Issue 1: August 2007.
STEP into the COTSWOLDS – Visitor Payback Scheme.
September 2007-2008
Information for businesses
What is the Step into the Cotswolds – Visitor Payback Scheme?
The Step into the Cotswolds –Visitor Payback Scheme is based on raising
awareness of the link between visitors to the Cotswolds and the landscape
that they are visiting. It encourages visitors to make financial contributions
towards the conservation of, and improving access to, the Cotswolds
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Step into the Cotswolds is part of a wider Cotswolds Green Tourism
Project which is managed by the Cotswolds Conservation Board in
partnership with West Oxfordshire District Council. The project is part
financed by the Cotswolds Conservation Board, European Community
West Oxfordshire Network LEADER + 2000-2006 Programme
and South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).
How does Step into the Cotswolds work?
Step into the Cotswolds businesses collect donations from their customers which they send in, on
a regular basis throughout the calendar year. Each business has its own unique way of collecting
funding. These might include:
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Opt in/ opt out. A small donation is placed on a visitor’s bill or booking fee. The visitor is
given the option of making a donation at point of booking or when paying the bill.
Voluntary donation boxes
Supplements on products or services – e.g. 5 pence added onto every ice cream sold.
The Step into the Cotswolds – Visitor Payback Scheme is based on well established best practice
Visitor Payback UK models including Ours to Look After (www.ourstolookafter.co.uk) and Connect
(www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org).
How will the money raised be spent?
All money raised between September 2007 and September 2008 will be spent on local access
improvement projects in the West Oxfordshire section of the Cotswolds AONB. Projects this year
will focus on creating circular walks on the existing Rights of Way network. Work will be carried out
by the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens with support from the Oxfordshire County Council Countryside
Services team. Accompanying walking guides will be designed and produced by the Cotswold
Conservation Board so that visitors can enjoy the walks which they have helped to create through
their voluntary donations.
Who are the Cotswolds Voluntary Wardens?
The Wardens are the voluntary arm of the Cotswolds Conservation Board. The
Cotswold Voluntary Wardens were established in 1968. They give more than
35,000 hours of their time each year to conserve and enhance the Cotswolds
AONB. Voluntary Wardens are a vital link between the Conservation Board and
local people. Work involves liaising with parish councils, farmers, local people and
visitors. The Wardens help to conserve and enhance the landscape of the
Cotswolds and maintain some of the public rights of way. Volunteers lead work
parties, guided walks and are often the public face of the board carrying out many
public duties and promotional work throughout the year.
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Conserving, enhancing, understanding and enjoying
the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Issue 1: August 2007.
How often will Step into the Cotswolds businesses send in donations?
Step into the Cotswolds businesses will be asked to send in donations on a regular basis.
A Step into the Cotswolds account has been created by West Oxfordshire District Council..
Businesses can choose whether to pay in donations by cheque or BACS payment. A paying in
form is available from the Cotswolds Conservation Board. A certificate showing the amount
donated will be issued which businesses can display in their businesses.
What happens next?
Once sufficient contributions have been raised, work will then start on the developing the circular
walks and promotional material. Our target this year is to raise £5,000 and complete the circular
walks by September 2008.
How can businesses become Step into the Cotswolds members?
Interested businesses need to complete the attached Membership Agreement Form, and sign both
copies. One copy of the agreement will need to be returned to the Cotswolds Conservation Board.
What are the benefits of becoming a member of Step into the Cotswolds?
Our stunning, high quality, traditional rural landscape attracts visitors to the area year after year. Its
no surprise then that the Cotswolds is designated an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB)
which means it is officially recognized as some of England’s finest countryside and as such, is
protected as a special landscape of national importance.
Protecting this amazing asset is of utmost importance and both local residents lucky enough to live
and work amidst this beauty and those who visit the area to enjoy it for a short time, have a role to
play in caring for the countryside, so that it remains ‘outstandingly beautiful’ for future generations.
The Cotswolds Conservation Board has the main task is striking the balance between conserving
the special landscape and the need to sustain thriving rural communities. Step into the Cotswolds
gives tourism businesses the opportunity to work with the Conservation Board to inform and
educate visitors about the AONB and the role they can play in conserving it. However, the Step
into the Cotswolds scheme is not just about helping the conservation effort - there are a number of
other benefits to being a member:
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Green credibility – Step into the Cotswolds membership gives businesses a unique selling
point that will appeal to the many visitors and residents who love this beautiful area
Marketing opportunities – free use of the Step into the Cotswolds logo on websites and in
advertising gives business members the chance to demonstrate their commitment to the
Step into the Cotswolds brand. Members also receive free entry on the Cotswolds
Conservation Board website – with links back to the business’ own website.
Visitor Payback Scheme leaflets and Step into the Cotswolds walking leaflets of the routes
which your business has help improve will also be made available to businesses.
Free publicity – Step into the Cotswolds will receive regular coverage in Cotswolds
Conservation Board publications including our popular newspaper, frequent media releases
and information and links on our website.
Regular updates and the chance to meet other Step into the Cotswolds businesses - a
great opportunity to network, exchange ideas and make valuable business connections.
For further information please contact: The Green Tourism Project Officer. The Cotswolds Conservation Board,
Fosse Way, Northleach, Gloucestershire, GL54 3JH. Tel: 01451 862000 Direct Tel: 01451 862037.
Email: sue.perry@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk Website: www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk.
The Cotswolds Green Tourism Project is managed by the Cotswolds Conservation Board in partnership with West Oxfordshire
District Council. The project is part financed by the Cotswolds Conservation Board, European Community West Oxfordshire
Network LEADER + 2000-2006 Programme and South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).
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Conserving, enhancing, understanding and enjoying
the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Issue 1: August 2007.
Step into the Cotswolds – Visitor Payback Scheme
Membership Agreement
September 2007- 2008
The Cotswolds Conservation Board guarantees that the Step into the Cotswolds –
Visitor Payback Scheme Information is a correct representation of the Scheme.
Donations given by your business will help fund the following project: Circular walks in the
West Oxfordshire section of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Project end:
Sept 2008.
Signed:
………………………………………………………
Date
………………
Green Tourism
Project Officer.
Name of business:
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Contact name:
……………………………………………………………………………………
Address:
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………
Email:
……………………………………… Tel no:……………………………………
Business type:
……………………………………………………………………………………
I/we will be using the following method (s) of collecting voluntary donations.
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Opt in/ Opt out
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Voluntary donation box
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Supplements on products
or services – e.g. 5 pence
on every ice cream sold.
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Further information:
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
……………………………………………………
Other
……………………………………………………
I/ we aim to raise £ xxxxx in voluntary donations
between Sept 2007 – September 2008
……………………………………………………
I/ will be sending donations in by Cheque or ……………………………………………………
BACS payment.
Monthly
Quarterly
Bi annual
Annual
I/we have read the Step into the Cotswolds – Visitor Payback Scheme Information. I/ we
would like my business to become a member of the scheme. I/we agree that all donations
collected under the brand Step into the Cotswolds Scheme will be forwarded to the
3relevant bodies.
Conserving,
enhancing,
understanding
and
enjoying
Signed :
…………………………… Print Name: ……………………………………….
the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Date:
……………..