Breadcrumbs
Management arrangements in the Forest of Bowland
The AONB Partnership operates through a Joint Advisory Committee, an Officers' Technical Committee, an AONB Unit and working groups. The Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) supports and encourages an active partnership between all of the agencies involved and co-ordinates management over the whole of the AONB. It aims to:
- promote the AONB at national, regional and local level;
- ensure the area is conserved and managed effectively;
- assist in the social and economic well being of the AONB commensurate with the conservation of its special qualities;
- provide a forum for exchange of information and ideas;
- consider any issue likely to adversely affect the area and agree action;
- and make recommendations for new initiatives.
It is comprised of 20 member organisations: government and statutory agencies (5); local government (8); combined parish and council representatives (2); conservation organisations (2); local landowning or farming interests (2) and local user groups (1).
The Officers' Technical Committee's purpose is to provide technical and professional advice and assistance to the JAC in fulfilling its obligations and comprises of all of the bodies represented on the JAC, the AONB Unit and other organisations or interests as may be agreed by the membership or invited to attend by the AONB Officer.
The AONB Unit's purpose is to assist the Partnership in the delivery of the management plan/action plan. It comprises of an AONB Officer, Assistant AONB Officer and a Publicity & Information Officer.
The AONB Conference is an annual forum for interested user groups and members of the public to see what progress is being made in implementing the management plan/action plan and to have an opportunity to contribute ideas and raise issues of concern. Working groups are also set up as and when required to assist in implementing proposals within the management plan/action plan.
To find out more about the work of the Partnership and view a copy of the new Forest of Bowland management plan visit their website www.forestofbowland.com/
Statutory policies
Two structure plans affect the AONB, the North Yorkshire
Structure Plan and the Lancashire Structure Plan.
The Lancashire Structure Plan (deposit edition 2002) includes a target of no net loss of heritage assets, networks or settings. The degree of protection given to a heritage asset will reflect its position within the hierarchy of designations. Greatest protection is assigned to sites or features of international importance followed in descending order by national (including AONBs) importance.
The North Yorkshire Joint Structure Plan (Pre-Deposit Consultation Draft) gives priority to the conservation of the landscapes and general amenity of AONBs and National Parks including the Forest of Bowland AONB and includes a presumption against development and mineral extraction and the stipulation that permitted development should '..conserve and, where appropriate, enhance the character..'.
Several local plans affecting the Forest of Bowland are currently awaiting adoption.
Other AONB publications
The Forest of Bowland Landscape, Countryside Commission, 1992 (CCP 399, £7.50)
Action on the ground
The AONB Unit are currently preparing a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund's Landscape Partnership Scheme.
Key projects being implemented include Pendleside Integrated Access and Linking Town and Country.
Active conservation organisations
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Lancashire Wildlife Trust.
