchids and invertebrates are found on the cliff tops, designated as a County Wildlife Site.
The coastal bird life is also significant with the close vicinity of the Bridgwater Bay Ramsar site. The
old harbour at Kilve Pill is the only area of reed bed and willow carr in the AONB, although a
comparatively small area it has a distinctive species mix.
The enclosed mantle (see Farming section) of the Quantocks surrounding the heath-covered ridge
makes up more than half of the AONB. It includes grazed pasture, arable land (particularly on the
better soils found on the northern coastal plain and around the southern hills) and historic parkland
containing fine specimens of oak, ash, chestnut and beech. The unsprayed hedge bottoms and verges
provide a habitat where hedgerow plants can thrive and the margins around the larger arable fields
between Quantoxhead and Kilve are known to harbour populations of declining arable plants.Veteran
trees are an important landscape feature and a significant biological resource for the rare invertebrates,
lichens and fungi that are associated with the mature bark and standing dead wood. See sections on
Farming and Historic Environment for further detail.
The Quantock Hills Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 200913 adds significant detail to
Natural England’s “Exmoor and the Quantocks Natural Area Profile” published in 1998, and has been
revised and updated from the 1999 version along with the other Somerset BAPs. It contains the
results of updated habitat and species audits and surveys, and is entered on the UK Biodiversity
Action Plan Recording System (BARS) allowing information to be updated when available. The
engagement of the AONB Service with this monitoring and recording should lead to more active
implementation. This revised BAP provides a valuable management and monitoring tool to land
managers and the JAC.
WILDLIFE
13
33
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Commons Map
34
WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs) identify where action needs to be taken to conserve and enhance
important wildlife habitats across an area, in this case the AONB. Such Plans specify key species within
those habitats and suggest necessary management and policies for their protection, particularly
through local partnerships.
Four Quantock habitat types have Action Plans: Lowland Heath, Upland (sessile) Oak Wood, Maritime
Cliffs and Slopes, and Wood Pasture and Parkland.These habitats cover over 90% of the priority area
of the Quantocks, and almost 15% of the AONB area.The species chosen for Action Plans are nightjars,
adders and waxcap fungus.This is not to preclude management for the many other species that would
be suitable targets for the focus of conservation, but the implementation of Action Plans for these
species will benefit the priority habitats. Where these priority habitats are not designated SSSI they
may be notified as County Wildlife Sites.
Red deer nationally are thriving and are the largest wild animals roaming free in the UK. Their
continued presence in the Quantocks carries symbolic weight and has strong local support, they form
the most publicly appreciated element of Quantock wildlife. Roe deer populations are also increasing
and muntjack have been seen in the area.The Quantock Deer Management and Conservation Group
(QDM&CG) was established in the 1990s to ensure the continued presence of a sustainable red deer
herd on the Quantocks. Present membership of the group consists of individual Quantock
landholders, as well as representatives of organisations including English Nature, Friends of Quantock,
Forestry Commission, National Trust, DEFRA, British Deer Society, The Quantock Staghounds, The
Deer Initiative, BASC, and the Quantock AONB Service. Comparison of the annual Quantock red
deer counts obtained over the years show that total numbers seen have risen significantly over the
last decade, with over 700 red deer being recorded in each of the last three years. Numbers over the
last decade are higher than is believed to have been present at any time during the last two centuries.
Red deer stag © Matt Peaster
WILDLIFE
35
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Key aims and policies of the Quantock Deer Management and Conservation
Group include the following:
• The group is committed to ensuring the long-term survival of a healthy and well-distributed population
of red deer in and around the Quantock Hills in balance with its environment and other land uses
• The group aims to provide a forum for open discussion and overview throughout that area, and to
promote a responsible and sensitive approach to the management of wild deer by experienced,
trained personnel
• The formation of localised sub-groups (under the umbrella of QDM&CG) is encouraged to stimulate
improved co-ordination of deer management efforts among neighbouring landholders where this is
considered helpful
• QDM&CG will continue to conduct an annual deer count throughout the region to monitor trends in
numbers by species, and ratios of males to females across years; and will collate information on
reported culls and other losses to allow assessment of the effects of control measures taken
• A population based on between 400 – 450 red deer noted at the annual spring count is believed to
constitute a sustainable population size for the longer term
• In addition the group has agreed that if consecutive annual counts should ever indicate that numbers
are likely to have fallen to below about 300 head the QDM&CG will call on its members and others
to introduce minimal or no-cull policies, until such a point that numbers and age/sex breakdown are
considered to have recovered to a satisfactory level
• The presence of good numbers of mature stags in the population is desirable to maintain genetic
diversity, as well as for aesthetic reasons
• The annual off-take required to maintain healthy red and roe deer populations on the Quantocks also
forms a sustainable resource that can help off-set part of the costs of deer damage, control and crop
protection
A very significant threat is the failure of parts of the main
Quantock SSSI to meet the government condition target of
‘favourable’ or ‘unfavourable recovering’. These assessments
(mostly carried out between 2002 and 2006) reflected a lack of
regeneration in the oakwoods, and areas of heathland where
appropriate management was not in place. Although wildlife has
been a core element of the work of the AONB Service, this could
threaten the future of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme for
Quantock Common, currently the main tool for conservation
management of the Quantock uplands.
Natural England have four condition categories for SSSIs, they
are assessed as either favourable, or if unfavourable they are
either recovering, static or declining in respect of those qualities
for which they are designated. The Quantock Hills AONB has
three SSSIs, the 190 hectare Blue Anchor to Lilstock Coast SSSI
Pied flycatcher © John Markham
includes the coastal geology of the AONB and fully meets the
SSSI target of being in favourable or recovering condition. A small (4 hectare) wetland area in
Quantock farmland is also meeting the target. Much of the main Quantock Common SSSI (the
heathland and oakwoods) is not meeting the target and this needs to be corrected.
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WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Natural England assessment of the main Quantock SSSI, surveyed on a range of dates
mainly between 2002 and 2006, gives the following results (all figures are hectares):
Quantock Common SSSI Condition (total)
150.36
169.81
1,660.06
489.45
Favourable
Unfavourable recovering
Unfavourable no change
Unfavourable declining
1,244.50
SSSI Condition - Other
(Acid grassland & Bog)
SSSI Condition Broadleaved woodland
SSSI Condition Dwarf shrub heath
24.22
110.03
116.08
16.11
53.73
363.26
302.95
52.30
177.59
0.00
8.91
WILDLIFE
37
MANAGEMENT PLAN
This amounts to a total of 2469.68ha, of which approximately 29% is meeting the government target
and 71% is not. This assessment is based on the quality of the wildlife habitat and its management for
the biodiversity interest. It highlights issues of bracken and rhododendron encroachment, deer
management and inappropriate grazing. As the main Common CSS agreement progresses it will address
these key issues. Success will be indicated by the next round of condition assessments (2009-2012).
Areas of biodiversity importance not designated at a national or international level can suffer from a
lack of prioritisation for action, despite being significant in their own right. The creation of Local
Nature Reserves can help raise funding for management and interpretation of significant wildlife sites,
and increasing the number of these is a local target of the Somerset Local Area Agreement.
Recognition of undesignated areas of biodiversity value as County Wildlife Sites is an important tool
in protecting biodiversity. National Indicators for Local Authorities now require that they are working
to increase the number of these in positive management (NI 197).
Climate change is a major threat to the habitats and
biodiversity of the AONB. Potential impacts are varied
including possible increasing summer fires in the heathland
to summer migrant bird species arriving in the spring to
find they have missed the flush of caterpillars they require
to feed their chicks. Current predictions do not anticipate
an acceleration of coastal cliff erosion, although the current
rate of loss is an existing issue. A more detailed
understanding of the probable impacts is the first
requirement to allow a useful response to climate change.
Long-eared owl
(iii) Responses
To co-ordinate, clarify and guide practical management through
the Commons Management Group, a Quantock Common Management Plan for the period 2000-2010
was drawn-up in consultation with key partners.Although published under separate cover (for ease of use)
that document informs this part of the Management Plan addressing specifically the vegetation, grazing, and
wildlife habitat management and monitoring of the main Quantock Common.
To implement much of the Commons Management Plan the JAC Partnership brokered the
development of the largest lowland heath Countryside Stewardship Agreement in the country. In
2002 this was agreed between the AONB Service, Quantock landowners, commoners (graziers),
interested organisations and NE, who run the scheme. The agreement established, for the period 2002
– 2012, levels of grazing, swaling, bracken control, and scrub and rhododendron removal that must be
carried out on the main Quantock Common. Review of this agreement should start in good time to
assess the successes and failures of the current scheme and find a suitable management formula for
the period post 2012.
Agri-environment schemes that favour inland extension of the cliff top limestone grassland are valuable
in maintaining and enhancing the AONB’s biodiversity. A good example of this can be seen at
Quantoxhead, where cattle are grazed on pasture rather than the previous production of arable crops.
The development of coordinated action to review, implement and monitor success of the Quantock
BAP should become a priority.The implementation of the BAP does not imply that other habitats and
species are not important, or have less significance in terms of the prime AONB duty of conserving
and enhancing natural beauty.
The monitoring of wildlife species and their habitat is important to indicate whether changes are taking
place. The broad key habitats in the AONB are semi-natural heath and grassland, woodland, parkland
and farmland. Periodical aerial and fixed-point photography can show if the areas of habitat remain the
same or change, while wildlife surveys can monitor changes in populations of particular species.
Continued involvement of the JAC Partnership with the Quantock Deer Management and
Conservation Group (QDM&CG), Natural England and landowners is important for the future of the
38
WILDLIFE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
red deer herd. The group, with the support of the AONB Service, has published an information
document about red deer in the Quantocks helping landowners, organisations and the public
understand the issues relating to keeping a healthy herd on the hills.
An annual deer-count takes place across a wide area of the Quantocks and is organised each year by
the QDM&CG. This count does not aim to record every red deer on the hills, but it provides a
minimum number for the deer population and establishes population trends forming a basic indicator
of the status of this culturally important and nationally significant red deer herd.
The AONB partnership supports the development and management of Local Nature Reserves and
County Wildlife Sites to encourage positive management and understanding of less recognised
biodiversity resources.
Action Points
W1: To maintain and enhance the biodiversity
and ecological health of the Quantocks with
particular focus on the Strategic Nature Areas
of Upland Oakwood and Heathland
WAP 1: Update and continue to support the
implementation of the Quantock Common
Management Plan through partnership working
and agri-environment schemes to protect the
wild character, wildlife, landscape beauty and
grazing interests of the heathland and upland
oakwoods of the Quantock Hills
WAP 2: Coordinate implementation of the
Quantock Biodiversity Action Plan, and develop a
joint working programme between the relevant
partners
WAP 3: Seek designation as Local Nature
Reserves for sites which are suitable in respect
of access, ownership and wildlife interest
WAP 4: Support the continued monitoring and
protection of indicator species for key Quantock
habitats, and the annual count of deer
populations through supporting the Quantock
Deer Management and Conservation Group
WAP 3: Seek designation as Local Nature
Reserves for sites which are suitable in respect
of access, ownership and wildlife interest
W2: To support development of agrienvironment schemes and site management
plans in or bordering the AONB
W3: To limit the encroachment of invasive
species across the AONB
WILDLIFE
39
4.5
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Historic Environment and Cultural Influences
The Longstone
(i) Significance
Each generation of man’s occupancy has inscribed its own impression on the Quantock landscape, and
overlain the marks of earlier generations.The result is thousands of years of human endeavour creating
a landscape which possesses not only the beauty associated with long and slow development, but an
inexhaustible store of information about human activities in the past.
The Quantock Hills make up an important historic landscape with a wide variety of highly significant
archaeological features. These range from the upland common, which has particular prehistoric
significance, to the surrounding farmland, much of which is Saxon in origin and shape. Superimposed
on this are the mainly 17th and 18th century
Iron Age Higher Castles (Broomfield) by Jane Brayne
parklands, and the enclosures and boundary
modifications of subsequent years, evolving as
marginal land came into, and drifted out of
management. The Quantock coastal belt includes
important medieval manors at Kilve and East
Quantoxhead, and an early 20th century oil retort at
Kilve Pill. Abandoned harbours can be found at Kilve
Pill and Lilstock and there are a number of lime kilns
to be found along the coast.
There are 49 statutorily-protected Scheduled
Ancient Monuments forming part of the historic
environment of the AONB, with a total of 474
significant Quantock features recorded on the Sites
and Monuments Record maintained by Somerset
County Council. Further to this there are listed
buildings and 6 nationally-scheduled parks and
gardens, 3 in the AONB and 3 just outside. Scheduled
and listed sites, however, represent only part of the
historic environment of the AONB.
40
HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURAL INFLUENCES
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Principal cultural influences on the hills include:
• The Neolithic (4000-1750 BC) - the emergence of
Bronze Age burial Higher Hare Knap
by Jane Brayne
pastoral farming, and the first concerted clearances of the
post-glacial forest
• The Bronze and Iron Ages (1750 BC – 450 AD) – a period
of social and agricultural development which produced
some of the basic patterns of our present countryside. In
the Quantocks typical evidence comes from hilltop barrows
(eg Cothelstone Hill), hill forts and defended enclosures (eg
Dowsborough) and Iron Age field landscape features in the
south of the AONB
• Roman occupation (43AD - c.410AD) - evidence of
Roman influence in the AONB includes a substantial
Roman Villa with mosaics in Broomfield
• Romano British to the Dark Ages (450 – 700 AD) – a
landscape of readjustment with local markets developing
after the collapse of the Roman Empire.The landscape is
unlikely to have changed dramatically, retaining its Iron Age
character until the early medieval period
• Saxon and Medieval (700 – 1350 AD) – a period of population growth and developing markets,
followed, post Domesday, by the influx of new wealth and new systems of land tenure.Typified by the
growth of the villages, such as Bicknoller and Crowcombe and the gradual shaping of surrounding
farmland to patterns we would recognise today
• Late medieval (1350 – 1540) – the collapse of the manorial system and the effects of natural checks
such as decades of cool wet weather and epidemics of the Black Death led to some desertion of
previously occupied land, which will have readily returned to scrub; paradoxically, however, some areas
of the common seem to have come into cultivation for the first time during these times
• Post medieval (1540 – 1900) – new enclosures of previously unenclosed land, and the use of lime to
‘sweeten’ the soil, heralded further intensification of land use.The industrial revolution generated an
expansion of sheep farming to provide for a thriving clothing industry.Woodland management
reflected these activities with charcoal burning and bark-stripping for the tanneries. Much of the
parkland we see today was laid down in the 18th and 19th centuries, often accompanied by stocking
with fallow and red deer
• The 20th century – the planting of extensive areas of coniferous plantation forest, such as Great
Wood, driven by perceived national timber shortages following World War I, has had a huge effect on
the historic landscape including the destruction of native oak woodlands which dated back to the
wildwood of prehistory.World War II brought fundamental changes driving agricultural productivity
furthered through the Common Agriculture Policy. More recently the negative landscape and
biodiversity effects of this production-driven approach have been ameliorated through more sensitive
agri-environment policies, including the Stewardship initiatives and grants described in section 4.2. The
pressures of development and increasing visitor numbers have also significantly impacted on the
landscape in terms of rural character and wear and tear, as well as developments such as car parks
to cater for visitor needs
Parkland is a managed landscape forming an important part of the overall character of the Quantocks.
In addition to the scenic beauty and wildlife importance of parkland, it is a significant element of the
historic environment. A distinctive feature of parkland is the high number of large old trees sometimes
known as veteran trees. These provide an increasingly rare habitat for wildlife including bats, birds,
invertebrates and fungi, and are important enduring elements of the landscape connecting past and
present.
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
Historic Landscape Map
KEY
Scheduled Ancient Monuments
and locations featured on the
Sites and Monuments Record.
42
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Veteran tree
Significant work has been achieved to develop comprehensive
information on the historic landscape of the AONB answering
concerns in the last plan that lack of research was the greatest
threat to its protection.Without such information, there is a risk of
loss or damage to sites and features through ignorance or
inadequate research. In particular, the ‘island–site’ protection
afforded to scheduled sites may not adequately reflect their context.
Visitor pressures – wheel, hoof and foot traffic can erode and
ultimately destroy fragile and vulnerable features, which need
safeguarding measures as well as interpretation to encourage the
visitor to appreciate their importance to the AONB.
Medieval Kilve by Jane Brayne
Six Quantock examples of historic parks are included in the
Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest
under the National Heritage Act 1983 – three outside the
AONB boundary at Hestercombe, Fairfield and Halswell, and
three within the boundary at Cothelstone, Crowcombe
Court and St Audries. It is possible that others meet the
criteria, but have not been researched.
Often within historic parkland veteran trees are threatened
for a number of reasons. Hollow trunks and dead branches
are valuable elements of these trees and not necessarily signs
of disease, however such features can lead to a veteran tree
being cut down as dead or dying and a threat to the public
where access is associated. Felling large trees because of age
and assumed threats can have a major impact on landscape
and wildlife, concerns about public safety and landowner
liability make this a particular issue for roadside trees.
Loss of management such as pollarding can reduce the life of a veteran tree, as can changes in the use
of parkland where trees are sometimes removed or affected by close ploughing. Where this is taking
place the other main feature of unchanged parkland - unimproved grassland has also been lost.
(iii) Responses
As acknowledged above, one of the first requirements for protecting and interpreting the historic
landscape of the Quantocks is to obtain a better understanding of the resource. The largest single
survey of Quantock archaeology ever undertaken has taken place largely during the life of the 200409 plan, the product of partnership work led by English Heritage, with contributions from the JAC
Partnership, SCC archaeology group, the National Trust, Friends of Quantock and the East
Quantoxhead Estate. The work included academic research, the study of aerial photography, and
extensive fieldwork. It culminated in 2006 with English Heritage publishing The Historic Landscape of
the Quantock Hills14 a highly readable book written by Hazel Riley, the senior researcher on this
survey, with full colour illustrations and line drawings throughout including a series of reconstruction
paintings by the artist Jane Brayne.
In a large area of the southern Quantocks heavily lined with crop marks,The University of Winchester
ran the five-year South Quantock Archaeological Survey, training young archaeologists, researching the
14
www.english-heritageshop.org.uk
43
MANAGEMENT PLAN
archaeology of the area and accommodating local school visits. For a month every year full
archaeological surveys were carried out using a range of techniques including extensive digs. New
evidence of significant Roman and Iron Age activity has been uncovered, along with an unexpected
and rare Dark Age cemetery.
Some Quantock parkland is benefiting from agri-environment schemes ensuring appropriate
management and in some cases the reinstatement of parkland features. Current Quantock targeting
offers support for orchard management as part of a wider scheme and the local authorities can offer
management grants.
Parkland and orchards bridge the gap from more distant periods of historic interest, to a more recent
past including industrial activity and cultural distinctiveness - local traditions and ways of life. The JAC
Partnership has supported projects involving local professional photographer Gary Penny15
photographing everyday aspects of current Quantock life. These projects have resulted in two
publications,“On English Hills” and “Mixed Blessings” the latter including extracts from interviews with
Quantock farmers.
Recording the Quantocks as they are now provides both an aesthetically pleasing and informative
collection and an archive for the future, a detailed view of the Quantocks at a particular point in
time. It adds a distinctly new dimension to the archive of historic Quantock photographs collected
by Friends of Quantock organisation and held at the AONB Office in Broomfield. To further develop
this aspect of recording the past of Quantock people an oral history project, recording the memories
of people who have spent long periods in the area, would complement the photographic archives
and create a fuller picture for current and future generations.
44
Action Points
H1: Contribute to the protection,
conservation, recording and enhancement of
historic and culturally significant Quantock
landscapes and archaeological features
HAP 1: Protect known archaeological and
historically significant sites and record newly
discovered features through partnership
projects with archaeology and historic landscape
specialists
HAP 2: Continue to develop a detailed fact
base on the historic environment of the
Quantocks
HAP 3: Reinstate lost or damaged features of
the historic environment in the AONB involving
local communities
HAP 4: Develop a project to assess Quantock
parkland and associated heritage trees and seek
their effective conservation and management
HAP 5: Identify traditional orchards in the
Quantock area and offer owners support and
information for their management and
protection
HAP 6: Develop an oral history project
involving Quantock communities in recording
stories, customs and traditions from the
Quantock area
15
See artists biographies on page 87
MANAGEMENT PLAN
4.6
Geology and Coast
Kilve Pill © Ron Carlson
(i)
Significance
The landscape we know today as the Quantock Hills is the product of its geology, acted on by a range
of influences from rain and running water to the activities of man.The Quantock ridge is formed mainly
by rocks of the Devonian Period – sediments originally laid down in shallow seas, and slowly compressed
into solid rock. This rock was subsequently uplifted by folding to create an upstanding ridge, which, in
turn, has been modified and shaped by sequences of erosion, inundation and deposition.This process has
also produced the soils of the AONB, setting the parameters for farming and other land-uses while
providing distinctive raw materials for many of the buildings and settlements of the area.
Three broad divisions are now evident in the Quantock upland:
• the northern plateau, underlain by the hard Hangman Grits
• the central area where the varied Ilfracombe Slates, a mix of slates, siltstones, sandstone and bands of
limestone, overlie the Hangman Grit
• the southern area where the Ilfracombe Beds are overlain by the softer Morte Slates which have
weathered to create lower, more rounded hills
The fringes of this ridge are composed of younger rocks mainly of the Triassic Period and perhaps the
most significant geological sites in the AONB are the Triassic and Jurassic exposures at the coast.
The Quantock cliffs and foreshore are internationally recognised for their special geological interest;
they contain the International Stratotype for the Triassic-Jurassic boundary and are a designated
Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest.These marine deposits, consisting of alternating limestones
and shales, are known as Lias (layers). They create the low cliffs along the coastline constantly being
cut back by the sea, while on the foreshore the folded bands of limestone form curving and sweeping
terraces and ledges. The limestones are
renowned for their fossil remains,
particularly ammonites, and blocks of
stone have been used locally as a
building material. The rocks have also
been exploited as a source of lime and
a number of limekilns can be found
along the coast. The shales, which are
interbedded with the limestones,
contain oil and the remains of an
experimental oil retort house can be
seen in the car park at Kilve Pill. These
coastal exposures attract significant
levels of fossil collection.
Lias cliffs at Kilve
GEOLOGY AND COAST
45
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Geology Map
KEY
New Red Sandstone
Cutcombe Slate
Acid Flush
Hangman Grits
Morte Slates
Watercourse within the
AONB boundary
Avill Group and Cockercombe Tuff
Roadwater limestone
Leighland beds with Holywell Limestone
Little Quantock Beds
Coastal exposures of Lower Lias sediments
46
GEOLOGY AND COAST
MANAGEMENT PLAN
The AONB coast runs for roughly three miles from the western boundary of West Quantoxhead
parish to the eastern boundary of Kilve parish. In terms of Quantock landscape the character of the
coast effectively extends as far east as the car park at Lilstock. The coastal belt of the AONB can be
thought of as the land between the A39 and the coast with the ancient settlement of East
Quantoxhead at its centre. The landscape is fundamentally agricultural with small, scattered woodland
blocks and a patchwork of hedgerows.
This area is underlain by soft mudstones which yield rich, fertile soils primarily given over to arable
production, with some exceptions around Court House at East Quantoxhead where there is
established pasture for cattle grazing. The arable fields have long been cultivated and this is illustrated
by the Domesday returns for the area, which show one of the highest densities of plough-teams in
Somerset. Most of the land falls within two major estates and the farms are managed by tenant
farmers.
In addition to the geological interest the Quantock coastline has considerable natural landscape
beauty, foreshore and cliff habitats which support a specific range of flora and fauna and historic
heritage which make a significant contribution to the character of the AONB. The Quantock coast
with its Blue Lias cliffs and rocky foreshore create an exposed, wild coastline that is in great contrast
with the inland scenery of the AONB. This contrast is aptly described by Bel Mooney:
“My favourite approach to this weird, sculptural landscape is by the footpath from East Quantoxhead,
because the short journey from this picturesque, untouched hamlet to the coast is like passing from
time to timelessness, from history to eternity”.
Other than at the coast places where the exposed rock can be seen and studied are comparatively
rare in the AONB. They occur mainly in disused quarries, many of which are small and vegetationcovered. This issue is raised in the Exmoor and Quantocks Natural Area Profile published by Natural
England in 1998, which recommends that key exposures are maintained and protected.
Fossil-collecting along the coastal
fringe has not in the past been
considered harmful to the fossil
resource, though it is important
that significant finds are recorded.
Private collection is subject to the
consent of landowners, and also
raises a safety issue in respect of
rockfalls and fast-moving tides.
There is a Natural England Code
of Conduct16 to guide such
activities.
The commercial
exploitation of fossils, a problem
elsewhere in the country, would
be damaging and will be resisted.
Children fossil hunting at Kilve
Although much of the coast has existing protection through international, national and local
designations, it continues to be vulnerable to development pressures, sea level rise (0.8m by 2050
predicted) and changing agricultural practices. Areas not in permanent pasture suffer reduced cliff
edge stability and soil conservation and are less impressive in landscape and biodiversity terms. Agrienvironment schemes provide opportunities to maximise the quality and robustness of this part of
the AONB.
GEOLOGY AND COAST
16
www.naturalengland.org.uk
47
MANAGEMENT PLAN
(iii) Responses
Some disused quarries may offer
significant future opportunities for
visitor interpretation or educational
facilities. Possible benefits will have to be
weighed against safety considerations,
disturbance to wildlife and impacts on
local communities, however sites at
West Quantoxhead (Vinnycombe) and
Triscombe should be investigated.There
has already been some success with
project work at former stone quarry
workings at Kings Cliff near North
Petherton.
Triscombe Quarry 2007
There are currently a number of Countryside Stewardship Schemes in operation in the coastal area
allowing arable reversion to grassland, retention of field margins and permissive access routes. These
will come to termination in the next few years and will need to be replaced with updated agrienvironment schemes such as Higher Level Scheme funding through Natural England.
Somerset County Council is currently in the process of producing a Coastal Management Strategy
(CMS) working in partnership will help delivery of that strategy and this Plan.
Action Points
GC1: maintain example exposures of
Quantock geology where they do not
significantly mar the landscape, and to
explore the potential of disused quarries
GCAP 1: Protect existing geological exposures
where they are not a major scar in the
landscape and support provision of local stone
where consistent with resisting further
quarrying that would have a negative impact on
the landscape, biodiversity, tranquility or local
communities of the Quantocks
GCAP 2: Develop a quarries assessment
project, possibly with the support of external
funding
GC2: To protect the high quality of
Quantock coastal habitats and their
distinctive landscape contribution
48
GCAP 3: Protect and enhance coastal areas of
the AONB through partnerships, projects and
initiatives supporting sensitive management of
the landscape and wildlife of these areas in line
with the emerging Somerset Coastal
Management Strategy
GEOLOGY AND COAST
MANAGEMENT PLAN
4.7
(i)
Climate and Ecosystem Services
Significance
The northern hills and combes in snow © Ron Carlson
Climate Change
Scientists predict that climate change resulting from the increase in carbon dioxide and other gases
in the atmosphere will lead to a steady increase in global temperatures. There is much uncertainty
about the scale and extent of climate change impacts, however the implications appear to be profound
for sustainable development and land use, management of natural resources and the protection of
wildlife and natural habitats.
Ecosystem Services
• These are the services healthy functioning ecosystems provide. Although it is not the familiar way of
assessing the value of environmental management, the natural environment is a provider of a wide
range of crucial environmental services, including:
• clean fresh water and air
• climate regulation (carbon sequestration)
• water regulation (flood prevention)
• healthy food
• sense of place and cultural heritage
• recreation and health
• inspiration
While the geology of the Quantocks dictates that the land is broadly free-draining, surface water
contributes significantly to the wildlife and landscape interest of the area. Water habitats include acid
flushes or mires on the upland heath, and the streams flowing from them through heath, wood and
farmland. The AONB has an
important role as a
catchment both for public
water
supply
through
Hawkridge and Durleigh
reservoirs, and for many
private sources. The area is
also part of the upland
catchment for the River
Parrett.
A storm brewing at Kilve
CLIMATE AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
49
MANAGEMENT PLAN
While detailed predictions of the impacts are
still uncertain, coping with a changing climate
is likely to be one of the greatest challenges
of the 21st century. The impacts of the
predicted higher temperatures, with drier
summers and wetter winters, are likely to be
marked, especially for fauna and flora with
species currently at the higher edge of their
climate range coming under pressure. Whilst
farmers may be able to grow new crops and
extend the growing period for current ones,
Wind damaged oak, Cockercombe
the downside may be more severe with more
extremes of temperature and rainfall, and more frequent damaging storms. Sea levels are predicted
to rise by 0.8m by 2050, with implications for all low-lying coastal areas, and for coastal erosion.
Predictions based on climate change models suggest that flooding will be more frequent and severe.
Torrential downpours present erosion problems for hill areas, and flash-flooding threatens surrounding
lowlands. Meanwhile water resources are likely to be stretched in more frequent drought periods,
perhaps leading to pressure for new reservoir storage capacity in upland catchments. Drought will
also have implications for the management of hill livestock, with limited natural watering places.
It is probable that many wildlife species will be able to adjust to climate and environmental change;
others will face extinction. Adaptation responses expected from species include changes in key stages
in the life-cycle (e.g. flowering time) and migration of species, it is not clear what impact this will have
on human activities. Species survivability will depend on other factors, such as the availability of suitable
habitats for relocation. Successful adaptation will require a degree of coherent changes in habitats and
ecosystems, requiring flexibility and imagination on the part of land managers and relevant
organisations. The situation for the natural environment is complex and difficult to predict.
Severe weather events, including floods and droughts, are expected to become more common and
projections for climate change in the UK suggest that while reduced precipitation overall can be
expected, there will be periods of more intense wet weather.
Larger infrastructure initiatives including wind turbines and tidal energy generation still need to be
weighed against the potential negative impacts on the landscape of this nationally protected area.
Plans for two new nuclear power stations are being prepared for Hinkley Point, again partly linked to
climate change mitigation alongside energy security issues.
Impacts on the lower courses of Quantock streams
have followed changes in arable farming, including
nitrate run-off from farming and silting from soil
erosion resulting from deeper and more regular
cultivation of soils.
(iii)
Responses
The development of sustainable and renewable energy
sources is critical to the future management of climate
change and the AONB is in a position to encourage
and support appropriate initiatives. From wood-fuel
installations and similar renewable energy projects to
community transition to low carbon living AONB
50
MANAGEMENT PLAN
funding and action has a role to play. National, regional and sub-regional bodies, including the County
and District Councils have developed, or are developing, Climate Change Strategies. The AONB
Partnership will make full use of the information and policy guidance in these documents and help
support, enhance and deliver these programmes for action.
The key AONB climate change response proposed is a strong commitment to develop understanding
and expertise in the AONB Service on potential specific climate change impacts in respect of each
of the significant and valued elements of the Quantock Hills addressed in this plan. This includes
keeping up-to date with developing policy and scientific understanding at all levels (international to
sub-regional) and translating this into local action where appropriate. In addition to this the monitoring
of landscape and key biodiversity species is an important direct measure of impacts. The required
outcome of this work is, alongside supporting the local transition to a low-carbon economy, to
develop flexible adaptation responses for each relevant section of the plan.
Many of the ecosystem services listed above are addressed in this Management Plan through
fundamental policies protecting and enhancing the natural environment of the Quantocks.
The Plan takes account of the importance of protecting water sources, and the ways in which
management policies can benefit wider water resource priorities.Vegetation management, as part of
the wider catchment planning process will take into account the need to reduce runoff rates. It may
be possible to address this issue through agri-environment schemes. Further to this the joint Natural
England, Environment Agency and Defra Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative applies to the
catchment of the Somerset Levels and Bridgwater Bay, potentially providing agri-environment
opportunities for some Quantock farmers relating to streams and water resources.
Action Points
CE1: To prepare the AONB for the impacts
and opportunities of climate change
CEAP 1: Undertake a climate change
assessment and develop adaptation responses
for each of the sub-theme sections in this Plan
CE2: To minimise the carbon footprint of
the AONB Service and support a low-carbon
Quantock economy
CEAP 2: Minimise the carbon footprint of
AONB Service operations and work with
partners to develop the sustainability of Fyne
Court
CE3: To support the capacity of the AONB
to deliver the services of a healthy functioning
ecosystem including clean water and air,
productive soil and healthy food, carbon
management, flood risk mitigation,
biodiversity, recreation opportunities and
inspirational landscape
CEAP 3: Explore opportunities to monitor and
support AONB ecosystem services (see
definition and explanation in text above).
including clean water and air, productive soil and
healthy food, carbon management, flood risk
mitigation through water catchment, along with
current AONB initiatives for biodiversity,
recreation opportunities and inspirational
landscape
CE4: To further the understanding and
protection of the water catchment role of
the Quantock Hills
CEAP 4: Protect the water quality and wildlife
interest of acid flushes on Quantock common
and the streams that run from them through
lower combes and farmland
51
4.8
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Development and Planning
Holford Combe, Holford © Ron Carlson
(i) Significance
The prime objective of the AONB is conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the
landscape. The Quantock Hills AONB is visually very vulnerable, with much of the landscape having
a pronounced physical form - open slopes, prominent ridgeline and exposed summits for example –
standing proud of the surrounding low-lying landscapes and visible from considerable distances.
Special protection is given to the Quantock Hills AONB through planning policies at national, regional,
county and district levels, and this Management Plan seeks to reinforce, support and assist them. The
protection of the AONB landscape, its villages, heritage, wildlife, and economy are all key elements of
this Plan, although overall policy precedence remains with the Regional Spatial Strategy and Local
Development Frameworks.
National Planning Policy – Planning Policy Statement 717 (reference to AONBs)
Nationally designated areas
Nationally designated areas have been confirmed by the Government as having the highest status of
protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty. The conservation of the natural beauty of the
landscape and countryside should therefore be given great weight in planning policies and
development control decisions in these areas. The conservation of wildlife and the cultural heritage
are important considerations in all these areas.
Major developments should
not take place in these
designated areas, except in
exceptional circumstances.
This policy includes major
development proposals that
raise issues of national
significance. Because of the
serious impact that major
developments may have on
these areas of natural beauty,
and taking account of the
recreational opportunities
that
they
provide,
applications for all such
developments should be
subject to the most rigorous
examination.
Nether Stowey
52
17
www.planningportal.gov.uk
DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
MANAGEMENT PLAN
District & Parish Map
53
MANAGEMENT PLAN
(ii) Threats and opportunities
The twin aspects of landscape beauty and local distinctiveness are key attributes of protected
landscapes and consultation has shown them to be particularly important to local residents and
visitors. While maintaining an overtly rural character, the Quantock Hills are not free from the
pressures of 21st century living that threaten the landscape character and special qualities of our
countryside. These social and economic changes include building and development pressure
(heightened by the presence and influence of growing urban areas close to the hills – Taunton,
Bridgwater and Minehead), land management and agricultural activity, renewable energy generation,
mobility and transport issues, and the demands of tourism and recreation. The Quantock Hills AONB
Service is aware however that protection of the landscape needs to be considered in the context of
the social and economic needs of the rural communities.
The significance of structures in the AONB landscape is very high. Where these are old locally
distinctive barns and farmsteads they contribute an important contribution to the AONB countryside.
Some old agricultural buildings may be so significant to the character of the area that they should be
maintained unchanged despite the end of their serviceable lives.A more satisfactory option is sensitive
conversion to an appropriately scaled rural enterprise, while conversion to domestic use is less
acceptable due to changes in character and use. Design and location are critical in any barn
conversion.
New agricultural buildings need careful consideration of their design and location if they are not to
have a negative impact on the landscape. These structures are erected when required by farmers for
their business and are therefore important to the management of the farmed landscape, however
issues of location, size, materials and design make a significant difference to their landscape impact.
Pylons, masts and wind turbines are serious threats to the landscape of open areas, especially those
like the Quantocks with a highly-visible skyline. The Quantock Hills has to date been successfully
defended against proposals for major structures that break the skyline. Policy and priorities on
renewable energy are developing quickly at national level and may impact on this area of concern.
Nether Stowey
54
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Horse-related businesses and recreational activity contribute significantly to the Quantock economy
and the public enjoyment of the AONB, however this must be balanced with environmental drawbacks
from high levels of this activity. Government guidance (PPS 7) encourages local planning authorities
to adopt planning policies that support ‘equine enterprises that maintain environmental quality and
countryside leisure facilities.’ Potential issues include biodiversity and landscape impacts from
overgrazing, poached and weed infested fields and innapropriate waste management. The further
problems of loss of traditional landscape forms and hedgerows to smaller paddocks can also bring
visually intrusive fencing, buildings and associated development, alien planting schemes and increased
lighting.
In such a small and intimate area, large developments of any kind within or close by the AONB will
almost certainly impact on the AONB’s character and landscape quality, exacerbated by secondary
impacts including traffic generation or the needs for new infrastructure provision.
The protection of the undeveloped Quantock coastline is a high priority, and is well served by policies
in the West Somerset District Local Plan. Major new developments such as caravan or chalet parks
would be a severe threat to the landscape quality of this unspoilt area.
(iii)
Responses
Natural England guidance, supported by the Quantock Hills JAC, is that the limited resources of an
AONB Service are best spent by influencing policy and guidance (strategic planning work).
Involvement in development control cases should be selective and should not account for the majority
of the Landscape Planning Officer’s workload.
The Quantock Hills AONB Service (Landscape Planning Officer) will aim to add
value to the planning process in support of the AONB’s purposes. In respect of
planning it will have delegated powers to act on behalf of the Joint Advisory
Committee by:
• Responding to consultations on changes to national policies that will or are likely to have an influence
on the AONB
• Informing the development of relevant and consistent regional and sub-regional strategies and policies
that cover parts of the AONB
• Contributing to and commenting on emerging strategies, policies, development plans/local
development documents at appropriate stages (to help ensure consistently high standards of
protection for the AONB)
• Providing input to the development of district or county-wide planning advice where this has relevance
to the AONB
• Developing landscape and planning related Objectives and Action Points as part of the review of the
AONB Management Plan
• Leading on the production and promotion of AONB-specific guidance that will influence developing
planning policy and provide a mechanism to aid the development control work of the Planning
Officers e.g. guidance for equine-related development and building design guidance
• Developing tools or mechanisms to help inform the work of the AONB Service and the Local Planning
Authority e.g. Landscape Character Assessment, Sensitivity and Capacity studies
• Responding to consultation requests from Local Planning Authorities and the County Council (within
the consultation period) on relevant applications
55
MANAGEMENT PLAN
The AONB Service will also:
• Keep records of planning application consultations for the purposes of reporting to the Joint Advisory
Committee
• Monitor planning application decisions using electronic database and mapping system, for the purpose
of reporting back to Local Planning Officers with trends/patterns of development pressures
• Deal directly with the planning authorities in respect of planning applications according to the AONB
Guidelines for referral of Planning Applications, and not entering into pre-application discussions with
applicants, or detailed lobbying discussions with other interested parties. Occasionally the Quantock
JAC will discuss a potentially high-impact application or a special meeting may be called
Action Points
D1: To protect the wild character, wildlife
sites and species, cultural landscape and
architectural heritage of the AONB
DAP 1: Identify significant potential
development in the Quantock area and protect
local distinctiveness and landscape character
through comments and advice to Planning
Authorities from an AONB perspective
D2: To ensure AONB involvement and
influence in planning processes affecting
the AONB
DAP 2: Maintain an understanding of changing
development control structures and continue to
comment on development plans at their
consultation stage to resist inappropriate
development affecting the AONB
DAP 3: Maintain AONB staff planning expertise
and implement the Quantock Planning Protocol
through liaison with District planning officers
DAP 4: Ensure Planning Authorities fully
consider the impact of planning permission for
new agricultural buildings where the proposed
development is out of character in terms of
scale, size, location, design or external
appearance and would adversely affect the
appearance of the locality
DAP 5: Ensure Planning Authorities fully
consider the impact of planning permission for
telecommunications masts or other structures
that affect the skyline, character or landscape of
the AONB and encourage the locating
underground of services hardware in the AONB
including cables and wires
DAP 6: Continue development of the AONB
landscape characterisation and assessment
D3: To protect the views out from the AONB DAP 7: Pursue early JAC consultation in
through involvement in the planning process
respect of planning applications outside the
AONB boundary that may have a significant
effect on the setting of the Quantock Hills or
their outlook, including increased light pollution
D4: To support the protection of local
DAP 8: Develop AONB Design Guidance in
distinctiveness in AONB settlements
conjunction with district councils and others and
seek adoption as Supplementary Planning
Documents or recognition as Material
Consideration as appropriate
56
5.
People
5.1 Visitors and Recreation
Walkers on Longstone Ridge © Ron Carlson
(i) Significance
Access to the natural environment provides people with a range of benefits, health and wellbeing are
two of the most important. Landscape and wildlife protection continues to be the priority for the
upland core of these hills, however public enjoyment of the area is a part of the AONB vision and an
important objective.
Through visiting and enjoying this outstanding landscape
people are able to further develop their understanding and
appreciation of the area, giving broader support for
protection and funding of the AONB. In addition visitor
activity supports the local economy and bolsters the
viability of local businesses.
In 1992 66% of visitors to the Quantocks lived within
Somerset, but by 1998 that figure had gone up to 81%.The
2003 survey18 indicates that Somerset-based visitors still
All ability picnic table at Cothelstone Hill
make up 73% of the total, the majority of visitors to the
Quantocks are day-trippers rather than tourists from
further afield. It is a locally supported aspect of the Quantocks that recreational use largely takes
the form of the enjoyment of a much-appreciated local resource rather than the exploitation of a
tourist area. It is worth noting, however, that on average staying visitors in the Quantocks spend 70%
more per day than day trippers.
Clearly it is important to identify trends in visitor numbers and activities in the AONB. Previous
surveys were taken in 1973, 1987, 1992 and 1998. During the summer of 2003 a detailed visitor
survey was carried out for the JAC Partnership to compare visitor trends with previous surveys and
provide information to help the development of Management Plan policies and actions.
The 2003 Quantock Hills Visitor Survey gives detailed information on where
visitors are coming from, how they arrive and what they do once on the hills. It
also provides the following broad information some indicating how strongly the
Quantocks are valued:
•
•
•
•
•
The Quantock Hills receive over 385,000 recreational visits a year
Three quarters of Quantock visitors are on a day trip
Over 50% of Quantock visitors visit ten or more times per year
The average length of visit is just under two hours.
The average amount of money spent per adult visit is £2.92
PEOPLE - VISITORS AND RECREATION
18
The Tourism Company 2003, available from the Quantock AONB office
57
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Links to
EL
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A
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Lilstock
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C
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m
t
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L Kilve Pill
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East Quantoxhead
l
A39
Minehead
Stogursey
Holford Green
Staple Plain
P
P IL
l
Holford
Beacon
310 Hill
P
A39
Woodlands Hill
M
ine
he
ad
Links to Porlock
l
Coleridge
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l
Stringston
P
l
We
st S West Quantoxhead
om
ers
et
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ast
Pa
th
Kilve
Coleridge
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332
Bicknoller
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P
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341
A35
8
Withyman’s
Pool
358
PI
Over Stowey
Dead Woman’s
Ditch
P
WC L
Ramscombe
P
Stogumber
Station
342
Great Wood
lP
Plainsfield
Crowcombe
0
P
1km
Triscombe Stone
Scale
P
Hawkr
Triscombe
Key
,l
Crowcombe
Heathfield
Open Access Land
Aisholt
384
Wills
Neck
A3
58
Heathland
364
PI
Woodland and Forest
Courtway
Lydeard Hill
Woodland and Forestry -Open Access Land
l
,
WC
H
I
Parking Area
Pubs with food
}
,
Bagborough
Country Roads and Lanes
P
l
lWest
Main Roads
Cothelstone
332 Hill
IP
These are suggestions only
- a comprehensive list of services can be
obtained from the Taunton and Bridgwater
Tourist Information Centres
L
Cothelstone
Refreshments
Toilets
l
Settlements and Villages
Combe
Florey
Attraction
Viewpoint
Bishops Lydeard
West Somerset Railway
lP
West Somerset Coast Path
WC
,
Coleridge
Way
permission of Her Majesty's Stationary
Office
under License No. 100023366 (2006).
The Greenway - promoted route
AONB boundary
58
332
Height in metres above sea level
L
Circular walks
WSR
Station
Tau
nto
n
58
A3
MANAGEMENT PLAN
l
er
gwat
A39
Brid
Spaxton
l
Quiet enjoyment of the hills
Key
ridge Reservoir
l
Enmore
Crowcombe
Heathfield
Open Access Land
Heathland
Merridge
Woodland and Forest
Woodland and Forestry -Open Access Land
Main Roads
l
Country Roads and Lanes
Fyne Court Visitor
Centre and AONB
Service Office
P
King’s Cliff
Wood
P
on
ert
eth
P
rth
Fyne Court
L WC
P
No
l
,
WC
Broomfield
Parking Area
Pubs with food
}
These are suggestions only
- a comprehensive list of services can be
obtained from the Taunton and Bridgwater
Tourist Information Centres
Refreshments
Toilets
Settlements and Villages
H
I
Attraction
Viewpoint
West Somerset Railway
West Somerset Coast Path
Coleridge Way
lP
Kingston St. Mary
The Greenway - promoted route
Hestercombe House
and Gardens
H
E,
AONB boundary
332
Height in metres above sea level
L
Circular walks
Cheddon
59
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Quantock visitor patterns show that the majority
of the heavy recreational use in the AONB
continues to take place in the sensitive upland
areas, based on parking locations on or adjacent
to Quantock Common. Public transport to
these sites is not available, and visitors step out of
their cars straight into a sensitive Site of Special
Scientific Interest where wildlife disturbance and
erosion are significant concerns.
A small number of parking areas without clearly
defined boundaries remain in the heart of the
sensitive hilltop heathland. Visitor parking at these
sites, particularly along the Crowcombe to
Stowey road is difficult to manage, and can “spillover” causing damage, erosion and loss of
vegetation from the heath. As local shops and
Mountain bikers in Great Wood
services are located almost entirely in settlements
around the base of the hills these visitors are given no opportunity to buy goods or services in the
AONB and Quantock villages tend to experience the problems of visitor traffic rather than the
benefits of visitor spending.
A wide range of events including orienteering, school groups, horse riding events, sponsored walks,
training for the military or emergency services, hunting and guided walks take place throughout the
year on the hills. Large or clashing events can have focussed environmental impacts in respect of
wildlife disturbance and erosion, and affect wider public enjoyment of the AONB.
One South West Off Road Cycling Project19 has employed a Project Co-ordinator for a four year
period.The co-ordinator’s role is to help develop the region as the best in England for off-road cycling.
There will be significant funding available over the next five years for sustainable tourism projects, such
as creating new trails in woodlands through the Rural Development Programme for England,
supporting solutions for difficulties caused by mountain biking and providing project opportunities.
A tick is a small, blood-sucking mite. Normally it lives on blood from wild or
domestic animals, such as deer and sheep, but occasionally it may attach
itself to humans when they walk through grass, rough vegetation, bracken
or heathland.Ticks carry diseases that can cause significant mortality in
hill sheep. Most human tick bites are harmless but, occasionally, the
tick carries human-infecting diseases of which the greatest threat is
small bacterium called Borrelia burghdorferi, this bacterium causes
Lyme Disease. The infection can affect the skin, cause partial paralysis
of the face (Bells Palsy) and cause serious illness of the nervous system,
joints and heart. Ticks are tiny flat bodied, spider-like creatures that
attach themselves to passing animals or persons for a blood meal. Dogs are
susceptible to Lyme Disease which may cause them to develop arthritis at an
early age. Insect repellents and repellent collars for pets may help prevent ticks getting hold. Tick
numbers and levels of infection in ticks are increasing in the AONB, as they are elsewhere in the
country, presenting an increasing risk to people, their pets and sheep on the hills.
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19
www.1sw.org.uk
MANAGEMENT PLAN
October 2007 to March 2008 saw tick expert Professor Roy Brown undertake a study20 into tick
populations and the threat of tick borne disease on the Quantock Hills AONB, with particular
reference to Open Access Areas.Valuably Professor Brown has monitored tick numbers at the three
Quantock areas of Cothelstone Hill, Crowcombe Park and Aisholt Common continuously over many
years. The Quantock Hills are significant in a study such as this due to the large populations of deer.
Deer encourage tick populations to remain high, but also have the positive effect of keeping the cycle
within a large host species, rather than fragmentation into smaller mammals and ground nesting birds,
which make ticks, and tick borne disease far more difficult to monitor.
The study was funded by Natural England and managed by the AONB Service in order to clarify
concerns about the possible conflict between human use of Open Access Land and tick activity. The
final report covers tick activity, habitats, hosts and disease patterns and identifies activity areas or ‘hot
spots’ and reservoirs of potential tick borne disease. It also gives a detailed picture of the significant
increases in tick numbers and disease-carrying incidence over recent years. In 1995 Lyme disease,
Flavivirus (Louping Ill) and Erhlichia (Tick Borne Fever) was occuring in less than 2% of all adult and
larval ticks sampled on the five Quantocks sites, by 2005 all three of these diseases were present, plus
6 more, in 16% of all ticks sampled.
(iii)
Responses
Proposals originating in the 1990 plan included notification of intended events on the hills allowing
the AONB Service to monitor activity and offer advice, zoning of quiet areas and event-free months.
These policies were designed to reduce overall impacts and to give some protection to Quantock
wildlife.These measures generally receive a positive response will continue to be implemented through
direct contact and a code of conduct for organisers to minimise environmental impacts, maximise
public enjoyment and avoid events clashing.
Walking and riding use away from the hilltop commons area have been
encouraged by the provision of circular walks and improved waymarking
further down the hills. The Quantock Greenway21 has been developed
allowing walkers to follow a medium-length (2-day) waymarked circular
route all the way around the hills. Encouragingly at what was an early
stage of the project the 2003 visitor survey found that 27% of
interviewees had heard of the Quantock Greenway, and 15% of these
had made some use of it – hilltop visitors surveyed are the target user
group for the Greenway. A Greenway leaflet is available containing a
series of route cards for the shorter circular routes.
Support from the AONB for the Coleridge Way22 has been
significant in developing this highly successful promoted trail which starts in
Nether Stowey and, with a slightly different horse-riding route, goes around the northern Quantocks
before heading off towards the Brendon Hills and Exmoor.
The coastal area of the AONB has long been a popular visitor destination as it offers good access to
the beach at Kilve and East Quantoxhead and gentle, cliff top walks with broad sweeping views across
the Bristol Channel and back into the hills. Over the past few years there have been a number of
improvements to public access in this area, particularly highlighted by the opening of the West
Somerset Coast Path (WSCP) in 2006. This waymarked, promoted trail runs from Stert Point in the
east to Minehead in the west (creating a vital link between the Parrett Trail and the South West Coast
Path). A very well used section (including an AONB Service circular trail) runs from Kilve Pill to
beyond East Quantoxhead.
20 & 21
Available from the Quantock AONB office
PEOPLE - VISITORS AND RECREATION 22
Good info for this and all matters Quantock at www.quantockonline.co.uk
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
Visitors at Kilve
The Marine Bill (2008) offers opportunities to further enhance access along the Quantock AONB
section of this route by bringing the trail closer to the coast in the West Quantoxhead area, where
it currently comes inland around St Audries. The Bill also suggests ‘roll back’ land in relation to
widening the access corridor to allow for improved recreation opportunities.
There is potential for ‘easy-access’ improvements on the coast, particularly at Kilve Pill where good
facilities already exist (including car park, toilets and picnic area). Village economies, traffic issues,
access for all and the AONB Partnership teachers pack all potentially benefit through the access
improvements described in this section.
The route nearby of one of the best-used and most popular private railways in the country, the West
Somerset Railway, and the close proximity of one of the nation’s most successful garden restoration
projects at Hestercombe are of interest to the AONB Partnership. Another significant attraction is
Fyne Court, the National Trust owned property in the southern hills which features an information
centre and a Somerset Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve, it is also the headquarters for the AONB
Service. Implications and opportunities have been considered in a Visitor Attractions Study carried out
for the AONB by Tym and Partners in the winter of 2006/7. Possible joint ventures in enhanced
information provision are particularly highlighted.
In response to the issue of ticks and lyme disease the AONB Service is a partner in the production
of advisory leaflets and information for the public. This information is available from the AONB
Service and Somerset County Council,
among others, and gives straight forward
Wills Neck looking along the western scarp slope
advice on avoiding tick bites, what to do
if you are bitten and identifying the
symptoms of Lyme disease. Having
commissioned the Roy Brown study the
AONB Partnership now has a picture of
an increasing risk level and while
education is the main AONB response
there is research taking place elsewhere
which may produce practical methods of
tick reduction.
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
Action Points
V1: To widen and adapt access opportunities
across the AONB to protect wildlife, benefit
visitors and support businesses in local
communities
VAP 1: Encourage all events and group users of
the hills to notify the AONB Service well in
advance of planned events to seek advice on
uses as agreed with landowners and in the Code
of Conduct
VAP 2: Maintain a strong on the ground AONB
Service presence including patrols and guided
walks provided by full-time staff with the active
involvement of Volunteers
VAP 3: Minimise active promotion of the
sensitive Quantock hilltops as a tourism
destination to prevent visitor numbers becoming
damagingly unsustainable
VAP 4: Define hilltop parking areas where
necessary with low timber posts or banking
subject to the agreement of landowners and
commoners to reduce the impact of parked
vehicles on and around the common
VAP 5: Clear, or arrange the clearance of, litter
and fly tipping and work with partner
organisations to seek prosecutions where
possible
VAP 6: Provide, maintain and locally promote
guided walks and circular routes including sites
of local interest and based on Quantock villages
and parking areas off the hilltops in consultation
with Parish Councils
VAP 7: Implement the recommendations of the
AONB Visitor Attractions Study (Tym and
Partners Jan 2007) including Quantock
information points at key locations
V2: To monitor visitor trends and activities,
including impacts on Special Areas of
Conservation
PEOPLE - ACCESS AND RIGHTS OF WAY
VAP 8: Gather survey information to identify
visitor trends and policies, include monitoring of
impacts on Special Areas of Conservation where
active restoration or re-routing may be
appropriate
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5.2
(i)
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Access and Rights of Way
Significance
Public enjoyment of the AONB is a significant element of the AONB Vision, fostering a sense of
importance of the area, promoting understanding and providing public benefit. Under the Countryside
and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 Access Land across the country has been legally defined. The
AONB has some 3,000 hectares of Access Land comprising all the registered common land, heathland,
Cothelstone Hill and Great Wood. People have a right to walk anywhere on Access Land, but cyclists
and horse-riders must keep to Public Bridleways. Certain conditions apply to this land such as dogs
being kept on leads during the nesting season (March to July).
There are approximately 250 kilometres (150 miles) of rights of way in the AONB, 130 km within the
open access hilltop area and 120km in the surrounding farmland. In the open access areas approx
20% are footpaths, 65% bridleways, and 15% restricted byways. In the surrounding farmland approx
75% are footpaths, 20% bridleways, and 5% restricted byways.
The public Rights of Way in the AONB provide a valuable network of routes used by a wide range of
people for many different activities, primarily recreational. The right to use these tracks is established
in law, and their location and status is recorded on the Definitive Map held at County Hall. Not all
paths on the ground are definitive (legal) rights of way.
AONB consultations in the past have shown public concern that some rights of way off the hilltop
were not usable due to a range of blockages and lack of waymarking. Public confidence in the
accessibility of the Quantock rights of way network is important for implementation of Quantock
policy encouraging a wider experience for visitors with exploration of the whole AONB relieving
some pressure from the hilltops and giving visitors access to village shops and pubs.
A 1998 survey initiated by the National Trust with AONB and Somerset
Disability Consultative Network support contacted a sample of 100 disabled or
less-able people in Somerset with a reply-paid questionnaire. Over 50% of
Questionnaires were returned:
• 67% of those responding have visited the Quantock Hills. Of those who have not 48% gave lack of
access information as the reason, followed by lack of transport
• Sightseeing was the main reason for 43% of visits, next was picnics at 29%, wildlife 14% and
walking 9%
• 95% of responses welcomed the idea of easy-access trails in the Quantocks, with 82% indicating that
these should be circular trails
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
The issue of off road driving, involving
motorcycles and four wheel drive
vehicles, particularly affects the hilltop
heaths within the main Site of Special
Scientific Interest. The Quantock
Hills have historically suffered an
exceptionally high level of this activity
causing damage to the landscape and
nature conservation interest as well
as considerable user conflict. High
levels of mountain biking in the
AONB, particularly in Forestry
Commission managed Great Wood,
can raise issues of public safety.
In the 2003 Management Plan consultations 83% of respondents to the main survey wanted stronger
restriction or a complete ban on off-road driving on the Quantocks. In the 2003 visitor survey over 80%
of those interviewed felt that motorised vehicles should be restricted to roads.The Countryside Agency
Landscape Assessment (see bibliography) identified off-roading as a major problem for the Quantocks.
Despite these concerns there is a need for cooperation between users including walkers, horse riders
and mountain bikers, to respect the rights of the others who legally use the hills. Between 1992 and
1998 the proportion of visitors using the hills for mountain biking rose from 2% to 5%.
(iii) Responses
Maintenance of the rights of way network is the responsibility of Somerset County Council.The priority
of landscape protection in the wilder open landscape of the hilltop commons has led to a policy of not
waymarking in these areas. Waymarking is, however, considered entirely appropriate in the farmed
landscape for user confidence and landowner protection from problems of unintentional trespass.
Discussions with County Council Rights of Way officers have led to an agreement that by working
directly with AONB staff, a sensitive minimum-impact waymarking scheme will be developed for the
Quantock hilltops. Signposting has a role in some of the wooded combes where rights of way junctions
can be confusing and destinations not visible.
Recent legislation and court rulings appear to have resolved the issue of off road driving with all
RUPPs re-designated as Restricted Byways which do not carry rights for motorised vehicles. Somerset
County Council’s Rights of Way Team has confirmed that it is illegal to drive on these routes without
landowner’s permission.
A fundamental aspect to be considered in the
provision and maintenance of access is inclusiveness –
considering everyone including less-able people when
developing routes, access arrangements, and rights of
way management. The 1997 Fieldfare Trust report
“Access for All to the Quantock Hills” gives a picture
of access opportunities for less-able people in the
AONB. Sites for potential enhancement are Kilve Pill,
Staple Plain, Ramscombe, Fyne Court, Kingscliff,
Cothelstone Hill, Lydeard Hill, Hawkridge Reservoir
and Withymans Pool parking area.The partnership has
completed work to deliver easier access at some of
these sites and this work continues.
Volunteers restoring a footpath
65
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Action Points
A1: To ensure public access areas, Rights of
Way and promoted routes are useable and
maintained to a high standard
ARAP 1: Develop a Quantock Access
Management Group including Rights of Way
officers and access user-group representatives
to meet twice yearly or as required
ARAP 2: Work with the County Council
Rights of Way Team to ensure access on the
Quantocks benefits from the statutory Rights of
Way Improvement Plan
ARAP 3: Develop waymarking and timber
signposting of rights of way comprehensively on
enclosed land and promoted routes and to a
landscape-sensitive level on open-access land
through partnership with the County Council
Rights of Way Team
A2: To reduce user conflict and limit damage
to rights of way and landscape quality from
recreational uses including off-road driving
ARAP 4: Limit vehicle damage to tracks
through agreement with users, implementation
of recent legislation and Traffic Regulation Order
restrictions on sensitive routes
A3: To maximise access opportunities for
people of all ability levels
ARAP 5: Ensure Quantock coastal access is
maintained and further improved if possible;
further develop the Quantock Greenway raising
the northern loop to bridleway status and
marketing the route in an appropriate manner
ARAP 6: Support access promotion to under
represented groups and maximise all-ability
access within the limitations of resources and
landscape sensitivity when routes are being
designed or maintained
ARAP 7: Continue to implement the proposals
of the 1997 “Access For All to the Quantock
Hills” Fieldfare Trust Report through
partnerships and negotiation and produce a
“Quantock Hills All Ability Access” leaflet
providing clear access information for the range
of Quantock locations
A4: To maintain practical AONB staff on the
ground to manage Rights of Way misuse and
reduce access problems such as sheep
worrying and summer fires
66
ARAP 8: Continue to limit access conflicts and
rights of way abuse through Ranger and
Volunteer patrolling and information through
local media and leaflets
MANAGEMENT PLAN
5.3 Traffic and Country Lanes
Along the A358 to Taunton
(i) Significance
The network of small roads and lanes around the lower
slopes of the hills forms a distinctive element of the AONB.
The organic nature of these routes, their rural character and
distinctive traditional road signs are a significant element of
the attractiveness of the area.
The 2003 Visitor Survey shows that almost 80% of visitors to
the Quantocks come by car. This is a heavy burden on the
minor roads and lanes of the AONB and can be frustrating
for local people and visitors alike. Such traffic levels damage
the rural nature of the area, significantly reduce tranquillity
and are both a source of pollution and a threat to wildlife.
The speed and size of traffic on some Quantock roads and
lanes is an issue for the area. Particular concern is felt about
Oak finger posts
the road crossing the hills from Crowcombe to Nether
Stowey, and the Coach Road that heads off it at Dead
Woman’s Ditch and drops down to the A39. Part of the distinctive character of these roads crossing
the Common is that they are unfenced, they include cattle grids and for much of their length they are
single track. They are subject to roaming sheep, ponies, deer and people, and are sheltered by the
canopy of significant oak woodlands east of Dead Woman’s Ditch. The narrow rural character of
these lanes, and related natural features such as the tree canopy are
important aspects of Quantock local distinctiveness.
Similar issues affect some of the small country lanes lower down the
hills where speed and size of vehicles is sometimes damaging to
hedgerows and verges, and is dangerous to people on foot, horse
or bicycle. In all of these cases, where a nationally protected
landscape is at stake, it is important that any signing is sensitively
designed, including size, materials and style, and located
appropriately. Unfortunately few opportunities exist at present for
visitors to come to the hills by public transport. Not only does this
add to traffic pressures on Quantock roads, but it denies the
opportunity to enjoy the AONB to those without access to a car.
Verge erosion on Quantock Common
67
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Natural England gives the following advice:
‘It is recognised that leisure travel results in a range of impacts on both the natural environment and on
people’s enjoyment and tranquillity. These impacts include, amongst others, congestion, loss or damage to
biodiversity, noise pollution, visual pollution, carbon emissions and a reduction in local air quality. At the same
time, more environmentally sustainable forms of leisure travel can deliver a range of social and economic
benefits. Natural England has a vision to make leisure travel more environmentally sustainable with the
majority of trips being made by low carbon, high health forms of transport, such as walking, cycling, horse-riding
and un-powered boats with longer trips being made by rail and public transport.’ Taken from Natural
England Research Information Note RIN014 03 July 2008
(iii) Responses
National, regional and local integrated transport strategies all set great store in the development of
public transport to help meet the needs of the travelling public. The 1998 Quantock Visitor Survey
showed an estimated 70,000 visitor car journeys a year to the AONB originating in Taunton, and
62,000 originating in Bridgwater. As the vast majority (88%) of these journeys are return visits there
is a real opportunity to encourage the use of public transport without increasing visitor pressures.
In the same 1998 visitor survey, only 16% of visitors agreed with the statement that “I would be
interested in using a park and ride scheme to bring me into the hills. There is slightly more interest
in a broader question in the 2003 visitor survey over the 1998 survey - 20% of visitors agreed with
the statement ”I would be interested in using improved public transport to bring me into the hills”.
Public transport-based walking routes may offer the best opportunities for reducing visitor traffic in
the AONB. Convenient and readily-available bus services could become a key element in the provision
of visitor information and interpretation, with the objective of encouraging existing visitors to change
their way of coming to the hills whether to visit attractions, use self guided trails or simply take a walk
of their own devising.
Enhancing access to other parts of the hills rather than the hilltops through Rights of Way work,
interpretation, circular routes and the Greenway project is aimed at freeing some of the narrower
lanes from too much traffic as well as protecting the hilltops and supporting local businesses. These
projects put visitor locations closer to available public transport and make the development of new
bus routes more viable.
Traditional cast iron road signs at junctions in and around the AONB are significant locally-distinctive
features, however when damaged they have in the past been replaced with unsympathetic modern
designs and materials. A Highway Heritage project to replace signs at key road junctions, driven by
the AONB Service in
partnership with Somerset
County Council Highways
Department and Heritage
Group
using
Heritage
Lottery funding, has proved
very popular. This project
established a modern source
for the County Council’s
traditional cast metal road
signs, and the Highways
Department have committed
to regular maintenance of
this element of Quantock
heritage.
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
Action Points
T1: To lessen the negative sustainability and
quality of life impacts of vehicular traffic in
the AONB and protect locally distinctive
Quantock roads and lanes
TAP 1: Investigate the possibilities for visitors
to reach the Quantock Hills more
sustainably
TAP 2: Pursue restrictions on damaging or
dangerous use of Quantock lanes and roads
where these are appropriate and supported by
parish councils
TAP 3: Pursue JAC liaison and consultation on
changes to road layouts, signing and road
maintenance affecting the AONB
TAP 4: Promote the removal of unnecessary
or obsolete modern signs and the sensitive
design and locating of necessary signage
T2: To pursue the maintenance and sensitive
repair of locally distinctive cast iron style
road signs in and around the AONB
TAP 5: Encourage Somerset Highways to
continue to reinstate, replace and maintain
traditional cast iron style road signs throughout
the AONB
Crowcombe Gate car park © Ron Carlson
PEOPLE - COMMUNITY AND LOCAL ECONOMY
69
5.4
(i)
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Community and Local Economy
Significance
Over recent decades the lifestyles and social background of Quantock communities have undergone
great change. Regionally the South West has a higher proportion of its population in rural areas than
any other English region. The population has grown faster than any other region over the last 20
years, with the last 10 years growth being attributed almost entirely to migration. Population growth
in rural areas over the last 20 years has increased by 18.1%. This population growth is predicted to
continue over the next 20-year period with Taunton Deane and Sedgemoor both expecting over 16%
growth. However this population growth has not been spread equally over ages. Over England as a
whole 16% of the population is age 65 and over. For the three districts covering the Quantock Hills
this figure is much higher, Taunton Deane (22.2%), Sedgemoor (22.8%) with West Somerset (32%)
having one of the highest above retirement age populations in England. (State of the South West 2008.
May 2008, South West Observatory).
To accommodate the predicted growth the South West region has a target of building 28,000 dwellings
per annum. Both the local towns of Taunton and Bridgwater have been identified as primary economic
growth areas and have received new housing allocations to realise this. Combined there is an
expectation of 1,010 new dwellings per annum being built (South West Regional Spatial Strategy 2006
– 26. 2006. South West Regional Assembly.). Regionally, approximately 60,000 dwellings have been
identified as second homes.This accounts for 2.7% of the South West’s housing stock (Survey of English
Housing 2005. 2005. DCLG). With changes in reporting of housing stocks it is unfortunately not possible
to break this information down to a smaller geographical area.
Local ladies selling bric-a-brac
70
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Access for Quantock residents to key services shows the effect of centralised services at the expense
of rural areas. Surveys from 2003 show that in the Quantocks 13% of residents live further than 4kms
from a doctors’ surgery, 14% more than 4kms from a library or mobile library point, and 10% more
than 2kms from a post office. Lack of access to services is a significant quality of life indicator and can
reflect economic vitality of the area.
The physical and cultural landscape underpins much of the economic activity of the AONB, and is a
key attraction for tourism and investment. Meanwhile, the role of vibrant, healthy communities is
another component of successful economic development.This Plan recognises these relationships to
encourage the kind of environmentally and socially responsible economic growth on which the wellbeing of the area depends.
The Quantock Hills has a very small population living within its boundary (2,853) and there are less
than 5,000 people of working age (16-74) living in the wards covering the Quantocks, with only 58%
of those people economically active, either full or part-time. Local employment opportunities have
diminished, and with the steady reduction of numbers in agricultural employment and local services,
there has been a shift in the working population away from the Quantock area to larger towns, while
the overall population continues to grow.
Some of the effects of these changes include increased demand on social services, and outmigration
of young people, impacting on the viability of shops, schools, pubs, post offices and other services.
These factors can in turn lead to a loss of activity and community spirit in villages and the rural
population in general.
Heather was the post mistress at Lydeard St Lawrence PO which closed in 2008
71
(iii)
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Responses
AONB policy and projects directly support the local economy and employment. Examples include the
Quantock Rural Economy Project, support for farmers through the development of agri-environment
schemes such as Environmental Stewardship, administration of the Sustainable Development Fund
and the promotion of sympathetic planning policies which do not harm the primary purpose of AONB
Designation. The recreation and tourism sector has also been encouraged to complement the food
and drink initiative to give more comprehensive support and promotion of the specialities of the
area, which in this case should embrace a wider ‘Quantock country’ rather than just the AONB.
Hedge laying
The Quantock Hills is a special and distinctive area, as recognised not only locally but also at national
level through AONB status. Locally, pride of place or pride in the locally distinctive nature has been
encouraged among the Quantock communities, through such projects as the village gateway signs.The
uptake of these projects and engagement in AONB work shows the sense of belonging to a ‘Quantock
Community’ which extends far beyond the AONB boundary.
Local Action for Rural Communities (LARC) is a new wave of European funding that the
SW of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) is managing. The SW region (Cornwall to
Gloucester) has allocated £28m for programmes that will run from 2008 – 2014. The aim of Local
Action is to enable rural communities to look at new opportunities to strengthen their local economy
and to improve the quality of life for people living in those communities. Local partnership and a
community led approach to economic development underpin the initiative.
In 2008 a Local Action Group comprising of Local Authority, Private Sector,Voluntary and Community
representatives formed the Western Somerset Local Action Group (LAG), this group included the
AONB Service. The group entered a bid to the LARC programme in July 2008 which has been
successful in attracting £2.25million to the area.
The geographical area covered includes the whole of West Somerset, the Somerset part of Exmoor
National Park, the Quantock Hills AONB, the Wiveliscombe-based 10-parish area and the Quantock
parish cluster of Sedgemoor.
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MANAGEMENT PLAN
The key aim of the Western Somerset programme is to move towards a low carbon economy using
this as a driver to provide new economic opportunities within the following areas: consumption and
production, resource management, transport, tourism, environment and supporting rural communities.
Potentially this programme is key to implementing significant elements of the work of the Quantock
Hills AONB partnership. Delivery of key Management Plan Action Points may be achievable through
this and other funding steams associated with the Rural Delivery Programme for England (RDPE).
Community Strategies have been prepared by the County and each of the 3 District Councils
covering the AONB. These strategies provide a long term vision and prioritise the work necessary
to improve the quality of life (economic, social and environmental) for their area. Local Strategic
Partnerships (LSPs) including the Somerset Strategic Partnership (SSP) are made up of representatives
of stakeholder organisations, they are closely associated with the development and delivery of
Sustainable Community Strategies and the overarching Local Area Agreement. The AONB Service
has engaged with the community strategy process and now sits on a number of delivery groups
associated with the SSP and LSPs.
This Management Plan review has many links to the Sustainable Community Strategies which cover
the Quantock Hills. They contain a number of priorities / actions that have direct relevance to the
JAC Partnership and to a varying extent will be delivered through this Management Plan. Sustainable
Community Strategy links are identified in the table under Appendix 3.
Action Points
C1: To support sustainable village and rural
projects which address AONB Management
Plan related issues
CAP 1: Support community projects where
they meet Management Plan policies
C2: To support the local economy and
sustainable marketing initiatives where these
relate to AONB designation objectives
CAP 2: Continue to support the sale and use
of local products particularly where special
landscape links add value, investigating and
developing local branding, promotion,
cooperative working and education
CAP 3: Support and develop partnerships with
professional agencies and local authority rural
development initiatives with Quantock
communities
CAP 4: Maintain strong links with the Local
Area Agreement and relevant Community
Strategies through delivery and review processes
C3: To encourage the use of local facilities by
local communities and visitors
CAP 5: Pursue agreements with local shops
and other suitable outlets to improve the
provision of guidance and information in and
around the AONB and encourage visitor spending
C4: To develop the role of community
groups and volunteers in the management of
the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
CAP 6: Support Quantock communities
developing and delivering Parish Plans
73
5.5
(i)
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Education and Information
Significance
The provision of information, interpretation and education in its
broadest sense is always a key activity in Protected Areas. Whilst
many visitors are ‘regulars’ who know the area well, many others
are less frequent visitors, and need help and guidance to find what
they want and how to get the best out of their visit. Wellpresented, up-to-date information is a valuable tool in the
management of how people use the hills – influencing visitors in
where to go, and where to avoid, and developing environmental
understanding in a relevant and engaging way.
Ramscombe teachers route
Communicating AONB key messages consistently and in varied media helps to establish the AONB
vision in the minds of the local community and regular visitors. Any communication undertaken
should appeal to the range of audiences who are familiar with the Quantock Hills, as well as aspiring
to inform less familiar audiences.
Awareness of the current (temporary) shared Quantock Hills AONB/National Trust/Somerset
Wildlife Trust information centre at Fyne Court is encouraging. The 2003 visitor survey shows that
69% of interviewees were aware that there is an information centre at Fyne Court, and over three
quarters of them (77%) have visited it.
The potential for educational use of the Quantock Hills is very high - the AONB is easily accessible
and contains a range of features important in the national curriculum. A ring of primary schools
surrounds the hills providing opportunities for local educational use and strong AONB Partnership
liaison, with a significant numbers of secondary schools and further education colleges in Taunton,
Bridgwater and Williton.The involvement of pupils from local schools was a significant part of previous
Management Plan consultations and led to the development of the 2002 – 2007 Quantock Education
Project (QEd).
In December 2007 the Quantock Hills AONB Service launched a comprehensive range of educational
packs and a new website www.quantockeducation.info. These outputs of the Quantock Hills
Education Project (QEd) are primarily aimed at
key stage 2 students but include some material
developed to support key stages 1 and 3. The
educational packs are available to local schools
and contain advice on undertaking a school
visit to the Quantock Hills as well as sitespecific teaching packs. In this innovative
project coordinated by the AONB Service local
teachers designed the teaching packs with
support from educational consultants and all
the packs/site visits have been ‘road-tested’ by
local schools to ensure they are robust. There
74
PEOPLE - EDUCATION AND INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT PLAN
are seven site packs which cover a variety of topics such as geography, mathematics, arts, english and
history. The website contains a wealth of information as well as further back-up for the packs. There
is an interactive interface for students, which will lead them through the vast range of Quantock
topics. For teachers there are further resources as well as copies of the packs available for download.
The website is a huge resource not just for students but also anybody with an interest in the
Quantock Hills.
The predicted 10% increase in visitor numbers (Quantock Hills Visitor Attraction Study, 2007. Roger
Tyms Associated) increases the importance of communication.The temporary information display at
Fyne Court is currently being enhanced, however this revision is unlikely to provide a fully appropriate
level of information or interpretation to visitors to the AONB. The AONB Service will continue to
seek a more comprehensive arrangement while recognising that the development of electronic media
systems means that current systems of communication may not be the most effective tools.
The Romantic Movement in C18/C19 poetry is indebted to the Quantock Hills landscape for the
inspiration it offered Coleridge and Wordsworth, this is in turn relevant to appreciation and enjoyment
of the hills, however it is not well interpreted for visitors. A highly successful arts project, funded by
Arts Council England and managed by the AONB Service in 2007/8 brought the relationship between
this protected landscape and the Romantic Poets into sharp focus. Further arts in the protected
landscape work under EAP7 will continue to provide this different and engaging form of interpretation
to those interested in the area.
Past land use and local industries that have been such formative factors for the Quantock Hills may
also need to be more fully reflected in information provision. Examples include the cloth industry –
from sheep rearing, through wool production to weaving; also tanning, from woodland management
to hide processing. The wealth thus generated helped to fund the area’s fine houses, gardens and
church towers.
Since the Foot and Mouth outbreak of 2001
there has been a government objective of
reconnecting children with rural areas. A
number of initiatives have been set up to help
achieve this, the largest being the ‘Growing
Schools’ programme. In 2005 Education and
Skills Secretary Ruth Kelly stated that the
government wants ‘outdoor learning,
including school visits, to be part of every
pupil’s experience’.
Funding, national curriculum and Health and
Safety issues have militated against outdoor
education in the UK for many years, leading
to a more classroom-based education system.
Based on the principal that the best place for
environmental education is outdoors the
AONB Service developed the QEd project
described above, making school visits to the
AONB more valuable and easier for teachers to organise. Forest Schools are an international initiative
addressing this issue which has been increasingly supported by teachers, foresters, parents and children
in Britain since the mid-1990s. At Forest School, children are educated in woodlands at regular
intervals over several months using activities linked to the national curriculum.
75
(iii)
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Responses
The long-term objective, developed through previous
Management Plan consultations, of providing a purpose-built
facility in partnership with others is being actively
investigated. A high-quality information centre of
appropriate scale is of great value in supporting education
work and as a starting-point for visitors exploring the
Quantocks. The facility to explain the significance of the
Quantocks and related issues in greater detail adds value
to the on-site and published materials provided.
Ultimately this protects the hills and heightens public
Interpretation
appreciation of them.
panel at Holford
The Visitor Attraction Study (2007) identified that there are opportunities for joint working at both
Hestercombe Gardens and West Somerset Railway.These attractions have some of the largest visitor
numbers in Somerset and could provide useful outlets for targeted messages about the AONB. The
number of locations which could provide Quantock Hills AONB information may require different
messages depending upon the visitor profile of those locations, while still maintaining the key messages
that would enable protection of the AONB. Under the adopted AONB Communications Strategy
key messages have been developed that work in parallel to the Vision. They are:
• Designation of the Quantock Hills as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a national recognition
of their high landscape and wildlife value, and results in considerable national and local funding
towards conservation
• The landscape we see today is heavily influenced by the varied geology of the area and a long history
of farming and land management. The location of the area linking lowland and upland contributes to
the variety of landscape and wildlife
• The AONB Partnership, led by local authorities and working with others, exists to plan and take co
ordinated action to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area
• The AONB Partnership is supported by a small staff team that acts in strategic and enabling roles, as
well as linking and adding value to the work of other organisations on the area and accessing external
funding for specific projects
• The AONB does not seek to prevent change, but rather to influence it towards sustainable
development while maintaining the area's distinctive character – balancing economic, social and
environmental factors to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of
future generations
• The future of the landscape will be particularly influenced by planning policies and decisions and
changes in farming and land management. Maintaining the natural beauty of the area will in the long
term support the local economy rather than restrict it
• The area offers great opportunities for enjoying scenery, wildlife and culture especially through
walking, riding and cycling. Sustainable tourism and a responsible approach by visitors contribute to
the economy and quality of life without damaging the special qualities of the area
Ramscombe teachers route
Teachers’ Packs for the AONB, produced with significant involvement of local teachers and local
schools through the Quantock Education project (QEd), provide the key to encouraging local school
involvement and sustainable use of appropriate Quantock locations.The packs, which are available on
the AONB Education website, provide a wealth of back-up materials as well as suggested lesson plans.
76
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Liaison with local colleges and educational establishments such as Cannington College, the Somerset
College of Arts and Technology, Bridgewater College and Kilve Court has in the past been valuable
for both the AONB and the students. Parts of the curriculum for these establishments deal directly
with many of the issues currently faced in the AONB and well-tailored research briefs can benefit both
the students and the AONB.The AONB partnership also supports Forest School initiatives in the area,
particularly through the Sustainable Development Fund.
The Internet is playing an increasing role in general information
provision and more specifically the sharing of research and
study materials. The comprehensive website developed for
the Quantock Hills AONB in 2005/6 will need to be reviewed
periodically to ensure it is working most efficiently in what
is a dynamically developing resource. As more users become
familiar with use of the internet the AONB Service will be
able to upload more resources, reducing the need for
printed material.
Quantock
Education website
Action Points
E1: To update and improve the quality and
accessibility of Quantock information for
AONB visitors, schools and local
communities
EAP 1: Actively investigate potential for an
improved Information Centre for the Quantock
Hills in line with recommendations from the
Visitor Attractions Study 2007
EAP 2: Develop interpretative visitor materials
carrying key messages to protect the Quantock
Hills AONB. In partnership with other
organisations make wildlife, historic landscape
and farming information available to the general
public and educational establishments
EAP 3: Annually update, review and enhance
the Quantock Hills AONB and Education
websites
EAP 4: Implement the actions from the 2008
AONB Communications Review
EAP 5: Develop an enhanced level of cultural
interpretation related to the AONB, including
arts related projects and reflecting the
significance of Wordsworth and Coleridge in the
Quantocks
EAP 6: Support learning opportunities in the
Quantock Hills through engagement with
initiatives such as the “Growing Schools”
programme
E2: To further develop the educational and
research resource of the AONB
EAP 7: Encourage the development and sharing
of Quantock research with appropriate
organisations and educational establishments
77
MANAGEMENT PLAN
6. Implementation and Monitoring
6.1
Delivering the Management Plan
This Management Plan is the product of a review of the 2004 Quantock Hills Management Plan and
a delivery plan is being developed in table form (see diagram below) to implement the Actions and
Policies it contains .A wide range of people, communities, authorities and organisations will be involved
in ensuring that the agreed Policies and Actions of this Management Plan are achieved. This reflects
the extent of participation in raising the issues covered in this document. The Joint Advisory
Committee and broader partnership will oversee implementation of the Plan, guiding and developing
appropriate partnerships, activities and projects particularly through the work of the AONB Service.
The AONB Service will directly drive the implementation of the Management Plan with staff
individually heading-up specific projects and policy areas with the practical support of the combined
Quantock Conservation Volunteers. Local people and communities will be involved in these activities
often through practical partnership working on projects, and through support and involvement
informed by a range of means including the widely available AONB newsletter “Quantock Update”.
Further opportunity for implementation of the Management Plan will be available to local communities
and relevant organisations by means of the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF).
Many organisations and agencies including Natural England, the Forestry Commission, DEFRA, English
Heritage and the National Trust are directly implicated in delivering the Management Plan, through
policies affecting land management, heritage protection and public access and the need for partnership
funding and support. Local authorities at county, district and parish level continue to have a major role,
including active involvement in the JAC, financial and officer support for the AONB Service, co-ordination
of policies and plans across the AONB, and involvement in projects implementing the plan. Landowners,
commoners, farmers, foresters, and local organisations (such as Friends of Quantock) each have a
particularly important role to play in the support and implementation of the Management Plan.
The Management Plan will be
implemented through a five-year
delivery plan, available from the
AONB office,
which
identifies
stakeholders / partners and when the
actions will be delivered. This is
further expanded with the 3-year
project plan, which goes into more
detail with timings and funding to
achieve the action points from the
Management Plan. The Project Plan
will be updated on an annual basis
allowing it to take account of new
funding opportunities or joint
working ventures presented during
the life of this Management Plan.
78
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Quantock Hills Plan Map
Management Plan
The strategic document that is adopted by core partners in the
AONB Partnership. This sets out the vision, policies and actions for
the next 5-years.
Delivery Plan
A 5-year aspirational plan that sets out how the AONB partnership (not
just the AONB Service) will achieve the actions from the Management
Plan and what measures will be adopted to ensure success.
Project Plan
Business Plan
A rolling 3-year programme with year 1
taken from the annual Business Plan and
years 2 & 3 more flexible in terms of
delivery. This includes the work of partners
as well as the AONB Service.
An annual plan which sets out the work of
the AONB Service to achieve the Delivery
Plan for the coming year. It sets out
expenditure on running costs as well as
project costs and funding streams from core
partners and external sources.
6.2 Monitoring
To be able to assess the quality of implementation of the Management Plan, along with the ongoing
environmental state of the Quantock Hills AONB, realistic monitoring indicators are required. These
measurements need to be carefully selected to give a true picture while being easily understood and
quantifiable on a repeated basis.Added value will be achieved if JAC Partnerships adopt consistent indicators
although major differences between individual AONBs make this a task to be approached with caution.
The two types of monitoring used by the AONB Service will be:
• Condition Monitoring.This will use ‘State of the AONB’ indicators concerned with whether the special
qualities of the AONB are being enhanced or degraded. An example is the condition of SSSIs in the AONB
• Performance Monitoring.This describes how well the JAC and AONB Service is performing against
Management Plan through monitoring implementation of the Action Plan
Reporting of these indicators will be through the AONB Annual Report and the 5-yearly Management
Plan Reviews. Collection of the data and information will be through a variety of sources and will draw
heavily on the existing work undertaken by the South West Protected Landscapes Forum.
The State of the AONB Indicators tables, Appendices 1 and 2 give information about the indicators
and shows currently available data.
79
MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX 1
State of the AONB Indicators (description)
TOPIC
INDICATOR
IDEAL TREND / TARGET
1. BIODIVERSITY
% SSSI in favourable or
recovering condition
Increase in % of SSSI in favourable 5 years
or recovering condition
2. BIODIVERSITY
No. Of Pied Flycatcher
recorded in SAC Oak
Woodlands
Maintenance or increase of
numbers
Annual
3. BIODIVERSITY
No. of Dartford Warblers Maintenance or increase of
recorded on SSSI
numbers
heathland
5 years
4. BIODIVERSITY
Number of Quantock
red deer counted
Numbers at sustainable level
(450)
Annual
5. LANDSCAPE
% SAMs in favourable
condition
Increase in % in favourable
condition
5 years
6. LANDSCAPE
Length, in km, of beech
hedgebanks in
management
Increase in length of beech
hedgebank in managed condition
5 years
7. LANDSCAPE
Tranquillity/ Dark skies
mapping (2km buffer
from AONB boundary).
Maintenance or increase in dark
skies and tranquillity
8. LANDSCAPE
Fixed point Photography
No negative trends or changes
Annual
9. LANDSCAPE
% of land managed under
all agri-environment
schemes
Maintenance or increase on %
of land under agri-environment
schemes
Annual
10. LANDSCAPE
Woodland cover over
AONB
Same or reduced conifer cover
and same or greater broadleaf
cover
5 years
11. LANDSCAPE
% of woodland cover
under woodland grant
scheme
Maintenance or increase in % of
woodland cover under a
woodland grant scheme
5 years
12. LANDSCAPE
Proportion of farms sizes Maintenance of number of
below agreed standard
small farms
10 years
13. CLIMATE
No. of days at Cat. 4/5
on FSI
Zero days on Cat. 4/5 FSI.
Annual
14. GEOLOGY
No of RIGS
Maintenance or increase in
number
5 years
Zero incidents or decrease in
pollution incidents
Annual
15. WATER QUALITY % change pollution
incidents reported to EA
80
Frequency
16. ACCESS
% ROW easy to use
100% easy to use
Annual
17. DEVELOPMENT
Change of use from
agriculture to other use
No change of use from
agriculture to other use
10 years
18. ECONOMIC
Number of people
employed in farming
number of people employed.
10 years
19. ECONOMIC
Commercial outlets in
Crowcombe, Kilve,
number of commercial outlets
Spaxton, Kinston-St-Mary, in sample AONB villages.
Bishops Lydeard
5 years
APPENDIX 1
MANAGEMENT PLAN
APPENDIX 2
State of the AONB Indicators (data)
INDICATOR
Base data
(inc year)
Date
(inc year)
Trend
% SSSI in favourable or recovering condition
7.9% (2005)
29% (2008)
No. Of Pied Flycatcher recorded in SAC Oak
Woodlands
Awaiting data
No. of Dartford Warblers recorded on SSSI heathland
(territories)
18 (2000)
38 (2006)
Number of red deer counted within AONB boundary
881 (2004)
675 (2008)
% SAMs in favourable condition
Awaiting data
Length, in km, of beech hedgebanks in management
12.77km (2005) No update
N/a
Tranquillity/ Dark skies mapping
9,512 (1993)
10,264 (2000)
✗
Fixed point Photography
2007 locations
% of land managed under all agri-environment schemes
6,599.22 Ha
(66.6%) 2006
6,843.92 Ha
(69%) 2008
Woodland cover over AONB
1,262 Ha
Broadleaf
(12.74%)
N/a
958 Ha Conifer
(9.67%) (2000)
✗
Woodland cover under woodland grant scheme
363.83Ha
(2003)
250.53Ha
(2008)
Number of farms sizes below 20Ha (50 acres)
134 (2004)
N/a
No. of days at Cat. 4/5 on FSI
3 (2005/06)
10 (2007/08)
✗
No of RIGS
Tbc
% change in pollution incidents as reported to EA
7 (2004)
1 (2006)
% ROW easy to use
Baseline surveys to be carried out summer
2009
Change of use from agriculture to other use
Awaiting Data
Number of people employed in farming
416 (2004)
Number of commercial outlets in AONB (Crowcombe,
Kilve, Spaxton, Kingston-St-Mary, Bishops Lydeard)
19 (2008)
APPENDIX 2
N/a
81
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Appendix 3
SEDGEMOOR
SOMERSET
82
•
Develop a “Produced in Somerset” food and drink logo, membership scheme and
marketing plan
•
Support the conservation and enhancement of Somerset’s environment with particular
emphasis on our protected landscapes
•
Promote the development of renewable energy sources
•
Promote innovative ways of combining and delivering important services for all rural
communities such as mobile post offices and library services
•
Encourage local people to take part in community activity and to empower them by
improving access to legal information and advice about their rights
•
Support projects that promote and improve facilities for cycling and walking
•
Support rural housing schemes in villages that have access to good public transport
•
Support projects that promote volunteering
•
Support initiatives that aim to involve “hard to reach” groups in arts activity, as
participants and audiences, including the young and the old, the disabled and the socially
isolated
•
Support Community Planning and Community-led regeneration schemes
•
Assist Sedgemoor’s farming and land-based industries within the traditional and organic
sectors
•
Encourage parishes to undertake Village Design Statements to identify qualities valued by
residents and to help ensure that any changes are sensitive to village character
•
Work with local conservation agencies to manage local nature reserves, promote
biodiversity and protected targeted wildlife sites and habitats
•
Promote good environmental practice and advice about sources of funding for
environmental projects
•
Continue to support the Somerset Landscape Scheme
•
Promote and protect Sedgemoor’s natural environment as an asset for local communities
and visitors
•
Improve the quality and safety of parks and public open spaces
•
Support initiatives that provide activities for young people in Sedgemoor by better
promotion of our heritage
•
Continue to support active and healthy lifestyles
APPENDIX 3
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Appendix 3
WEST SOMERSET
TA U N T O N D E A N E
•
To reduce rural isolation and increase rural employment opportunities
•
To improve rural transport
•
To promote and enable healthy lifestyles
•
To tackle climate change
•
To improve the provision of leisure, arts and cultural opportunities
•
To make the most of natural assets
•
To increase the income from tourism by encouraging quality environmentally-friendly
tourism initiatives
•
To increase economic equality and social engagement by involving communities in
community-based regeneration and supporting the development of voluntary and
community sector initiatives
•
To develop and maintain a thriving sense of community in West Somerset by increasing
the use of village halls / community halls / community buildings, schools and school
facilities and encouraging communities to contribute to solving local problems with the
help of the appropriate agencies
•
To improve the health of all people, starting with the most vulnerable people by
promoting exercise for all people in West Somerset using the natural environment
•
To protect and enhance the wildlife, habitats and landscape by ensuring that the West
Somerset Biodiversity Action Plan is promoted and implemented. Ensuring where possible
that any changes to the landscape are least detrimental to wildlife
•
Working with the agricultural industry on a sustainable future
•
Encouraging and supporting the conservation and enhancement of areas of special
designation (such as the Exmoor National Park and the Quantocks Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty) and promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of their
special qualities
APPENDIX 3
83
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Artists Biographies
The Quantock Hills have inspired artists for hundreds of years. Throughout the Management Plan we
have used images from the four artists listed below who have all been inspired by the outstanding
beauty of the Quantocks.
Ron Carlson
Ron Carlson has 30 years experience as a natural history photographer. After studying photography
at Northumberland College of Arts & Technology.
Ron has worked in collaboration with conservation and environmental organisations in Europe, Asia,
Africa and the Middle East, as well as the English and Scottish Tourist Boards. Ron’s work has been
published in a number of books, magazine articles, reports, and as high quality fine art prints.
Ron has specialised in landscapes and abstracted views of the natural world.
An extensive gallery of photographs and some sound recordings are available on Ron’s website:
www.focuswild.com
Jenny Graham
Jenny Graham has been working as an
artist in Somerset since moving there in
1984. She studied both in New York and
Bristol, where, in 1997 she received an
MA in Printmaking from the University
of the West of England.
Jenny Graham is a part of the continuing
tradition of British landscape painting.
Her work explores the specific aspects
of each location - those things which
make it unique. She is attracted to the
apparent timelessness of landforms
contrasted with the interventions of
society and agriculture.
Working on-site in the landscape she
makes quick sketches and notations on colour, time of day, date, weather and location. In her studio,
she combines this information with her emotional and visual recollection of the place.
www.jennygraham.co.uk
84
ARTISTS BIOGRAPHIES
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Gary Penny
Gary Penny has been a documentary
photographer for over twenty years.
During that time his work has
sought, through his images to define
the nature of English people. His
work is mainly influenced by the
social documentary work of the
mass observation movement during
the middle and later half of the 20th
century, which sets out to record
the lives of the ordinary men and
women of this country who are so
often overlooked.
He has a masters degree in Documentary Photography from the University of Wales College,
Newport and has been awarded a prestigious Royal Photographic Society Silver Medal. Gary also
teaches and lectures widely on photography.
Jane Brayne
Jane is known nationally for her work as an archaeological
reconstruction illustrator. Her involvement in archaeology
began many years ago at Stonehenge, since then she has made
drawings and paintings of places and people from the past for
many books and museums throughout the country. She was
series illustrator for BBC 2’s Meet the Ancestors.
Matthew Peaster
Award winning wildlife photographer Matthew
Peaster is widely recognised as a specialist deer
photographer and in 2006 was named The
British Deer Society's Photographer of the year.
With over 15 years experience of
photographing wild life in Britain Matthew has
developed extensive photographic galleries,
including a gallery for Deer Indicators where
images of deer and their interactions and trials
in the human environment are shown. For
more information look on his website at
www.matthewpeaster.com.
ARTISTS BIOGRAPHIES
85
Designed and printed by Besley & Copp

Management Plan - Quantock Hills

Transcription

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