Annual review 2016 / 17
East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership
AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17 1
Seaton Wetlands
Countryside annual review 2014 / 15
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Email info@eastdevonaonb.org.uk Write / East Devon AONB Partnership visit Kennaway House, Coburg Road Sidmouth, EX10 8NG
2 AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17
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Contents 6 10 11
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4 Foreword 6 Landscape and heritage 8 Environmental quality and climate 10 Biodiversity 12 Farming and land management 14 Access, recreation and tourism 16 Coast 17 Planning and development 18 Community and culture 21 Rural economy and services 22 Communication, awareness and engagement 24 Management and finances 26 About East Devon AONB 28 Partners
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AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17 3
Foreword
Cllr Graham Godbeer Chairman, East Devon AONB Partnership
AN EXCELLENT YEAR WORKING WITH OUR PARTNERS
4  AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17
I am pleased to present to you our Annual Review which provides a brief snapshot over the last financial year of the work of the AONB Partnership and team. We have had an excellent year working with our partners on environmental, community and rural economy projects and activities. I am very pleased to see successful impact of the Making it Local (MIL) programme for East Devon and Blackdown Hills AONBs. The MIL team has topped the national league tables for delivery and as a result this ÂŁ1.4m EU programme has delivered real support to the rural businesses across the two AONBs and beyond. Our role in securing and now delivering this with Devon County Council and East Devon District Council colleagues has helped aid this process and I would strongly encourage local communities and small businesses to consider applying whilst we are still able to capitalise on this EU funding. Route enhancements have
been made to our regional walking route the East Devon Way this year. Interpretation and stage signage, a new website and the very successful Sidmouth and East Devon walking festival in September 2016 have all served to promote and encourage walkers on the route, adding to the inland tourism offer of East Devon and developing direct links with businesses along the way. Our biodiversity related activity has covered a broad range of projects and schemes. We retain a key role in the delivery of the HLF funded Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project with project managers Devon Wildlife Trust. A real highpoint this year was the successful award of a five year Farm Facilitation grant from Natural England. This programme will complement the bat project and work of other partners across the farmed landscape. Importantly, the facilitation process aims to encourage collaboration between farmers
in the management of our outstanding countryside. The Defra commitment to a four year period has helped stabilise AONB funding and we could not have developed some of the above initiatives without this support and that of our partners. We would also struggle to maintain any meaningful level of a Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) which has supported so many local and community projects over the last ten years. I look forward to continuing the good work and thank all our partners for their commitment and support.
DEVELOPING DIRECT LINKS WITH BUSINESSES
AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17  5 
Landscape and heritage Improved coordination and influence in the management of the distinctive landscape and historic environment features of the AONB, to ensure they are maintained, enhanced, understood and appreciated
Shute Primary School pupils discover a veteran tree
The Legacy to Landscape project
CELEBRATING THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE 6 AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17
The Legacy to Landscape project (l2l) has had a great year thanks in large part to our enthusiastic project co-ordinator, Ruth Worsley and the excellent support of our local partners. The project is enabling local people and schools to get involved in celebrating the local landscape of the Colyton and Shute area and its fascinating wildlife and history. We have held 45 events to date with a wide range of walks, talks and events that have engaged 1074 adults and 256 children. In addition, we have run two day-long whole school activities for Shute Primary School, who nominated the fascinating and unique 800yr old tree King Johns Oak into the Woodland Trust Tree of the Year competition. King Johns Oak was shortlisted and went into the national competition and its story was broadcast on TV with Pete Youngman taking a star role in describing the tree. Although it did not win, we did receive enough votes to be awarded a £500 care package from the People’s Lottery which was matched by AONB funds. We are now in the second year of the project and have another comprehensive programme of events For more information visit eastdevonaonb.org.uk/our-work/wildlife/ legacy-to-landscape
Annual Heritage Conference
Barbara Farquharson speaking at the 2016 Annual Heritage Conference
PROMOTING ACTION FOR THE HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
Each year we work with local historians and experts to convene an annual conference on the Historic Environment. An established feature in the AONB calendar, the event continues to attract great support and has provided a wealth of eminent and local speakers to stimulate and engage our communities. The conference promotes and raises awareness of the heritage of AONB and wider areas as well as promoting action for the historic environment. With the continued and very welcome support from Devon County Council, an 80+ strong conference audience enjoyed noteworthy presentations this year around the theme of orchards in the landscape. We had a range of speakers including experts in the community and heritage sector and overseas consultant, Stelios Lekakis from Greece, giving us a Mediterranean perspective on the hidden landscape heritage.
AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17  7 
Environmental quality and climate The sustainable management of the natural resources of the AONB
Sites treated in the River Axe catchment in 2016
A MORE FOCUSED APPROACH HAS BEEN ADOPTED
Axe Invasives project This year the AONB team partnered up with Natural England to help project manage an annual programme of invasive species removal work in the river Axe catchment. The Axe Invasives project has been operating for the last five years through support funding linked to the management of the River Axe SSSI and the Water Framework Directive (WFD). It is primarily targeting removal of Himalayan Balsam, but also treating Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed as part of the wider management to help maintain the status of the river Axe SSSI/SAC habitat. The available funding levels have reduced significantly from a peak of £100,000 four years ago to £10k in 2016. This has meant a more focused approach has been adopted, concentrating on key sites and headwaters with local conservation groups and coordinators across the Axe catchment. We hope to continue the work in 2017 if Natural England can secure continued funding. 8 AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17
The Lower Otter Estuary © pco
Otter Restoration project East Devon Catchment Partnership As reported last year, the AONB team is one of several partners represented on this catchment partnership which spans the eastern Devon river catchments from Exmoor to the Dorset border. The priority this year has focussed on developing the future project programme and expanding on the diffuse pollution work completed in 2015/16; the aim being to reduce the impact of maize production in particular, but fundamentally soil management, on river water quality across the catchment. East Devon has a generally higher degree of soil sensitivity to rainfall erosion/diffuse pollution, due in large part to its slowly permeable soil types and topography. This therefore means sustainable soil management is a particularly important issue in our area. The knowledge and experience gained through many years of research and field work has fed into the production of a soils management handbook called ‘Think Soils’ which addresses soil management across Devon and Cornwall catchments. The handbook is targeted at farm advisors, managers and partner organisations involved in land management, catchment work and soil run-off issues impacting on flooding, water quality and habitats.
The AONB Partnership is one of several organisations represented on the Lower Otter Restoration Project (LORP) stakeholder group. The River Otter and its estuary has a long history of modification by man, which has resulted in a progressive loss of natural processes. The effect of these changes means that flood waters are unable to pass down the river channel to the estuary, forcing them into historic floodplains. Poor drainage results in prolonged flooding of roads, public footpaths, the cricket club and threatens an old municipal tip. The Lower Otter Restoration Project aims to work with nature to create a more sustainable way of managing an important site for wildlife and the public. There are, broadly speaking, three options for the future management of the lower stretches of the river Otter – no active intervention, hold the line or manage some form of re-alignment. The latter is evolving as a preferred option that has an additional benefit in that it could also assist in mitigating habitat loss in the nearby Exe Estuary area. This is an exciting, complex and emotive project with much to do and considerable funding required to realise the opportunity. The project will be holding a public consultation event in the summer of 2017 to help guide and develop its ideas and proposals further. For more information about the project visit lowerotterrestorationproject.co.uk AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17 9
Biodiversity Support and encourage conservation and enhancement actions for key habitats and species in the AONB
Eurasian beaver
HELP RAISING AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING 10  AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17
River Otter Beaver Trial We reported last year about the River Otter Beaver Trial, led by Devon Wildlife Trust and working in partnership with The University of Exeter, the Derek Gow Consultancy, and Clinton Devon Estates. In May 2016, under licence, Devon Wildlife Trust released two adult beavers into the group, with the aim of broadening the genetic diversity of what is effectively a closed group. In addition, five new kits were also recorded on the river in 2016, remarkably to one pair near Otterton. Based on a range of evidence, it is estimated there could be as many as 20 beavers living in six different groups; the largest family near Otterton is assumed to have seven beavers, while one of the territories may just support a single individual. In winter 2016/17, five of the previously untagged beavers were trapped, health checked and fitted with Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) and ear tags, bringing the total number of beavers tagged to 12. These monitoring tools are helping to identify where dams are being built on small tributaries. Hydrological monitoring and baseline fish-impact survey work is being undertaken at these sites, with the Universities of Southampton and Exeter helping to build a picture of impact. One of these dams has inundated low lying agricultural land and a flow device (beaver deceiver) has been installed to lower water levels to acceptable levels. The AONB team is assisting in monitoring the recreational impact on the access network on the river. Naturally, the project has attracted a lot of media attention and the events, walks and talks to over 2700 have helped raise awareness and support for the trial. Additional funding for the Trial has been obtained from a crowdfunding campaign and other sources, but the Trial still requires funding to carry out key elements of the project delivery work. In March 2017, the Eurasian Beaver was announced as the winner of the BBC Countryfile Magazine’s Wildlife Success of the Year 2017, recognising the work of both the Scottish and River Otter Beaver Trials.
Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat project
ENGAGING A WIDE RANGE OF AGE GROUPS
A partnership of 17 organisations including fellow AONBs and conservation bodies have been busy delivering this county wide £2m Heritage Lottery Funded project. Lead partner Devon Wildlife Trust delivers the five year initiative that is hoping to develop policy, work with landowners, provide advice, inform people about the bats, deliver education programmes and create habitat improvements across Devon. Over the past year the project has worked with local schools at Beer and Branscombe, given talks at Beer and Kilmington and the Donkey Sanctuary has hosted a hedgelaying training day and a bat walk in support
of the project. A community engagement forum was also hosted to celebrate the launch of the project which was attended by over 60 volunteers from across the county, many of whom came from East Devon. The project has also been working with local farmers in our two roost sustenance zones focussed on Branscombe and Southleigh, to assist with Countryside Stewardship agreements advice on habitat enhancements. In September 2016, the project ran its first ‘Batfest’, a series of events and activities across the county. In East Devon, there were events at the Donkey Sanctuary with a walk and the launch of the brand-new bat beacon. The project held a stall at The Colyford Goose Fair, answering any questions about these rare creatures and engaging a wide range of age groups.
‘Batfest’ 2016 – Colyford Goose Fair
AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17 11
Farming and land management A sustainable farming and land management sector that helps conserve and enhance the character of the AONB
DELIVERING A FIVE YEAR PROGRAMME OF SUPPORT Neil Parish MP launching East Devon Farmers Group
East Devon Farmers Group – facilitation success Last year we reported our proposals for a bid to Defra’s Farm Facilitation programme for a project in the heart of the AONB. Working with FWAG SW, Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project and local landowners and farmers, we were successful in securing Defra funding to deliver a five year programme of support for a group of over 50 farmers in this area and encourage greater take up of the Countryside Stewardship scheme. The East Devon Farmers Group was launched in December by Neil
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East Devon Farmer Group hedge event
Parish MP who spoke to a well-attended meeting about the Future of Farming. The project area covers 3960 ha and fits this scheme well because of its potential for collaboration across farms and connecting fragmented habitats, important bat populations, water quality and flooding issues, clusters of unmanaged semi-natural broadleaved woodland and the area’s rich archaeology and landscape features. The Group is co-ordinated by local farmers and woodland owners to develop training and events that are appropriate for the needs of both East Devon farmers and the environment.
Emma Voysey, from a local farming family, helps to ensure members are aware of what’s coming up next in the schedule, organise bookings and record feedback. So far members have attended a Manure Management Course a Value from Hedges event and a Countryside Stewardship Grant workshop. For further details contact Pete Youngman at 01404 310012 or pete.youngman@ eastdevonaonb.org.uk.
POTENTIAL FOR COLLABORATION ACROSS FARMS
AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17 13
Access, recreation   and tourism A sustainable access, recreation and tourism sector that is in keeping with AONB purposes and does not harm the conservation of natural beauty or the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses
FUNDING HAS ALLOWED US TO DEVELOP THIS KEY FOOTPATH New signage installed in Exmouth and Uplyme
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East Devon Way We continue to develop this 40 mile walking route as part of our sustainable rural tourism work. We have improved interpretation at the start and finishing areas of the walk and continue to populate the new website promoting information on the aonb businesses, places to stay, eat and see along the route; providing information to help visitors plan a walking experience in East Devon. New stage signage has also been installed to aid directions and following a very successful partnership with local walker groups and interests in 2016, the Sidmouth and East Devon Walking Festival, encompassing the East Devon Way, will be running again in 2017.
Walkers at last years Walking Festival
Sidmouth and East Devon Walking Festival
HAILED AS A BIG SUCCESS
The AONB team provided support to the team coordinating the Sidmouth and East Devon walking festival scheduled for September 2016. The event expanded on previous years to include the stages of the East Devon Way and a range of other themed walk events and was hailed as a big success. Nearly 500 walkers enjoyed 25 walks, two thirds of whom gave them a five star rating, and a further 29% four stars – 98% said they would take part again. The six East Devon Way walks, with shuttle bus support at
the beginning and end, proved very popular, with an average of 32 on each walk. A third of the walkers needed overnight accommodation, of which 85% booked their holiday especially for the festival. 31% came from outside EX postcodes and South Devon suggesting that the event boosted tourism and visitors to the AONB in the shoulder season. The festival will take place 23-29 September 2017. For further details see visitsidmouth.co.uk/sidmouthevents/sidmouth-walking-festival AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17 15
Coast The conservation and enhancement of the high quality and internationally significant coastline
ESTABLISHING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS AT THE COAST Sidmouth seafront
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Beach   Management plans The East Devon coast is varied and dynamic in both colour, form and geology. Its inscription as a World Heritage Site (WHS) underlines the significance of this diversity and its part in the geological history of our planet. This inscription is built on a foundation of national and internationally important habitats and features as well as the AONB designation. Importantly, the continued coastal erosion is a natural process integral to the WHS inscription. Whilst our coast can be regarded as perhaps one of the most natural parts of the AONB, it is also a living and working environment for our coastal communities and there is a constant need to maintain adequate protection and support in key locations along the East Devon coast. Influenced by a Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) and other key strategies, East Devon District Council has a programme of Beach Management Plans in development which are seeking to establish future management priorities at the coastal towns in the district. Alongside key agencies and professionals, the AONB team has been engaged latterly in plans for Sidmouth and Seaton, where local communities are also involved in a process aimed at establishing sustainable solutions at the coast. Solutions are often a compromise between cost and practicalities and from the AONB perspective, should demonstrate consideration has been given to impact on the natural beauty of the area.
Planning and development Provide advice and support in planning and development policy to enable the special qualities of the AONB to be protected, conserved and enhanced
Consultation The AONB Partnership continues to respond to large planning consultations, where resources allow, through the AONB Manager under a protocol with the local planning authorities. Although not a statutory consultee, our involvement often involves consultation with the statutory consultee for AONBs, Natural England, and we use the landscape character assessment models available at National, County and District scale to frame our responses. This year our consultations have included housing, farm development, mineral extraction/processing and coastal defence proposals.
Policy We are fortunate in having an excellent landscape policy group in Devon, coordinated through Devon County Council. This group has developed several useful guidance and advisory papers covering renewable energy development and Neighbourhood Plans which we have found helpful when commenting on local plans
Solar panel demonstration site
and in advising local groups embarking on Neighbourhood Plans. It was pleasing to see therefore that Advice Note Four (Using landscape character assessment in Neighbourhood Planning) was recently highly commended by the RTPI. The Equestrian Development Guidelines for the AONB have now been completed and have been circulated to liveries, schools and parish councils across the AONB. The AONB team will use this in responding to planning consultations for equestrian development in the AONB. Details are available on the AONB website under planning/policy. Our work with EDDC on a consultation zone policy for bats is still in progress.
An advisory paper from East Devon Landscape Policy Group was recently highly commended by the RTPI
AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17  17 
Community and culture Improved access to services and facilities and the active participation in community and appropriate landscape related social enterprise
SUPPORTING SMALL SCALE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Sustainable Development Fund Thanks to Defra support and prudent budget management, the AONB Partnership still operates a Sustainable Development Fund to support small scale community initiatives across the AONB. This year the fund has supported a variety of schemes, including school ground enhancements, scout hall refurbishing, forestry schemes, community walking, food festivals and markets, heritage promotion schemes, access projects and specialist wildlife site management equipment. In total over £24,000 was awarded to projects valuing over £100,000 – small investments reaping big rewards.
Improving facilities in Colyton Primary School’s nature area
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Recipient
Project outcomes
Receipient status
SDF claimed
East Devon Walking Festival
Promotion of walking festival Sept 2016 by Sidmouth Group
Not for profit group
£500
Axwoods
Axwoods project for tractor to extract timber linked to a fuel poverty initiative
Co-operative
Shute School
Revitalising outside area for education garden at Shute Primary
Sidmouth Farmers Market
A festival to raise the profile of the market
Beer Scouts
Improving the facilities at Beer Scout HQ to allow training and skill development
Sidmouth Drill Hall Community Interest Company
Raising awareness of and preserving Sidmouth’s Fishing Heritage through the production of films
Otter Trail Group
Total value
Total cash contribution
In-kind match
£5,260
£1,750
£1,750
£2,010
£11,900
£9,890
Nil
School PFA
£4,000
£25,000
£19,800
£1,800
Charity
£1,391
£2,655
£665
£600
Youth group
£4,000
£8,450
£2,750
£1,700
CIC
£1,500
£28,300*
£19,800
£7,000
A report by Sustrans on behalf of the Sid Valley Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group
Charity
£3,915
£6,020
£1,305
£800
Colyton Primary School
Colyton Primary School developing outdoor educational area
School PFA
£3,558
£4,758
Nil
£1,200
Tale Valley Trust
Purchase of specialist machinery to allow continuation of traditional management of a water meadow that is used for educational visits by local schools
Charity
£2,500
£5,500
£3,000
Nil
Budleigh Food and Drink Festival
Budleigh Food Festival extending the scope of their festival to include health and lifestyle issues
Un-registered Charity
£1,000
£3,254*
£444
£810
Total
£ 24,374
£101,088
£ 60,454
£16,260
AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17 19
Fund recipients
SDF grants of Number enquiries: 16 of Number grants made: 10 £101,088
To of tal pr va oj lu ec e ts
gr an Va ts lue m o ad f e
£24,374
Fund recipients Trust / charity group
1 2 Landowner
7 Community / voluntary
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Beer Scouts making use of their new kitchen facilities
Rural economy and services A sustainable rural economy that serves to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the landscape
MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE TO OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES
Making it Local The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) ‘Making it Local’ grant programme opporating across the East Devon and Blackdown Hills AONBs wider area, has delivered well over the last year and has already fully allocated two of the six measures of the £1.4m funding. We have worked closely with several projects and the network of support contacts and assessors have all helped the Making it Local team one of the top performing Leader programmes in the country; successful in delivery and making a real difference to our local businesses and communities. The programme has funded 26 full applications with a value of more than £836,550. Although similar in aim to its predecessor, the new programme has placed a much greater emphasis on growth and the economy and this has meant applications for the rural services and cultural sector have been less forthcoming. As a result, the 2017/18 delivery plan proposes to vire some budgets to meet demand in those measures proving popular. For more details visit makingitlocal.org.
Making it Local delivery targets Remaining: 1.27
Remaining: 31
Supported: 63.7
Remaining: £166,575
Supported: £1,167,073 Supported: 44
Jobs
Projects
Budget
AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17 21
Communication, awareness and engagement Promote and support education, awareness, understanding and appriciation of the AONB
Acland award winners (left to right) – Four Elms Fruit Farm, Clinton Venison, Trill Farm and Sidbury vineyard
The Acland Award and Annual AONB Meeting Our ‘Acland’ Award is so named after Brigadier Acland, who was instrumental in promoting and securing the designation of East Devon AONB in the early 1960’s. We award for exemplary activity in the AONB. Our 14th Annual Forum at the recently opened Seaton Jurassic in Seaton in September 2016 welcomed over 100 guests and provided food from their suppliers within 20 miles of the centre. The forum theme this year was Food & Drink and Acland Award nominations were received from producers using the outstanding landscape to create or grow their product, whilst educating people about the process. Four shortlisted nominees; Clinton Venison, Four Elms Fruit Farm, Sidbury Vineyard and Trill Farm were all in the running for the AONB’s Acland Award, kindly sponsored by Lyme Bay Winery, Beer Quarry Caves and Seaton Jurassic. Sidbury Vineyard and Four Elms Fruit Farm were commended 22 AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17
and Clinton Venison received the Highly Commended award. The overall Acland winner for 2016 was Trill Farm. Visionary owner Romy Fraser was presented the award by Alistair Handyside, AONB vice-Chairman. The Trill education centre and community of small businesses is the vision of centre manager Romy. The centre works to use the land’s resources with five thriving independent enterprises ranging from beef and sheep raising, horticulture, cookery, carpentry and making natural beauty products. John Sheaves, CEO from Taste of the West, was our keynote
speaker and the audience enjoyed hearing about the 25 years of UK’s largest independent regional food group with members passionate about the provenance and quality of the products they make, serve or sell. Mike Ruiter, Seaton Jurassic Centre Manager, also took to the stage to give a presentation about the journey the centre has taken in its first six months. Seaton Jurassic is a community-led centre that aims to engage thousands of people with East Devon’s unique geological, coastal and marine heritage – the first Devon Wildlife Trust visitor centre of its kind.
AONB Ambassadors
SHARING AND PROMOTING PRINCIPLES July field event hosted by Clinton Devon Estates
Following our AONB Ambassador pledge update last year we now have a clear scheme where our AONB Ambassadors, from individuals, to businesses and organisations, have confirmed their commitment to sharing and promoting our principles and we have updated their details on the AONB website. As part of our offer to the commitment/pledge, our February Ambassador networking meeting is now a regular slot in the calendar. This year we hosted our Ambassadors at the AONB HQ, Kennaway House. Alongside the trademark ‘speed networking’ activity, we had key presentations on social media tips, the Sidmouth and East Devon walking Festival, update on the East Devon Way website and opportunities for local hostelries along the route. An event highlight was a drone demonstration from blinkback.co.uk. We continue to work on improving information and links with our Ambassadors and look forward to developing closer partnership working in the coming years.
July 2016 field event Our July Partnership meetings have been adapted to a field event format, open to Ambassadors and invited parties. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of key issues or activities impacting on the AONB. We are targeting partners, Ambassadors and other key parties for these events, encouraging networking and helping develop understanding of what is often hidden beneath the surface. The July 2016 event theme covered tree health and management issues and was kindly hosted by Clinton Devon Estates. It served to underline the looming impact of ash dieback on the woodland and hedged landscape of the UK. Through these events we are responding to what our partners want to know more about, so ideas for future field events are always welcomed. AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17 23
Management and finances The Partnership will act as ambassadors for East Devon AONB, influence policy and decision making affecting AONBs and work to secure funding for the long-term coordinated management of the area, annually reporting on its actions Core Funding Expenditure Where the money was spent
Operations: £8,965 Support services: £11,542 Staff: £105,910
ESTIMATED
2016 / 17 total: £132,782
ACTUAL
2016 / 17 total: £130,270 Staff: £103,826
Transport: £6,365
Transport: £5,600
Support services: £11,126 Operations: £9,718
Income Where the money came from
Devon County Council: £16,113 East Devon District Council: £17,082 Defra: £99,587
ESTIMATED
2016 / 17 total: £132,782
ACTUAL
2016 / 17 total: £130,270 Defra: £97,702 East Devon District Council: £16,455 Devon County Council: £16,113
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Additional income: £4,403
Defra funding
Estimated
Gearing / total project value
Actual
Sustainable Development Fund £25,000 £24,624 £101,088
Project Development Fund
East Devon Way
£5,000
£10,000
£4,997
£9,926
£27,519
£10,309
Umborne/Legacy to Landscape
Ambassador Scheme
£5,000
£2,641
£5,000
£2,680
£17,119
£5,429
Totals £47,641 £47,226 £161,464
Staffing and operations Our team has a new team member; Kelly Pritchard has joined the AONB as a part time Communication and Admin officer replacing Karen Whittaker. Kelly has a background public and private sector marketing and communications work and is a welcome addition to the team.
Volunteers We have been fortunate to receive support from interns and volunteers this year through Devon County Council but also through partner links. These opportunities help individuals understand and learn about the AONB team and protected landscapes and provide invaluable experience to those seeking to develop a career in this sector. We particularly welcome any age of volunteer with IT skills or a desire to assist with event/activities. AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17 25
East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at a glance
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Budleigh Salterton Exmouth
What can you find in the AONB?
1963 COVERS 32% OF DESIGNATED EAST DEVON IN26 1963AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2 ) ( 268 KM2016/17
HOME TO APPROXIMATELY 30,000 RESIDENTS
40 MILE EAST DEVON WAY LONG DISTANCE FOOTPATH
OVER 100 EAST DEVON AONB AMBASSADORS
Landscapes for Life
Map of East Devon AONB
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The National Association for AONBs is the national voice for 46 AONBs across the UK
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Axminster
Seaton
th sou
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st c oa
path
Lyme Regis
• AONBs are about managing positive landscape change • AONBs are strategic national assets covering 8,000 square miles and involving 700 elected members • AONBs are locally managed nationally important landscape areas Visit landscapesforlife.org.uk for further information.
58 SCHEDULED ANCIENT MONUMENTS
855 LISTED BUILDINGS
14 SITES OF SPECIFIC SCIENTIFIC INTEREST
29 MILES OF COAST ALMOST 18% INC SOUTH WEST WOODLAND AONB ANNUAL REVIEW 2016/17 27 COAST PATH COVER
The East Devon AONB Partnership is a joint initiative: • Hosted by East Devon District Council • Core funded by Defra (75%), East Devon District and Devon County Councils (25%) • Guiding the implementation of the AONB Management Strategy and the work of the AONB team. supported by:
Funded by: