The Mendip Hills AONB Partnership Committee final Management Plan 2009-2014 is available HERE and if you prefer to see a text only version look HERE.
The local authorities have adopted the Plan to meet the requirements of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000).
The AONB Unit has now developed with the partners the Delivery Plan 2009-2010 identifying projects and funding sources which is updated on a regular basis.
The Value of an AONB
The Mendip Hills are naturally beautiful and nationally protected for us all to enjoy. But the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is under growing pressure from modern life. In the coming months we can all play a part in the future of this precious area.
Weston-super-Mare is lucky enough to sit on the edge of the Mendip Hills AONB. The hills are the backdrop to the seaside town. Locals and holiday-makers know and love the footpaths, woodlands and combes even if they do not know or understand the official designation of AONB. Did you know AONBs offer the same level of protection from damaging developments in planning law as National Parks? And AONBs cost the British taxpayer 18p per person a year, compared to costs of 60p each for the queen and 80p for National Parks!
The AONB Management Plan plan points the direction for work to conserve and enhance the area. The plan sets out a vision of where the Partnership wants the AONB to be in 20 years time, objectives that specify what the Partnership wants to achieve and actions stating how they will get things done.
The Partnership is a group of organisations dedicated to the conservation and care of the Mendip Hills. It includes the five local authorities that cover the AONB and statutory bodies such as Natural England, together with parish councils and other organisations and groups that have an interest in the area.
The Partnership Committee meets twice a year. A key item at these meetings is the Partnerships Annual Delivery Plan. An Annual Forum is also held for the wider community. Both are important to encourage debate and to spread best practice in finding solutions to management issues.
The Partnership has a number of working groups to advise and develop its work. Currently these are The Resources Steering Group, the Planning Group, the Strategic Traffic Group and Heritage Group.
The Partnership funds an AONB staff unit to carry out core AONB activities and develop project work to progress the Management Plan.
We are currently recruiting volunteers for long and short term projects. You will find more details on the Volunteering page.
Click here to find Draft Minutes of meetings to be agreed by the Partnership. Agreed Minutes are archived.
The Value of an AONB