South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
APPENDIX A
SOUTH DEVON AONB MANAGEMENT PLAN :
INITIAL CHAPTERS (FIRST DRAFT)
The South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Our Vision
The South Devon AONB will be a place where:
o A profitable mixed farming economy centred on high quality food production and sustainable land
management practices is developed and promoted.
o A diverse tapestry of small fields, managed hedges, small woodlands, hedgerow trees, winding
narrow lanes are the characteristic of the AONB, together with windswept coastal plateaux with
large, open fields and stone walls.
o A rich and diverse wildlife flourishes within the mainstream of farming and forestry activity.
o Habitats and species of conservation concern are protected and managed to ensure that they are
maintained or enhanced.
o Understanding and knowledge of farming, habitat conservation and countryside management
engages the active support and involvement of landowners, organisations, rural communities and
visitors.
o Agricultural and woodland produce from the AONB finds secure local markets, and residents,
visitors, organisations and businesses in the area chose to buy locally sourced goods where
possible.
o The unique, distinctive and irreplaceable assets of the AONB are clearly understood, widely
appreciated and actively protected.
o The qualities of tranquillity, with contrasting remote and intimate landscapes, are prominent and
defining features of the AONB.
o The AONB is widely understood as a cultural landscape, with a rich and irreplaceable seam of
historic and archaeological remains.
o Areas of wild and rugged coastline are experienced in which evidence of human intervention is
kept to a minimum.
o A comprehensive and well-linked network of recreational trails provides opportunities for
residents and visitors to enjoy the countryside on foot, on horseback and by bicycle.
o Clear sign posting of routes, high standards of path maintenance and good interpretative
information enhance visitor experience.
o Well-managed sites with high quality facilities and recreational opportunities provide a highly
regarded destination and increased access for all opportunities
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South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
o Visitors can contribute to the conservation and well-being of the countryside through green
tourism initiatives.
o The highest standards of environmental quality are met for air and water
o Waste products, toxins and nutrients are contained and properly disposed of, and not discharged
into the aquatic environment
o The communities who live in the area are aware and proud of their AONB and regard the
designation as a positive asset.
o The area is a living countryside with active communities and a broad demographic structure is
supported.
o A working countryside provides year-round, sustainable and well-paid employment opportunities
with a business sector in which high standards of environmental performance are acknowledged
and rewarded.
o There is convenient and safe travel along an attractive rural road network but speed and volume of
traffic is not oppressive to the character of the area or the well being of residents.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Agriculture and the farmed landscape
Agriculture and the farmed landscape: successes and achievements
o Given the recent crises afflicting agriculture, many farmers regard it as an achievement that they
are still in business at all. The future of agriculture is on the political and public agenda and
pressures are mounting for a reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.
o The take-up of agri-environment grant schemes, and heightened awareness of environmental
issues amongst the farming community, has brought benefits to the landscape of the AONB, to
wildlife and to the farming community.
o Improved linkages between food producers, processors and markets through direct sales, farmers
markets, “food link” schemes and joint marketing projects, has begun to provide opportunities for
diversification and adding value in local agriculture, supported by a greater public awareness of
food quality and sourcing. Self-help groups and advisory projects such as “Orchard Link” and
Agri-BIP provide technical and marketing support.
o The move to integrated farm management, such as through the “whole farm plans” prepared by
the National Trust with its tenants, has been a positive development.
Agriculture and the farmed landscape: issues
o Traditional family mixed farms are declining, accompanied by an ageing farming population, the
loss of traditional skills and an increasing burden of regulation and administration. The
amalgamation of farms into larger units worked by contractors, and the arrival of new owners with
little or no experience of local farm management, are leaving some traditional farm management
practices behind.
o Some of the most environmentally sensitive farm locations, particularly exposed holdings on thin
coastal soils, are at the margins of economic viability. Some farms are staying in business by
selling off assets, such as barns for residential conversion.
o The pressure on farm profitability leads to farming practices that are unsustainable and damaging
both to the environment and to the long-term assets of the farms themselves, with extensive soil
erosion, dilapidation or mis-management of hedges and boundaries, nutrient run-off and arable
cultivation on inappropriate slopes.
o There remains a low level of public understanding and awareness of the pressures on farming and
the traditions of land management.
o Finding local solutions is hindered by the global nature of the problem: much depends on the
strength of the pound, the Common Agricultural Policy, cheap imports of poorer quality food, the
purchasing policies of large retailers, declining farm incomes, and world commodity prices and
surpluses of production.
o The main Countryside Stewardship grant scheme is under-resourced, does not address well the
needs and uncertainties of small farmers, and fails to reward those farmers who already manage
their land in an environmentally sensitive way. Uncertainty is a major hindrance to long-term
planning and participation in agri-environment grant schemes.
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South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Agriculture and the farmed landscape: management plan objectives
The AONB Management Plan will promote:
o A profitable, mixed farming economy based on quality food production, extensive livestock
rearing with high standards of animal welfare, and sustainable land management practices.
o The active conservation management of the traditional farmed landscape and environmentally
sound farming practices, supported by well resourced and flexible incentive grant schemes.
o Initiatives which promote marketing and local processing and distribution of high quality
distinctive local food.
o Awareness among local residents, organisations and visitors about the benefits to the landscape,
economy and social fabric of purchasing locally sourced foods
Agriculture: priorities for action
o The urgent priority is to shift agri-environment grants towards a broader, better resourced
programme based on rewarding sustainable conservation management rather than on income
foregone. A small, flexible, programme of capital grants similar to the EU-funded land
management grant scheme run by the Coast and Countryside Service is also required.
o There is a need to ensure that “modulation payments” are not redirected away from farms.
o Good co-ordination is needed to integrate the range of conservation organisations, advisory
services and grants, with assistance provided for “whole farm environmental planning” where
there is demand for it.
o The active promotion of positive land management solutions is required, with more sensitive
hedge management a particular priority given the significance of hedgerows to the character of the
AONB, and appropriate cropping patterns and soil conservation measures.
o Further shortening of the food chain is required by developing new local slaughtering and cutting
facilities, co-ordinated transport and distribution, niche marketing, local labelling, direct sales to
local supermarkets and the service sector, and farm gate sales. Developing a South Devon brand
as a quality product with high standards of environmental management and animal welfare may be
possible.
o The continued promotion of “buy local” campaigns to influence local consumer behaviour will be
essential.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Trees and woodlands
Trees and Woodlands: successes and achievements
o Community involvement in the tree warden scheme, community woodlands, local planting
schemes and events such as the South Hams Wood Fair, have successfully generated tremendous
public enthusiasm for trees and woodlands.
o The government has given greater emphasis to multi-purpose woodlands through the England
Forestry Strategy and through more clearly focused grants
o Projects such as “Working Woodlands” and “WoodWorks” have developed employment in the
woodland industry; WoodWorks is currently ongoing within the South Hams.
o Many hundreds of small amenity planting schemes have been undertaken by individual
landowners, together with larger schemes like the Woodland Trust’s Watkins Wood site.
o The development of timber accreditation schemes and the UK Forest Standard has begun to
provide opportunities for sustainably grown produce.
o A directory of local woodland and countryside services was produced for the South Hams, and has
now been integrated into a directory for the South West region.
Trees and woodlands: challenges to be met
o The markets for bulk, low value timber and produce are very poor in the area, the low prices
providing little incentive for owners to manage woodlands productively. The area meets little of
its own needs for woodland produce from its own resources, with most timber products being
imported.
o Much woodland stands derelict and unmanaged, particularly the small farm woodlands on
inaccessible valley slopes and riversides, which are such a distinctive feature of the AONB
landscape.
o The woodland industry, particularly on the processing side, is fragmented and poorly organised.
o The public has proved resistant to woodland planting and felling operations, and there is a lack of
understanding of the cycle of woodland management and the forestry economy.
o There has been no clear guidance on the appropriate location for new planting schemes within the
area, or on the choice of species and provenance of seed.
o There has been a loss of confidence and purpose in the planting of the specimen trees of the future
in public open spaces, streets, parklands, hedges and on prominent hilltops.
o There are other significant barriers to new woodland planting, including the complexity of the
woodland grant scheme, the high price of land (and subsequent devaluation once planted), the
high cost of fencing, the expense of certification schemes, and the cost of obtaining good
professional advice.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Trees and woodlands: management plan objectives
The AONB Management Plan will promote:
o The planting and management of woodlands as a primary feature of the AONB landscape.
o Public understanding of the woodland economy and community involvement in woodland
planting, management and stewardship.
o Development of profitable forestry activities based on sustainably managed woods, local
processing and nearby markets.
o The planting and management of fine specimen trees at prominent locations.
Trees and woodlands: priorities for action
o There is an urgent need to carry out a feasibility study for the development of secure, effective and
profitable local markets for bulk woodland produce, such as a “wood-heat” energy production
scheme and a “wood-meet” networking partnership, in order to give value to woodlands and
stimulate their active conservation.
o Other schemes to develop forestry employment and add value to the woodland industry have been
piloted in the South Hams and could be introduced to the AONB, such as “Working Woodlands”,
“tree stations”, and the application of harvesting and marketing grants.
o The area of woodland cover in the AONB should be increased gradually to at least the regional
average of 9% (against the current 7.2%). The AONB Plan should provide guidelines, based on
landscape character assessment, for the appropriate siting of new planting schemes and the choice
of species.
o Targeted awareness raising, particularly through the purchasing policies of local organisations,
should promote the purchase of local woodland produce where the supply has been established.
o The planting and management of small community woodlands by local residents close to villages
and towns should continue to be supported, where these will bring benefits for informal
recreation, the landscape and wildlife. Permissive access to private woodlands should also be
encouraged in appropriate locations.
o The tradition of planting and managing of specimen trees in streets, parklands, hedges and on
hilltops should be promoted, guided by clear landscape objectives.
o The good management of existing trees and woodlands should be actively encouraged, to achieve
a balanced age structure and long term timber quality.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Nature conservation
Nature conservation: successes and achievements
o The publication of Biodiversity Action Plans at national, regional and county level, and Estuary
Management Plans at local level, have provided an extensive framework of nature conservation
targets and priorities covering a broad range of habitats and species.
o The growth in farm conservation grants through Countryside Stewardship, Wildlife Enhancement
Schemes and the EU-funded AONB grant programme, has begun to yield benefits for coastal
grasslands, conservation margins around fields, winter stubbles and a range of other habitat
features.
o Improved co-ordination between the various conservation organisations – FWAG, Devon Wildlife
Trust, RSPB, English Nature, National Trust, Barn Owl Trust, etc – is allowing wildlife action to
be carefully directed at key species, such as cirl buntings, shore dock, barn owls, bats and otters,
and their habitats.
o Further recent acquisitions of land by the National Trust, together with land already held by the
Trust and other public and conservation organisations, have brought important nature conservation
sites into protective ownership and active conservation management.
o A heightened awareness of conservation issues has provided a more constructive climate for
debating some of the more complex nature conservation challenges, such as soil erosion, coastal
habitat squeeze and marine conservation.
Nature conservation: challenges to be met
o There is a continuing gradual erosion of diversity and decline of “common” wildlife species and
their habitats across much of the farmed landscape of the AONB.
o The array of conservation organisations, advisory services, protective designations and nature
conservation initiatives is seen, particularly by the farming community, as lacking leadership and
co-ordination, while current grant schemes are under-resourced, inflexible and ill-equipped to
deliver the required outcomes.
o Important coastal and marginal habitats are being “squeezed” into progressively smaller,
unconnected islands by a range of factors including coastal erosion, sea level rise, abandonment of
active management, agricultural intensification, sedimentation and nutrient enrichment.
o The local pressures on wildlife and habitats and the impacts of traditional land management
practices are not understood or appreciated by many people. Too often, the very attractiveness of
the landscape masks its sterility for wildlife, while important habitats are regarded as untidy or
valueless.
o The lack of good comprehensive local data about the extent and condition of wildlife habitats
continues to hinder decision-making and understanding.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Nature conservation: management plan objectives
The AONB Management Plan will promote:
o The management and enhancement of wildlife habitats throughout the AONB, with nature
conservation integrated into the mainstream of farming and forestry practice.
o A carefully co-ordinated advisory service by environmental organisations to support nature
conservation work by landowners.
o The development of clearly targeted action plans for important habitats and species.
o Adequate funding that rewards good nature conservation management by farmers.
o The holistic planning of wildlife corridors to ensure connectivity of habitats.
o High standards of management of the most important protected nature conservation sites.
o A comprehensive programme of research and survey work.
Nature conservation: priorities for action
o The key priority is to halt and reverse the decline in “common” wildlife species and habitats
across the broad farmed landscape of the AONB through land management practices that are
sustainable, appropriate and financially viable.
o Clearer co-ordination and leadership is needed to integrate the range of conservation
organisations, advisory services, designations and plans, delivering funding streams for
conservation management by landowners. Liaison is required with relevant agencies to greatly
enhance funding options and increase their flexibility.
o There is a need to engage the understanding and active involvement of organisations, landowners,
residents and visitors in conservation management, particularly owners new to the area who do not
have experience of traditional land management in South Devon.
o Carefully targeted positive management is needed for special habitats of particular significance to
the AONB, including coastal grasslands, estuaries, hedges, woodlands, acid heath, unimproved
grassland, reed beds, sand dunes, shingle and wetlands. Planned “buffering” and “migration” of
habitats is needed where they are threatened by nearby development, erosion or nutrient
enrichment.
o The AONB Management Plan will act as a local Biodiversity Plan for the area, providing clear
targets, priorities and programmes.
o Bringing Sites of Special Scientific Interest and other protected sites into “favourable conservation
status” is a key target of English Nature.
o A programme of habitat survey work is required to provide sound baseline data.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Archaeology and the historic landscape
Archaeology and history: successes and achievements
o Active conservation management has been undertaken at prominent archaeological sites such at
Fort Charles (Salcombe) and Berry Head, while numerous smaller schemes to stabilise limekilns,
village wells and other “commonplace” historic features have also been completed. Increased
funding has been made available for the conservation of field monuments through agrienvironment grants.
o The membership of parish history groups and the involvement of parish societies in local
preservation projects reflect a strong interest in recording, communicating and safeguarding our
historic resources. There is increased public knowledge generally about archaeology, including
industrial and military archaeology.
o The planning system is securing higher standards of protection and conservation for historic
buildings, supported by Conservation Area appraisals and design guides, local authority advisory
services, the availability of repair grants, and comprehensive Local Plan policies.
o Historic research, excavation and survey work has provide valuable new information about
important sites such at Bantham Ham and Mothecombe beach and the military fortifications
around Plymouth, while the first in a series of parish heritage appraisals has provided an analysis
of landscape development in the area.
o Much needed statutory protection has been extended to additional archaeological sites by
Scheduled Ancient Monument designation.
Archaeology and history: key issues and challenges
o Although valuable research is being undertaken by parish groups, enthusiasts, local authorities and
English Heritage, the knowledge and information is fragmented, dispersed and not readily
accessible. Communication and partnership working between groups and organisations is poorly
developed.
o Much of our coastal and estuarine historic resource has already been inundated by earlier sea level
rise. The remaining sites are poorly documented (if at all), fragile and unstable, and are incurring
loss and damage from storm and erosion. Historic coastal military defences are deteriorating from
neglect, vandalism and misuse.
o The South Devon AONB is much more intensively farmed than many other AONBs and National
Parks. Deep ploughing is continually eroding buried prehistoric remains and the possible
introduction of new (deeper rooting) energy crops bring new threats. A mixture of conversion and
dereliction of historic field barns and homesteads has left very few in traditional use.
o There is a dearth of skills and locally sourced stone for historic building conservation.
o Archaeological survey, research, recording and advisory work remains poorly resourced in the
AONB.
o Thousands of small changes are being made, none particularly significant individually, but which
cumulatively have the affect of eroding the distinctive character of the AONB.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Archaeology and the historic environment: management plan objectives
The AONB Management Plan will promote the following objectives:
o The comprehensive recording and management of information about the archaeology and history
of the AONB which is well collated, readily accessible and clearly interpreted, and which is
informed by primary field research work by expert archaeologists and by historic landscape
characterisation studies.
o The active involvement of communities in the research, study, promotion, guardianship and
conservation of historic and archaeological features.
o The promotion of public access to those archaeological and historic sites that are well protected
and managed and best able to withstand visitor pressure.
o The active conservation management of archaeological features and their protection from
damaging land management practices such as deep ploughing, supported by good professional
advisory services.
o Proper account being taken of the archaeological resource by organisations in the conduct of their
functions.
o Widespread public understanding of the AONB as a cultural landscape.
Archaeology and history: priorities for action
o The development of more accessible and clearly interpreted historic and archaeological
information will be developed, through the establishment of a web-site, events and other media.
o The promotion of parish heritage contacts (similar in concept to the “tree warden scheme”) and
parish archives will be investigated as a way of promoting more effective communication between
local initiatives and professional archaeologists and to make information more locally available.
o The research and publication of parish heritage appraisals will be promoted to bring together,
interpret and present existing information about local historic resources.
o A programme of primary field survey is required of vulnerable coastal and estuarine sites and of
traditional farm buildings.
o The development of locally relevant agri-environment incentives will be sought, closely attuned to
the active management of historic landscape features, and with improved advice to landowners
and the application of cross-compliance requirements in order to arrest the current damage to field
monuments and to promote the active conservation of orchards, hedges and other historic
landscape features.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Seashore and estuaries
Seashore and estuaries: successes and achievements
o There have been major improvements to water quality and pollution control as a result of the
South West Water asset management programmes and the Local Environment Agency Plans. The
AONB’s beaches and foreshores are generally in good condition and kept clear of litter.
o A significant proportion of the most sensitive and unspoiled coastal sites have been brought into
protective public ownership by the National Trust and other organisations, bringing significant
improvements to their conservation and landscape management. Many private owners of coastal
sites also have very high standards of environmental management.
o Robust Local Plan policies in recent years have succeeded in protecting the undeveloped coastline
from sporadic and widespread development.
o Estuary Management Plans and local conservation forums have provided a framework for
communication, co-ordination, co-operation between agencies with wider community
involvement.
o The adoption of the Shoreline Management Plan has provided a more strategic framework for
inter-agency co-operation and coastal defence decision-making and investment.
Seashore and estuaries: key issues and challenges
o Climate change, storm events and sea level rise will continue to have a major impact on coastal
and estuarine infrastructure at certain locations, and hard decisions will need to be taken about the
appropriate response.
o Unsightly and intrusive coast defence structures have been installed at sensitive estuarine
locations.
o The standards of cleanliness required by the EU Bathing Water Quality Directive are not stringent
enough in themselves to guarantee really high levels of environmental quality. Diffuse pollution
from agricultural manure and agro-chemical run-off, nutrient enrichment, algal blooms, the
presence of viruses and hormones in sewage discharges, storm overflows at sewage works, and
local pollution from boating activities (sewage, fuels and paints) all continue to have an impact on
coastal waters, shellfisheries and habitats.
o Intertidal habitats will be subject to squeeze as a result of sea level change.
o There is increased pressure to develop shellfisheries as a result of the decline in the wet-fishing
industry.
o Moorings and marinas have spread within the estuaries.
o Funding for integrated coastal zone management and estuary management remains insecure and
inadequate.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Seashore and estuaries: management plan objectives
The AONB Management Plan will promote:
o The highest standards of water quality and litter management in the estuaries and on the coast.
o The adoption of sound land management practices that minimise the discharge of nutrients,
wastes, soils and toxins into the water environment.
o The retention of the overall area of intertidal habitats by planned migration where they are under
threat of “coastal squeeze” and conditions allow.
o The use of natural processes and “soft defences” in coastline management wherever possible,
accompanied by the relocation of coastal infrastructure to more sustainable locations where there
is space to accommodate it. Wherever an engineered intervention is required, sensitive design that
minimises the visual impact of the defences will be encouraged.
o The development of sustainable commercial shellfisheries in appropriate estuary locations, for
their employment benefits, as a driver of water quality improvement and as a traditional feature of
the AONB economy.
o A tranquil and unspoiled coastline and estuaries with large areas undisturbed by development and
intrusive human activity.
Seashore and estuaries: priorities for action
o A shift in agri-environment grants towards a better resourced programme based on rewarding
sustainable conservation management will be sought, with the aim of reducing the discharge of
nutrients, wastes, soils and toxins into the water environment.
o The active promotion of integrated land management solutions and best farming practice is
required on a river catchment scale. Opportunities for trial partnership working on a river
catchment will be sought.
o Guidance for the construction of coast defences, particularly along estuaries, will be produced in
partnership with the planning authorities, with the aim of securing less obtrusive visual impacts.
o Detailed coastline management plans will be developed for those sites, which are most at risk
from erosion and serious damage to coastal infrastructure, in discussion with the landowners and
interested organisations involved.
o Research into rates of coastal erosion and the extent of intertidal habitats will be undertaken.
o The use of zonation will be investigated to resolve conflicts between different recreational and
commercial users of estuaries and inshore waters, accompanied by the control of launch points to
reduce the impact of noisy powerboat and jetski operation. The consolidation of existing moorings
into fewer areas will be sought in discussion with harbour authorities, to reduce the visual impact
of leisure boats on the estuaries.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Countryside recreation and access
Countryside recreation and access: successes and achievements
o The public rights of way network is generally in good condition. The development and
improvement of the South West Coast Path, the Dart Valley Trail, the Avon Estuary Walk and
other longer promoted trails has proved successful and popular.
o New access routes have continued to develop as more land has been brought into protective public
ownership, such as at Berry Head, Sharkham Point, Jennycliff, and a range of National Trust
properties, while farm walks and permissive access to private land have also provided new
opportunities. There have been many visual enhancements to path corridors, particularly the coast
path, where visually intrusive fence lines and inappropriate “furniture” have been removed or
relocated.
o The Parish Paths Partnership scheme has successfully involved communities in the care and
maintenance of public rights of way and has helped forge improved relationships between
landowners and recreational users.
o Improvements in waymarking, promotional leaflets, websites, maps and coast and countryside
event programmes have all provided opportunities for more informed and effective recreational
use of the countryside.
o The development of the award-winning South Hams Green Tourism project has shown the
potential for involving tourism businesses in improving their own environmental performance and
in raising “visitor payback” funding for green lane improvements.
Countryside recreation and access: key issues and challenges
o Intense recreational pressure at some heavily used sites continues to cause erosion, landscape
degradation and conflict. This is aggravated by severe rainwater run-off and coastal erosion.
o Some noisy and intrusive recreational activities disturb the tranquillity of the AONB and spoil the
enjoyment of others. A minority of inconsiderate people continue to behave inappropriately in the
countryside, failing to understand and respect the needs of those that live and work on the land.
Trespass, obstructive carparking and the poor management of dogs continue to be a focus of
concern.
o Although the physical network of walking opportunities is now largely complete, recreational
trails still have gaps and missing links and consequently fail to reach their potential. This applies
to horse-riding opportunities in particular.
o Access opportunities to the countryside are poor for the large proportion of people with special
requirements connected with infirmity, old age, disability and sensory impairment, and the use of
push-chairs and wheelchairs.
o A number of factors appear to be limiting opportunities for children from gaining understanding
of their countryside and access to it. Anxieties about allowing children to cycle on roads, go
walking alone or visit farms, combined with trends to less active lifestyles and transport modes,
and constraints on the school curriculum, may together be creating a kind of urban deprivation
even in the most rural areas. Further research is needed into this.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Countryside access and recreation: management plan objectives
The AONB Management Plan will promote the following objectives:
o A high standard of landscape and recreational management, visitor facilities and access
opportunities at the most heavily used destinations, concentrating resources and promotion on the
sites which are best able to accommodate and contain intensive recreational pressure.
o The identification of remote countryside areas where increased recreational pressure will not be
encouraged, thus preserving a sense of tranquillity and avoiding undue disturbance of sensitive
wildlife. In these areas, only small informal and unobtrusive carparking facilities will be
appropriate, and paths will be managed in a low key manner with the minimum of furniture and
intervention.
o A well-informed, understanding and considerate approach to countryside access by the public.
o A public rights of way network which is well signed, accessible, and easy to use.
o A comprehensive network of well-linked recreational routes and green lanes which are managed
as “conservation corridors” in partnership with landowners, and where countryside access is a
driver for grant aided environmental management.
o The provision of co-ordinated information about countryside recreation and access opportunities
which is accurate, well presented and readily available through a range of media.
o A tourism industry which benefits from, and contributes to, the environmental quality of the area.
Countryside recreation and access: priorities for action
o A communications programme is required to promote understanding, appropriate expectations and
considerate behaviour among recreational users of the countryside.
o The most heavily used countryside destinations require a sustained programme of maintenance,
repair and management to maintain the quality of their appearance and function.
o Opportunities will be sought to continue improving the connectivity and effectiveness of the
existing footpath network by filling missing gaps in partnership with landowners, using
permissive path agreements and Countryside Stewardship funding where relevant. This applies to
longer strategic estuary walks as well as to short village links serving local community needs.
o The development of the South Hams Green Tourism project and the “On The Right Tracks”
visitor payback scheme will continue to improve the environmental performance of the tourism
industry and bring benefits to the countryside.
o The development of opportunities will be sought for horse riding, including toll-ride schemes,
continued improvements to the green lane network, and improved information provision.
o While acknowledging the antagonism and frustrations of landowners, residents and walkers about
the Coast Path in the Strete and Stoke Fleming area over the last thirty or so years, this issue
should be brought to a firm conclusion and a more satisfactory alignment secured for the path.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Transport and highways
Transport and highways: successes and achievements
o The introduction of the Devon Local Transport Plan has brought a strategic emphasis and
increased funding for promoting walking, public transport, cycling and highway maintenance.
o New environmental audit procedures for highway improvement schemes mean that design work
can more sensitively accommodate and retain the landscape character of the localities.
o Changes to the national highway standards have allowed a more flexible and responsive approach
to managing traffic speeds locally.
o Recent projects have demonstrated that reduction, rationalisation and improvement of signage can
be achieved.
o The retention of the character of the historic road network and constraint in the provision of road
improvements and car parking facilities has acted to contain traffic volume and speeds in the most
remote rural areas.
Transport and highways: key issues and challenges
o Intense traffic pressure, particularly in the summer months, causes congestion at certain locations
and creates an intrusion into the quality of the countryside and its tranquillity. Trends forecast a
continuing increase in vehicular traffic.
o Many parishes have no daily bus service. The failure of the coast path hopper bus to prove
economically viable has highlighted the difficulty of making progress with new bus services.
o Damage to the fabric of the highway network and particularly to road-side verges and hedge banks
by vehicles is common.
o Highway improvements from the 1960s and 1970s have left a legacy of obtrusive lighting,
unsightly concrete post and wire fencing, missing hedge banks and unsympathetic road
alignments at various locations in the AONB.
o It is difficult to introduce traffic management and safety measures in rural areas without an
unwelcome increase in highway signage.
o There is concern over the safety of children near schools, which is exacerbated by the high
number of parents bringing children by car.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Transport and highways: management plan objectives
The AONB Management Plan will promote:
o A highway network which is safe and convenient to use for vehicle drivers, cyclists and
pedestrians and which at the same time retains its character as a defining feature of the AONB
o Convenient and enjoyable travel opportunities in the AONB that do not require use of the car,
including park and ride schemes, hopper buses and ferries, concentrating on discouraging further
growth in the “tourism miles” travelled by car.
o A general constraint on additional large carparking capacity at remote coastal sites.
o The maintenance of the special historic features of the AONB road network including its hedge
banks, colourful flower-rich verges and rich heritage of highway furniture (mileposts, stone
bridges, etc)
o The promotion of use of unmetalled county roads (“green lanes”) by pedestrians and riders, with
action to control inappropriate vehicular use in cases where serious damage to the fabric of
individual lanes is being caused.
o Experiments and opportunities to relieve the pressure of vehicular traffic on the most minor roads,
subject to discussions with local communities.
o Increase the numbers of children who walk or cycle to school where this is safe, thus decreasing
school traffic and the potential for accidents.
Transport and highways: priorities for action
o Opportunities will be investigated to secure the reduction of vehicular pressure and speeds on the
most minor rural lanes by traffic management measures such as up-to-date road hierarchy signing
and (subject to the results of trial schemes elsewhere and the close so-operation of local
communities) “quiet lanes” experiments.
o The results of the current study of the impacts of large vehicles in rural areas will be assessed to
examine whether any practical measures are available to address concerns expressed by local
communities.
o The closer integration and promotion of public transport services with events, tourism initiatives,
ferries, walking opportunities and community needs will be sought.
o Resources will be sought to fund a survey of highway verges and hedges in order to identify those
most in need of repair and management.
o Support school ‘Travel Plans’, which aim to increase the numbers of pupils walking or cycling to
school where this can be done safely.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Development and regeneration
Development and regeneration: successes and achievements
o Unemployment in the area is low and the local economy has grown faster than the national
average.
o The area is a market leader in green tourism, and has achieved an improvement in the quality of
tourism facilities and a rise in tourism numbers.
o Certain specialised local business sectors such as marine industries have grown and flourished,
with a growth in year-round jobs in manufacturing.
o The securing of EU Objective Two status and the development of business support funding and
advisory services have brought new opportunities.
o The South Hams Local Plan Review has introduced robust policies to safeguard existing
employment sites and promotes the conversion of rural buildings to employment rather than
residential use.
o There is a greater level of awareness in the business sector about environmental performance and
a wider public understanding of the interconnections between the economy, the landscape, access
to the countryside, tourism and farming.
Development and regeneration: key issues and challenges
o High land prices and the attractiveness of the area bring pressure for residential development,
while employment development is disadvantaged. The high cost of living in the AONB, with
high house prices and the prevalence of second homes and holiday homes, create a real obstacle to
the recruitment and retention of a local workforce.
o The number and complexity of government grant schemes and local advisory services promoting
employment and economic regeneration is confusing.
o There is continuing pressure for the suburbanisation of the countryside – second homes, barn
conversions, hobby farming, “horsey-culture”, development in villages, which cumulatively erode
the character of the area. There are significant impacts from adjoining urban areas of Plymouth
and Torbay.
o Certain categories of development are particularly intrusive to the open skyline of the countryside,
such as telecom masts, energy turbines and new farm buildings.
o The AONB designation and related planning policies are regarded by the business sector as a
constraint to economic development and diversification. The environment is often regarded as a
conflict for development rather than a marketing opportunity.
o Much of the service sector employment of the area is seasonal and poorly paid.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
Development and regeneration: management plan objectives
The AONB Management Plan will promote:
o Well-paid, year-round employment opportunities, a thriving small business sector and high
standards of environmental performance by local companies.
o The retention and development of employment sectors which have a special association with the
AONB such as marine industries, or which are “clean” businesses with low impacts on the local
environment.
o The safeguarding of the open skyline and views of the AONB and a strategic approach to the
siting of skyline installations.
o Local Plan policies which protect the distinctive character of the AONB.
o The retention of affordable housing in the AONB and any measures which resist the further loss
of accommodation to second home ownership.
Development and regeneration: priorities for action
o A strategic approach will be sought to the siting of any renewable energy installations which takes
account of the whole of the AONB and the capacity of the landscape to absorb such development.
o The publication of a design guide for the siting of new farm buildings will be completed.
o The Joint Advisory Committee will continue to make constructive representations to the Local
Plan reviews in Plymouth, Torbay and South Hams.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
The AONB boundary and designation
The AONB designation and boundary: successes and achievements
o AONBs have received a major improvement in status, statutory protection and funding as a result
of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, the work of the Countryside Agency, and the active
campaigning of local AONB partnerships.
o AONBs are better organised and co-ordinated than before, with the advent of the National
Association of AONBs and the AONB Staff Forum, and closer working with the Association of
National Park Authorities.
o AONB designation has been given a high profile in the Devon Structure Plan and the South Hams
Local Plan Review, with robust policies for their protection.
o The profile of the South Devon AONB has begun to rise locally, in response to publicity,
information and events.
o Despite the pressures and changes affecting the countryside over the 40 years since designation,
the South Devon AONB is still in good heart and unquestionably worthy of its status.
The AONB designation and boundary: key issues and challenges
o There is a low level of awareness about the South Devon AONB boundary and designation among
the local population generally.
o The boundary and the area called “South Devon” do not occupy a clear place in the public
imagination. The identity of the South Hams, Torbay and Plymouth each have much stronger
associations for people.
o The boundary is unsatisfactory in some places, as it excludes areas of beautiful countryside as
well as parts of the historic market towns which are an essential point of reference for local
communities. Other parts of the AONB have fallen prey to relatively recent inappropriate
suburban development and no longer merit the designation.
o AONB designation is still frequently regarded as essentially a constraint, rather than an
opportunity and an asset.
The AONB designation and boundary: Management Plan objectives
The AONB Management Plan will promote:
o Widespread understanding and awareness of the designation, aiming for AONB status to be
regarded as an asset and a benefit to local communities and businesses.
o A regard for the purposes of AONB designation in the conduct of functions by public bodies, as
required by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.
o A relevant and identifiable boundary to the AONB.
April 2002.
South Devon AONB Management Plan – FIRST DRAFT
o Countryside management attention to the hinterland areas outside the boundary which have an
important bearing on the AONB
o Suitable and effective partnership and administrative arrangements to lead and co-ordinate the
management of the AONB.
The AONB designation and boundary: priorities for action
o A sustained communication programme will be developed to raise awareness and appreciation of
the AONB designation locally.
o The AONB Joint Advisory Committee will support the national Protected Landscapes Awareness
Campaign being developed jointly by the National Association of AONBs and the Association of
National Park Authorities.
o A detailed landscape assessment of the AONB to highlight any areas which merit an alteration to
its boundary.
April 2002.