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Call for Projects in the vicinity of pylon line ZF2 (Upper Coberley to Alderton)

December 3, 2018 by Alana Hopkins
Last edited on March 20, 2019

National Grid Landscape Enhancement Initiative (LEI)

*** UPDATE 2 February 2019 – WE ARE NOW CLOSED TO APPLICATIONS ***

The Cotswolds Conservation Board has issued a call for projects for the National Grid Landscape Enhancement Initiative.

This £24 million grant scheme offers awards of up to £200,000 for projects to enhance landscapes containing or impacted by National Grid’s existing electricity transmission infrastructure.

Only the Board can apply to the National Grid for this funding and we are inviting partners to put forward projects.

The Board has selected pylon line ZF2 which runs between Coberley and Alderton for our first call for projects as it is judged to have the highest impact of any line within the Cotswolds AONB.

The deadline for submitting expressions of interest to the Board is the 1st February 2019 for projects commencing in December 2019.

Next steps / essential documents:

Anyone with a project idea is encouraged to talk to Simon Smith the Board’s Project Development Officer at simon.smith@cotswolds-nl.org.uk

The Government Review of National Parks and AONBs – your views are sought

October 25, 2018 by Della Morris
Last edited on October 25, 2018

The Government has asked for an independent review of England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). You can find more about the work of the review and their Terms of Reference.  Already the review team, led by Julian Glover and a panel with a range of experiences and interests, has carried out visits and meetings in many parts of England.

The review and associated survey is wide ranging and explores more than just the idea of new National Parks or other types of designation. It is the first time that there has been a national review of Parks and AONBs since the original enabling legislation in 1949 and parallels with the growing local discussions over the merits of the Cotswolds being designated a National Park. The newly adopted Cotswolds AONB Management Plan 2018 -2023 contains the ambition: To promote the case for the Cotswolds being designated as England’s next National Park.

The Government will do more in the months ahead – but want everyone to have a chance to contribute, whether you live in a National Park or AONB, run a business in them, enjoy visiting, care about landscapes and biodiversity, or represent an organisation with views that might shape and improve their findings. The online survey asks 24 questions and suggests you limit your responses to 500 words per question some people and organisations will want to reply in detail on specific points. It is not necessary to reply to every question so please ignore those which you do not think relevant to you. You may find it easier to write your answers elsewhere before pasting them into the text boxes which follow.

We have summarised the questions below to provide an insight:

  • What does and doesn’t work about the current system of designated landscapes
  • What you think about the roles of National Parks and AONBs in regard to:
    • landscape, beauty, cultural heritage
    • nature conservation and biodiversity
    • working with farmers and farm payments
    • managing access and recreation
    • people who live in the designated landscapes
    • housing and transport
  • Your thoughts on how;
    • Parks and AONBs are governed
    • Parks and AONBs are funded
    • they work collectively
    • they involve people and encourage volunteering
  • The process of designating Parks and AONBs
  • Suggestions for new National Parks, AONBs and new types of designation for marine and urban areas
  • Whether there are lessons to be learnt from abroad
  • Whether the title AONB could be improved
  • How National Parks and AONBs work with National Trails, SSSIs, SACs etc

Submissions are invited from individuals and organisations by the 18th December 2018

The online survey is available for you to complete at

https://consult.defra.gov.uk/land-use/landscapes-review-call-for-evidence/consultation/intro/ 

 

Cotswolds Conservation Board to launch new scheme to save wildflower grasslands

October 18, 2018 by Alana Hopkins
Last edited on May 12, 2020

The Cotswolds Conservation Board has been awarded a grant of over £200,000 from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for a project which will conserve, restore and create wildflower-rich limestone grasslands across the Cotswolds. The project, Glorious Cotswolds Grasslands, aims to create the largest network of wildflower rich Jurassic limestone grassland in the country – around 100 hectares in total, over three years.

The project hopes to secure the long term management of these precious grasslands through farming and community engagement, alongside practical and educational activity.

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) contains just over half the UK’s wildflower rich Jurassic limestone grassland. These grasslands are fragmented and vulnerable, and in urgent need of intervention to maintain, restore, and most importantly, to expand and connect them by creating new wildflower-rich grassland.

The central aims of the project are to:

  • Collect seed from existing wildflower rich grasslands, and sow them on sites to restore or create new grasslands
  • Provide advice and guidance on managing grasslands to maximise their benefit – for wildlife and people
  • Provide practical assistance such as managing scrub and invasive species
  • Work with communities and highway authorities to improve road verges to create a network of flower-rich corridors
  • Establish a sustainable service to deliver advice, equipment, and advocacy beyond the life of the project.

Mark Connelly, Land Management Officer at Cotswolds Conservation Board said, “We’re delighted that the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation has supported the Glorious Cotswolds Grasslands project. Their generous grant will allow us to implement this ambitious project, and will help us give Cotswolds grasslands, and the fantastic wealth of wildlife to be found in them, a better chance for the future.”

Simon Wightman, from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation said, “We are pleased to support the conservation, restoration and creation of wildflower rich grasslands across the Cotswolds. Trustees were especially impressed by the Conservation Board’s commitment to finding a sustainable approach to grassland management beyond the end of the grant period.

Trustees also applauded the project’s focus on education, and on exchanging learning with other organisations involved in grassland management. We are keen to hear how the project progresses.”

If you or your organisation is interested in finding out more about this valuable project, please contact Mark Connelly (Cotswolds Conservation Board) at mark.connelly@cotswolds-nl.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to editors:

  • Please contact Alana Hopkins at hopkins@cotswolds-nl.org.uk / 01451 862 003 for further information, or interview/photo opportunities.
  • The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966 in recognition of its rich, diverse and high quality landscape. www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk
  • The Cotswolds AONB is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation established in 2004 which has 37 members – 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by the Secretary of State.
  • The Cotswolds is the third largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
  • Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), along with National Parks, are considered to be the most special landscapes in the country and belong to an international family of protected areas.  There are 38 AONBs in England and Wales, and a further eight in Northern Ireland.  For further details, visit: www.landscapesforlife.org.uk. For details of the 15 National Parks in England and Wales visit: www.nationalparks.gov.uk

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

  • Esmée Fairbairn Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for people and communities throughout the UK both now and in the future. We do this by funding the charitable work of organisations who are building an inclusive, creative and sustainable society. www.esmeefairbairn.org.uk
  • The Foundation is one of the largest independent grant-makers in the UK. In 2017 we made grants of £40.5 million towards a wide range of work within the arts, children and young people, the environment and social change. We also have a £45 million allocation to social investments for organisations with the aim of creating social impact.’’

 

Finance and Admin Job Vacancies

August 28, 2018 by Della Morris
Last edited on August 28, 2018

Two superb opportunities to be part of a team working to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and increase the understanding and enjoyment of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Finance and Office Administrator, up to £17,391

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Finance and Office Administrator to join our hardworking and friendly team at the Conservation Board.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the effective administration of the Board. We are seeking a self-reliant person who also works well as part of a team. You will be the first port of call for visitors to the Board’s offices and act as receptionist. Daily administrative tasks will also include inputting financial information and supporting the rural skills programme.

The closing date for applications for this post is noon on Wednesday 12th September and interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 18th September.

Finance and Administration Officer, up to £31,986

We are seeking an experienced finance officer to provide and manage accountancy and financial services to the Board.  You will be a fully or partly qualified accountant with experience in payroll, grant funding and VAT accounting.

In addition, you will be the Board’s office manager, ensuring the smooth day to day running of the Conservation Board’s offices in Northleach.

The closing date for applications for this post is noon on Monday 17th September and interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 25th September.

Find out more

If you are interested in applying for these stimulating and rewarding roles please visit www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/jobs for further details and an application form, we do not accept CVs.

Cotswolds AONB Management Plan 2018-2023 update

July 11, 2018 by Alana Hopkins
Last edited on July 11, 2018

The final draft of the Cotswolds AONB Management Plan 2018-2023 is out for consultation from 10th July to 14th August 2018.

The associated Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) Screening Report are also out for consultation during this period.

Although this consultation is targeted at the 15 local authorities that overlap with the Cotswolds AONB and the three statutory environmental bodies (Natural England, Historic England, and the Environment Agency), other stakeholders are welcome to provide a consultation response.  Please see the Management Plan page of our website for more details.

Job Vacancy: Finance & Administration Officer

June 8, 2018 by Della Morris

A superb opportunity to be part of a team working to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and increase the understanding and enjoyment of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

We are seeking an experienced finance officer to provide and manage accountancy and financial services to the Board.  You will be a fully or partly qualified accountant with experience in payroll, grant funding and VAT accounting.

In addition, you will be the Board’s office manager, ensuring the smooth day to day running of the Conservation Board’s offices in Northleach.

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 2nd July and interviews are scheduled for Wednesday 11th July.

Application forms should be emailed to Alexander Witcomb, info@cotswolds-nl.org.uk 

Click here to read more

Cotswolds AONB Voluntary Wardens Given Queen’s Award

June 4, 2018 by Alana Hopkins
Last edited on June 8, 2018

Photo shows Rebecca Jones, John Shaw, and Jean Booth at Buckingham Palace. 

The team of Voluntary Wardens who support the work of the Cotswolds Conservation Board has recently been given The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK – to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of The Queen’s coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups.

Any group doing volunteer work that provides a social, economic or environmental service to the local community can be nominated for the award. Each group is assessed on the benefit it brings to the local community and its standing within that community.

Local assessment panels look at all the nominations and decide which to send to the National Award Committee, which then makes recommendations to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and sends a final list to The Queen for her approval. Our Head Warden, John Shaw, and our Volunteering Coordinator, Rebecca Jones, both attended The Queen’s Garden Party on 31st May in celebration of all 2018 award winners.

Martin Lane, Director of the Cotswolds Conservation Board, said, “The Cotswolds Voluntary Wardens put in over 48,000 hours of work this year, across a diverse range of projects – so this award and the garden party were a wonderful recognition of their dedication to this beautiful region. We look forward to seeing what they achieve over the next 12 months!”

John Shaw, Head Warden, said, “This award recognises 50 years of commitment and achievement in making the Cotswolds a great place to be, thanks to the passion, creativity and drive of our Voluntary Wardens. For half this time we have truly appreciated the tireless guidance, support & encouragement of our Coordinator Becky Jones“

2018 is the 50th anniversary of the Volunteer Wardens in the Cotswolds AONB, and the celebratory theme is education, and reaching the next generation to care for the Cotswolds. The Wardens have been working in education for over 10 years, and this year the Cotswolds Conservation Board has funded a free activities folder with more fantastic opportunities than ever for schools to access the Cotswolds. In 2017-18, over 1,400 pupils participated in education activities run with the Wardens. In addition, the Board is working with an artist to go into 10 schools or groups to produce artwork based on the pupils’ experiences of the Cotswolds.

For more information about The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Work: https://qavs.direct.gov.uk/ or https://twitter.com/QueensAwardVS

England’s Protected Landscapes to be reconsidered under new review

May 29, 2018 by Alana Hopkins
Last edited on June 4, 2018

Environment secretary Michael Gove announced over the weekend that Julian Glover will lead a review panel which will reconsider England’s protected landscapes, including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). The review will consider the potential for extending existing protected landscapes, or creating new ones. It is likely to consider whether any current AONBs could join the list of National Parks. The review will report in 2019 (the 70th Anniversary of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act).

The Cotswolds Conservation Board welcomes the announcement of this review and looks forward to welcoming Julian Glover and his review panel to the Cotswolds in due course.

Currently, the Cotswolds is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is managed and maintained by the Cotswolds Conservation Board. The Conservation Board has begun contacting farmers, landowners, national and local interest groups, MPs, and local authorities, within the Cotswolds AONB border to explore the case for the Cotswolds becoming a National Park. Local MPs Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown and David Drew have both previously signalled their strong interest in considering whether the Cotswolds should become a National Park.

Liz Eyre, Chairman of the Cotswolds Conservation Board, said, “We are looking forward to talking to people and exploring the cases for and against the Cotswolds as a National Park with those who live and work here. In April, we took the first steps towards this process by writing to Natural England and requesting that consideration be given to making the Cotswolds a National Park.”

Vacancies at the Board

May 15, 2018 by Della Morris
Last edited on May 16, 2018

Job Vacancy: Finance & Administration Officer

A superb opportunity to be part of a team working to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and increase the understanding and enjoyment of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

We are seeking an experienced finance officer to provide and manage accountancy and financial services to the Board.  You will be a fully or partly qualified accountant with experience in payroll, grant funding and VAT accounting.

In addition, you will be the Board’s office manager, ensuring the smooth day to day running of the Conservation Board’s offices in Northleach.

The closing date for applications is noon on Wednesday 30th May and interviews are scheduled for Tuesday 5th June.

Application forms should be emailed to Alexander Witcomb, info@cotswolds-nl.org.uk 

Click here to read more

Hare Trail News…

May 15, 2018 by Della Morris
Last edited on May 15, 2018

This ‘eye catching’ Hare is about to spring into action!

130 Hares of various sizes are starting their steady march across the Cotswolds, for the launch of the new 2018 Cotswolds AONB Hare Trail on 22nd May 2018.

The Trail Passport ready to download from the Cotswolds Hair Trail website from Tuesday 22 May – www.cotswoldsharetrail.org.uk