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Landscape

Breadcrumbs

Management arrangements in the High Weald AONB

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The High Weald AONB Unit; a strategic, specialist team furthers understanding of the area, advises on its management and enables action to conserve it.  It currently comprises of a team of 5 core staff.  They are funded and guided by the High Weald AONB Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) which is composed of representatives from the 15 local authorities, the Countryside Agency and individuals drawn from High Weald Forum member organisations to represent community, recreation, farming , landowning and nature conservation interests.  It meets 3-4 times a year.

The JAC reports to the High Weald Forum, a partnership of over 40 local authorities, national and regional bodies and amenity groups with a responsibility for policy and action that affects the AONB.  The work of the JAC, Unit and Forum is guided by the High Weald AONB Management Plan published in 2004.  For further information on the work of the partnership and the AONB, visit their website www.highweald.org

 

Other AONB publications 

A landscape assessment entitled The High Weald: Exploring the landscape of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (CCP 466, £8.00) was published in 1994.

 

Action on the ground   

A number of projects have been instituted in the AONB by the High Weald Forum partners. These include: 

  • Ashdown Forest. The forest is administered and managed under the 1974 Ashdown Forest Act by a Board of Conservators appointed by the commoners and local authorities. A management scheme has been prepared to conserve the traditional landscape, including the reintroduction of heathland grazing and the provision of recreation facilities compatible with conservation. 
  • Public access land. There are three country parks in the AONB which are managed as busy recreation areas, Buchan Park, Hastings Country Park and Forest Way. The National Trust and Forestry Commission also maintain large areas of the AONB for public access. 
  • West Sussex Countryside Management Service operates in the area of the AONB within its boundary and runs a landscape restoration and conservation grants programme. The service is developing a voluntary ranger scheme with BTCV. 
  • Kent High Weald Project. The project was set up in mid 1991 and its area covers Tunbridge Wells Borough, most of which is within the High Weald AONB. The project aims to conserve the natural beauty and wildlife of the area, develop access and recreation opportunities and work with the community and landowners. The project is funded by Kent County Council, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and the Countryside Agency. Private sponsorship is also being sought. 
  • High Weald Agri-Environment scheme launched at a conference - What Future for Farming in the Weald - is being used to lobby Government for appropriate support for marginal farming areas. 
  • The Weald Woodnet promotes links between woodland owners, workers and users in order to encourage sustainable and economically viable management. 
  • Woodland Enterprises, a consortium of local organisations, is building a Woodland Enterprise Centre as a centre of excellence for the woodland industry.       

     

Active conservation organisations   
A number of local amenity societies are active, the best established being the Weald of Kent Preservation Society. Trusts established to acquire or manage land for its conservation include Kent Wildlife Trust, the Sussex Wildlife Trust, Sussex Archaeological Society, Woodland Trust, Kent Gardens Trust, Sussex Heritage Trust and the Landmark Trust. The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group has a dedicated High Weald Officer. 
 

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