east devon area of outstanding natural beauty management

East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural BeautyManagement Strategy 2014 - 2019

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Ministerial ForewordAreas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are some of our finest landscapes.They are cherished by residents and visitors alike and allow millions of people fromall walks of life to understand and connect with nature. I am pleased to see that this management plan demonstrates how AONBPartnerships can continue to protect these precious environments despite thesignificant challenges they face. With a changing climate, the increasing demands of agrowing population and in difficult economic times, I believe AONBs represent justthe sort of community driven, collaborative approach needed to ensure our naturalenvironment is maintained for generations to come.AONB Partnerships have been the architects of a landscape-scale approach to land management. This approach is a key feature of the Government’s NaturalEnvironment White Paper and emphasises the need to manage ecosystems in anintegrated fashion, linking goals on wildlife, water, soil and landscape, and working at a scale that respects natural systems. This management plan also makes the important connection between people andnature. I am pleased to hear that local communities have been central to thedevelopment of the plan, and will be at the heart of its delivery. From volunteers onnature conservation projects, to businesses working to promote sustainable tourism,it’s great to hear of the enthusiasm and commitment of the local people who holdtheir AONBs so dear.AONBs are, and will continue to be, landscapes of change. Management plans suchas this are vital in ensuring these changes are for the better. I would like to thank allthose who were involved in bringing this plan together and I wish you every successin bringing it to fruition.

Lord de Mauley Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for natural environment and science

Exmouth

Sidmouth

BeerSeaton

Lyme Regis

Honiton

Axminster

OtterySt Mary

Newton Poppleford

Farway

Colyton

BudleighSalterton

EastDevonWay

South West Coast Path

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Partnership Commendation 7

The Strategy1.0 Legislative Context 8

2.0 The Strategy Purposes 9

3.0 The national, regional and local context 10

4.0 An introduction to the 12East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

5.0 The Landscape Character of the AONB 14

6.0 The Special Qualities of the East Devon Area 18of Outstanding Natural Beauty

7.0 Strategy Themes 20

8.0 Theme 1 - Landscape 21

Landscape Character and Historic Environment 21

Environmental Quality and Climate 25

Biodiversity and Geodiversity 28

Coast 32

Contents

9.0 Theme 2 - Sustainability 35

Farming and Land Management 35

Access, Recreation and Tourism 39

Planning and Development 43

Transport and Highways 45

Rural Economy and Services 48

Community and Culture 50

10.0 Theme 3 - Communication & Management 54

Communication, Education and Awareness 54

Management, Organisation and Partnerships 56

11.0 Implementation & Review 59

12.0 Monitoring 61

13.0 Supporting Documents 61

Glossary and Abbreviations 62

Acknowledgements 63

e natural beauty of the East Devon AONB landscape, its dramatic World Heritage Site coastline, internationally important habitats andspecies and its cultural heritage, is conserved, managed and enhanced to support and benefit present and future generations.

A Vision for an inspirational landscape

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This Commendation The Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000) requires local authorities to prepare, publish and review(on period of not more than five years) Management Plans for AONBs in their areas. This ManagementStrategy has been reviewed and is commended and endorsed by the East Devon AONB Partnership onbehalf of Devon County Council and East Devon District Council. The Partnership is committed to thedelivery of this Strategy and will work with a wide range of organisations and individuals to ensure that theoutstanding natural beauty of East Devon is conserved and enhanced for future generations.

Partnership Commendation

Sidb

ury

This Strategy sets out my Partnership’s direction for the five years ahead. It has evolved over a ten year period since the AONB Partnership was first established in 2003 and isthe only plan uniquely focussing on the AONB.

Whilst much has been achieved over the intervening 10 years, we should not overlook the fact that since its designation in 1963, the East Devon AONB has been managed bylandowners, farmers, local authorities and agencies in such a way that it still remains an outstanding landscape with a unique combination of special qualities. However, in this,our fiftieth year, I find myself challenged to horizon scan to the next fifty years and ask the question ‘Will the AONB still be worthy of its designation in 2063?’

We have seen significant changes in land management techniques and practices since 1963. Farming and forestry has become a highly mechanised and increasingly skilled sectorwhose fortune ebbs and flows under the influence of global market tides. The UK’s increasing population demands ever more land and the drive for more housing is seen as akey factor in our economic recovery. Our reliance on motor vehicles increases as their fuel efficiency improves and renewable energy advances in solar and wind expand as societies demand for devices that require electricity continues to grow.

Whilst talk of energy supply possibly putting the lights out may help improve the dark skies across the AONB, there are more direct steps being taken to address these challenges and help conserve the AONB’s special qualities. Through our main sponsor, Defra, and many of our agency partners, we are addressing targets for biodiversity, land management, forestry and water quality. Through our civic and community partners we are doing much to raise awareness, actively engage and celebrate our cultural assets. Increasingly, through our tourism, business and economic partners, we are finding ways of developing a rural economy in balance with the landscape. I think the modernparlance for this integrated approach is called an ecosystem services approach.

We recognise that the AONB Partnership cannot be relied on alone to fulfil the duty to conserve and enhance this special area. That responsibility often lies with others but weunderstand our place in influencing this responsibility. It is for this reason that we are committed to developing the tools and processes to enable and guide others to protect,manage and plan so that the AONB can prosper and develop over the next fifty years as a living and working landscape.

On behalf of my Partnership I commend this Strategy to you and look forward to delivering it over the coming years.

The East Devon AONB Partnership is funded by Defra, Devon County Council and East Devon District Council.

John Wilding MBE

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Legislative Context The requirement for this Strategy Part IV of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act20001 consolidates earlier legislation regarding thedesignation and purposes of AONB's. It also addssome important provisions that:

Require 'relevant authorities' (public bodies etc.)to 'have regard' to the purpose of conservingand enhancing the natural beauty of the AONB

Require AONB local authorities or conservationboards to prepare and publish an AONB Management Plan and to review it at intervals inline with the Act clauses (in not less than 5 year intervals). This Strategy and the accompanyingPartnership Action Plan fulfils this requirement.

The purpose of AONB DesignationNatural England is responsible for advising onAONB designation. In its 1991 policy statementon AONBs they identified the following threeaims for AONBs:

The primary purpose of AONB status is to conserve and enhance natural beauty2.

When carrying out the above duty, accountshould be taken of the needs of agriculture,forestry, other rural industries and of the economic and social needs of the local communities. In particular, sustainable forms of social and economic development, that in themselves conserve and enhance the environment, should be promoted.

Recreation is not a purpose of designation butdemand should be met if this does not harmconservation of natural beauty or the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses.

This Management Strategy therefore focuses primarily on conserving and enhancing the quality of the AONB landscape, in particular its natural beauty.

However, as the 1991 Countryside Agency policy statement confirms, this duty should not beimplemented in isolation. Socio-economic needsand recreation are to be taken into account in furthering this primary aim in an integrated approach to the management of the AONB.

Duty of RegardStatutory duties in relation to AONBs areprovided for in Section 85 of the Countrysideand Rights of Way Act 2000. Specifically, theystate that, ‘in exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land in these areas, relevant authorities “shall have regard” to their purposes’. The AONB Management Strategy is a useful mechanism for public bodies to support AONB purposesand demonstrate compliance with these requirements.

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1.4

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1 HMSO (2000)

2 Section 114 of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the CountrysideAct stated “ References in this Act to the preservation, or conservationof the natural beauty of an area shall be construed as including referencesto the preservation or, as the case may be, the conservation of its flora,fauna and geological or physiographical features.”

Also Section 99 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act2006 clarified Natural beauty in the countryside as follows: The fact that an area in England or Wales consists of or includes - (a) land used for agriculture or woodlands, (b) land used as a park, or (c) any other area whose flora, fauna or physiographical features are partlythe product of human intervention in the landscape, does not prevent itfrom being treated, for the purposes of any enactment (whenever passed),as being an area of natural beauty (or of outstanding natural beauty).

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The Strategy PurposesThe Strategy has five key purposes-:

To present an integrated vision for the future of the AONB

To highlight its special qualities

To set out key objectives and policies with keypriorities to help secure these qualities

To identify actions to achieve these outcomes(The Delivery Plan)

To state how the Strategy will be monitored

Who is the Strategy for? The Strategy essentially relates to the AONBlandscape. As a consequence, it will be ofinterest to the communities, parishes, residents,businesses, landowners and farmers, agencies,local authorities, utilities, organisations andamenity groups operating within or with aninterest in the area. In this sense it is a sharedstrategy that has been influenced and willcontinue to be developed through partnershipsand through on-going consultation with these interests.

Strategy Status and Partnership CommitmentThis Strategy formulates East Devon DistrictCouncil and Devon County Council local authority policy and action in relation to the management of the East Devon AONB as required under Part IV, Section 89 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

The AONB Partnership roleThe East Devon AONB Partnership acts on behalf of East Devon District Council andDevon County Council to deliver and monitorthe Management Strategy. The following organisations are represented on the EastDevon AONB Partnership and endorse thisManagement Strategy, its vision and objectives:

Axe Vale & District Conservation SocietyClinton Devon EstatesCountry Land & Business AssociationCampaign for the Protection of Rural England DefraDevon County CouncilDevon Association of Local CouncilsEast Devon Business GroupEast Devon District CouncilEnglish HeritageEnvironment AgencyForestry CommissionJurassic Coast World Heritage SiteNational Farmers UnionNational TrustNatural EnglandOtter Valley Association Sid Vale AssociationThe Donkey Sanctuary

Business Planning The annual review of the Delivery Plan for thisstrategy will enable both the Strategy andAONB Business Plan priorities to be annuallyupdated. The AONB Business Plan is revisedand updated annually and is the key supportingdocument in the Partnership grant applicationto Defra and the local authorities.

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2.3

2.4

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2.5

AONBBusiness Plan

DeliveryPlan

ManagementStrategy

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South West - designated and defined interests

AONBs throughout England,Wales and Northern Ireland

NationalAONB's in England, Wales and Northern IrelandIn England, Wales and Northern Ireland, ourfinest landscapes have been conserved throughdesignation as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)3.

AONBs were brought into being by the samelegislation as National Parks - the National Parksand Access to the Countryside Act of 1949.They have been described as fine landscapes, of great variety in character and extent4.

RegionalThe richness and diversity of the South West environment differentiates it from other Englishregions making the region attractive as a placeboth to live and work. It is a highly rural regionwith some 25,000 agricultural holdings and nearly69,000 engaged in agricultural employment.5

Approximately 38% of the region is classified by the International Union for the Conservationof Nature (IUCN) as Category V Protected Landscapes. A protected area is defined as “A clearly defined geographical space, recognised,dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystemservices and cultural values” (IUCN).

These protected landscapes are: Twelve AONBs and parts of two others extendto 30% of the region. This is twice the proportioncovered by AONBs in England as a whole.

Two National Parks - Dartmoor and Exmoor,covering some 7% of the region.

Other key South West environmental assets are:638 km of defined Heritage Coast, and 60% ofEngland’s undeveloped coastline

The South West Coast Path National Trail

4 World Heritage Sites

2 Community Forests

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

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The national, regional and local context3.0

3 See page 62 for details of abbreviations used in this Strategy4 www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/issues/landscap/aonbs.htm5 www.nfuonline.com

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LocalDevon’s natural and historic environment is notable for its high quality. Over 50% of the landin Devon is designated for its environmentalquality encompassing two World Heritage Sites,five AONBs, two National Parks and a Biosphere Reserve. The AONBs and National Parks together cover some 38% of the county.

Within East Devon, the Blackdown Hills andEast Devon AONBs occupy approximately2/3rds of the district.

Landscape Designations

Please note that the protected landscapes aredrawn to county and district boundaries only.

3.5

3.6

Somerset

Cornwall

Devon

ExmoorNational Park

North DevonAONB

Tamar ValleyAONB

South DevonAONB

East DevonAONB

Blackdown HillsAONB

DartmoorNational Park

DorsetAONB

Blackdown HillsAONB

East DevonAONB

• Dunkeswell

Membury

Honiton

•

AxminsterOtterySt Mary

Musbury •

Sidmouth

Seaton

Budleigh SaltertonExmouth

• ClystSt Mary

• Broadclyst

DorsetAONB

UplymeNewton Poppleford

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National Park

Area of OutstandingNatural Beauty

Area of Great Landscape Value

•

East Devon AONB county and district setting

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The East Devon AONB is a very attractivelandscape, full of contrast and colour, diverseand rich in wildlife and a working landscape thatis home to approximately 30,640 residents6.

The AONB lies solely within East Devon Districtand covers, or part covers, 30 parishes. It wasdesignated in 1963 and covers 103 square miles(268 sq kms) - approximately 32% of EastDevon District.

With the exception of Budleigh Salterton, theAONB skirts the major settlements in the area.It is one of five AONBs that fall within Devon,abutting the Blackdown Hills AONB to thenorth and Dorset AONB to the east.

The striking East Devon coastline has a greatinfluence on the social, economic andenvironmental makeup of the AONB and theDorset and East Devon Coast World HeritageSite is serving to further raise its significance. Asthe first natural World Heritage Site in England,the ‘Jurassic Coast’ (as it’s more commonlyreferred to), gives a unique insight into 185 millionyears of earth history through the rocks exposedalong its 95-mile coastline.

Along the coast the villages still retain a vernacularcharacter and rural charm that to date has beenlargely unspoilt by the expansion of tourism.There is no better way to sample this impressivecoastline than on the South West Coast Path, themost popular National Trail in the country, whichbrings in significant economic benefit to the SouthWest as a whole.

The hinterland to the coast is less well known.Large expanses of heathland provide a contrastto well-wooded combes and fertile river valleys.

In the west of the AONB is the largest singleblock of lowland heathland west of the NewForest, the East Devon Pebble Beds, (Woodburyand other East Devon Commons). Elsewhere onhigh ground woodland dominates, both deciduousand in more recent times, coniferous.

A predominantly pastoral landscape, the AONBis interspersed with copses and wooded goyles,some dating back beyond the 1600s, providing a contrast to the hilltop plantations. Steep sidedDevon hedge-banks border fields and narrowcountry lanes, disguising the richness of thisoutstanding landscape to all but the mostobservant traveller.

The AONB landscape is punctuated by hamletsand villages with cottages and houses built oflocal stone, pebbles, thatch and cob, a reflectionof the underlying geology and traditional landuse of the area. Cob, a more commonlyaccessible and alternative material to stone, is a mixture of clayey soils and straw, and is alsofound in many farmhouses and local buildings,particularly in the west of the AONB.

Devon has a strong tradition of combed wheatthatching, but since the 1950s, water reed,mainly imported from Eastern Europe, has alsobeen used extensively. Imported brick, slateand clay tiles all brought greater changes in the19th century to provide a more diverse buildingform to the AONB.

Chert and pebblebed stone (“popple”) can be found in many churches, local buildings and

walls. The much sought after Beer limestone,used locally in Beer has also been used inbuildings such as Exeter Cathedral and as farafield as America.

Evidence of man’s former activity is presenttoday in the form of the historic environmentranging from the nationally significant BronzeAge hill-barrow cemetery at Farway to severalIron Age hill-forts and numerous tumuli andformer quarries, to the more recent enclosurefield patterns and anti- invasion World War II pillboxes in the Axe Valley.

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4.1.6

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An introduction to the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty4.0

6 Source: ONS, mid-year Population estimates, 2010

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National Character Areas

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5.1

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

The European Landscape Convention (ELC)defines landscape as: “An area as perceived bypeople, whose character is the result of theaction and interaction of natural and/or humanfactors”. (Council of Europe 2000)

The ELC highlights the importance of developinglandscape policies dedicated to the protection,management and creation of landscapes andestablishing procedures for the general public andother stakeholders to participate in policy creationand implementation.

The UK is recognised as already putting many ofthe principles of the ELC into practice and theAONB Management Stategy is an excellentexample of this. Another example is the wellestablished practice of using Landscape CharacterAssessment to inform local policymaking.

In terms of area-wide landscape management,there have been a number of developments in theassessment and evaluation of the landscape overthe last decade that have served to improve ourdetailed understanding of the natural and culturallandscape of East Devon AONB.

At the National level, National Character Areas(NCAs) divide England into 159 distinct naturalareas. Each is defined by a unique combination oflandscape, biodiversity, geodiversity and culturaland economic activity. Their boundaries follownatural lines in the landscape rather thanadministrative boundaries, making them aninvaluable aid for planning environmental projectsand decision making for the environment. Thereare two NCA’s covering the AONB, TheBlackdowns (147) and Devon Redlands (148).

The Landscape Character of the AONB 5.0NCA profiles are being developed as guidancedocuments which will help to achieve a moresustainable future for individuals and communities.The profiles include a description of the keyecosystem services provided in each characterarea and how these benefit people, wildlife andthe economy. They identify potential opportunitiesfor positive environmental change and provide thebest available information and evidence as acontext for local decision making and action.

The extent and quality of a landscape’s keycharacteristics, both perceived and hidden, can be identified through the application ofassessment models such as “LandscapeCharacter Assessment” (LCA) and “HistoricLandscape Characterisation” (HLC). Theseassessment models can be used to influence and target landscape protection, managementand development.

A Landscape Character Assessment of Devonwas completed in 2012, complementing theearlier East Devon LCA (2007) and the HLC ofDevon (2006). Together these assessmentsprovide a basis upon which to protect, manageand plan landscape change within the AONB.

These assessments identify a hierarchy oflandscape units, building from smaller moredetailed Land Description Units (LDU’s) togeneric Landscape Character Types (LCT’s) andfinally to the more geographically unique andlocally identifiable Devon Landscape CharacterAreas (LCA’s ).

The detailed assessment work has included thedevelopment of guidelines to protect, manage andplan landscape change. The AONB Partnershipwill use these guidelines in developing its work andin responding to consultations.

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6.0

BlackdownsDevon Redlands

East Devon AONB

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1A Open inland planned plateaux

1B Open coastal plateaux

1C Pebble Bed heaths

1E Wooded hilltops and ridges

2A Steep wooded scarp slopes

4D Coastal slopes and combes

3A Upper farmed and wooded slopes

3B Lower rolling farmed and settled slopes

4A Estuaries

4B Marine levels

3C Sparsely settled farmed valley floors

4H Cliffs

Urban

Landscape Character Types*

Axe Valley

Blackdown Hills

Clyst Lowland Farmlands

East Devion Central Ridge

Pebblebed Heaths and Farmlands

Sidmouth and Lyme Bay Coastal Plateau

Wootton Hills

Devon Landscape Character Areas

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* Recently updated landscape character type number and name subject to adoption by East Devon District Council

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Historic Landscape Characterisation - Present day landscapeAirfieldAncient woodlandConifersFormer airfieldFormer military complexFormer orchardsHistoric settlementsHorticultureIndustrial complexMarshMedieval enclosuresMedieval enclosures based on strip fieldsMedieval strip-enclosuresMilitary complexModern enclosureModern enclosuresModern settlementMudMud and sandOrchardOther woodlandPark/gardenPost-medieval enclosuresPost-medieval enclosures with medieval enclosuresPublic complexQuarriesRecreationRockRough groundRough ground with prehistoric remainsSandWaterWatermeadowWoodland with old field boundaries‘Barton fields

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East Devon AONB is notable for its varied anddramatic coastal scenery; the grandeur of sheerred sandstone cliffs, intimate wooded combesand coves contrast with the stark, white chalkoutcrop that punctuates the coast at Beer Headand further east, the wilderness of theundercliffs.

Its special qualities do not stop at the coast.Inland, the heathland commons provide high,open and remote plateaux. Importantrecreationally, the heathland habitat is valuablefor its flora and fauna and contrasts sharply withthe lower undulating agricultural mosaic of smallfields, hedgerows and woodland copse.

Elevated fingers of land extend from theBlackdown Hills to the north, their height andlinearity accentuated by cathedral-like beechavenues; woodlands clad their sides, flowingdown steep sided goyles to infiltrate the tranquiland often intimate agricultural valleys below.

This contrasts with the broad flat floodplains ofthe Axe and Otter which cut into the area,drawing their life from tributaries deep withinthe valleys of the undulating hinterland.

The human engagement, use and managementof this land since pre-historic times has guidedthe pattern and shape of the settlements, fieldpatterns, woodland and heath, creating alandscape of significant scenic beauty that is thebasis for its agricultural and tourism economy.

Recreational, cultural and spiritual qualitiesabound, with the South West Coast Path, EastDevon Way and open access land, most notablyon the Pebblebed Heaths, providing extensiveopportunities for open air recreation, healthyexercise, uninterrupted views or an escape totranquillity and relative isolation. Our associationwith the cultural and heritage dimension of thelandscape has inspired writing, poetry, art andsong for generations.

The Countryside Commission appraisal of theEast Devon AONB (CCP442) identifies many ofthese associations and special qualities and hasbeen more recently supplemented byassessments of the character of the landscape atthe national, county and local level. Theseassessments have enabled further articulation ofthe special qualities and features of significanceas they relate to natural beauty, which aresummarised in the table on page 19.

These features of significance and specialqualities are axiomatic to what goes into makingthe natural beauty of the landscape of such highquality. Alongside the key characteristics of thelandscape areas and types, they requireprotection, conservation and enhancement ifthe AONB is to retain its character and statusamongst England’s finest landscapes.

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The Special Qualities of East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty6.0The relationship between natural beauty andspecial qualities

Legal Context for Natural Beauty

Evidence Base

Natural EnglandEvaluation Frameworkfor natural beauty

criterion

Six landscape factors, covering landscape and scenic quality, relative wildness and tranquillity,

natural and cultural heritage

National, County, district and

local records andassessments

Landscape and HistoricLandscape Character Assessments , heritage, geological and biodiversityrecords, other records

Special Qualities

Key features & attributes of significance

Locally specific/distinctive reflecting the natural beauty

criterion

* Recently updated landscape character type number and name subject to adoption by East Devon District Council

• Distinctive, unspoilt, and very exposed skylines.• Outstanding views across East Devon, mainly southwards to the coast but also northwards into the Blackdowns.• Sense of isolation, tranquillity and remoteness, enhanced by natural qualities of the rivers and scarp woodlands.• Many County Wildlife Sites comprising ancient semi-natural woodland; semi-improved and improved acidic and neutral grasslands; spring line

mires; and extensive areas of heathland and gorse scrub particularly on Gittisham Hill and Broad Down.• Prominent Bronze Age barrows on Gittisham Hill and Farway Hill; earthwork remains of former castles e.g. Farway Castle hill forts.• Combe House Registered Park and Garden, including historic wood pasture and parkland.• Picturesque villages with traditional buildings linked by narrow winding lanes crossing historic stone bridges; many listed buildings

• Area between the cliff tops and mean low water mark forms part of the Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site (WHS), of outstanding world value for its geological and geomorphological formations (particularly fossils).

• The chalk and limestone cliffs unique in a Devon context and the most westerly chalk cliffs in England. • Rare chalk grassland along the coast which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and CWS. • Shingle beach between Beer Head and Sidmouth is one of three UK sites for the rare scaley cricket. • Undercliffs valued for nature conservation and geological formations – Sidmouth to Beer Coast SSSI and Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

and Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs SSSI, SAC and National Nature Reserve (NNR). • Estuary habitats valued for their salt marshes and mudflats (i.e. Otter Estuary SSSI and Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and Otter Meadows CWS). • Historic Park and Garden at Rousdon. • High value for recreation, including part of the South West Coastal Path long distance route. • Cultural associations with writers and artists inspired by the dramatic coastal scenery including Lionel Aggett, John Fowles and Carolyn Vernon • Coastal hillforts e.g. Berry Camp/High Peak and remains of prehistoric field boundaries at Beer Head and Littlecombe Shoot.

• Distinctive, unspoilt, and exposed skylines. • Outstanding views across East Devon, mainly southwards to the coast but also northwards into the Blackdowns and across the Axe Valley. • Bronze Age barrows in elevated positions on ridges; setting to and site of Musbury Castle hill fort. • Many CWSs designated for unimproved neutral grassland and broadleaved woodland; and SSSI designations at Park Farm Meadows and

Bulmoor Pastures and Coppice. • Notable areas of ancient semi-natural woodland in the north e.g. New Park Coppice. • Contains the East Devon Way long distance path. • Picturesque historic villages with traditional buildings linked by narrow winding lanes crossing historic stone bridges; many listed buildings

• High degree of tranquillity and remoteness in the tributary valleys. • River Axe SSSI and SAC; • Estuary habitats valued for their salt marshes, mudflats and waders (eg Seaton Marshes). • Ancient woodlands, many of which are CWSs• County Geological Site on former sand and gravel workings at Kilmington (terrace gravels containing exotic pebbles)• 17th and 18th country houses including Stedcombe House; and Woodend Park which contains notable veteran trees of national importance for

their wood decay invertebrates and lichens• Vernacular buildings of cob and thatch and village church towers that add to the picturesque qualities of the area. • Cultural associations with WG Hoskins who described Colyton as “singularly beautiful, with rolling green hills and deep combes”. • Second World War pillboxes within flood plain form a distinctive landscape feature. • Important area for recreation including walking and horse riding – area includes the East Devon Way long distance footpath which runs

through the valley.

• Well managed, generally low hedgerows enabling views to distinctive wooded skyline hills which help provide orientation and sense of place. • Sense of tranquillity enhanced by natural qualities of the meandering streams and rivers.• Other nature conservation interest mainly limited to patches of unimproved neutral grassland and marshy grassland or fen, traditional orchards

and steam margins. • Rich cultural heritage of the area’s hilltops, such as Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hillforts and ancient settlement remain.• Picturesque villages with traditional buildings linked by narrow winding lanes crossing historic stone bridges; many listed buildings and Conservation Areas.• Many buildings constructed of local stone.

• Distinctive, unspoilt, wooded skyline providing local distinctiveness and orientation.• Outstanding views across East Devon to west and east and also south to the coast.• Sense of isolation, tranquillity and remoteness, enhanced by natural qualities of the heath, woodland and commons.• Rarity value as one of Devon’s few areas of remaining lowland heath.• Varied wildlife habitats including SSSI, SAC and Special Protection Area (SPA) designations on heathland habitats valued for endangered species such

as Dartford Warbler, Nightjar and invertebrates.• Other habitats of value including ancient semi-natural and broadleaved woodland.• Bicton and Cadhay Historic Parks and Gardens (Grade I and Grade II registered respectively) which include historic wood pasture and parkland

and nationally significant population of veteran trees at Bicton.• Woodbury Castle (Iron Age hill fort, Scheduled Monument) and numerous Bronze Age burial mounds • Picturesque villages with traditional buildings linked by narrow winding lanes crossing historic stone bridges; many listed buildings.• Valued area for recreation with good access provision and high carrying capacity.• Woodbury Common associated with Arthur Mee and described in Peach L Du Garde Guide to Unknown Devon

NCA No.

LCT No.*

National Character Area

Devon LandscapeCharacter Area

LandscapeCharacter Type*Special Qualities and Features of Significance

147

Blackdow

ns

148

Devon

Redlands

East DevonCentral Ridge

1A

2A

3A

1A

2A

3B

1B

1C

3A

4B

4D

4H

1E

3A

3B

3C

4B

1B

1C

3B

3C

Sidmouth andLyme BayCoastal Plateau

Wootton Hills

Axe Valley

Pebble BedHeaths andFarmland

Open inland planned plateaux

Open coastal plateau

Pebble Bed Heaths

Marine Levels

Cliffs

Coastal Slopes and Coombes

Steep wooded scarp slopes



Lower rolling farmed and settled valley slopes



Sparsely settled farmed valley floors

Sparsely settled farmed valley floors

Wooded ridges and hilltops

Marine levels

Upper farmed and wooded valley slopes



Open coastal plateau

Pebble Bed Heaths

• Distinctive, unspoilt, and very exposed skylines often looking over the crowns of woodland on the steep greensand slopes.• High scenic quality reflected in the area forming part of the Blackdown Hills and East Devon AONBs.• Outstanding views across East Devon and the Otter valley.• Sense of isolation and remoteness, enhanced by exposure of the plateau; tranquillity provided by the dense woodland of the greensand scarps.• Many CWSs and SSSIs including ancient semi-natural woodland, semi-improved and improved acidic and neutral grasslands and spring line mires.• Picturesque villages with traditional buildings linked by narrow winding lanes; many listed buildings.

BlackdownHills

1A

2A

3A




Clyst LowlandFarmlands

Upper farmed and wooded valley slopes 3A

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The Strategy themesIntroductionOur Vision statement should be seen as a longterm vision. It is recognised that there will be anon-going role for all partners to work towardsthis Vision through the delivery of this Strategy.

In order to make progress in achieving thisVision it is necessary to identify the issues facingthe East Devon AONB and detail policies andpriority actions that will serve to guide thedelivery of the Strategy.

The Strategy is made up of three over-archingthemes which are further divided into 12 sub-themes, each with their own contextualbackground, vision and policies.

A Delivery Plan will outline how we willimplement the Strategy, with targets, timescales,lead partners and potential funding for delivery.We will report annually on our work and updateour Delivery Plan which will in turn feed into ourbusiness planning process for future years,

7.0

7.1

7.2

7.3

7.4

Management ThemesThere are three main themes to this Strategy

1. Landscape2. Sustainability3. Communication and Management

The themes follow the same format as theprevious Strategy, which was based on acombination of national guidelines, consultationfeedback with stakeholders and the desire forthe Devon based AONB's to present a unifiedand complementary approach.

7.5

7.6

7.7

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It is recognised there will be overlaps andinterdependencies between all the themes. It is also expected that the development of theAONB Team and Partnership and delivery ofthe Strategy over the next five years willcontinue to refine the delivery framework onthe basis of improved information and data.

Interpretation of policies All the policies in the Management Strategymust be interpreted in the light of:

the Key Objective of the Sub-theme

the Sub-theme Vision

the Vision for the AONB

the statutory purpose of the East DevonAONB designation to conserve and enhancethe area’s natural beauty

Where there are any doubts or conflicts,policies should be interpreted using a‘purposive’ approach which returns to thestatutory purpose of the AONB designation,‘to conserve and enhance natural beauty’.

Management Strategy

Delivery Plan

Annual Report

Sub-theme Vision

Background, Forces for Changeand Policy Influences

Key Objective and Policies

Measuring Progress

Priority Actions

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Theme 1 LandscapeLandscape Character and Historic Environment

“Considering its size, East Devon AONB has an amazingly diverse natural, historicand cultural landscape. The challenge for the Partnership is to conserve and enhancethe special qualities of this outstanding landscape for future generations.”Cathy Fitzroy, Natural England

A vision for landscape character and historic environment

The AONB landscape, its historic features and distinctive vernacular buildings areconserved and enhanced as part of a living and working landscape for which thereare mechanisms in place to ensure their continued long-term management and care.

DescriptionThis sub-theme addresses the principle character influencing elements of theAONB; its diversity of landscape form, its locally distinctive villages, historicenvironment and its sense of tranquillity. Landscape can be described as ‘an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors’7.

Background and EvidenceAs earlier sections have evidenced, for such a small AONB, East Devon hastremendous landscape character variety, ranging from exposed cliffs to largeexpanses of lowland heath and a mixed farmed landscape with small fields,hedgerows, pasture and arable.

The East Devon AONB also has a rich and diverse historic environment interms of the density of known sites and buildings and the range of periodsrepresented, from early prehistory to modern times. A notable feature of theAONB is how the internationally important geological diversity of the area isreflected in both its archaeological and architectural heritage.

© Crown Copyright. All Rights Reserved. 100023746. 2013

East Devon AONB

Historic Buildings

Conservation Areas

Historic Park and Gardens

Scheduled Ancient Monuments

8.1

8.1.1

8.1.2

8.1.3

The Devon County Historic Environment Record (HER) contains informationon over 3,200 sites of archaeological and historic interest within the AONB.Survey work carried out for the AONB has added to this picture.

The quality and significance of this resource is reflected in the high number ofstatutory designations. There are 58 Scheduled Ancient Monuments within theAONB, 4 Registered Historic Parks and Gardens, 855 Listed Buildings and allor part of 12 Conservation Areas. In addition the ‘Jurassic Coast’ WorldHeritage Site ( JCWHS) falls almost entirely within the AONB.

The area covered by the AONB has scattered settlement and has been farmedfor many centuries. Archaeological evidence is often masked by successivelayers of settlement and landscape development and is therefore notimmediately obvious, but it is there in abundance. However, there are areas of East Devon, particularly what is now marginal land on the coast and highplateaux, where very well preserved archaeological sites can be seen. These include the burial mounds on Farway Hill, the ‘celtic’ field system at Beer Head and hill forts such as Woodbury Castle and Blackbury Camp.

8.1.4

8.1.5

8.1.6

8.0Historic Environment of East Devon AONB

7 European Landscape Convention (2000)

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The landscape itself, the intricate pattern of settlements, farms, lanes, fieldsand woods, is also a vital part of the historic environment and has beencreated by thousands of years of human activity. The interplay of landscapesreflecting different periods of formation, together with the underlying geologyand landforms, have created a rich and distinctive tapestry.

In addition, the historic environment, its archaeological features both visual andhidden, from local settlements and historic buildings to iron-age forts, has anintegral influence on the natural and cultural landscape of East Devon AONB.

The conservation and enhancement of the natural, historic and man-madelandscape features is central to the AONB Management Strategy. Whilst it isrecognised there are many complex forces and factors that influence landscapeand historic environment change, there are practical ways in which the AONBPartnership has already directly influenced change, for example in deliveringsmall to medium scale landscape management and historic environment projects,land management and skills training, influencing targeting and advice forenvironmental stewardship and supporting others engaged in similar initiatives.

Other influences on landscape may be seen as more complex and governedprincipally at regional, national or even international level; for example climatechange, the development new crop technology and the move towardsrenewable energy sources. The landscape has, for the last 50 years or so, been heavily influenced by the issue of subsidies and financial support forfarming. The position today is no different, except that payments are nowgeared to landscape enhancement rather than food production which, givenprojected world food shortages, may only be a short term measure.

8.1.7

8.1.8

8.1.9

Despite the global nature of these developments, the AONB can have a role ininfluencing these areas either locally, or through its regional or national networks.In doing so, it is important that the landscape character and historic environmentof the AONB is understood and integral to its future management.

The AONB has been closely involved in a number of projects and assessments that have been developed in order to aid this process:

A primary archaeological survey of the AONB (2003)

Landscape Character Assessment of the AONB (2006-8)

Devon CC Historic Landscape Characterisation (2007)

Landscape Management Guidelines for East Devon and Blackdown Hills AONB (2008)

Devon Landscape Character Assessment (2011)

Undergrounding power lines as part of regional programme

Historic Environment initiatives based around the South West Coast Pathand AONB Heritage Lottery Fund supported projects

National Character Area Profiles being developed by Natural England (2012-14)

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Trends and Forces for change

The scale and nature of reform of the CommonAgricultural Policy and its impact on land management.

There is concern about the ability to maintain low (financial) return landscapes that have a high ecologicaland/or historic environment value.

There is a growing level of public awareness and interest in landscape, historic environment and heritage features.

The tranquillity and historic environment of theAONB may be affected by increased human activityresulting from a regional and local population growthand development.

There is a desire amongst some communities to reviewthe AONB boundary.

Key landscape and historic environment features willbe vulnerable to climate change, sea level rise and changing land management.

Steps are being taken to combine Landscape,Historic Character and Historic Environment Recorddata to provide more relevant characterisation andlocal management guidance.

Advances in crop modification, renewable energy technology and bio-energy are likely to impact on landscape character and the historic environment of the AONB.

Green infrastructure planning is becoming increasinglyimportant at a regional and sub-regional level andcould offer opportunities to link wildlife, access and landscape.

A draft accord has been developed betweenNAAONB, ANPA and the Federation of theElectronic Industries (2012)

Seascape assessments are increasingly being used astools to help guide coastal management.

Key Policy/Programme Influences

Natural England’s European Landscape Convention Action Plan8(2009)

Heritage White Paper – Heritage Protection for the 21st Century9(2007)

English Heritage: Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance for Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment10(2008)

English Heritage - Understanding Place: Character and context in local planning11

Heritage at Risk12(2008) – new national evidence base

Natural England’s National Character Area profiles andstatements of environmental opportunity

Rural Development Programme for England and itssuccessor post 2014

The Ecosystems Services approach to landscapemanagement

Forestry Commission Accord with NAAONB (2002)

English Heritage Accord with NAAONB (2004)

Woodland Trust Accord with NAAONB (2012)

Key ObjectiveImproved coordination and influence in themanagement of the distinctive landscape and historicenvironment features of the AONB, to ensure theyare maintained, enhanced, understood andappreciated.

PoliciesL1 Support the development and delivery ofenvironmental schemes and projects aimed atmaintaining and improving the special qualities ofthe AONB.

L2 Develop methods that enable effective andtargeted management and monitoring of the AONB’sspecial qualities.

Measuring progress (Theme indicator)

Primary measure• No. of heritage assets on the “Heritage at risk” register (English Heritage)

• Total woodland cover as % of AONB(Forestry Commission)

Priority Actions• Review and update the East Devon Landscape Character Assessment and Management Guidelines and consider Seascape Assessment • Complete Historic Environment Action Planand develop priorities • Develop and secure funding for AONB Landscape Partnership Scheme

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8 http://bit.ly/V50xio9 http://bit.ly/V4ZjDK10 http://bit.ly/V2hgyo11 www.helm.org.uk12 www.english-heritage.org.uk

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Environmental quality and climate

“Good husbandry of our land and water is central to maintaining a high quality oflife for all. We must be open, dynamic and inclusive in our approach to enable us toachieve this goal with all our partners.”Hugh Davey, Environment Agency

A vision for environmental quality and climate

The land, soils and water across the AONB are exposed to fewer pollutants, arebetter valued and are managed in a more integrated way. Our rivers, lakes andcoastal waters are cleaner and support sustainable ecosystems that provide forrecreation, the needs of the local and visiting community and in doing so helpsustain the local economy. We understand the unavoidable impacts of climatechange and are taking steps to adapt to these.

DescriptionThis sub-theme addresses the background and trends in the key naturalresources where the AONB has greatest influence, namely land and water. It also addresses the topic of climate change and the AONB.

Background and EvidenceThe maintenance of the natural resources of the AONB, in particular its soilsand water, are key in determining the quality and range of habitats and speciesacross the AONB. Regardless of what we do now to reduce emissions thescientific consensus suggests the climate will change in reaction to the historicemissions already in the system. So we have to understand what the likelyimpacts of climate change could be on the features of the AONB.

In recent years there has been an increasing move towards improving themanagement of these resources through a variety of mechanisms for greaterpublic benefit such as Catchment Sensitive Farming schemes to promotepositive soil and nutrient management. The reform of support systems tofarming such as the Single farm Payment Scheme13 and Water FrameworkDirective14 are beginning to affect the way in which the land is managed, inparticular soils.

8.2

8.2.1

8.2.2

8.2.3

Global Climate Projections to 210015

In the short space of time since the production of the first AONBManagement Strategy in 2003-4, climate change has become accepted as amajor concern that requires immediate action at many levels. Climate changeand the rising cost of energy are driving a global move for natural/renewableforms of fuel such as solar and wind, which are already having an impact onland management and in turn on farming in the future.

8.2.4

Temperature: The global average surface temperature is projected to rise by1.4 to 5.8°C. This rate of warming will be much larger than observed changesduring the 20th century (+0.6°C) and is very likely to be without precedentduring the last 10,000 years. Nearly all land areas will warm more rapidly thanthe oceans; warming will be greater at the poles than at the equator.

Precipitation: Globally, average precipitation is projected to increase althoughthere will be regional differences. For Northern Europe winters will becomewetter and summers may become drier. Where average rainfall is projected toincrease, larger year to year variations are likely.

Extreme Weather Events: As average surface temperature rises it is verylikely that both higher maximum temperatures and more hot days, and higherminimum temperature and fewer cold/frost days will occur over nearly all landareas. More intense precipitation events are also expected.

Sea Level: Global mean sea level is projected to rise by 9 to 88 cm due to thethermal expansion of the oceans and loss of mass from glaciers and ice caps.

13 www.defra.gov.uk14 www.environment-agency.gov.uk15 www.devon.gov.uk

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Renewable energy sources are seen as a priority for governments acrossEurope as a means of combating climate change. The Climate Change Actrequires that greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by at least 80 per centbelow base year levels by 205016. Whilst small domestic renewable energyprojects for on-site use may be largely appropriate within the AONB, industrialand commercial developments present significant challenges both in terms oflandscape impact and the ability to dispatch power according to grid operatordemand (dispatchable power).

Renewable Energy schemes in East Devon17

Energy type No of schemes Capacity (MW) Capacity (MWth)

Solar pv 2309 16.393

Solar thermal 152 0.480

Landfill gas 0

Sewage gas 1 0.105 0.165

Onshore wind 13 0.136

Energy from waste 0

Heat pumps 69 0.838

Hydropower 1 0.032

Anaerobic digester 0

Biomass 55 4.019

Total 2600 16.666 5.503(Source- RegenSW 2013)

8.2.5

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16 www.berr.gov.uk17 www.regensw.co.uk

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Recycling

Composting

Landfill

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Composting

Landfill

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Recycling

Composting

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Energy Recovery

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Changes to farming support require that good agricultural and environmental conditions be met thatwill help in the protection of soils and water resources.

Waste management regulations18 prohibit unregulatedburying and burning of agricultural waste on farms.

The Water Framework Directive19 is placing high environmental standards on the management of waterand the production of River Basin Management Plans.

The Catchment Sensitive Farming20 programme is operating in the Axe and Otter rivers with aims to control diffuse emissions of pollutants to levels consistent with the ecological sensitivity and uses of rivers, ground waters and other aquatic habitats.

There is increasing interest in small scale renewable energy and biofuel provision within the AONB.

The Climate South West21 work can help us understandclimate impacts in the region.

Devon aims to recover more value from municipal waste22.

Pressure for development on green field sites on thefringes of towns and villages in the AONB is presentingchallenges for the management of water /drainage andflood alleviation.

Both opportunities and challenges could arise from climate change impacts on the AONB’s features and the activities within it.

Levels of light pollution and demand for locally sourcedraw materials may increase as a result of increased humanactivity resulting from a regional population growth.

Subsidy driven large scale renewable energy schemes,in particular solar arrays, are impacting on landscapecharacter and agricultural land use.

New technologies and techniques for extractingenergy may place demands on the landscape andgeology of the AONB in the future.

Key Policy/programme influences

The Water Framework DirectiveCatchment Management InitiativesEast Devon District Council Climate Change StrategyDevon County /East Devon District Council’s Waste Management Strategies Government renewable energy grant/incentive schemesFlood and Water Management Act 2010

Key ObjectiveThe sustainable management of the natural resourcesof the AONB.

PoliciesEQC 1 Support and encourage environmental andrenewable energy initiatives aimed at maintaining andimproving the natural resources of the AONB andreducing greenhouse gas emissions, that are inkeeping with the sustainable management of thelandscape, maintain landscape character and conserveand where possible enhance, natural beauty.

EQC 2 Support and encourage schemes that willhelp to reduce, recycle and re-use waste in asustainable manner whilst respecting the landscapecharacter of the AONB.

EQC3 Seek to understand and plan to exploit orminimise possible impacts arising from climate changein order to conserve and enhance the AONB, inparticular habitats and species protected for theirnature conservation value.


Primary measure• River water quality (Environment Agency)

Secondary measure• Renewable energy installations/schemes (RegenSW)

Priority Actions• Support appropriate schemes for renewable energy and initiatives to reduce, recycle and re-use waste

• Work with partners to test landscape management models for climate change adaptation e.g. Lower Otter Valley (Environment Agency, Clinton Devon Estates)

• To actively support catchment based management programmes

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18 www.opsi.gov.uk/si19 www.environment-agency.gov.uk20 www.defra.gov.uk/farm/environment/water/csf/index.htm21 http://climatesouthwest.org/22 www.devon.gov/waste-manstrat2.pdf

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Biodiversity and Geodiversity

“ From the extensive pebblebed heathlands to the chalk headlands and landslip viathe woodlands and views along East Hill Strips, the range and beauty of the wildlifeis dependent on the fascinatingly diverse geology which underlies East Devon. elocal amenities societies, based around the three main rivers, contribute to theconservation and understanding of this remarkable area.”Donald Campbell, Axe Vale and District Conservation Society

A vision for biodiversity and Geodiversity

The variety of wildlife and geology within the AONB is conserved and measures arebeing taken to further enhance habitats and geological features. The importance ofthese assets on the fabric of the landscape are understood and appreciated bylocal people and visitors alike.

DescriptionThis sub-theme addresses conserving and enhancing the wildlife, habitat andgeological assets of the AONB.

Background and EvidenceEast Devon AONB has a rich and varied wildlife resource – ranging from thelarge expanse of lowland heath habitats in the west to the wildernesswoodland of the Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve in the east.

Internationally designated areasThe AONB has a significant area of internationally important habitat. SpecialAreas for Conservation (SAC) account for 1644ha of the AONB, SpecialProtection Areas (SPA) cover some 1118ha which includes a small overlapwith the Exe Estuary which is also RAMSAR site. The recently confirmed LymeBay and Torbay SAC covers some 312sqkm.

Sites falling within the AONB include, for example:East Devon Pebblebed Heaths SPA /SACPart of River Axe SACPart of the 897 ha Sidmouth to West Bay SACBeer Quarry Caves SAC

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8.3.3

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8.3.4

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8.3.6

The Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site is the only naturalWorld Heritage Site' in England inscribed by UNESCO, offering 95 miles of geological exposures.

Nationally and locally designated areasThere are 14 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within the AONBcovering some 1811ha, ranging from geological quarry features to fen habitatand accounting for almost 7% of the AONB landscape. (68.6% of these SSSI’sare currently in favourable condition in East Devon AONB). The Axmouth toLyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve encompasses 334 ha of thecoastal habitat in the AONB.

The geology that forms the AONB landscape is exposed in dramatic form onthe World Heritage Site in a series of cliffs and headlands and is also visibleinland in the form of geological exposures at Wilmington and ShapwickGrange Quarries and Beer Quarry caves. These sites are complemented by anumber of County Geological Sites (CGS).

East Devon AONBJurassic Coast World Heritage SiteSpecial Areas of Conservation

Special Protection AreaRamsar Sites

East Devon AONBNational Nature ReservesSites of Scientific Interest

County Wildlife Sites

Local Nature ReservesRegionally ImportantGeological Sites

International areas

National and local areas



29

Habitat and wildlife conservation is a key component of AONB management.Future direction for the management of priority species and habitats has beenprovided by Biodiversity Action Plans23(BAPs) and more recently requirementsfor the favourable management of SSSIs.

The UK BAP has been interpreted at the local level through the DevonBiodiversity Action Plan and a Biodiversity Action Plan for East Devon District Council.

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8.3.9

AONB East Devon % in AONB

HabitatNo.Sites

Area(ha)

No.Sites

Area(ha)

By Number

By Area

Heathland 12 451.9 35 642.2 34% 70%

Woodland 47 735.2 95 1508 49% 49%

Acidic Grassland 12 277.2 17 312.3 23% 89%

Marshy Grassland 20 161.2 47 530.7 42% 30%

Calcareous Grassland 16 173.8 19 196.9 84% 88%

Neutral Grassland 43 347.5 83 614.4 51% 57%

Springline Mire 4 31.7 32 204.6 12% 15%

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8.3.13

Key habitats and species identified as priorities in the East Devon BAP are:

For the whole of the DistrictLowland HeathEstuariesUrban and garden biodiversitySpecies rich hedgerowsBatsWater volesGreat crested newtsHeath Lobelia

The recent national policy document, the Lawton Report, Making Space forNature: A review of England’s Wildlife Sites and Ecological Network, and thesubsequent White Paper The Natural Choice: securing the value of nature, providea strategic steer for our approach to biodiversity conservation. Lawton sets outthe actions needed to enhance the resilience and coherence of England’secological network in four words: more, bigger, better and joined-up.

Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services aimsto halt overall biodiversity loss, support healthy ecosystems and establishcoherent ecological networks, with more and better places for nature for thebenefit of wildlife and people. The need for urgent biodiversity action is onlypart of the picture as other ecosystem services such as water quality andavailability are issues that have both medium and long term implications forlocal communities.

The National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (NAAONB)received confirmation of it’s Category V status for AONB’s in England andWales in June 2013. The reconfirmation followed three years of work betweenthe NAAONB and the UK committee of the International Union for theConservation of Nature (IUCN).

Total CWS in AONB 135Total CWS in East Devon 276Total area of CWS in AONB 1817 haTotal area of CWS in East Devon 3351 ha

Local sitesCounty Wildlife Sites (CWS) and Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are furtherdesignations which afford both protection and in the case of LNRs, publicaccess to the wildlife and geological resource of the AONB. The AONBoccupies some 33% of the East Devon District and as the table below shows;there are 135 CWS in the AONB, representing 49% of those within theDistrict. Two LNRs, Fire Beacon Hill and Knapp Copse fall entirely within theAONB with others such as Trinity Hill straddling the boundary.

County Wildlife Sites in East Devon

23 Defra - Working with the Grain of Nature (2000)

Additional habitats in the East Devon AONBBroadleaved woodlandUnimproved grasslandSpring-line mires

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The Natural Environment White Paper is a bold and ambitious statement outlining the Government’s vision for the natural environment over the next 50 years, backed up with practical action to deliver that ambition. For example the recently formed Devon Local Nature Partnership24 will influence strategic biodiversity and Geodiversity actions across Devon.

The AONB works with landowners and partners to encourage uptake of the Environmental Stewardship scheme, which aims to improve management of key habitats and species – CAP reform will influence howthis scheme evolves post 2013.

The South West Nature Map has been produced which shows the best areas, ‘Strategic Nature Areas’,to maintain and expand terrestrial wildlife habitats at alandscape scale25. The AONB is reviewing areas withinthe AONB and developing opportunities for action.

The potential impacts of climate change on the species and habitats of the AONB are only partly understood and require more coordinated action.

Devon CC and the AONB team have demonstrated aproven role for Biodiversity Action Planning at thecommunity/parish level and a greater understandingof the habitat and species resource/condition.

Habitat and species loss and habitat fragmentation have occurred as a result of intensified landmanagement practices although increasingly measuresare being developed to control this26.

The Local Nature Partnership for Devon has beenestablished to protect the environment, grow thegreen economy and connect people and nature.

Key ObjectiveThe conservation and enhancement of thebiodiversity and geological assets of the AONB.

PoliciesBG 1 In partnership with others, support andencourage conservation and enhancementactions for key habitat and species within theAONB that maintain and enhance landscapecharacter and the historic environment.

BG 2 Encourage actions that serve to conserve and promote geo-diversity within the AONB, in particular within the Dorset and East DevonWorld Heritage Site.


Primary measure• total percentage of SSSIs in 'favourable'condition (Natural England)

Priority Actions

• Secure funding for Devon wide greater Horseshoe bat project and deliver 2014 -19

• Confirm and deliver actions in support of Defra’s Biodiversity 2020 Strategy

• Agree and help to deliver Strategic Nature Area grassland project with landowners and Natural England 2014 -19

• Play an active role in the Devon Local Nature Partnership

• Develop an Ecosystem Services assessment model of the AONB to direct future delivery

Government (Defra) targets have been set for bothSSSI management and farmland birds27 covering:

• the area of SSSIs to be in favourable condition

• attempting to reverse the long term decline in the number of farmland birds

Defra Biodiversity 2020 targets for priority habitatcreation for protected landscapes

Designation of Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site is serving to develop earth heritage and geological related initiatives

There is a continuing need for the sensitive restorationand aftercare arrangements for mineral sites

Locally targeted work is being carried out to reducethe spread of invasive species such as HimalayanBalsam and Japanese Knotweed together with HolmOak and Cherry Laurel in the Undercliffs NNR


Environmental Stewardship Scheme and its successor28

The Natural Environment White Paper28

Local Nature Partnerships eg. Devon LNP

Lawton Review - Making Space for Nature29

Ecosystem services - UK National Ecosystem Assessment29 (NEA)

Biodiversity 2020 - A Strategy for England’s wildlife and ecosystem services29

National Planning Policy Framework29

Wildlife Trusts Accord with NAAONB (2012)

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27 Defra Public Service Agreement (Targets 6 and 7)28 www.naturalengland.org.uk29 www.defra.gov.uk

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Coast

“The East Devon AONB Partnership adopts an approach which recognises andwelcomes the economic opportunities for communities presented by the coast, whileat the same time maintaining and enhancing the special qualities of the area.”Sally King, Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site

A vision for the coast

The high quality, largely undeveloped and internationally significant coastline isconserved and enhanced, maintaining the highest environmental and designstandards and sustaining opportunities for recreation and tourism that has regardfor local communities.

DescriptionThis sub-theme addresses conserving and enhancing the coastal areas of theAONB and defining the AONB relationship to the geodiversity of the WorldHeritage Site and the marine environment.

Background and EvidenceDramatic, impressive and internationally significant, the coastline is a key assetof the AONB, providing significant wildlife habitats and forming an integralelement of the areas rich maritime heritage and trading tradition. The variedcoastal geology and beaches of the AONB are divided by the main rivers ofthe Axe and Otter and the smaller Sid.

The 29 miles of coast between Exmouth and Lyme Regis is accessed well bythe South West Coast Path National Trail. The coast is a valuable resource forpeaceful recreation and enjoyment for residents and visitors alike, supportingeconomic activity through tourism, recreation, boating and fishing.

The Heritage Coast30 status of the coastline, which existed prior to the WorldHeritage Site inscription, still remains today. Many of the purposes for thisstatus have been subsumed within the activities of the AONB Partnership. Areview of Heritage Coasts was carried out in 2008 -9 by Natural England.

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The AONB and Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site teams work closely withlocal authority partners and others in the coastal corridor, developinginitiatives and supporting programmes that serve to conserve and enhance thearea, engender greater understanding and promote sustainable activity.

Whilst the AONB boundary effectively stops at the mean high water line, wehave a duty to cooperate with organisations such as the Maritime ManagementOrganisation (MMO) to ensure the special qualities and distinctive characterof the AONB are conserved and enhanced.

Whilst outside the AONB, the Lyme Bay and Torbay marine Special Area ofConservation (SAC) is now a designated European marine site that is to bemanaged in line with the requirements of the EC Habitats Directive.

Eight beaches along the east Devon coastline are monitored against the EUand UK bathing water standards. In 2012 and 2013, one bathing beachreceived the Blue Flag Award from Keep Britain Tidy32 for its high standardsand services; Sandy Bay.

30 www.countryside.gov.uk

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1 - Sandy Bay2 - Budleigh Salterton3 - Ladram Bay4 - Sidmouth ( Jacob’s ladder)5 - Sidmouth Town6 - Beer7 - Seaton

Exmouth

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NewtonPoppleford

Bathing Water Quality in East Devon September 201331

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There have been water quality improvements across the area as a result of European directives, private investment programmes and Environment Agency supported initiatives which are serving to improve the standard of bathing waters.

The adoption of a Shoreline Management Planprovides a strategic framework for coast defence decision-making and investment.

The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 divides the UK marine areas into marine planning regions with an associated plan authority (Marine Management Organisation for England) which prepares a marine plan for the area. The South Inshore area includes a coastline that stretches from Dover to the River Dart and planning will begin in 2013.

Climate and coastal change, storm events and sea levelrise will have a major impact on coastal and estuary infrastructure at certain locations and hard decisions will need to be taken about the appropriate response.

Natural England and the National Association for AONBs have commended the work being led by Europarc Atlantic Isles on linking land & sea.

Strategic Guidance is being offered by Devon MaritimeForum on coastal issues in the county.

The confirmation of the Lyme Bay and Torbay SACwill serve to protect the Reef and submerged orpartially submerged sea caves in these areas.

The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site ManagementPlan takes into account the integrity of the Site'sdesignation; the fact that to maintain its globalsignificance, the natural processes such as erosionwhich act upon the Site must be allowed to continue.

Devon Landscape Policy Group is developing anadvice note on undeveloped coast.

Key ObjectiveThe conservation and enhancement of the highquality and internationally significant coastline

PoliciesC 1 Conserve and enhance the tranquil, unspoiledand undeveloped character of the coastline andestuaries and encourage improvements to coastalsites damaged by past poor quality development orintensive recreational pressure.

C 2 Support and encourage action that maintains thehighest standard of bathing water quality and littermanagement in the estuaries and along the coast.


Primary measure• Percentage of time bathing water sites meet imperative standards (Environment Agency)

Priority Actions

• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders to deliver co-ordinated management along the East Devon coastal corridor• Encourage appropriate landscape improvements to highly visible holiday parks and coastal car parks • Support attempts to address both the causes and consequences of marine and beach litter along the coast, through campaigns such as the Litter Free Coast and Sea initiative, as well as beach clean ups• Work with partners such as the Jurassic Coast Team to raise awareness of erosion, natural coastal processes and safety.


South Devon and Dorset Coast ShorelineManagement Plan33

Dorset and East Devon WHS Management Plan34

Marine and Coastal Access Act 200935

Marine Planning Policy Statement36

Europarc Atlantic Isles ‘Making the connection’37

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33 http://www.sdadcag.org/SMP.html34 www.jurassiccoast.org35 www.naturalengland.org.uk36 www.gov.uk37 www.europarc-ai.org/eai-publications

DescriptionThis sub-theme addresses issues of agriculture, forestry and other landmanagement that in themselves serve to conserve and enhance theenvironment of the AONB.

Background and EvidenceFarming remains the principal influence on the AONB and combined withforestry practices has a significant influence on the fabric of the landscape andits archaeological resource. Throughout the previous consultation phases ofthe Strategy, the public has expressed wholehearted support for farmers.

Woodland cover in the AONB is approximately 18%, of which around 2% is thought to be ancient semi-natural woodland38. With large sections ofwoodland in commercial forestry, there is potential for significant landscapeimpact and influence through positive management practices. The recentwidespread infection of species such as ash and larch raise concerns over thefuture of forestry and woodland management.

35

Theme 2 - SustainabilityFarming and land management

“The landscape of the AONB has been largely created by the actions of farmersand landowners over generations, and they will continue to play a key role in itsfuture management. The AONB designation should be seen as offeringopportunities for farmers to benefit from tourism and local branding of produce,as well as enhanced access to environmental schemes.”Mike Ellingham, National Farmers Union

A vision for farming and land management

The AONB is a well managed landscape in which every farm and woodland make a positive and profitable contribution to the biodiversity, economy and communitiesof the AONB

9.09.1

9.1.1

9.1.2

9.1.3

East DevonAONB

Total WoodlandArea (Hectares)

Managed Woodland Area(Hectares)

Woodland Managed by

Forest EnterpriseEngland

Under ManagedWoodland Area(Hectares)

Percentage ofAONB aboveMean HighWater that iswoodland

Percentage ofWoodland that is ManagedWoodland

Percentage ofwoodland that is Woodland Managed by

Forest EnterpriseEngland

Percentage ofWoodland that isUnder Managed

A B C D

(Subset of B) A − B A/E B/A C/A D/A

4,792.3 2,362.4 654.4 2,429.9 17.8% 49.3% 13.7% 50.7%

Source: Forestry Commission 2011/2013

38 Forestry Commission/SW ID (2007)

36

9.1.5

9.1.6

9.1.7

9.1.8

Source: Natural England 2013

There is some arable farming which, because of economic pressures andsubsidies, is seeing change in the South West region in areas of oilseed rape,linseed and maize. Combined with the adoption of silage production and themove from spring to autumn sowing of crops, these changes in arable farmingare negatively impacting on both landscape and soil. However, there is littledata/documentation identifying trends in the impact of soil erosion in theSouth West.

Recent use of synthetic fleece materials to protect root crops has a localisedeffect on the landscape character of the AONB.

The AONB has been a priority area for the delivery of EnvironmentalStewardship with a wide range of schemes delivered to date, many with thesupport of the predecessor AONB service.

The number of organic producers has fallen each year from its peak in 2009,with a 7.8% fall in the SW in 2012 compared with the previous year. The acreagein conversion in England fell by 24.5% in 2012, and the acreage of organic land hasbeen declining since 2010, so whilst it is still a significant sector it's attractiveness(or profitability) is declining.

EastDevonAONB

Entry Levelplus HigherLevel Stewardship

Entry LevelStewardship

Higher Level Stewardship

OrganicEntry Levelplus HigherLevel Stewardship

OrganicEntry LevelStewardship

Grand Total

Schemenumber

26 127 13 9 11 186

Value £312,738 £198,048 £311,834 £195,124 £112,767 £1,130,511

Area 2,529 6,621 1,506 1,197 1,627 13,480

Number, value and area of Environmental Stewardship schemes 2012-13

Hat

way

The average farm size in Devon is around 43 hectares compared to 57hectares for the South West as a whole. The region is seeing a downwardtrend in full time agricultural employment and holding numbers, possiblyreflecting the general decline and re-structuring of this industry. The dominantfarm type in East Devon AONB is grazing livestock followed by dairy39 andgeneral cropping.

9.1.4

39 www.gov.uk

Farming types in East Devon AONB

Source: Defra 2013

Grazing Livestock(lowland) 47%

Dairy 18%

Specialist Poultry 2%

Horticulture 4%

General Cropping 18%

Cereals 5%Mixed 6%

38


Global markets and energy costs have a significantinfluence on the viability and activities of farming andforestry practice in the AONB.

There is increasing interest in niche and local produce whichis helping some landowners to secure better gate prices.

The Common Agricultural Policy and increasingregulatory measures are steering change in farmingtowards greater public and environmental benefitalthough overall support is reducing.

Woodland is increasing in value and there is growinginterest in wood as a sustainable energy source.

Increased incidence of disease in woodland, e.g. larch,ash demonstrates the need for vigilance and efforts toimprove resiliance through active management.

Fragmentation of land ownership presents challengesfor sustainable management of key habitats

Local initiatives are being developed to encouragepositive management of small scale woodlands e.g. Axe Woods/Blackdown and East DevonWoodland Association

An understanding of the potential impact of climatechange on the AONB is required to aid future land management.

There is concern over the ability to sustain themanagement of low (financial) return habitats without the support of agri-environment schemes.

There may be pressure for new and probably larger farm buildings as a consequence of agricultural restructuring.

Concern over the vulnerability of the historicenvironment particularly in relation to improved grassland.

An increasing number of farmers are seeking tosupplement incomes by diversifying into non-agriculturalactivities providing a more stable/reliable income.

Key ObjectiveA sustainable farming and land management sectorthat helps to conserve and enhance the character ofthe AONB

PoliciesFLM 1 Promote and support appropriate andpositive land management, diversification andagri-environment schemes that are in keepingwith the purposes of AONB designation.

FLM 2 Support initiatives that enable the landmanagement sector to adapt to change and remainviable, whilst maintaining and enhancing the specialqualities of the AONB.


Primary measure• % AONB in the Environmental Land Management scheme (Defra)

• Woodland managed under a FC approved management plan (Forestry Commission)

Secondary measure• Number of farmers/landowners actively engaged in Catchment Sensitive Farming (Natural England)

Priority Actions

• Actively engage in the Catchment Sensitive Farming programme in the Otter and Axe• Influence, support and encourage environmental stewardship and FC approved woodland management schemes• Encourage local initiatives to manage or create native hedges, woodlands and orchards


Common Agricultural Policy40

Rural Development Programme for England40

Environmental Stewardship Scheme41(and its successor)

England Woodland Grant Scheme42(and its successor)

Water Framework Directive43

UK Forestry Standard42

UK Woodland Assurance Standard42

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40 www.gov.uk41 www.naturalengland.org.uk42 www.forestry.gov.uk43 www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Access, Recreation and Tourism

“The AONB has much to offer for open air recreation and is a popular tourismdestination. Our role is to work with others to encourage the right balance; toleave the lightest of footprints whilst continuing to take steps to ensure thisspecial place remains a positive force for the area’s economy. ”Alistair Handyside, Country Land and Business Association

A vision for access, recreation and tourism

The AONB is a destination for a range of recreation and tourism opportunities thathave little impact on the environment which can be accessed by sustainable meansand where the quiet enjoyment of the AONB and the benefits for healthy life-styleactivities are promoted.

DescriptionWhilst recreation is not a primary purpose of designation it is recognised thatdemand should be met, through active management, if this does not harmconservation of natural beauty or the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses.

Background and EvidenceWith its World Heritage Site designated coast and attractive hinterland, EastDevon is a popular destination for tourists, both UK and overseas, with nearly600,000 staying visits from within the UK and 51,000 stays by overseas visitorsin 2008. In addition there were nearly 2.5million day visits43.

The coastal towns are connected by the South West Coast Path National Trailwhich runs through the AONB and is a significant recreational and tourismasset. Studies have indicated that the route generates millions of pounds a yearfor the region’s economy and is of particular value to those tourism providersin close proximity to its corridor44.

UK Tourism is expected to grow by 2.6% a year between 2009 and 2018(Deloitte 2008) and cultural heritage tourism will drive much of this growth asone of the largest and fastest growing segments in the global tourismmarketplace (European Travel Commission 2012)

43 South West Tourism (2008)44 University of Exeter/SWT (2003)45 www.visitengland.org.uk 39

9.2

9.2.1

9.2.2

9.2.3

9.24

Outside London, Devon remains the UKs premier holiday destination withholiday spend (2006-2009) estimated at £930 million45. More recent researchthrough the Exeter and Essential Devon Tourism Partnership (2010) showedAONB’s to one of the top four attractions of the area.

As well as benefiting the local economy, many outdoor activities increaseawareness amongst visitors to the countryside and benefit public health. In the AONB these include walking, horseriding, mountain biking, cycling,para-gliding, fishing, swimming and golf amongst others.

9.2.5

9.2.6

80

Beac

hes

Cou

ntry

side

% R

espo

nden

ts

• The beaches and countryside are the key draws to the region.• However, all the attractions listed have a role to play in promoting the region

to different audiences.

Source: EEDATP 2010

Loca

l foo

d an

d dr

ink

AO

NB

Exet

er C

ity

Hist

oric

bui

ldin

gs

Dar

tmoo

r N

atio

nal P

ark

Jura

ssic

Coa

st (W

HS)

Sout

h W

est C

oast

Pat

h

Act

iviti

es e

.g. w

alki

ng

Wat

chin

g w

ildlif

e

Art

s an

d cr

afts

70

90

60

50

4030

20

10

Sample size: 2059 Respondents

Attractions of most interest in the Exeter & Heart of Devon region

40

East Devon has a total area of 26,913ha of which 5% is open access. TheSouth West Coast Path is approximately 39km long and the East DevonWay 63km. The public rights of way network amounts to a total ofapproximately 356km.

Interpretation linked to recreational routes, bus services or key sites within theAONB has been developed at a number of locations, notably along the SouthWest Coast Path National Trail corridor and the regionally important EastDevon Way long distance footpath, but also at specific sites and village centresin and around the AONB.

The AONB supports the promotion of and access to the South West Coast Pathwhich is managed by the East Devon District Council Countryside Service onbehalf of the County Council. The development of a Coastal Corridor ActionPlan, framed around an access network, with partners in Dorset AONB, JurassicCoast World Heritage Site, local authorities and other bodies has assisted inidentifying opportunities for the coordinated management of the corridor.

Considerable progress has been made in recent years in improving the Rights of Way network in the area through the Rights of Way Improvement Plan46.Devon County Council has had a number of Local Public Service Agreements(LPSA): PSA1 for improving access to the countryside, and cycle trips; and PSA2for increased usage, satisfaction with information and participation in Walking toHealth schemes46. Access to ‘open country’ by foot, as a result of the CRoWAct 2000 has opened up additional access, albeit small, within the AONB.

9.2.7

9.2.8

9.2.9

9.2.10

9.2.11

9.2.12

9.2.13

The National Cycle Network Southern Coastal route (NCN Route 2 promotedas part of the Tour de Manche through the Cycle West Interreg project) and the Stop Line Way (NCN 33) running north from Seaton, are currently beingdeveloped by Devon County Council through the AONB. The latter offerspotential as a green tourism trail linked with the developing Axe Wetland andNatural Seaton initiatives.

The AONB is host to a number of popular events each year such as the“Grizzly” run, Commando Challenge and a growing number of other eventssuch as mountain bike races and vintage car rallies to name but a few. Althoughof concern, the levels of intrusive sports within the AONB are limited. Largerscale leisure activities include golf courses, with both short /family courses anddriving ranges being developed in recent years. Caravanning is a popular leisureactivity in the region and there are a number of caravan sites within the AONB,some at sensitive coastal locations.

The European leader funded 1SW (www.1SW.org.uk) initiative has improvedinformation on the bridleway network in the AONB, principally targeted for off-road mountain biking but also of benefit to horse riders and walkers alike.

46 www.devon.gov.uk

Sout

h W

est C

oast

Pat

h

42

Trends and Forces for changeThere are few dedicated routes for horse riders andcyclists for leisure or utilitarian purposes.

Further efforts could be made to increase access forthe less able.

Coastal access improvements are being developedboth nationally and locally.

Locally available and publicly accessible open greenspace plays an important part in the quality of life for local communities.

Development and promotion of recreational routes needs to take into consideration sustainabletravel opportunities.

There is a desire to spread the tourism season to the ‘shoulder periods’ of spring and autumn throughtargeted events and special interest activities.

Interest in active water based recreation is increasingeg kayaking and jet skiing.

The Devon Tourism Partnership is the DestinationManagement Organisation for Devon. It promotes the Visit Devon brand with a range of marketinginitiatives and acts as the voice of Tourism for Devon.

Sustainable countryside recreation needs to bepromoted for its benefit for healthy active lifestylesand improved mental well-being.

Increasing fuel costs are likely to impact on levels ofdomestic tourism.

Recreational route and car park counters installed atkey locations throughout the AONB are being used to aid monitoring.

The relationship between tourism and theenhancement and care of the landscape would benefitfrom further development eg. visitor payback.

The need to take account of new forms of recreationand their impact on the AONB (eg off road mountainbiking and motorised sports).

Key ObjectiveA sustainable access, recreation and tourism sectorthat is in keeping with AONB purposes and does notharm the conservation of natural beauty or the needsof agriculture, forestry and other uses.

PoliciesART 1 In partnership with others encourage andsupport the provision of high quality, sensitive, physicalaccess for as wide a range of users as possible and theon-going sustainable development of key recreationalroutes where this does not conflict with the conservationof internationally protected sites and species.

ART 2 In partnership with others encourage andsupport sustainable tourism activities within the AONBthrough the promotion of the special qualities of theAONB, where this would not lead to conflict with theconservation of internationally protected sites and species.

Measuring progress (Theme indicator)Primary measure• Percentage of “Ease of use of public rights of way”

(Devon CC)• Changes in visitor numbers on key rights of way (AONB)

Secondary measure• Number of businesses with Green TourismBusiness Scheme accreditation (Devon CC)

Priority Actions • Coordinate promotion and management of the East Devon Way • Develop Tourism Charter model for the AONB with partners based on the Europarc Sustainable Tourism Charter• Continue to promote and develop links with businesses and the environment• Support improvements to the cycle, mountain bike and bridleway network• Assist in the integrated management of key access sites eg. Pebblebed Heaths

The Devon County Council Parish Paths Partnership(P3) community initiative is helping to maintain andpromote local public networks in partnership withlocal communities.


Coastal access47

RDPE Sustainable Tourism and its successor

Local Transport/Rights of Way Plans (DCC)48

Heart of Devon & Devon Tourism Partnerships49

NAAONB, Visit England and Defra Tourism Accord

East Devon Health Locality Plan

Devon Local Nature Partnership Prospectus:Naturally active task and finish group

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•47 www.naturalengland.org.uk48 www.gov.uk49 www.visitdevon.co.uk

43

Planning and Development

“Positive planning in the AONB does not mean ‘saying no’ to development; itmeans promoting forms and types of developments, and the changes they willbring about, that can most positively respect and where possible enhance thespecial qualities that help define the area.”Cllr. Graham Godbeer, Chairman, East Devon District Council

A vision for planning and development

The special qualities of the AONB landscape are protected, enhanced andconserved by planning policies which are robust enough to ensure that developmentis both appropriate and compatible with the national importance of the landscape

DescriptionPlanning controls and the implementation of planning policy has a significant roleto play in the conservation and enhancement of the landscape and its wildlife.They are also important tools in ensuring appropriate development is linked tothe social and economical well-being of the communities living in the AONB.

Background and EvidenceThe National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) continues to afford landscapeand scenic beauty in AONBs the highest level of protection in planning policy,in particular under NPPF 115 and 116 . It also states that wildlife and culturalheritage are important considerations. The NPPF not only requires theconservation of landscape and scenic beauty in AONBs, but also expectsdevelopment to help deliver government aspirations for ecological networks.

The NPPF has placed significant importance on Local Plans and LocalDevelopment Documents. The AONB Partnership has engaged in the LocalPlan development for East Devon to ensure that the policies relating toAONBs are appropriate. Planning and the role it has to play in conserving andenhancing natural beauty is critical.

The adopted East Devon Local Plan policies play an important role in theprotection and enhancement of the landscape. A new Local Plan is inproduction and it will superceded the current adopted plan and will carrythrough the positive planning messages. It will be supplemented by a Villages

9.3

9.3.1

9.3.2

9.3.3

9.3.4

The Local Plan for East Devon for the period 2006-2026 proposes around15,000 new homes for the District though they will primarily be located at themain towns of the District and at East Devon’s West End.

Alongside the new homes, we can expect pressure for development for increasedleisure based activity, caravan sites and holiday parks, tourism and golf relateddevelopment, mineral extraction, telecommunication technology and demands foralternative energy amongst others and these types of uses will continue toinfluence the nature of the AONB landscape, its tranquillity and its built form.

The development of a Landscape Character Assessment for East Devonprovides an important supporting tool for advising and supporting the decisionmaking process in planning and development. Guides and strategies have beenproduced to aid and shape the form and design of development in thecountryside, for example, Thatch in Devon50 , the Devon Strategic StoneStudy51 in addition to numerous village and town design statements.

AONBs are often requested to comment on development proposals in theirareas. East Devon AONB has developed a planning protocol with DevonCounty and East Devon District Council detailing the AONB involvement inthe development management process.

9.3.5

9.3.6

9.3.7

9.3.8

9.3.9

50 www.devon.gov.uk/localstudies/90280/1.html51 Devon County Council mineral planning

Plan that will set out finer grain detail on development proposals for EastDevon’s villages. Whilst there is no specific statutory role for AONBPartnerships to engage in the planning process the Partnership will continue toprovide support and advice to the local planning authority.

The AONB Management Strategy will provide supporting evidence andcomplementary policy guidance to inform the planning policy documentproduction in East Devon. These documents need to give expression to andset out how the plans and policies of the authority and other bodies will be putinto effect. The AONB Management Strategy is directly related to themanagement of the AONB and other wider policy objectives and the Council’sdocuments should therefore dovetail with this Strategy.

44


The development of a National Planning Policy Framework is presenting new challenges to the interpretation of planning at the local level in particularthrough the East Devon Local Plan.

A number of town and parish councils have produceddesign guides and parish plans to act as an aid to future development.

Parish Councils and their communities have also beenactively commenting on potential for development intheir villages and some Parishes or local communitiesmay wish to produce their own Neighbourhood Plans.

The AONBs in East Devon have the opportunity to develop guidance and policy in partnership with the local planning authority as a means of aiding the conservation and enhancement of the AONB.

The desire to retain character in the rural environment through the development of guidance on building design, pattern and scale which may have implications for locally sourced materials eg “conservation quarries”.

Recent changes in the planning system have removed or lessened restrictions on certain types ofdevelopment such as extensions and loft conversions.They have also provided some flexibility to bringforward more innovative approaches to supportinglocal desired development that could for exampleinclude affordable housing.

The tranquillity of the AONB is gradually being erodedthrough increased traffic, air transport, light pollution and built development.

The development of a Landscape Character Assessment acts as a supporting tool in future policy development and the development control process and is helping to influence research into capacity and sensitivity for various forms of development.

Key ObjectivePlanning development and policy protects the speciallandscape character and tranquillity of the AONB andwill enable appropriate forms of social and economicdevelopment that are compatible with the landscape,so conserving and enhancing the environment.

PoliciesP 1 Encourage the development of guidelines anddesign guides to support high quality sustainabledevelopment which complements and respects theAONB landscape and historic character.

P 2 Provide advice and support on planning policyand development to enable the special qualities of theAONB to be protected, conserved and enhanced.


Primary measure• Number of emerging/adopted Neighbourhood Plans

(EDDC)• Number of applications commented upon by the AONB and included in decisions (AONB)

Priority Actions

• Continue to influence the policy framework for development through the establishment of appropriate guidelines and tools and close liaison with planning and policy teams on their implementation.

• Support the development of village, town, neighbourhood plans/guides

• Respond to planning consultations in accordance with the AONB planning protocol.

The use of redundant farm buildings offersopportunities for diversification of the rural economybut it requires careful consideration in order to retainlocal distinctiveness and character.

Through the National Planning Policy Framework,English World Heritage sites are placed on the samenational footing as conservation areas, national parksand areas of outstanding beauty by including them inthe national planning protection process52.

The development of new technologies and renewableenergy is having an increasing impact on the AONB.



East Devon District Council Local Plan54 (current,adopted and emerging)

Landscape Character Assessments for Devon55

and East Devon54

Devon Landscape Policy Group advice notes e.g.Advice Note 2: accommodating wind and solar pv inDevons landscape55

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52 www.communities.gov.uk/publications53 www.gov.uk54 www.eastdevon.gov.uk55 www.devon.gov.uk

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Transport and Highways

“How we get about and connect our various transport modes is vital to ourindividual and collective prosperity and welfare. There are many improvementsand changes we can make but we must ensure we do so in a way that respects theAONB landscape.”

Cllr. Jim Knight, Devon County Council

A vision for transport and highways

The AONB highways network is designed and maintained with landscape in mind andserves an area where there is a culture for reduced traffic impact, improved publictransport services and flexible sustainable transport opportunities.

DescriptionThe AONB engages in transport related initiatives particularly where theyconcern sustainable transport opportunities and improving access to thecountryside. There is increasing demand for sensitive approaches tohighways treatment and design in protected landscapes.

Background and EvidenceEast Devon AONB is a relatively quiet rural area with undulating and windingrural lanes, lined with steep sided Devon hedge banks. Few major roads passthrough the AONB and only one town of any notable size, Budleigh Salterton,is located within its boundary. However, it has on its borders the larger townsof Exmouth, Seaton, Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary, Honiton and Axminster andnearby, the city of Exeter.

The tranquil areas of Devon have reduced in size since the 1960s, largely as a result of the changes to the road networks, air traffic and urban intrusion,with a 14% loss in total area in Devon56. The rural community has played a role in this, with over 84% of households in East Devon having at least one carcompared to 74.4% nationally57.

Improvements to the A30 and A35 have been carried out in recent times andthere is pressure for further improvements to the A303 to the north of theAONB. Alongside these, the new community of Cranbrook, currently beingdeveloped to the north-west of the AONB, near Rockbeare, will undoubtedlybring with it increased numbers of car borne visitors to the area.

9.4

9.4.1

9.4.2

9.4.3

9.4.4

9.4.5

9.4.6

9.4.7

9.4.8

2,000

2000 2005 2011

A3052 Halfway House

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

A3052 Hollyhead Road

A375 Putts Corner

Table 2 – Traffic volumes at locations in East Devon 2000- 1158

Railway stations serving the AONB are good, located at the peripheral townsof Honiton, Axminster and Exmouth and a tramway operates between Seatonand Colyton. Increasingly public transport links are being made to thesestations and the countryside around them in an effort to reduce the numberof visitors to the AONB who travel by car.

There are a number of permanent traffic counter sites in or on the edges ofthe AONB, managed by Devon County Council. Average annual daily trafficflows at these sites between 2000 and 2011 are shown in the following table.

There are a range of initiatives underway that are serving to enhance thesafety and quality of the road network and promote sustainable travel, suchas the X53 Jurassic Coast bus services. These include examples such as theSidmouth Coast Hopper; bus and ride initiatives in the coastal corridor; theNational Cycle Network including the Stop Line Way and the development ofsafe routes to school.

The Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 3 (LTP3)2011-2026plays a key rolein developing opportunities for addressing many of the above transport issues.The Plan identifies a number of priorities for delivering action and reference toobjectives relating to a Coastal Towns and Rural Devon Strategy including a lowcarbon approach to travel and making Devon the place to be naturally activethrough investment in the leisure network. The Implementation Plan in relation to the AONB specifically refers to Park and Change sites and the potential formarine transport along the coast.

56 The Devon Landscape, Devon CC (2002)57 www.eastdevon.gov.uk

74 www.dft.gov.uk

47


There is a continual need to integrate transport services with tourism and recreation activities as well as improve provision for rural commuters.

The AONB and World Heritage Site teams have worked with partners to support sustainable transportrelated schemes through a range of mechanismsincluding the Sustainable Development Fund.

There is a need to improve interpretation provision at key car park locations in the AONB.

Promotional materials for the AONB need to take into consideration sustainable transport opportunities.

There is an increasing desire for the development of sustainable access routes to reduce the need for transport in and around towns and villages and wherepossible to make use of old railway lines.

The protected landscapes in Devon have established a protocol with the County highway departments addressing the landscape impacts of highways management and proposals.

There are opportunities to explore options for throughticketing of public transport and local attractions .

A Jurassic Coast Marine Links initiative is beingdeveloped.

Devon County Council is currently producing a floodrisk management strategy which may adapt thesolutions required to highway schemes eg. softlandscaping in place of traditional engineeringsolutions.

Key ObjectiveThe impact on the special qualities of the AONB isconsidered in the planning and provision of transportnetworks and services.

PoliciesT 1 Promote the development of high quality,integrated and sustainable transport services andinitiatives in and around the AONB wherecompatible with conserving natural beauty and theconservation objectives of European sites.

T 2 Work to ensure road and transport schemeswithin the AONB have regard to the purpose ofAONB designation.


Primary measure• Traffic counts at fixed locations in/near the AONB

(Devon CC)

Priority Actions• Contribute to the development of sustainable transport initiatives within the AONB including the potential for marine transport • Investigate options to monitor and identify tranquil areas within the AONB; including the creation of a network of quiet lanes• Encourage and support village gateway signs promoting the AONB• Encourage and support on/off road access linkages and routes for all users


Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 3(2011- 2026)59

Highway Management in Devon’s ProtectedLandscapes59

Devon County Council Flood Risk ManagementStrategy

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48

Rural Economy and Services

“In a rural area with such a high proportion of micro businesses and small tomedium enterprises, it is important that the AONB Partnership continues to playan influential role in support of the local economy and services.”Greg Page-Turner, East Devon Business Group

A vision for rural economy and services

The AONB economy is robust and able to adapt and is sustaining localcommunities, services and businesses, whilst operating in harmony with theconservation and enhancement of the outstanding landscape.

DescriptionThis sub-theme addresses elements of the rural economy, for exampleagriculture, forestry, and other less land based rural industries and theeconomic and social needs of the local communities of the AONB.

Background and EvidenceIt is widely recognised that the prosperity of the rural economy will determinewhat the countryside will look like in the future. Covering some 37% of theregion, protected landscapes will play an integral role in driving forward ruralregeneration and sustainable economic growth through such mechanisms asthe Rural Development Programme for England.

Devon has higher levels of employment than the UK average and ischaracterised by many small businesses. East Devon has a high number of VATregistered businesses and there are a high number of ‘micro’ businesses andself employment. Economic trends for East Devon also show low levels ofunemployment in the District.60

Whilst having a significant number of units in the agriculture, forestry andfishing sector, the role of agriculture and land based industries is declining inrural Devon generally whilst service, tourism, transport, communication,finance, insurance and public services increase.

9.5

9.5.1

9.5.2

9.5.3

9.5.4

Tourism is a significant economic force in the South West and farming isadapting through diversification in the form of farm-based accommodationand in other ways to capitalise on this opportunity.

Interest in large scale renewable energy schemes has grown since the previousstrategy, largely incentivised by tariffs, encouraging expansion has across theSouth West both outside and within protected landscapes.

Access to services is obviously challenging for a largely rural area. Over 99% ofall households in Devon which are located more than 6km from a principaldoctor's surgery and/or more than 6km from a secondary school. Similarly,83% of all Devon households more than 10km from a principal Job Centre arealso rurally located61. Whilst helping drive business and communications, ruralbroadband cannot cure all constraints associated with service provision torural areas.

Size of businesses in the Blackdown Hills/East Devon AONB Area

9.5.5

9.5.6

9.5.7

Business size Respondents fromBlackdown Hills/East Devon (n = 358)

All respondents (n = 3541)

Sole Trader(1 employee)

25.4% 22.7%

Micro(2 - 9 employees)

53.3% 54.2%

Small(10 - 49 employees)

18.4% 19.5%

Medium(50 - 249 employees)

2.3% 2.6%

Large(250 - 999 employees)

0.6% 0.9%

Corporate(1000 + employees)

0% 0%

Total 100% 100% Source: Devon Renaissance Business Survey (2006/7)

60 www.eastdevon.gov.uk 61 Devon Community Council (2009)

49


Interest in sustainable/organic farming, regionalisedand branded foods, of quality niche markets and directselling do not hold all the answers but may provide ameans of sustaining small/family farmers in the region.

The evolution of broadband and communicationsystems and the desire to adopt more sustainablelifestyles offer opportunities for more flexible workingpatterns and employment opportunities in rural areas –but provision is patchy.

East Devon Farmers markets have been established inlocal market towns such as Seaton.

The district council is working in partnership with othersto provide business advice support to local businesses.

Opportunity for landowners to secure economic gainfrom tariffs for large scale renewable energy schemes islikely to impact on the character of the AONB.

Designation of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Siteis bringing increased profile to the area, in particularinfluencing the “offer” within the tourism sector.

The relationship between the National Planning PolicyFramework and Local Plan will be a key determinant inthe development and economic growth of East Devonand village services.

The Making it Local RDPE funding has been secured tostrenghten the connections between the business sector,local services and markets and landscape management inthe Blackdown Hills and East Devon AONBs and thereis a desire to continue this approach.

There is a need to develop an integrated approach tobusiness, planning and environmental support/advicewithin east Devon.

Government rural funding is increasingly beingchannelled through Local Economic Partnerships whichAONBs have yet to establish a clear relationship with.

Key ObjectiveA sustainable rural economy that serves to conserveand enhance the special qualities of the landscape.

PoliciesRES 1 Encourage the principle of local markets andsustainable local produce where it adds value to thelocal economy and contributes to the AONBpurpose of designation.

RES 2 Encourage the development of sustainableemployment opportunities that are compatible withthe AONB purpose and objectives, promote gooddesign and encourage people to continue to live andwork within in their communities.

RES 3 In partnership with others develop monitoringand research that serves to quantify and assess theeconomic value of the environment in the AONB.


Primary measure• Number of businesses supporting local farmers markets (East Devon Farmers Markets)

Priority Actions• Secure legacy programme funding for the Making it

Local RDPE programme and develop relationship with Local Economic Partnership• Support and encourage local produce/supply networks • Support local businesses in the development of the environmental economy and complementary programmes

Key Policy/programme influencesExeter and Heart of Devon Economic Development Strategy62


Rural Economy Growth Review63

Heart of the South West Local Economic Partnership64

Business Plan and EU Investment Fund Strategy

Lord Heseltine’s review ‘No stone unturned in pursuit of economic growth’ 65

The Rural Development Programme 2015

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•

62 www.exeter.gov.uk63 www.gov.uk64 www.heartofswlep.co.uk65 www.bis.gov.uk

Ian Shears, Acland Award winner 2013

50

Community and Culture

“We are fortunate in that we already have a long standing and geographicallyspread civic amenity network across the AONB. The Partnership is committed toworking with these groups, local councils and communities to enhance support ofour aims and purposes. ”Nicola Daniel, Otter Valley Association

A vision for community and culture

The AONB is an area where communities have an active association with thelandscape and where local events serve to reinforce this relationship, maintain local traditions, and support the local economy. Mechanisms have been established that address local housing need and enable the provision and long term use of community buildings and resources.

DescriptionThis sub-theme addresses aspects of community and cultural characteristicsof the AONB and the ways in which the Partnership engages with andsupports local communities.

Background and EvidenceEast Devon, being a largely rural district with a coastal boundary, is anattractive place for those wishing to retire and enjoy the later years of theirlife, surrounded by an outstanding landscape. The AONB population, has ahigh proportion of residents between over the age of 65, reflecting theDistrict profile.

9.6

9.6.1

9.6.2

For the second time, Devon came top of a survey conducted by Country LifeMagazine as the most desirable County in England66 and a survey carried outfor East Devon demonstrated the significance of the natural environment tothe quality of life for residents in the district67.

However, as well as being a popular place to visit and retire to, East DevonDistrict is also home to a local working population that is increasingly findingpressures being placed on access to housing and services. There are over 2400second homes in East Devon and studies show that affordable housing remainsa key concern. The average house price in East Devon is around £266,800 butthe district is one of the lowest wage areas in England67.

9.6.3

9.6.4

East Devon

South West

England 0 - 15 years

15 - 64 years

65+ years

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

18.9

17.5

15.4

16.4

19.7

28.2

64.7

62.8

56.4

Proportion of population by broad age band, mid - 2011

Devon population projections

Source: ONS 2013

Source: DCC 2010

0% 50% 100% 150% 200%

85+

75 - 84

65 - 74

40 - 64

25 - 39

15 - 24

0 - 14

Age Group

Projected percentage rise in population by age 2008 - 2033 (DCC area)

Projected % population rise 2008 - 2033

157%

63%

57%

3%

3%

10%

8%

66 http://bit.ly/15sLs1u 67 www.eastdevon.gov.uk

51

The latest housing needs assessment for the whole of the Exeter and TorbayHousing Market Area quantified a net additional five year housing need (i.e. end of 2007 to end of 2012) for the East Devon district for all forms of housing, of 3,211 dwellings. Of this total there was a quantified need for 1,243 affordable dwellings or around 40% of total market and affordable need68.

1986 £38,0001996 £72,0002006 £214,0002011 £266,781

Whilst the population of East Devon District has increased, average householdsize has fallen68. The pressure for new development and changes in technologywill continually challenge the desire to maintain the character and traditional landbased skills of local communities in the AONB, whilst seeking to provide for aviable and sustainable economy.

It is inevitable that over time community identity and culture will evolve as thecomposition and population of the AONB changes. Some rural communities are fortunate in having a range of skills within their population to tackle thechallenges of living in a rural area. In some cases, this will be as a direct result of people moving into the area, with varying skills and experience.

The picture is extremely mixed however. As a result, there are a wide range ofschemes, agencies and organisations such as Making it Local, the AONBPartnership, Community Council for Devon, Natural England and localauthorities, seeking to support skills development and encourage ‘self help’ andthe celebration of local distinctiveness.

9.6.5

9.6.6

9.6.7

9.6.8

9.6.9

9.6.10

9.6.11Source: ONS/EDDC

Average house prices in East Devon

Communities have an inherent capacity to care for and enhance theirenvironment. Initiatives such as the lottery funded ‘Your Heritage’, ParishPlanning and examples such as the AONB Parishscapes Project and a range ofcommunity level initiatives delivered by many of our partners have all helpedsupport local action and enterprise across the AONB.

Many parishes, in recognising the economic and health benefits of the landscape,have encouraged the production of leaflets, guides and village features, culturalevents and activities to raise awareness and inform visitors and tourists.

A Sustainable Community Plan for East Devon, produced by the East DevonLocal Strategic Partnership aims to improve quality of life in East Devon bypromoting the social, economic and physical well being of its communities.

68 www.eastdevon.gov.ukTree planting

52


Parish Plans and Community Council led initiativeshave served to stimulate grass-roots rural communityand cultural action.

The National Planning Policy Frameworkidentifies opportunity for the development of Neighbourhood Plans.

There is an opportunity to connect people and placethrough the inclusion of wildlife, historic environmentand landscape issues in neighbourhood plans.

There is an active voluntary community within East Devon, which correlates with its populationcomposition and age structure and is exemplified byassociations and societies in the Sid Vale, Axe Vale,and Otter Valley.

The LEADER+ programme of local community action‘Making it Local’ across Blackdown Hills and EastDevon AONB has supported a wide range ofcommunity projects across the area.

Heritage projects such as “In the Footsteps of PeterOrlando Hutchinson” and other partner initiatives arehelping local communities further understand andinterpret their cultural heritage.

The Jurassic Coast WHS Arts and AONB programmesare offering opportunities for creative/arts activity inthe AONB.

Affordable housing, access to and provision of localservices is a concern for many rural communitiesacross Devon and the South-West.

The Sustainable Development Fund is enabling theAONB Partnership to support a wider range ofcommunity, environmental and cultural projects.

Key ObjectiveImproved access to services and facilities and theactive participation in community and appropriatelandscape related social enterprise.

PoliciesCC 1 Support local community engagement inphysical, cultural and natural heritage initiativeswithin the AONB.

CC 2 Work with others to strengthen communitycapacity, resources, information, services and facilitieswithin the AONB where these contribute to theAONB purpose of designation.


Primary measure• Number of parish and town councils with up to date parish or town plans or their equivalent (East Devon DC)

Secondary measure• Membership numbers of the Otter ValleyAssociation, Sid Vale Association and Axe Vale & District Conservation Society (Amenity Groups)


Sustainable Community Plan for East Devon69

Sustainable Community Strategy for Devon70

National Planning Policy Framework andneighbourhood planning71

RDPE Local Action programme ‘Making it Local’, orits successor

Key ObjectiveImproved access to services and facilities and theactive participation in community and appropriatelandscape related social enterprise.

PoliciesCC 1 Support local community engagement inphysical, cultural and natural heritage initiativeswithin the AONB.

CC 2 Work with others to strengthen communitycapacity, resources, information, services and facilitieswithin the AONB where these contribute to theAONB purpose of designation.


Primary measure• Number of parish, town and neighbourhood plans or their equivalent (East Devon DC)

Secondary measure• Membership numbers of the Otter ValleyAssociation, Sid Vale Association and Axe Vale & District Conservation Society (Amenity Groups)

Priority Actions• Actively engage local community groups and organisations in AONB projects and activities • Support and encourage the development of local services and facilities • Support and advise community level plan development

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Sidm

outh69 www.eastdevon.gov.uk

70 www.devon.gov.uk71 www.gov.uk

Environmental education initiatives as provided by the Offwell Woodland andWildlife Trust and Blacklake Farm have received support from the AONB infurthering and sustaining their aims. In addition programmes such as the ForestEducation Initiative and Forest Schools are helping to provide furtheropportunity for hands on learning about the environment in and around schools.

The Jurassic Coast Team delivers a site wide formal education andengagement programme about the geology and geomorphology of theJurassic Coast and aspects of the AONB. During the London 2012 Games, 11 schools in East Devon participated in the flagship London 2012 InspireMark education programme "The Big Jurassic Classroom" where they learnthow the Olympic and Paralympic Values could be used to celebrate their localWorld Heritage Site. Funding from the Primary Science Teaching Trust willdeliver enhanced science teacher development programmes for East DevonPrimary schools over the next three years.

In addition to our local civic groups, RSPB, Devon Wildlife Trust and othersactivities, the District Council have established a high profile environmentaleducation programme, providing a wide range of activities on Local NatureReserves, coastal festivals, a Junior ranger and volunteer programme and jointinitiatives promoting local food.

The results of a public perception survey carried out in 2003, 2008 and 2013has shown a steady improvement in the levels of awareness of the East DevonAONB amongst local residents.

Percentage of respondents who have heard of the East Devon AONB

54

Theme 3 - Communication and ManagementCommunication, Education and Awareness

“Education - be it through formal schools, lifelong learning, awareness events orpublic communication - underpins everything the AONB designation encompassesand the Partnership seeks to achieve.”James Chubb, The Donkey Sanctuary

A vision for communication, education and awareness

There is a high level of awareness of the AONB designation, the Partnership’sactivities and the wide range of opportunities and media available. This is enablingpeople and businesses to engage with, learn more about and benefit from theopportunities this special landscape has to offer.

DescriptionThis sub-theme deals with the many and varied ways in which people learnabout and are informed of the countryside and the ways in which informationand data is used to inform the activities of the Partnership.

Background and EvidenceThe ways in which we inform people about the AONB have previouslyfocussed on road signs, footpath markers, interpretation boards, leaflets,events, walks and website. However, people are increasingly accessinginformation in other ways and the Partnership must be able to respond in apositive way to this. Recent examples include mobile phone listening points tohelp interpret remote or sensitive locations, thus making them intellectuallyaccessible by more people.

Information technology development and improved broadband coverage isbeing promoted through the business sector and is supported by public sectorsupport initiatives such as Connecting Devon and Somerset72. Within ITdevelopment, mobile applications and the use of social media to spreadmessages from the AONB Partnership and encourage engagement is animportant inclusive tool.

10.0

10.1

10.1.1

10.1.2

10.1.3

10.1.4

10.1.5

10.1.6

10.1.7

48%

70%

91%

2003

2008

2013

72 www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk

55


Interpretation, awareness and education of the specialqualities of the AONB need further development andintegration with tourism and recreation activities.

Work by the National Association for AONBs(NAAONB) is helping to brand and strengthen theidentity of AONBs nationally.

Environmental education activity is developing throughthe District Council Local Nature Reserve (LNR)network, World Heritage Site Education Officer, and through local organisations and programmes.

The AONB web site and associated social mediaplatforms are enabling a wider interaction with interestgroups and communities across the AONB.

There is an ongoing requirement to enhance access to and awareness and appreciation of the special floraand fauna of the AONB.

There is a continual need to inform and raiseawareness of the AONB in establishing links withcommunity organisations.

There is still a need for the AONB to provideinformation to develop and encourage links betweenbusiness sector and the natural environment.eg.Ambassador scheme

Inclusion and participation of audiences, including hardto reach potential audiences such as minority,disadvantaged and other hard to reach groups, shouldbe addressed in the delivery of policies and promotion.

Development of IT based communication willinfluence AONB Partnership promotional work

Key ObjectiveA greater awareness of the AONB, the purposes of the designation, the role of the Partnership and range of opportunities for involvement inenvironmental education.

PoliciesCEA 1 In partnership with others promote andsupport the education, understanding andappreciation of the natural and cultural landscape of the AONB.

CEA 2 Promote and highlight good practice withinthe AONB and the role and activities of the AONBPartnership.


Primary measure• Levels of awareness of the AONB designation and purpose (AONB 5 yearly)

Priority Actions

• Promote the AONB and work of the Partnership • Survey local communities on levels of awareness and understanding of the AONB

• Provide information and educational materials on the AONB web site and associated media

• Continue to develop ambassador schemes for the AONB/World Heritage Site


AONB and NAAONB branding guidelines

NAAONB Communications Strategy

Dorset and East Devon World Heritage SiteManagement Plan

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56

Management, Organisation & Partnerships

“Anyone in a relationship knows only to well that a successful partnership takestime, commitment, dialogue and trust if it is to work well.”John Wilding, MBE, Clinton Devon Estates

A vision for management, organisation & partnerships

The AONB Partnership will act as ambassadors for East Devon AONB, influencepolicy and decision making affecting AONBs and work to secure funding for thelong-term co-ordinated management of the area and report on its actions.

DescriptionThis sub-theme addresses the operational aspects and processes of theAONB Partnership and Team.

Background and EvidenceEast Devon AONB, although designated in 1963, only put in place specificarrangements for its coordinated governance and management in 2003.However, in its first ten years the AONB Partnership has grown into acompetent and effective body in steering the delivery of the Strategy.

The AONB Partnership was established in March 2003 following a review ofthe existing governance and management of the AONB in 2001. The maincatalyst for the establishment of a new AONB Partnership and formation ofan AONB Team was the requirement of the Countryside and Rights of WayAct 2000 to produce a Management Strategy for the AONB by March 2004.

The membership of the AONB Partnership has adapted, with the addition ofnew partners from the countryside, business and heritage sector. In addition,the Terms of Understanding detailing the working arrangements have beenupdated to improve operations and procedures.

10.2

10.2.1

10.2.2

10.2.3

10.2.4

The funding arrangements for the AONB are detailed in a Memorandum ofAgreement (MOA) between the three funding partners for the Partnership:East Devon District Council, Devon County Council and Defra. The currentMOA runs to March 2015.

Defra funding, provided as a ‘single pot’ for the AONB, is currently divided intothree areas: core, project and the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF). Corefunding is the funding required to maintain and service the AONB Partnershipand Team. Project funding, matched to other sources of funding, enables thedelivery of the Management Strategy through coordinated projects andinitiatives. The SDF is wholly funded through Defra and the Partnership deliversthis fund to support sustainable development initiatives across the area.

The funding arrangements as laid out in the Memorandum of Agreement forthe AONB are such that 75% of core costs come via Defra and the remaining25% is divided between Devon County and East Devon District Council.

10.2.5

10.2.6

10.2.7

AONB Partnership 2013

10.2.8

10.2.9

10.2. 10

In 2013 -14 the core budget for the Partnership and team wasapproximately £155,000, Defra funding 75% of this and East Devon Districtand Devon County Council the remaining 25%. A further £40,000 projectfunding from Defra was divided between the Sustainable Development Fund(SDF) at approximately £30,000 and a Project Development Fund of£10,000. Both East Devon District and Devon County Councils providedadditional funding on a project basis.

There are significant pressures and opportunities for the AONB team toadd value and join up programmes and processes within the East Devon,Devon and the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, which have manyoverlapping programmes and areas of work. This also applies to therelationship with the Blackdown Hills AONB which was the subject of areview in 2007-8 which identified a number of opportunities for closerworking arrangements many of which are still under consideration.

Joint working amongst AONB's in Devon is encouraged and supported atthe County level; an Adaptation Plan was produced in 2011 which containeda number of measures which are still relevant to pursue. Regional andnational AONB operations have been restructured with the South WestProtected Landscape Forum (SWPLF) merging with the National Associationfor AONBs (NAAONB) to enable the AONB family to operate at broaderand more strategic level and influence policy and programme developmentaffecting AONBs.

.

Har

com

be

58


There is continual need to assess, foster and developlinks with local and sub-regional agencies in thedelivery of the AONB Management Strategyrecognising the increasingly declining resources within these agencies.

There is a need to keep under review and realiseopportunities for joint project working andgovernance arrangements with other partners andAONB's, in particular with Dorset, Devon and theBlackdown Hills AONBs.

It is important that the Partnership looks to broadenits funding base for core and project activity throughLottery, Landfill, European or other supportmechanisms with recent examples such as INTERREG(landscape), SITA (bats), HLF (heritage), EnglishHeritage (heritage) and the Rural DevelopmentProgramme for England (rural economy).

The composition and operation of the AONBPartnership is kept under regular review to ensure it remains effective and appropriate in execution of its purposes.

The funding arrangements with Defra will be reviewed in2014/15 in preparation for the next spending period.

A recent proposal to consider the evidence for aNational Park encompassing the East Devon andDorset AONBs highlights the value local communitiesplace on our outstanding landscapes.

Key ObjectiveThe AONB Partnership will act as ambassadors forEast Devon AONB, influence policy and decisionmaking affecting AONBs and work to secure fundingfor the long-term co-ordinated management of thearea, annually reporting on its actions.

PoliciesM1 Encourage co-ordination and partnershipamongst the wide range of national and regionalagencies and organisations and other Devon basedAONBs to secure funding for the care andenhancement of the AONB.

M2 Ensure that the AONB ManagementStrategy is reviewed every 5 years and thatthe Delivery Plan is annually updated andmade publicly available.


Primary measure• Production of a publicly available AnnualReview and Business Plan (AONB)

Secondary measure• Operational efficiency savings since 2003

Priority Actions

• Produce and deliver Annual AONB Business Plan /AONB Delivery Plan

• Secure Memorandum of Agreement with Defra and LA partners

• Secure additional funding in support of AONB objectives and programmes

• Continue to review AONB operations and working arrangements


AONB and NAAONB Business Plan

Defra funding programme for AONBs UK and European funding programmes, including HLF funding Strategy and Leader

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East Devon AONB team (above top) and former Chairmen

59

AONB Executive Group

AONB Partnership ChairmanJohn Wilding MBE

AONB Partnership Vice ChairmanGraham Godbeer

Devon County CouncilLesley Garlick

East Devon District CouncilCharlie Plowden

Natural EnglandCathy Fitzroy

East Devon District CouncilFinancial ServicesMandy White

AONB Team

AONB Team

AONB Partnership ManagerChris Woodruff

Community DevelopmentOfficerKimmo Evans

Project OfficerPete Youngman

AONB Partnership

ChairmanJohn Wilding MBE (Clinton Devon Estates)

Vice ChairmanGraham Godbeer (East Devon DC)

Axe Vale & District Conservation SocietyClinton Devon EstatesCountry Land & Business AssociationCampaign for the Protection of Rural England DefraDevon County CouncilDevon Association of Local CouncilsEast Devon Business GroupEast Devon District CouncilEnvironment AgencyEnglish HeritageForestry CommissionJurassic Coast World Heritage SiteNational Farmers UnionNational TrustNatural EnglandOtter Valley Association Sid Vale AssociationThe Donkey Sanctuary

Core funding:75% Defra 25% EDDC,DCC

AONB TeamCo-ordinates Partnership anddelivery of the ManagementStrategy

AONB Executive GroupHas executive funding powers for the AONB,guides the AONB Team and advises theAONB Partnership on financial matters.

AONB PartnershipGuides implementation of the AONB Management Strategy and advisesthe AONB Team in its delivery by:• Promoting the AONB and the Management Strategy• Co-ordinating work towards the vision for the AONB • Review and monitor progress of the Strategy and its objectives• Consider, debate and recommend courses of action on the main issues facing the AONB• Accommodate new requirements due to changes in AONB legislation

11.0 Implementation & Review

11.1 AONB Governance and Management

11.2 Details of the Delivery Plan

This Delivery Plan articulates how the East Devon AONB Management Strategy will be actioned. It builds on the key priorities detailed in the Strategy with actions and targets,timescales and partners, as exampled in the table below. Any specific targets or actions that may have potential for a negative environmental impact or effect will be appropriately assessed on a case by case and site by site basis asrecommended or required by legislation.The Delivery Plan will be will be annually updated by the AONB Partnership as part of the on-going delivery of the Strategy and updated copies will be made available on theAONB web site.

Theme Landscape

SubTheme Environmental Quality and Climate

Objective The sustainable management of the natural resources of the AONB

Policy

ActionRef

Summaryof Action

AONBTeam Role

Partnerroles

Measure ofProgress/Success

Year 12014/15

Year 22015/16

Year 32016/17

Year 42017/18

Year 52018/19

EQC1.1

EQC1.2

Actively support catchmentbased managementprogrammes encouragingpositive management of soilsand rivers (see also FLM 2.4)

Work with partners torealise opportunities forhabitat improvements underWater Framework Directive

Engage inCSF andcatchmentprogrammes

Engage inschemes


Engage inschemes


Engage inschemes


Engage inschemes


Engage inschemes

Support

Support

CDE (lead),DWT,EA, FC,NE, EDDC,OVA

EA,NE,NAAONB,DCC and keyadvisors

Water qualityimprovements

Habitatimprovements

EQC1Support and encourage environmental and renewable energy initiatives aimed at maintaining and improving the natural resources of the AONB and reducing greenhouse gasemissions, that are in keeping with the sustainable management of the landscape, maintain landscape character and conserve and where possible enhance natural beauty.

Timetable & Targets

On going

Annual Update/comment

On trackNo action/pending

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MonitoringThere are two methods to monitoring theAONB and this Strategy:

National monitoring framework

Measures for progress

National monitoring frameworkNatural England is overseeing the developmentof a national monitoring framework for AONBsand National Parks which will provide aconsistent annual data set to help guide futuremanagement.

Measures for progressThe Management Strategy contains a series of“Measures for Progress” through which thePartnership will seek to monitoring progress indelivery of the Strategy. The AONB Team willcollate and report on this information/dataannually with support from the identifiedpartners for each measure.

12.0

•

•

12.1

12.2

The following documents have not beenpublished with this Strategy but will form animportant part of its delivery. Most of thesedocuments can be found on the AONB website under the management plan section.

www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk/ourwork

Data, evidence and context - AONB AtlasThis document is being developed inconjunction with Devon County Council andthe four other AONBs that fall within DevonCounty. It will provide a snapshot of the AONBand will act as a context against which tomonitor and evaluate changes in the AONB andinfluence future Management Strategy reviewsand activity.

Landscape Character Assessments Landscape Character Assessments have beenproduced for at the District and County leveland provide an important tool in the protection,management and planning for landscape change.

The key documents are detailed below:

Devon Landscape Character Assessmenthttp://www.devon.gov.uk/index/environmentplanning/natural_environment/landscape/landscapecharacter.htm

East Devon and Blackdown Hills LandscapeCharacter Assessment and ManagementGuidelines http://www.eastdevon.gov.uk/landscapecharacterassessment

13.1

13.2

13.3

Environmental and Social Assessments and surveys A number of assessments were carried out aspart of the review of the AONB ManagementStrategy. These assessments have guided theobjectives and policies in the Strategy and will ensure the work of the Partnership does notcontravene environmental regulations forhabitat and species protection or presentbarriers to equality or diversity. The documents produced were:

Strategic Environmental Assessment Habitat Regulation Assessment Equalities Impact Assessment

A survey of public perception, understandingand awareness of the AONB was carried out aspart of the review process and is also referredto in this Strategy. This survey is also availableon the AONB web site Management Plan pages.The survey has been repeated at each planreview stage and provides a helpful guide tochanges in awareness and understanding of the AONB.

13.4

13.5

Details of Supporting Documents13.0

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Glossary/AbbreviationsAmenity Groups – local societies and groupsANPA – Association of National Park AuthoritiesAONB – Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Team/PartnershipAVDCS – Axe Vale and District Conservation SocietyAVEP –Axe Valley Enhancement ProjectBHS – British Horse SocietyCCD – Community Council for DevonCDE – Clinton Devon EstatesCGS – County Geological SiteCLA – Country Land and Business AssociationCRoW – Countryside and Rights of Way ActCWS – County Wildlife SiteDAPC – Devon Association of Parish & Town CouncilsDCC – Devon County CouncilDCAS – Devon County Archaeological ServiceDefra – Department for environment, food and rural affairsDHG – Devon Hedge GroupDRHP – Devon Rural Housing PartnershipDRO – Devon Record OfficeDRTP – Devon Rural Transport PartnershipEA – Environment AgencyEDDC – East Devon District CouncilEEDATP – Exeter and East Devon Area Tourism PartnershipFTE – Full time equivalentHLC – Historic Landscape CharacterisationJCWHS – Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site ( Jurassic Coast)LDF – Local Development FrameworkLNR – Local Nature ReserveNAAONB - National Association for AONBsNCN – National Cycle NetworkNE – Natural EnglandNFU – National Farmers UnionNNR – National Nature ReserveNOF – New Opportunities FundNPPF – National Planning Policy FrameworkNT – National Trust

OVA – Otter Valley AssociationP3 – Parish Paths PartnershipsPCs – Parish CouncilsPASW – Public Art South WestPSA – Public Service AgreementRDPE – Rural Development Programme for EnglandSA – Sustainability AppraisalSAC – Special Area of ConservationSEA – Strategic Environmental AssessmentSPA – Special Protection AreaSSSI – Site of Special Scientific InterestSustrans – National Charity for Sustainable TransportSVA – Sid Vale AssociationSWPLF – South West Protected Landscape ForumSWRA – South West Regional AssemblySWCP – South West Coast Path Officer/teamSWT – South West TourismUNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural OrganisationWCRT – West Country Rivers TrustWHS – World Heritage Site/Team

63

This Management Strategy has been produced by Chris Woodruff under the guidance of the East Devon AONB Partnership, Executive Group and Team and withsupport from Mike Hughes, (East Devon District Council).

All images and photographs used in this Management Strategy by kind permission and © copyright of the following:

Bicton College, Cecil Hartfield, Clinton Devon Estates, Donkey Sanctuary, East Devon AONB, EDDC, G Giddens (cover photo), Philip Capper

Maps Based on Ordnance Survey © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved East Devon District Council 1000023746 2013

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Acknowledgements

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