Full-time 37 hours per week, £29,332 – £31,048
We are currently seeking to appoint a LEADER Programme Manager to join our hardworking and friendly team at the Cotswolds Conservation Board.
For further details, go to www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/jobs
Board’s Chairman celebrates all that the Cotswolds designation means in anniversary walk
The Cotswolds Conservation Board’s Chairman Liz Eyre has completed walking the 102 mile Cotswold Way National Trail marking the 50th anniversary of the Cotswolds as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Liz, began the golden anniversary walk in March from outside Bath Abbey and completed the walk in ten stages over seven months along the Cotswold escarpment, through picturesque villages and past famous ancient sites, reaching Chipping Campden in early October. She was joined by members and staff from the Cotswolds Conservation Board, walking groups, local residents and the Board’s own Cotswold Voluntary Wardens.
Liz says that the anniversary walk has enabled her to rediscover the variety of landscapes that make up parts of the AONB: “In addition to celebrating all that our designation means, especially in this the 50th anniversary year, the walk offered me many other opportunities. I was able to meet and thank those that are our voluntary arm working tirelessly in many ways for the accessibility of the Cotswolds. I reconnected with the variety of landscapes that make up the area. I fell in love with many of our views.
I was surprised at the extent of the variety of people from other countries, drawn to what we hold so dear. I learnt even more about our individual landscapes The flora and fauna, wild flowers – woodland and meadow, bird life and butterflies seemed to be out in great numbers as I passed by.
Most surprisingly the landscape came alive, through interpretation and features left behind, as I clambered over hill forts and encampments, passed burial grounds, great houses, ecclesiastical and civil features. The whole journey was physically and mentally enriching a lesson I hope passed on to others via the BBC Radio Gloucestershire coverage.”
Liz is raising funds for caring for the Cotswolds AONB and there is still time to do your bit by donating.
If you would like to donate £5 to help support the Cotswolds Conservation Board in caring for the Cotswolds simply text ‘COTS 01 £5’ to 70070.
You can find out more about the Cotswolds AONB and other 50th anniversary events and projects by visiting www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/50
IT’S THE SEASON TO BE MERRY! Visit our Christmas Market
Saturday 3rd December – 10am – 4pm
Cotswolds Discovery Centre, The Old Prison, Northleach
Visit our festive market to purchase locally made food, unique handmade gifts and artwork.
New festival to showcase the Cotswolds living landscape in its golden anniversary year
The Cotswolds Conservation Board is proud to be holding its first ever Living Landscape Festival, marking the 50th anniversary of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
National Trust’s stunning 17th-century Lodge Park in the Cotswold country estate of Sherborne in Gloucestershire will play host to the Cotswolds Living Landscape Festival on Sunday 18 September from 10:30am to 4pm. Adults £4 and children £1.
The festival part funded by the Big Lottery Fund marks the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Cotswolds as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, one of England’s largest protected landscapes.
Visitors will be treated to a wide choice of stalls, from independent local food and craft producers to some of the Cotswold’s best crafts men and women, providing an array of options for the public to find the perfect take home item.
The Cotswolds Living Landscape Festival aims to be a great day out for families, those who enjoy the countryside, walking and rural crafts. See hedgelaying, stone and wood carving, dry-stone walling, flax making, spinning and weaving demonstrations throughout the day.
Wallers from the Cotswolds, Cumbria and Yorkshire will battle it out against each other in the annual Cotswolds Dry-Stone Walling Competition sponsored by Smiths of Bletchington, showcasing the best of their skills at the traditional rural craft to claim the award of ‘Best Cotswolds Dry-Stone Wall 2016’ and £500 cash prize.
In the very tasty Edible Cotswolds area, food and drink producers include: FWP Matthews, Craft Drinks Company, The Tewkesbury Mustard Company, Larder & Tuck Box, The Little Pickle and Jonathan Crump Cheese, representing produce from across the Cotswolds AONB.
Cotswold artists Rupert Aker, Alexandra Woods, Trudi Hayden, Ronny Loxton, photographers Craig Churchill, Jo Dixon, ceramicist Pamela Shellard and glass artist Beverly Todd will be exhibiting their works inspired by the Cotswolds landscape along our very own Arts & Crafts Way. Lechlade Craft Barn will be running crafty activities for kids including making your very own Cotswold Lion sheep.
Down on The Farm meet the Cotswold Lion sheep and alpacas and see a collection of vintage tractors that have worked the Cotswold landscape and then why not pop into The Ebrington Arms for a refreshing pint of Yubby Bitter.
In the Wild Cotswolds zone meet teams from the Gloucestershire and Worcestershire Wildlife Trusts, and see displays by the Cirencester & District Beekeepers, Chipping Norton Amateur Astronomy Group and Gloucestershire Geology Trust.
Local music acts will take to the stage celebrating the heritage and culture of the Cotswolds. Performances by Oxfordshire’s Rufus Goodlove, Wiltshire’s Talis Kimberley and Gloucestershire’s Brimstone, FolkLaw, Edd Donavan, Ragged & Old Morris and Nathan Jones Allstars Big Band.
While you sit and enjoy the performances; Hook Norton Brewery, Cotswolds Distillery and the Woodchester Valley Vineyard will be ready to take your drinks order. Hook Norton Brewery will be selling their Cotswold Lion and the Cotswolds Distillery with their famous Cotswold gin, both products raising funds for the Cotswolds AONB in this 50th anniversary year.
Northleach’s Cotswold Lion Café will be serving tea and homemade cake throughout the day, Seven Mile with be serving up homemade gourmet local beef burgers, Nolan Brook with their famous pulled Cotswold hogget wraps from their farm near Mickleton and a rare breed pig roast from Hill Top Farm with their reared Middle White pigs.
After eating you might want to try and walk it all off again, so why not join the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens on their free guided taster walks through the beautiful setting of Lodge Park and into the stunning Cotswold landscape. There are also three walking routes from Lodge Park for visitors to explore. You could also try out a TerrainHopper, an electrically powered off road scooter with its extreme off-road capabilities.
Cotswold Electric Bike Tours will be running short tours from the festival site for visitors to experience their state of the art electric bikes that will help power you through the beautiful Cotswold countryside and villages. Go Cotswolds will be running short excursions by mini-bus through the Cotswolds landscape exploring ‘the hidden Cotswolds’. Both relaxing ways to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Launching at the festival is a new book titled ‘The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ written by Sian Ellis, photographed by Nick Turner and designed by Nick Darien-Jones. Marking the 50th anniversary of the AONB the book celebrates the landscape of the Cotswolds, its architecture, customs and culture. Available to purchase for £14.99 from the Cotswolds AONB stall.
Entrance to the festival is £4 for adults and £1 for children available to purchase online prior to the event or on the gate on the day. Entry fee also applies to National Trust members. There is an additional fee to enter the Lodge Park building. Proceeds from the festival will help the Cotswolds Conservation Board conserve and enhance the Cotswolds AONB. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a lead. A non-smoking festival site, however there will be a designated smoking area.
Free on-site parking available. Entrance to the festival site from the A40 between Northleach and Burford only.
To book tickets online and for more information please visit www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/festival or on social media: www.facebook.com/cotswoldslivinglandscapefestival or www.twitter.com/cotswoldsfest
JOB VACANCY: Trails and Access Officer (P/T)
Part-time 22 hours per week, £26,464 – £28,214 pro rata
We are currently seeking to appoint a Trails and Access Officer to join our hardworking and friendly team at the Cotswolds Conservation Board.
For further details, go to www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/jobs
Annual Forum to address key issues to consider in the Cotswolds AONB Management Plan Review
Cotswolds Conservation Board’s Annual Forum and Management Plan Review Workshop.
Outline of Natural Capital thinking to inform the Management Plan
AONBs have a statutory duty to produce a Management Plan under the CRoW Act 2000. The Review of the Cotswolds AONB Management Plan to cover the period 2018- 2023 has begun. Management Plans ought to be the single articulation of the public agenda for the protected landscape, integrating national and local policies. The Management Plan review process coincides with the Government’s approval to support the Natural Capital Committee’s emerging 25 year plan for a healthy natural economy. The review process of the Cotswolds AONB Management Plan therefore is a test bed for the introduction of the concept of Natural Capital and the 25 year plan into the future management of nationally protected landscapes.
Wednesday 7th September 2016, 2:30pm
The New Beaconsfield Hall
Station Road, Shipton-under-Wychwood, Oxfordshire, OX7 6BQ.
Programme:
2.30 pm Registration and Refreshments
3.00 pm Chair’s Welcome and Opening Remarks
3.05 pm Presentations
Getachew Engida, MBA FCA FRSA – Deputy Director-General, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
A global perspective from UNESCO. The key issues to consider and address at the start of the Cotswolds AONB Management Plan Review.
Professor Dieter Helm CBE – Chair of the Natural Capital Committee
Natural Capital, the 25 Year Plan & Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Putting the environment at the heart of the Government’s post “Brexit” decision making process.
Merrick Denton-Thompson OBE – President of the Landscape Institute
A landscape perspective of the 25 Year Plan, the role of AONBs and their Management Plans. How do you put a “value” on the intrinsic qualities of landscapes.
4.00 pm Questions
4.10 pm Break for Refreshments
4.20 pm Management Plan Review Facilitated Workshop – John Myers from Optimy.
6.20 pm Chair’s Summary and Closing Remarks
6.30 pm Close
Getachew ENGIDA, MBA FCA FRSA
Mr Engida has spent the last 20 years leading and managing international organizations advancing the cause of poverty eradication, peace building and, sustainable development. He has extensively worked on rural and agricultural developments, water and climate challenges, education, sciences, technology and innovation, intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity, communication and information with emphasis on freedom of expression and the free flow information on and offline as well as good governance. Mr. Engida joined UNESCO as Deputy Assistant Director-General for Administration and Comptroller in June 2004. He has served as Deputy Director-General since July 2010, and from January 2014, has taken on the added responsibility of managing the Communication and Information Programme of UNESCO. He also serves in a number of not-for-profit international boards.
Professor Dieter Helm CBE
Professor Dieter Helm is an economist specialising in utilities, infrastructure, regulation and the environment, and concentrating on the energy, water, communications and transport sectors primarily in Britain and Europe. He is a Professor at the University of Oxford, Fellow of New College, Oxford, and a Professorial Research Fellow of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment. In December 2015, Dieter was reappointed as Independent Chair of the Natural Capital Committee. Dieter’s recent books include The Carbon crunch: Revised and Updated – and Natural Capital: Valuing the Planet . Yale University Press published both books in 2015. Nature in the Balance, edited with Cameron Hepburn, was published in early 2014 by Oxford University Press.
Merrick Denton-Thompson OBE FLI
Merrick is the President of the Landscape Institute (President for 2016-2018), Chair of the Policy Committee, and both a Trustee and Fellow of the Landscape Institute. He is a founding Trustee of Learning Through Landscapes (LTL); as a Landscape Architect Merrick developed a unique vision for the potential of school grounds to give children a positive experience of the natural world and benefit from experiential learning. Before retiring Merrick was Assistant Director of Hampshire’s Environment Department, he is a Trustee and Chairs Marwell Zoo’s Conservation and Education Committee, and was a founding Board member of Natural England.
If you would like to attend the Annual Forum please email info@cotswolds-nl.org.uk or call 01451 862000.
New Cotswold Landscapes Book
New book on the landscapes of the Cotswolds, its architecture, customs and culture. It celebrates the 50th anniversary of Britain’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Photographed by Nick Turner, written by Siân Ellis and designed by Nick Darien-Jones, it breaks new boundaries in creative photographic art, writing and design. There has been no other book on the Cotswolds quite like this one.
Here is quintessential rural England at its most idyllic, from the thrilling western escarpment and beech woods to historic estates and golden-stone villages built in the famous limestone that gives the area its unique harmony.
Captured in a feast of images, the landscape slowly reveals its stories: etched on rolling hills and in fields and hidden valleys by those whose presence lingers in Neolithic long barrows and Roman villas, grand churches and manor houses that echo the wealth of the medieval wool trade.
Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966, the Cotswolds is among the country’s most cherished places to live, work and visit: alive with colourful and rare flora and fauna, inspiring artists and writers, and bursting with eccentric traditions. Innovation is intrinsic to its character just as much as enchanting, timeless scenes.
This book – captivatingly photographed, exquisitely designed and sensitively written – celebrates what makes the Cotswolds so special, coaxing out its secrets and inviting you to look again and again at this muchloved, precious landscape.
Specifications:
96-page, 238mm (deep) x 247mm (wide) case bound hardback. 169 full-colour photographs, 3 black and white photographs, 7 monochrome illustrations and 3 maps.
ISBN 978-1-902487-08-3
Retail price: £14.99
The book can be purchased for £14.99 from the Cotswolds Discovery Centre in Northleach and all good book shops across the Cotswolds.
You can also purchase the book online by clicking here.
45,000 hours of conservation work by voluntary wardens equates to an estimated value of £300,000
In this, the 50th anniversary year of the Cotswolds becoming an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) we recognise the brilliant work undertaken by volunteers.
Here in the AONB we aim to provide a wide range of opportunities for volunteers to explore and experience the beautiful Cotswolds throughout the year.
In
2015/16 the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens clocked up a total of 45,739 hours in their work to conserve, enhance and increase understanding and enjoyment of the Cotswolds AONB.
300 wardens, who form the voluntary arm of the Cotswolds Conservation Board, regularly carry out a wide range of activities which, in 2015/16 was estimated to be worth over £300,000.
Much of the voluntary wardens’ time was spent on undertaking a variety of practical conservation and enhancement work, whilst organising and leading guided walks, monitoring historic sites and working with school groups.
Voluntary wardens’ conservation activities during 2015/16 included:
• Over 82,000 sq m of woodland cleared & 19,680 sq m was coppiced at 338 woodland sites
• Over 750 trees and hedge shrubs planted
• 63 grassland sites improved in area of 258,558 sq m
• Over 400 meters of streams and ditches cleared
• 130 waymarks and finger posts installed or repaired
• 4,000 miles of paths patrolled by the Parish Wardens
• 400 metres of dry stone walls repaired or rebuilt
• 26,500 meters of bridleway cleared
• Monitoring of 11 Historic England sites
• 345 children engaged in school projects
• Over 330 guided walks led
Martin Lane, Director of the Cotswolds Conservation Board said: “We currently engage with around 300 voluntary wardens who contribute in the region of 2,000 volunteer days! They come from all walks of life. From retired folk who want to give something back, to those looking to widen their experience and develop their skills in conservation work.
All of the voluntary wardens help make many significant and tangible contributions to the activities of the Conservation Board, together delivering great results for the Cotswolds AONB.”
Martin Lovegrove, Head Volunteer Warden said: “Voluntary wardens make a real difference, we have a number of volunteer roles, each offering something different to get involved in, from clearing footpaths and building fences, to delivery guided walks and monitoring Historic England sites.
It has been a very productive year and I would really like to thank all our wardens who have once again shown huge enthusiasm, professionalism and a wide range of skills and expertise. Our voluntary wardens are invaluable to the Cotswolds AONB and are a great bunch of people to work with.”
If you would like to find out how you could become a Cotswold Voluntary Warden and help play your part in looking after the AONB, then visit: www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/grants-and-projects/volunteering or by following the Cotswolds AONB on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CotswoldsAONB
New Cotswold festival to showcase the living landscape in its golden anniversary year
The 17th-century Lodge Park in the Cotswold country estate of Sherborne in Gloucestershire will play host to the first Cotswolds Living Landscape Festival on Sunday 18 September 2016 organised by the Cotswolds Conservation Board in partnership with National Trust.
The festival will mark the 50th anniversary of the designation of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and showcase the very best of the Cotswold landscape.
Visitors will be treated to a wide choice of stalls, from independent local food and craft producers to some of the Cotswold’s best craftsmen and women, providing array of options for the public to find the perfect take home item.
The Cotswolds Living Landscape Festival aims to be a great day out for families and those who enjoy the countryside and rural crafts. See the iconic Cotswold Lion sheep and watch a traditional horse logging demonstration. Local blacksmiths and hedgelayers will also be giving demonstrations throughout the day to inspire you to have a go yourself.
Finalists from the annual Cotswolds Dry-Stone Walling Competition will battle it out against each other showcasing the best of their skills at the traditional rural craft to claim the award of ‘Best Cotswolds Dry-Stone Wall 2016.’
In the Cotswold Marketplace, food and drink producers include: Ross & Ross Food, FWP Matthews, Cotswold Lion Brewery, Pie and Mighty Pies, The Little Pickle and The Tewkesbury Mustard Company. In the arts and crafts area: Lechlade Craft Barn, Alfie Purl, artist Alexandra Woods and ceramicist Pamela Shellard to name a few.
Local music acts and dancers will take to the stage celebrating the heritage and culture of the Cotswolds. Local new-age folk band FolkLaw will be headlining the festival with their exhilarating songs and music that guarantees to get your feet tapping, your face smiling and your festival-feet jumping! The group will be performing tracks inspired by the Cotswold landscape and from their forthcoming Smokey Joe album.
Hook Norton Brewery and the Cotswolds Distillery will be running the ‘ale and gin garden’ and for tea and cake while not drop into the pop-up Cotswold Lion Café.
The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens will be offering free guided walks through the beautiful setting of Lodge Park and into the stunning Cotswold landscape. There are also three walking routes from Lodge Park for visitors to explore.
Cotswold Electric Bike Tours will be running short tours from the festival site for visitors to experience their state of the art electric bikes that will help power you through the beautiful Cotswold countryside and villages. A really relaxing way to explore this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Entrance to the festival is £4 for adults and £1 for children. Entry fee also applies to National Trust members. There is an additional fee to enter the Lodge Park building. Proceeds from the festival will help the Cotswolds Conservation Board conserve and enhance the Cotswolds AONB. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a lead.
There is free on-site parking available. Entrance to the festival site from the A40 between Northleach and Burford.
Organisers are still taking stall bookings. Exhibitors should come from the AONB or the wider Cotswolds counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Bath & North East Somerset, Worcestershire and Wiltshire, or be able to demonstrate a strong link with the Cotswolds AONB as organisers are keen to keep this festival local and relevant to the Cotswolds AONB landscape.
Cotswolds Conservation Board publishes Annual Review
Training over 430 people in rural skills, engaging over 300 young people participating in countryside learning and supporting over £450,000 worth of local community projects are just some of the highlights included in the recently published Annual Review 2015/16 by the Cotswolds Conservation Board.
The Conservation Board, which looks after the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which is marking its 50th anniversary of being designated as a protected landscape.
The Annual Review summarises the work undertaken by the Board’s staff, members, voluntary wardens and partner organisations during the last financial year. Despite economically challenging times, the support and partnership working across the area has continued to bring a wide range of benefits to the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and its local communities.
Highlights include:
- Marking the 50th anniversary of the Cotswolds AONB with news of the first roadshow events and the start of the anniversary walk by Liz Eyre
- Significant value for money achieved by the Board and the related investment in the Cotswolds AONB landscape
- Demonstration of a strategic, AONB-wide view on key areas of work eg. sustainable tourism and access
- The reach across the Board’s social media platforms
- And, a reminder of the Board’s vision, aims and values
Statistics from the Annual Review can also be viewed in the Board’s info-graphic video as shown at the Cotswolds AONB 50th Anniversary Reception at Westminster.
Click here to open the full Annual Review or click here to view the info-graphic to see how the Board has made a difference in 2015/16.