Breadcrumbs
First management plan to protect Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty put in place – 10 June 2002
The new plan was put together with advice and funding from the Countryside Agency. All local authorities responsible for the 37 AONBs in England have a new statutory duty to produce these management plans, which aim to ensure that AONBs - some of England’s finest countryside - are protected and managed for future generations.
Marian Spain, head of the Countryside Agency's finest countryside team, said: “AONBs are very special places which need careful conservation for current and future generations. Having a good management strategy is an important part of conservation because it sets a vision for the future, helps decide what needs to be done and encourages everybody to play their part. We were extremely pleased to see that the CROW Act gave production of these plans statutory backing and are even more pleased to see the first one published.
“I congratulate the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths AONB in being the first in the country to publish its new plan. The Countryside Agency looks forward to working with everybody in the area to implement the plans so we can see some of their exciting ideas become reality.
“We also look forward to working with local authorities and AONB partnerships across the country to follow the lead set by Suffolk Coast and Heaths and bring everybody who cares for our AONBs together to produce high quality plans”.
The Suffolk Coasts and Heaths management strategy brings together all the key partners and stakeholders involved in the AONB so that they can plan a bright future for the area. From local authorities and national government agencies to conservation groups and farmers, all parties have worked together to devise a plan of action and have pledged their support to putting it into place.
Notes to editors:
For further information please contact Julia Bailey in the Countryside Agency press office on 020 7340 2909.
The Countryside Agency is responsible for advising government and taking action on issues affecting the social, economic and environmental well being of the English countryside. www.countryside.gov.uk
The 37 AONBs in England cover around 15% of England. They are designated to conserve their landscape qualities. They have exactly the same landscape status as National Parks.
Last year, the government raised the importance of AONBs by introducing new laws for their management and protection in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
The Countryside Agency is offering funding of up to 75% for the costs of managing AONBs, including producing management plans. It has published advice for local authorities and others on how to prepare plans. Grants are also available to put projects into practice on the ground.
