Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Transcription

1 Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty AONB Unit Annual Review Cannock Chase AONB Unit Shugborough Park Farm Main Road Milford Near Stafford ST17 0XB Tel Fax Website Cannock Chase AONB is supported by: Natural England, Staffordshire County Council, Cannock Chase Council, Lichfield District Council, South Staffordshire Council, Stafford Borough Council, AONB Parish and Town Councils, British Horse Society, Cemex UK Operations Ltd, Country Land and Business Association, Defra, Forestry Commission, Friends of Cannock Chase, Hanson Aggregates, National Farmers Union, Ramblers Association, Staffordshire Parish Councils Association, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, Trail Cyclists Association, Walton Chasers, West Midland Bird Club.

2 Setting the Scene From our Chairman What is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)? Cannock Chase was designated as an AONB in 1958 because of its beautiful landscape, its wildlife and its history. AONBs are some of our finest countryside and, as part of a family of 49 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Cannock Chase is important both locally and nationally. At 6800ha, it is the smallest mainland AONB and is much cherished and visited by local people. 1380ha of the AONB s heathland, woodland and valley wetland habitats are protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with 1237ha of the SSSI being designated as a Special Area for Conservation (SAC). 1500ha of Cannock Chase AONB form one of England s largest Country Parks. Much of Cannock Chase SSSI overlaps with the Country Park. With significant areas of lowland heath, extensive areas of forestry (around 40% of the AONB is forest and woodland, 2500ha of this being Forestry Commission holdings) and also designed parkland, sand and gravel quarrying, mixed agriculture and water abstraction, Cannock Chase AONB consists of a comprehensive mix of land uses. Currently, around 3900ha (58%) of the AONB has public access and the Cannock Chase AONB Visitor Survey in 2000 estimated there were 1.5 million visits per year with around 70% of these from within a 10 mile radius. (The AONB has 464km of public bridleways, 62km of public footpaths and 267m of byways open to all traffic). Nearly 12,000 people live within Cannock Chase AONB in 13 parish and town council boundaries. 60% of these people are between with 20% being under 16 and the other 20% over 59. There is considerable economic and recreational pressure on this beautiful landscape and the Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan aims to ensure the right balance is maintained to conserve and enhance the area whilst maintaining it as a living, working environment. This year we have all made efforts to get out there and fly the Cannock Chase AONB flag, making connections and new friends. Whilst there have been changes in the faces who work day to day at the core of our Partnership s delivery, work has, as ever, continued to go forward apace. Targets have been achieved within budget. Objectives have been met. Some superb projects with new Partners. Almost three hundred young people drawn in. In summary I would say it has been about people and their involvement in the AONB most of all. As you will see in this review, targets have been achieved and within budget, with our Annual Action Plan objectives met. Some superb projects have involved new Partners and drawn 280 young people, previously uninvolved, into our circle. In my role as Chairman of the Joint Committee I have been out and about at a regional and national level, whilst my work on the Regional Environmental Partnership and as Chairman of the Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Planning Forum, has allowed me to refer policy issues to be addressed by our own Partnership and helped us raise awareness with people outside our local area, of the needs and importance of this special AONB. We have worked hard with the other West Midlands AONBs to remind our new contacts at Natural England of just how much we deliver against their targets and expanding objectives. All of these activities are important to keep us noticed and funded. Most of all, they ensure that the right conservation and enhancement of the AONB can happen because policies, support and funding are put into place at the right time. At the end of the year, our Joint Committee has lost a number of its members. Alongside this, the Officers Working Group that supports the work of the Joint Committee has also seen changes, with its own new Chairman coming on board. In addition, the AONB Unit, three-strong in staff, has seen changes on three separate occasions. Whilst there is inevitable short-term disruption to the delivery of our work when people come and go, I am delighted to say that the strength of our Partnership team has withstood these changes. This is underpinned by those stalwarts who give so much to the Partnership, pushing forward the work of the Advisory Partnership and the Topic Groups. Without all these efforts, the Partnership would wither on the vine. Ours has thrived. Targets have been met throughout and it is always a positive thing to welcome new blood into the AONB family. We look forward to benefiting from their experience in the coming year. Looking forward, I expect next year to be one of consolidation. We aim to cement our relationship with Natural England as it finds its feet, settle in our new partners and develop medium and longer term plans to sustain our work will see us enter the fiftieth year since the designation of Cannock Chase AONB. It will offer a fine opportunity to celebrate its continued conservation and find new ways to bring yet more new faces into the Partnership to contribute and we will be looking to review the success and relevance of our Management Plan. Again, this will involve all of you in making sure the Partnership has got it right and that we maintain the resources we need to deliver. There is no room to rest on our laurels. I look forward to working with everyone with renewed vigour and enthusiasm, as we drive forward into the next fifty years, confident that our designation is under solid stewardship. Cllr Neil Roberts 2 3

3 Promises kept Review of Achievements from the 2006/07 Annual Action Plan Project grant funding obtained for Cannock Chase Country Park management and management plan consultations, both of which are now completed. (Action 3A) A series of events included mapping exercises to establish recreational activity in the AONB, thus identifying the most tranquil areas. This was used to inform a report on methodology of peace and tranquillity mapping for future monitoring. The report highlighted that the Partnership is leading the way nationally on taking work at a local level forward. (Action 8A & 24C) Work has commenced in two local authority areas to survey hedgerows. (Action 9A) Completed survey work has identified significant finds including sites of national historical importance. Work will be used to prepare a Farm Environmental Plan. (Action 15A) The Interpretive Strategy has been agreed and published. A Visitor Centre sub group has been established. (Action 18B) Funding bids have been submitted to Natural England and the Destination Management Partnership for further interpretative works, including signage and information panels. (Action 19B) The multi-purpose use of the AONB was highlighted at the annual conference. Visitor centre leaflets and a local countryside code have been circulated. A coordinated approach to events provision and publicity will be undertaken from early A leaflet on the history of the AONB has been produced and distributed. (Actions 24A & 25A) An AONB local business network has been formed and is developing its own projects, following the discussion of the Local Economy Report. (Action 29A) On-going contact has been maintained with the Destination Management Partnership (DMP) and between the five visitor centres. The AONB Partnership is now a member of the DMP. A representative of the DMP Board is part of the AONB business network. (Action 30A) The AONB Unit continues to represent the Partnership at Local Strategic Partnerships, Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan, local authority working groups and other key projects such as Landscapes for Living and the Cannock Chase Heritage Trail. (Action 31A) A number of methods of involvement are under way including volunteers to up-date fixed point photography survey work, habitat survey work, youth press days and various projects involving play and activity for children and their carers. (Action 32A & 33A) A review of the operation and efficiency of the various constituted groups in the Partnership has been undertaken and the Joint Committee has approved a trial change to operation, including a reduction in its own number of meetings. These are to be replaced with other ways of delivering the Partnership s business. (Action 32B) The AONB is represented at the NAAONB and the regional Protected Landscapes Forum. A number of joint regional meetings with Natural England have been held with other West Midlands AONBs and some led by Cannock Chase. (Action 34B) Work has continued to ensure that the AONB is appropriately represented in Local Development Frameworks, the Regional Spatial Strategy and other key policies, as consultations arise. A joint response drafted by all 4 West Midlands AONBs including a covering letter relating to Cannock Chase issues was submitted on the Regional Spatial Strategy Phase II consultation. (Action 36A) A leaflet has been produced by an equestrian expert on good equestrian management practice within the AONB. (Action 36C) Measures have been taken to address the Highways Agency s85 duty and the implementation of the Highways Design Guide. Representatives of Highways have been involved in the selection of AONB gateway signs and the new logo. (Action 39A) A successful conference in May was well attended. Draft funding bids were prepared for 2007/08. The Annual Review for 2005/06 was distributed. Project grant and Sustainable Development Fund bids were awarded and rolled out. (Action 41A & 41B) Attendance at the Protected Landscape Forum meetings continues. The NAAONB conference, seminars and training were attended by Joint Committee Chairman, Advisory Partnership Chairman, and Chairman of the Officers Working Group and AONB Unit staff. Four awareness visits for Partners were completed. (Action 41C & 41D) Plans for the Management Plan Review are scheduled for 2007/08. A full assessment of all Management Plan Actions has been undertaken by Chairman of Officer s Working Group and this is being used as an ongoing monitoring tool as well as for forward planning. (Action 42A & 42B) 4 5

4 AONB Partner Projects Streams - Water Quality and Management Rare flies on Cannock Chase streams This project focused on a much maligned feature, the stream corridor. This is the first of a three year study into stream corridors and the overall resource of Cannock Chase AONB with the end product being a strategy for the AONB Unit and partners to take forward. It will highlight ways to conserve and improve the streams and also list issues surrounding water quality, important species and habitat. In essence how good the streams are for wildlife. After year one, things are looking good with many interesting finds including good populations of the native white clawed crayfish. However, a species that created much more excitement was the presence of a very very rare hoverfly called Chalcosyrphus eunotus. The larvae live in rotten wood and the adults are seldom found far from wood in streams. This is what s known as a deadwood indicator species and what is more a quality indicator of deadwood in streams. A perfect species to find if you want to assess the quality of a stream! This fly was found on two of the three streams, immediately highlighting the importance of Cannock Chase for this species. Future surveys will highlight whether these are the only streams they are found in or if the population is more extensive and that Cannock Chase holds an even greater resource of this rare hoverfly. Only time will tell. Managing Cannock Chase Country Park Through the Managing Cannock Chase project, the County Council was able to take on consultants Resources for Change to facilitate a six-month public consultation on current and future heathland management methods. This involved a series of events including stalls in local venues, a display and drop-in session at the Cannock Chase Visitors Centre, and a workshop session for interested parties. A questionnaire was produced to gather people s views on various management approaches and issues, which was made available on-line and as paper versions in the Visitors Centre. The questionnaire was promoted in local newspapers and posters in libraries and Visitor Centres around Cannock Chase, and many individuals and organisations were contacted directly by the consultants. The results were promising; a majority supported current management practice and there was a real interest in further discussions on the practicalities of re-introducing grazing to the Country Park. There was however, a small but important minority of people who expressed concerns about some of the practices and asked for more information about them so that they could develop more informed views about the current management approach. This is as important a result as the former, for it shows us where more work is needed to engage and inform local people to ensure our proposals and the reasons behind them are clearly understood. It is an area of work that now needs to be tackled by managers over the coming years. A summary leaflet about the outcome of the public consultation has been produced and distributed to a number of local venues, including the Cannock Chase Visitors Centre. The leaflet and full report will also shortly be placed onto the County Council website under the Countryside and Biodiversity sections 6 7

5 AONB Partner Projects Protecting Purple Landscapes Protecting Purple Landscapes has been running for two years and has made an important impact upon the heathland landscape. The traditional purple heaths had become over time, heavily infested with bracken which was displacing the native heathers and associated wildlife. This project followed on from work commenced through the Saving Cannock Chase lottery project and helped to gradually revert the green bracken monoculture to the mosaic of purple heather, sage green bilberry and jade cowberry, with splashes of colour from the yellow and red grasses. Sustaining and Enhancing Agricultural Landscapes During 2006/07, Staffordshire Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) were involved in a project to sustain and enhance the agricultural landscape in Cannock Chase AONB by working with farmers and landowners. The successful implementation of the project has addressed ecological, landscape and archaeological issues within Cannock Chase AONB, helping to meet objectives of the AONB Management Plan. Farmers and landowners have been made aware of responsible farming practices and the opportunities for land management enhancement through the Environmental Stewardship Scheme. Over 100 hectares of bracken was treated with a herbicide approved for use on sensitive nature conservation sites and public amenity areas. This does not persist in the environment and targets specifically the bracken without harming other plants or animals. It is the most effective way of controlling such a highly invasive plant that supports little wildlife on its own. The other part of this project involved helping to restore the ageing heather stand on the Country Park. Heather needs to be managed to maintain vigorous, healthy growth, otherwise it will eventually die and be replaced by scrub, bracken and grasses. The swathes of heather on the Country Park are characteristic of this area as well as supporting a unique range of wildlife species such as ground-nesting birds, reptiles and insects. A rolling programme of heather cutting and baling was introduced to create an uneven age heather stand, with young and older heather providing for the differing needs of the wildlife found here. Cut heather material is removed to prevent it smothering new heather seedlings, and the material is used for heathland creation in other areas. It is also being tested as a potential biofuel for future use in local heating systems. A promotional event aimed at farmers and horse paddock owners provided an opportunity to discuss horsiculture issues within the AONB and the means of enhancing the ecological and landscape value of horse grazed grassland. Feedback during and after the event revealed the need for further guidance and advice on the practical measures to enhance the environmental value of horse paddocks. Seven farm conservation visits were undertaken covering 544 ha of agricultural land. The visits generated interest for FWAG assistance with the submission of four Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) applications and one Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) application. The submitted HLS application contains a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and includes extensive wetland creation adjacent to the River Trent and River Sow. The promotional and advisory work undertaken by FWAG was funded by Natural England, Staffordshire County Council, Lichfield District Council and Stafford Borough Council. The funding has enabled FWAG Farm Conservation Advisers to impart advice to farmers and landowners that will help sustain and enhance the important agricultural landscape within Cannock Chase AONB. 8 9

6 Finances Outturn 2006/07 for Cannock Chase AONB Core and Project Costs AONB Core Budget Approved Budget Final Outturn Variation Staff Salaries and Associated costs 98,600 95,016-3,584 Accommodation/Office Equipment 16,600 14,735-1,865 Transport 4,000 3, Partnership budget for PR events 2,300 2, Partnership running costs (In kind) 6,300 6,300 0 Total 127, ,280-5,520 AONB Budget Awareness Projects Approved Budget Final Outturn Variation Annual Action Plan 1,500 1, Annual AONB Conference 5,000 4, AONB Website 1, AONB Annual review 2,000 1, AONB Newsletters 1,500 1, AONB History Leaflet 3,000 1,483-1,517 AONB partner awareness raising events 1, Grant Funding Information Pack 1, State of the AONB reporting - Events 3,000 2, State of the AONB reporting - Guidelines 2,500 2,500 0 Peace and Tranquillity Assessment 5,000 4, Toolkits for AONB Interpretation and Signage 3,400 4,756 1,356 Evidence based project 5,000 5,000 Hedgrows survey 2,500 2,500 Total 29,900 35,044 5,144 Total budget 157, , Provisional Outturn reported in April 157,445 Funded by Natural England 118, , Lichfield District Council (LDC) 1,848 1,848 0 South Staffordshire District Council 1,848 1,848 0 Cannock Chase District Council (CCC) 7,394 7,394 0 Stafford Borough Council 7,394 7,394 0 Staffordshire County Council (SCC) 20,949 20,949 0 Total 157, , Outturn 2006/07 for Cannock Chase AONB Partner Project Costs Project costs Approved Budget Final Outturn Variation Archaeology Assessment (SCC) 10,000 9, Streams (SWT) 15,680 15, Sustaining Favourite Landscapes (LDC & CCC) 9,376 10,457 1,081 Managing Cannock Chase Country Park (SCC) 20,000 19, Protecting Purple Landscapes (SCC) 30,000 30,000 0 Sustaining & Enhancing Agricultural Lands (FWAG) 6,000 5, TOTAL 91,056 90, Provisional Outturn reported in April 90,006 Funded by Natural England 45,582 45, Partners Contribution 45,474 45, TOTAL 91,056 90, Outturn 2006/07 for Cannock Chase AONB SDF Costs Sustainable Development Fund costs Final Outturn Gateway to AONB (Lichfield District Council) 8,010 Map reading courses at Birches Valley (Abbott Outdoors) 950 Wild About Play (Staffordshire Wildlife Trust) 3,111 Environmental Awareness Project (CASS Young Carers Team) 1,495 Harvey Map (National Navigation Award Scheme) 7,950 Georges Hayes Landscape & Visitor Access Improvements (Staffordshire Wildlife Trust) 1500 Greeting cards/postcards (Friends of Cannock Chase) 711 Volunteer Mini Bus (Staffordshire Wildlife Trust) 9,725 Heathland Harvest Festival (Lichfield District Council) 592 Administration Fee 3,345 TOTAL 37,389 Provisional Outturn reported in April 37,324 APPROVED BUDGET 40,000 Funded by Natural England 37,389 TOTAL 37,

7 Harvey Map This project was to create a map at a scale of 1:25,000 of the whole of Cannock Chase. OS maps are by their nature very general. The NNAS believe that the Harvey map at 1:25,000 scale of the whole of the Cannock Chase area is a benefit for much of the recreational use it receives, with its clarity and contour detail, and especially for the teaching of navigation to others. Environmental Awareness Project Finding out more about Cannock Chase Environmental Awareness Project 2007 was a huge success. A hundred and ten young carers took part, most of whom had never been to Cannock Chase AONB before. All said that they had a fabulous time, and are still talking about it now. Everyone agreed that longer term, greater awareness of Cannock Chase and its unique environment was achieved. The Young Carers now feel part of and proud of Cannock Chase AONB, protective of it and the enjoyment that can be had from it. They are asking When can we go back and do it all again? The map facilitates use of the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for many recreational users, allowing exercise to be taken by all age groups and thus promoting a healthy lifestyle. The reverse of the map contains information about the NNAS, local groups and the AONB to better inform the public on issues of sustainability, conservation, and health. Harvey maps are sold in all large bookstores and all local information points close to Cannock Chase. In terms of the NNAS scheme, all three levels encourage responsible use of the countryside, and as an educational tool for this, this map is invaluable. Local NNAS course providers now have a valuable resource to run their courses for all comers, and the NNAS are actively promoting the map to the local course providers. As a stand alone map, it will facilitate use of the area for recreational use especially for walkers and cyclists with its easy to read, clear format. Information contained on the reverse of the map is also educational and informative for all who use it, and it facilitates the spread of knowledge and understanding about Cannock Chase AONB, the environment and sustainable use of the area. Harvey maps use all available published information from land owners/managers to present as clear a picture as possible of the zoning, access and out of bounds /private areas of Cannock Chase. The NNAS had an official launch of the map in the October 2007 and many local organisations and community members attended who wished to participate in NNAS scheme and promote its existence. Photograph above is of young people from the local area getting involved in the 2nd Press Packer project. Chase Press Packers helped to raise awareness about the Cannock Chase AONB Management Plan that was produced

8 Wild about Play Access Improvements The aim of this project was to provide children with opportunities to: Participate in active play whilst developing new skills Incorporate fun and physically active ways of exploring and getting involved in looking after the natural environment Learn in age-appropriate ways through informal education, how important and relevant the AONB is to them, whether living in or near. Sessions were run over a 3 or 5 hour period at three sites; the Wolseley Centre, Cannock Chase Visitor Centre and Piggott s Bottom Nature Reserve. Children took park in a variety of activities all designed to help them explore their natural environment in an exciting and innovative way. The majority of children participating had not previously visited the sites and most people intended on returning in their own time. Most children that took part made a return visit in later sessions after enjoying their first visit. Children who attended more than one session showed a huge increase in confidence when outdoors and a few expressed an interest in attending their local Watch Club. Georges Hayes Landscape and Visitor Access Improvements Earlier this year the AONB Sustainable Development Fund agreed to support access improvements at George s Hayes Local Nature Reserve, near Upper Longdon. Owned by the Guides Association and managed by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust the site is a well used woodland, known for its impressive display of wild daffodils in the spring. With the support of the AONB the Wildlife Trust was able to carry out essential access maintenance and improvements. The project included undertaking specialist tree works along the roadside boundary, improvements to the visibility at the entrance to the car park and mowing rides to provide public access throughout the woodland

9 More about your AONB Our Team In England and Wales, there is a huge variety of scenery and landscapes and those considered most valuable, are designated as National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). They are protected by law and managed in order to maintain their special character for now and the future. AONBs were designated by The Countryside Agency (now Natural England). The primary purpose of designation is to conserve and enhance natural beauty (which includes wildlife and cultural heritage as well as scenery). In pursuing this, agriculture, forestry, other rural industries and social and economic needs of local communities are taken into account. The Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 highlighted the importance of AONBs, raising their status and confirming their importance in Government policy. About Cannock Chase Designated in 1958 At 6800ha, the smallest mainland AONB in England 1380ha protected as SSSI 3900ha (58%) with public access 1.5 million visits per year 12,000 people live within Cannock Chase The Management and Governance of our AONB Co opt statutory agencies, other bodies to advise Annual Cannock Chase AONB Conference Cannock Chase AONB Advisory Partnership (Based on previous JAC) Joint Committee (local authority Executive members) AONB Parish Council meeting Topic Groups Officers Working Group AONB staff unit 16 17

10 Cannock Chase AONB Images in this report are courtesy of Sam Carpenter, Steve Welch, SWT, CCAONB, and Natural England 18 19