Breadcrumbs
Management arrangements in the Kent Downs AONB
The Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) comprises of member level representations from each of its 12 constituent local authorities, officer level representation from the Countryside Agency, English Nature, DEFRA and Parish Councils. They meet twice a year and take a lead role on the strategic direction of the partnership, management plan, overall budget and the work of the Executive.
The Executive comprises of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the JAC, and officer level representatives from Kent County Council plus 4 other local authorities, the Countryside Agency, English Nature, National Trust, Parish Councils and the farming community. It meets 4-6 times a year. They are responsible for overseeing the preparation of the AONB management plan, advising on key issues, influencing the work of other bodies, and monitoring the work programme and expenditure of the AONB unit.
The AONB Unit comprises of a core team of 4.5 staff and two full time officers for INTERREG and HLF work. For further information on the work of the Unit and the AONB, visit their website www.kentdowns.org.uk
In 2004, the Kent Downs AONB unit published an AONB Management Plan on behalf of all 12 constituent local authorities. The plan includes a shared vision for the area for the next 5-20 years and shared actions for the next 5 years to help achieve the vision. It also includes aspirations and visionary policies which will influence and add value to existing plans and strategies. The adoption of the management plan by organisations is a clear commitment that they have due regard to the policies in the delivery of their functions within the AONB.
Other AONB publications
A landscape assessment titled 'The Kent Downs Landscape' (CCP479, £8.00) was published in 1995.
Action on the ground
The AONB unit works in partnership with a number of organisations to deliver AONB management plan objectives. To date work has focused on several areas:-
- conservation and enhancement of key landscape features including hedgerows, orchards, chalk grassland
- increasing opportunities for walking and cycling
- providing clearer information on tourism opportunities in the AONB and developing a co-ordinated approach to tourism marketing
- tackling urban fringe issues such as fly tipping, car dumping, illegal motorised use on footpaths and bridleways through landscape and access improvements
- celebrating and increasing understanding of the special characteristics of the area
- researching new and innovative approaches to conservation, enhancement, access and design including integrated guidance for meeting economic, access and recreation needs in woodlands
Active conservation organisations
Medway Valley Countryside Partnership, Kentish Stour Countryside Project, Rail Link Countryside Initiative, Cobham Ashenbank Management Scheme, North West Kent Countryside Project, Mid Kent Downs Project, BTCV, Wildlife Trusts and the National Trust.
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