Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
Possible County Council services’ contribution to relevant Delivery Plan actions 2009 - 2013, in and adjacent
to the AONB.
CONSERVE AND ENHANCE NATURAL BEAUTY
Landscape
Proposed Action in AONB Delivery Plan
Planned activity/contribution
Possible extension activity/contribution
2. Work with adjacent urban local
authorities to undertake more detailed
landscape sensitivity studies of the urban
hinterland to identify measures to conserve
and enhance the special qualities of the
landscape.
Work with Dacorum Borough Council to
establish how such areas should be dealt with
in the Local Development Framework
Aiming to extend this work as part of a
Green Infrastructure exercise around Hemel
Hempstead.
3. Promote and support green infrastructure
planning for new areas of development and
to better link existing settlements with
surrounding countryside.
Develop and promote a Green Infrastructure
Framework for Hertfordshire.
Contribute to the North Hertfordshire Green
Infrastructure proposals for East of Luton
Contribute to the North Hertfordshire Green
Infrastructure proposals for East of Luton
Work with Dacorum Borough Council to
establish how such areas should be dealt with
in the Local Development Framework
Work with Dacorum Borough Council to
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Aiming to extend this work as part of a
Green Infrastructure exercise around Hemel
Hempstead.
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
develop Green Space Strategy.
Work with Three Rivers District Council, to
develop Green Infrastructure assets around
Rickmansworth Aquadrome, as part of a
Colne and Gade Valley ‘Blue Infrastructure’
Project, including improvement programme
funded by Aggregates Levy Sustainability
Fund
6. Publish good practice guidance for land
managers and target new owners of land
and those involved in equestrianism and
other non traditional uses of land.
9. Support provision of training in the skills
needed by land managers to conserve and
enhance the landscape.
10. Support initiatives which help local
people and visitors understand and enjoy
the landscape.
13. Promote targeting and uptake of
environmental stewardship schemes
generally, and actively lobby for provision of
options most appropriate to the AONB.
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Support the AONB Land Management Group
in the production of the Chilterns Guide.
Promote LEADER programme amongst
relevant communities, ‘sponsoring’ at least
one successful project proposal each year.
Deliver at least one pond management and
one hedgelaying training event each year.
Deliver at least 6 Walks and More events
linked to Chilterns Country Walks and existing
AONB programmes such as Chalk Streams
Continue to provide support to land managers
And support at least three scheme
applications per annum.
Make contact with relevant land owners not
in HLS in Natural England target area –
high level of take up would have resource
implications
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
14. Support management of trees,
woodlands, chalk grassland, commons,
hedges, chalk streams and other
characteristic landscape features.
17. Encourage the implementation of high
quality landscape design and management
which respects and enhances the
landscape, particularly in and around
settlements of all sizes.
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Produce and consult upon a management
plan for Oughtonhead Common for North
Herts District Council.
Ensure Herts Landscape Character
Assessment is referenced before plans
preparation.
Work with Dacorum Borough Council to
establish how this can be referenced in the
Local Development Framework.
Ensure Herts Landscape Character
Assessment is referenced before plans
preparation.
Reflect in Green Infrastructure assessments
around settlements fringing AONB
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
CONSERVE AND ENHANCE NATURAL BEAUTY
Farming and Forestry
Proposed Action in AONB Delivery Plan
Planned activity/contribution
Possible extension activity/contribution
3. Support the provision of advice and
training to promote management of
woodlands especially those in public
ownership and under 20 hectares.
4. Promote uptake of environmental
stewardship and woodland management
schemes particularly where they contribute
to landscape and biodiversity gain.
5. Promote the sustainable production of
timber and other woodland products
especially where this helps achieve multiple
objectives e.g. PAWS, Biodiversity Action
Plan, local landscape design plans.
Ensure advice to land managers includes
appropriate management of woodlands. Refer
to/engage Chilterns Woodland Project where
appropriate.
Continue to provide support to land managers,
and support at least three scheme
applications per annum.
Link to emerging proposals for an Ancient
Woodland Management project (Regionally
supported FWAG programme based in
Bedfordshire)
Contact all landowner in Higher Level
Scheme target area.
Provide support to land managers in
applications to Woodland Grant Scheme.
Refer to/engage Chilterns Woodland Project
where appropriate.
Link to emerging proposals for an Ancient
Woodland Management project (Regionally
supported FWAG programme based in
Bedfordshire)
9. Organise, support and coordinate
activities which help the public to
understand better and appreciate the
impact of farming and forestry.
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Plan, publicise and lead 2 public events per
year that promote appreciation of farming and
forestry issues in North Herts.
Walks and More events – at least 6 events
linked to Chilterns Country Walks and relevant
AONB programmes such as Chalk Streams
Project.
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
10. Encourage appropriate management of
landscape features and habitats, in
particular chalk grassland, chalk streams,
ponds, ancient and semi natural woodlands
and hedgerows.
11. Encourage appropriate management of
commons especially by grazing and other
beneficial farming and forestry activity.
12. Support the identification, celebration
and management of special trees and
woods.
Further develop Volunteer Pond Survey in
Dacorum (35% (120) of known ponds have
been surveyed). Ensure at least 50% of ponds
surveyed by end of 2009 - 2010
Offer Wildlife Site focussed land management
advisory service with referral to grant and
funding sources where applicable.
Produce and consult upon a management
plan for Oughtonhead Common for NHDC
including maintenance of grazing
management. Support the local grazier to
develop a sites grazing business.
Continue to directly support management on
the largest commons in and close to the
AONB - Chorleywood and Berkhamsted
As part of advisory service, provide advice to
land managers on the appropriate
management of special trees and woods.
Actively supporting Tree Warden Scheme in
Dacorum, running 3 training courses per
annum.
15. Encourage collaboration and networking Participate in promoting partnerships between
between farm and woodland enterprises to
land managers leading to the uptake of
maintain viable businesses particularly
LEADER grants from the Chilterns and where
those contributing to habitat management.
appropriate EHDC/NHDC/Uttlesford
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Develop proposals for pond management
project and secure external funding.
Contact every landowner not in ELS – high
level of take up would have resource
implications
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
17. Support the identification, management
and planting of new hedgerow and in-field
trees.
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programmes.
Actively supporting Tree Warden Scheme in
Dacorum will run 3 training courses in next
year encouraging tree planting activity.
Develop, secure external funding and
support a hedgerow trees project with the
tree wardens.
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
CONSERVE AND ENHANCE NATURAL BEAUTY
Biodiversity
Proposed Action in AONB Delivery Plan
Planned activity/contribution
Possible extension activity/contribution
1. Develop projects to implement
Biodiversity Action Plans, and ensure
continuity across county boundaries.
Further develop Volunteer Pond Survey in
Dacorum (35% (120) of known ponds have
been surveyed). Ensure at least 50% of ponds
surveyed by end of 2009 - 2010
Using the results of the survey will make
bids for resources.
2. Support and develop landscape scale
initiatives and green infrastructure projects
which extend and connect fragmented
habitats and sites.
Establish a programme to assess condition
of all Wildlife Sites in AONB (Herts). Devise
stretch target deliver improvements as
measured by National Indicator 197
(condition of Local/Wildlife Sites).
Participate in the production of the North Herts Aiming to extend this work as part of a CIAT
Green Infrastructure and support delivery at
exercise around Hemel Hempstead.
East of Luton.
Work with Dacorum Borough Council to
develop a Green Space Strategy.
Work with Three Rivers District Council, to
develop Green Infrastructure assets around
Rickmansworth Aquadrome, as part of a
Colne and Gade Valley ‘Blue Infrastructure’
Project, including improvement programme
funded by Aggregates Levy Sustainability
Fund
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Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
5. Conserve and enhance biodiversity on
common land through development of a
Chilterns Commons Project.
10. Develop and support initiatives to
involve more local people in wildlife
conservation in the Chilterns and support
existing community environmental activity.
12. Develop approaches to monitor visitor
impacts on sensitive habitats and support
initiatives to relieve pressure on the most
sensitive sites and wildlife habitats.
13. Work with urban communities adjacent
to the AONB to raise awareness and
understanding of the management needs of
wildlife in the Chilterns.
13. Work with urban communities adjacent
to the AONB to raise awareness and
understanding of the management needs of
wildlife in the Chilterns.
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Participate in developing the bid and
application to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Support the Friends of Oughtonhead Common
in their onsite management activity.
Ensure volunteer development work linked to
Volunteer Standard is applied to all existing
initiatives such as Parish Paths, Health Walk
Leaders, Footpath Friends, Tree Wardens,
and Friends of Groups.
Implement relevant actions in Ashridge
Cycling Strategy
Support the Friends of Oughtonhead Common
to implement management.
Deliver at least 6 events linked to Chilterns
Country provision and existing AONB
programmes such as Chalk Streams.
Existing initiatives probably define practical
scope of volunteer engagement with CMS potential to develop e.g. Tree Warden role
to a wider Environmental Warden – would
need more resources for CMS and partners
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
14. Improve interpretation of Chilterns
wildlife and countryside management.
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Implement interpretation plan for
Oughtonhead Common, Hitchin, on the
outskirts of the AONB.
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
CONSERVE AND ENHANCE NATURAL BEAUTY
Water Environment
Proposed Action in AONB Delivery Plan
2. Provide site-specific advice and support
for management of chalk rivers, particularly
targeting areas with UK BAP priority
species such as water voles.
3. Support management of important
riverside trees, especially willow pollards.
Planned activity/contribution
Produce and consult upon a management
plan for Oughtonhead Common for NHDC.
5. Prepare and implement landscape and
wildlife management plans for all major
rivers.
Work to further refine/develop plans for Rivers
– Gade, Bulbourne and Ver.
8. Encourage the management of existing
ponds – particularly those on farmland and
commons - to enhance their biodiversity
and support the creation of new ponds.
Provide land management advice to relevant
Parish Councils as part of the Dacorum Ponds
Project.
Produce and host on the web a good practice
guide to the management, restoration and
creation of willow pollards.
Further develop Volunteer Pond Survey in
Dacorum (35% (120) of known ponds have
been surveyed). Ensure at least 50% of ponds
surveyed by end of 2009 - 2010
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Possible extension activity/contribution
Develop proposals for pond management
project and secure external funding.
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
9. Encourage the involvement of local
communities in the management of their
local streams, rivers and ponds.
Support the Friends of Oughtonhead Common
in their onsite management activity.
Develop proposals for pond management
project and secure external funding.
Further develop Volunteer Pond Survey in
Dacorum (35% (120) of known ponds have
been surveyed). Ensure at least 50% of ponds
surveyed by end of 2009 - 2010
10. Support measures to promote
environmentally-sustainable recreation and
tourism initiatives based on local rivers and
canals.
11. Collate existing data on ponds in the
AONB and support further pond survey
initiatives.
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Actively supporting Dacorum Environmental
Forum Water Group to develop and implement
action plan.
Produce 9 circular walks linked to River Ver in
partnership with Ver Valley Society with
associated infrastructure improvements (grant
aided by Heritage Lottery Fund).
Review existing series of Grand Union Canal
walks in and around the Bulbourne Valley
Further develop Volunteer Pond Survey in
Dacorum (35% (120) of known ponds have
been surveyed). Ensure at least 50% of ponds
surveyed by end of 2009 - 2010
Develop proposals for pond management
project and secure external funding.
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
UNDERSTANDING AND ENJOYMENT
Proposed Action in AONB Delivery Plan
1. Implement a Countryside for All
promotional campaign to encourage those
groups currently under represented.
2. Enhance provision of on-site information
and interpretation where appropriate.
Develop an on-going and co-ordinated
events programme with broad appeal.
3. Promote investment in access and
recreation facilities on appropriate sites to
improve the quality of visitor experience.
4. Develop improved access links between
town and country, in particular where new
development is proposed through green
infrastructure initiatives.
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Planned activity/contribution
Support development and ensure campaign
‘reaches’ relevant Hertfordshire communities.
Undertake a phased Equalities Assessment of
the activity/programme in Hertfordshire.
Produce interpretation panels at Oughtonhead
Common (Hitchin). Deliver on-site walks that
contribute to the AONB wide programme.
Ensure at least one Walks and More event for
all relevant sites and promoted routes.
Improve all of the access points onto
Oughtonhead Common and create an Easy
Access Trail that provides more users with the
opportunity to enjoy this site.
Contribute to the implementation of Ashridge
Cycling Strategy and deliver Ver Valley
Programme
Contribute to the North Hertfordshire Green
Infrastructure proposals for East of Luton.
Work with Dacorum Borough Council to
establish how rural/urban fringe areas should
be addressed in the Local Development
Framework
Possible extension activity/contribution
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
Develop Green Infrastructure GI around
Rickmansworth as part of Colne and Gade
Valley Blue Infrastructure Project
5. Enhance management of common land
to provide public benefits including
recreation, access, healthy lifestyles and
education.
6. Enhance accessibility of suitable sites
and routes through physical improvements
and provision of information.
9. Develop a Countryside Close to Home
initiative to encourage non car-based visits.
Improve all of the access points onto
Oughtonhead Common and create an Easy
Access Trail that provides more users with the
opportunity to enjoy this site.
Continue to support the management of the
largest commons in and close to the AONB Chorleywood and Berkhamsted, and trial the
reintroduction of grazing where approved.
Risk Assess all Hitchin Health Walk routes.
Identify accessibility barriers, opportunities for
way-marking and surface faults and improve
for users.
Pilot ’nature notes’ and other information
linked to at least 5 Health Walks routes in
order to enhance walk experience.
Working with DBC on how areas such as
these should be dealt with in the LDF –
currently working with DBC to develop Green
Space Strategy.
Develop Green Infrastructure around
Rickmansworth as part of Colne and Gade
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Greater awareness, enjoyment and use of
common land for recreation by local
communities.
Extend to all Health Walk routes in/near to
the AONB
Extend to all Health Walk routes in/near to
the AONB
Develop/extend this work as part of a CIAT
exercise around Hemel Hempstead.
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
Valley Blue Infrastructure Project
13. Actively promote the health and other
well-being benefits of visiting the
countryside and quiet leisure activities.
15. Promote the Ridgeway and Thames
Path National Trails, The Chiltern Way and
other promoted walking and cycling routes,
including the Chilterns Country series.
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Maintain active group of at least 25 trained
Health walk leaders in Dacorum. Promotion to
include 4000 copies of programme distributed,
website and 3 press releases per annum.
Regularly monitor condition of Chilterns
Country Walks in Herts and take any
necessary action to maintain quality of routes
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC WELL-BEING
Proposed Action in AONB Delivery Plan
1. Provide information on public transport
especially to reach sensitive recreation
sites.
8. Develop initiatives to encourage
volunteering, participation and local pride in
the Chilterns environment.
9. Support appropriate activities in the
countryside which promote good health and
a sense of well-being, such as health walks
and conservation work projects.
Planned activity/contribution
Create a surfaced path link between local bus
stop and Oughtonhead Common to make
public transport access to this site physically
possible.
Work to a round Hitchin circular walk creating
short circuits from the town centre and
integrate use of the public transport system.
Route to offer views of the Chilterns.
CMS Volunteer Development Work linked to
Volunteer Standard. Existing initiatives such
as P3, PEAPs Health Walk Leaders, Footpath
Friends, Tree Wardens, Friends of Groups
Manage the Hitchin Health Walks Project
providing walks into the countryside to the
west of Hitchin and develop at least 3 new
within the Chilterns
Lead occasional, themed one-off health walks
that promote aspects of the Chilterns and
provide guidance to walk leaders on key facts
to provide to walkers to raise awareness in the
Chilterns.
Continue extensive health walk programme in
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Possible extension activity/contribution
Existing initiatives probably define practical
scope of volunteer engagement with CMS potential to develop e.g. Tree Warden role
to a wider Environmental Warden – would
need more resources for CMS and partners
Agenda Item 4, Appendix A
Chilterns AONB Management Plan 2008 – 2013 RAP Report Jan 09
and around AONB. Continue to offer
volunteer tasks as part of the regular midweek
programme
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