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The Cotswolds AONB celebrates 50th Anniversary at the Palace of Westminster

June 27, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on June 27, 2016

The Cotswolds Conservation Board was delighted to hold a reception at the Palace of Westminster, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Hosted by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, who sent apologies from Lord Plumb, as he was unable to be present due to illness.  The reception featured a range of speakers including Rory Stewart, Minister for Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Designated in 1966, the Cotswolds AONB extends from Bath to Stratford upon Avon and from Gloucester to Witney, covering the best part of 800 sq miles or 2040 sq kilometres. It is the largest of the AONBs and currently the second largest protected landscape in England, after the Lake District.

Speaking at the reception, Rory Stewart MP spoke about the purpose and importance of designating the Cotswolds as an AONB in the swinging 1960 to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area. He went on to say: “The Cotswolds AONB is a memorable landscape and one that will long continue”.

Attending the reception were; Alex Chalk MP for Cheltenham, Chris Skidmore MP for Kingswood, Harriett Baidwin MP for West Worcestershire, Ben Howlett MP for Bath, and Nigel Huddleston MP for Mid Worcestershire. Representatives from the House of Lords also attended along with local authority leaders and directors of local businesses. 

 Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP for The Cotswolds, who hosted the Westminster reception said: “I was delighted to host the event to help mark the 50th Anniversary of the Cotswolds being designated an AONB. It is a landscape in which we all have a stake; a local and national jewel.

I encourage all to help us ensure that it is a landscape conserved and enhanced for the next 50+ years and I invite everyone to help mark and celebrate the 50th Anniversary within your own organisation in the months ahead”.

The Cotswolds Conservation Board’s Chairman Liz Eyre went somewhat further and invited those attending to pledge their support for nine opportunities going forward:

  • Recognise the quality of the AONB landscape and secure the Cotswolds as a dark sky reserve.
  • Make the Cotswolds the best landscape for the visitor to explore by public transport.
  • Make the Cotswolds the walking and exploring capital of England.
  • Build the Visitor Giving scheme and grow the level of support and range of activity that it can invest in.
  • Make the very best use of the Cotswolds as a Natural Health Service.
  • Develop the rural skills programme and support young people to advance their skills by offering a range of traineeships and apprenticeships, to help keep the Cotswolds special.
  • Develop the Cotswolds Choice brand to support local producers and businesses that in turn support high quality landscape management.
  • Help farmers and landowners retain and create wildflower rich grasslands and at the same time use their flood management potential.
  • Develop our understanding of the full range of benefits that the Cotswolds AONB provides to society and business.

Liz Eyre said: “I ask for your support in advancing these programmes and ideas as we embark on the next 50 years. I similarly invite you to join the Conservation Board in helping to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this wonderful landscape in the months ahead.”

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP invited all attending the reception to join Liz Eyre on the 50th Anniversary fundraising walk, walking the Cotswold Way in 10 stages over the course of the year.

At the reception Hook Norton Brewery launched their Cotswold Lion beer, brewed to celebrate the 50th Anniversary. The Cotswolds Distillery presented tastings of their gin, which has a 50th Anniversary collar/box design. Both companies are making a financial donation to the Cotswolds AONB.

Celebration events continue to take place across the Cotswolds throughout the year including: pop-up roadshows, creative workshops, an art exhibition and the Cotswolds Living Landscape Festival at National Trust’s Lodge Park on Sunday 18 September.

For further details visit www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/50

 

Parts of the Cotswolds AONB ranked as one of the darkest areas in southern England

June 20, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on June 20, 2016

The most detailed ever satellite maps of England’s light pollution and dark skies, released by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), have shown that parts of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are ranked 13th in terms of the darkest skies in England. 

The maps were produced using satellite images captured at 1.30 am throughout September 2015. This research comes at a time of increasing awareness of the harmful effects light pollution can have on the health of people and wildlife. That these skies were monitored at 1.30am illustrates just how long into the night England’s lighting spills outside of the Cotswolds AONB.

The Cotswolds Conservation Board has been considering whether parts of the Cotswolds AONB could be awarded Dark Sky status by the International Dark-Sky Association.  The Rollright Stones near Chipping Norton already has Dark Sky Discovery Status. 

Martin Lane, Director of the Cotswolds Conservation Board said: “Dark skies of the Cotswolds AONB have been fully recognised and included in the Tranquillity and Dark Skies Position Statement and revised Landscape Strategy and Guidelines for the Cotswolds, which include guidelines to conserve areas of dark skies and landscape and adopt measures to minimise existing light pollution.

The Board is exploring a bid to the International Dark Sky Association for parts of the Cotswolds to be recognised as a Dark Sky Reserve.

Keeping the lights out in the AONB is important to us. We were pleased to host a stargazing event at the Cotswolds Discovery Centre in Northleach in April in partnership with the Chipping Norton Amateur Astronomy Group. This event enabled the public to look through a wide range of powerful telescopes to observe the moon, planets and stars from the heart of the Cotswolds AONB. Looking up at night and seeing a star lit sky without disturbance from the lighting of neighbouring towns or cities really is a sight to enjoy.”

Richard Lloyd, Gloucestershire CPRE Vice Chairman said: “We would warmly support work towards achieving dark sky status for the Cotswolds AONB.  Being able to enjoy and appreciate the magic of the night sky is one of the special qualities of the Cotswolds”.

CPRE is calling on local authorities to use these maps to identify areas with severe light pollution and target action to reduce it, as well as identifying existing dark skies that need protecting. 

The new maps were produced by Land Use Consultants from data gathered by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in America. The NOAA satellite captured visible and infrared imagery to determine the levels of light spilling up into British skies. CPRE is sending lesson plans to primary schools in order to promote the enjoyment of dark skies.

The interactive maps can be viewed by visiting http://nightblight.cpre.org.uk

 

Cotswold Grassland Week returns

June 9, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on September 10, 2019

Cotswold Grassland Week (11 – 19 June) returns this weekend and the week is packed full of events, talks and discovery days from Leckhampton Hill to Chipping Norton. The week of events have been organised to highlight and enhance the wildflower grasslands of the Cotswolds.

Events will take place across the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and have been organised by the Save Our Magnificent Meadows team at the Cotswolds Conservation Board, providing the chance to hunt out rare plants and butterflies.

Events and guided walks include:

Guided Walk: Up, Down & Around two Nature Reserves
Saturday 11 June, 10am

Starting Point: Slip road for Swainswick, East of A46, 3.3 Miles from Cold Ashton roundabout at the A46/A420 junction

The Meadows and hedgerows will be in early flower and there are splendid views and history to interest all. Along the way you will see more of the work of the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens. It may be hot so bring plenty of drinks.

 

A Talk on the Folklore & Medicinal Properties of Plants

Saturday 11 June, 2pm – 3:30pm

Cotswolds Discovery Centre, Northleach
An hour’s talk, with time for questions, looking at a variety of plants and discussing their medicinal virtues and folklore.

 

Guided Walk: Glyme Valley

Wednesday 15 June, 10am – 1pm
Meet outside Chipping Norton Town Hall

Explore the wonderful species-rich limestone grasslands of Glyme Farm.

 

A Talk on Managing Grasslands for Wildlife

Thursday 16 June, 2pm – 4pm

Cotswolds Discovery Centre, Northleach
An illustrated free talk exploring our amazing wildflower grasslands and their ecology and management.

 

Guided Walk: Living on the Edge
Friday 17 June, 10am

Starting Point: Stanton Village Car Park

Limestone grassland and woods on the Cotswold scarp are tough places for plants but the perfect home for some specialised and spectacular plant species. As part of the Save Our Magnificent Meadows project we will be looking at the very important habitat.

 

Guided Walk: Coppicing and Wild Flowers

Saturday 18 June, 10am

Starting Point: Biddestone village pond

Colerne Park woodland is managed by the Woodland Trust and Coppice work has been undertaken each year by the Wardens. As well as coppicing the Hazel, deer fencing has to be erected to protect new growth from the deer and this has to be removed after a couple of years to prevent brambles taking over. Orchids and Bath asparagus, as well as many more wild flowers thrive in the meadows within the Park. Suitable for families.

 

Family Fun Event: Fun & Flowers on the Hill!

Saturday 18 June, 11am – 2pm

Leckhampton Hill (parking at Salterley Quarry car park), nearest postcode GL53 9QW

Free event! Storytelling, face painting, guided walks and bug hunts amongst the flowers.  Bring your own rug and picnic! A great day out for all the family!

Guided Walk: The Magnificent Meadows of Leckhampton Hill

Saturday 18 June, 11:30am

Starting Point: Brown Stones Quarry – on top of Hartley Hill

A walk along the Cotswold scarp with views over Cheltenham, down to the lime kilns and return via cowslip meadow. Bring a packed lunch or a picnic! This walk complements the Save Our Magnificent Meadows event on the hill at the same time and explores some of the nature.

Grassland Week has been organised as part of the national conservation project – Save our Magnificent Meadows. Save our Magnificent Meadows (SoMM) is a partnership project led by Plantlife, which comprises 11 organisations including the Cotswolds Conservation Board and is primarily funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.  The project is working with landowners and communities to protect, conserve and restore their local meadows.

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty contains a nationally significant proportion (over 50%) of the UK’s total Jurassic unimproved limestone grassland. This type of grassland is home to a large number of rare and declining plants including many species of orchid and other flowers including Pasque Flower and Cotswold Pennycress.

Eleanor Reast the Magnificent Meadows Conservation Officer said: “Grassland Week is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to see and learn about many of the rare and declining plants and wildflowers. For children especially it will ignite a lifelong interest in wildlife too!”

Full details about all of the events taking place during the week can be found online at www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk

 

 

 

New bench unveiled in Charlcombe to mark the work of the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens

May 16, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on May 16, 2016

A new bench has been installed beside the public footpath between Langridge and Woolley to the north of Bath.  The bench was donated by Charlcombe Parish Council for public enjoyment in appreciation of work done by the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens.

Over 350 Cotswold Voluntary Wardens dedicate thousands of hours of practical conservation work every year across the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), as well as lead an annual programme of guided walks and undertake a range of promotional and educational work.

Parish Councillors and Cotswold Voluntary Wardens met to celebrate the installation of the new bench.

At the unveiling ceremony, Alastair MacKichan, Chairman of Charlcombe Parish Council said: “Charlcombe Parish Council are delighted with the way in which the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens are pressing forward the modernisation of our footpaths within the parish and elsewhere.  Here in Charlcombe Parish we have glorious countryside and the Wardens’ work will help the enjoyment of this by responsible walkers for many years to come."

In reply, Keith Weller, Cotswold Parish Warden said: “The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens carry out countryside maintenance and improvement works throughout the Cotswolds parishes.  We are grateful to Charlcombe Parish Council for acknowledging our work in this tangible way which will provide an additional amenity for the public".

The bench provides a welcome rest stop to enjoy extensive views along the Lam Brook Valley.

 

New 2016 Dry Stone Walling Competition

May 12, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on June 16, 2022

2016: the year of our 50th anniversary celebrations and the year of exciting new courses and competitions.
 
This year, one of our new competitions comes in the form of our revised dry stone walling competition! The Cotswolds Rural Skills team has decided to mix it up this year, and bring a fresh take on one of our classic competitions. In 2016, the Best Cotswolds dry-stone wall competition will offer wallers of all abilities the opportunity to showcase the best of their skill at this traditional rural craft.
 
We have decided to move away from the old layout for the competition and focus on a new and updated format. However, we want to continue to promote the skills of local dry-stone wallers and recognise the importance of their craft within the wider Cotswolds AONB.
 
This year, we’d like our contestants to send photos into us of their best or favourite drystone wall that they have built in 2015 or 2016 within the Cotswolds. It could be a feature wall which incorporates technical skills such as curved or high walls, pillars, lunkies and other bespoke dry wall design or a field wall- be it a field boundaries or livestock barrier. There will additionally be a category for the best amateur wall, built by a part time, LANTRA Level 1 or low experienced dry-stone waller.
 
Our expert judges will closely examine the photographs and the best 3 walls in each category will be visited and viewed. Marks will be awarded for style, standard, features, landscape and a tidy site, taking into consideration impact and difficultly of terrain.
 
 
 
The winners of each class will have their winning wall featured in a full page spread in a prominent local media source such as the Cotswold Lion Magazine to promote their business and celebrate their great achievements! Second and Third place finishers will receive a free advert for their business in the Cotswolds Lion magazine and a certificate.
 
The competition is free to enter and awards will be made for the entries which in the opinion of the judges merit recognition because the walling is to a high standard, blends well with the existing walls and uses the local style. Either the owner of the wall or the craftsman who built it can enter the competition.
 
So, if you’re a keen drystone waller – be it professional, amateur or novice, what are you waiting for?! Enter this year and get the recognition for your skills and your company! For full details, terms and conditions and how to enter, please contact Rural Skills & Grants Officer, David Molloy on 01451 862002 or by email david.molloy@cotswolds-nl.org.uk
 
If you haven’t tried drystone walling before, but are keen to have a go, why not check out our wide range of rural skills courses available through the Cotswolds Rural Skills website http://www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk/events/?searchfilter=type&searchquery=1
 
 

Dry Stone Walling Courses

May 12, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on June 7, 2022

Dry stone walls are truly an icon of our heritage, our countryside and our beautiful Cotswolds landscapes- it’s practically impossible to miss them! With such importance throughout the AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) our landscapes would be unrecognisable without them!
The Cotswold landscape is marked with over 4,000 miles of dry stone walls. These unique and distinctive landscape features are typically constructed from locally sourced stone- namely the thin strata of Oolitic limestone, which lines the Cotswold Hills.
For many centuries, dry stone walls have been across the AONB; with their uses including demarcation of ownership boundaries and as stock-proof barriers. The earliest known dry stone wall can be found at Belas Knapp near Winchcombe and dates back to Neolithic times (approximately 3,000 BC). However, the majority of dry stone walls seen today were built during the 18th and 19th centuries. At these times, the labour and material costs were relatively inexpensive and readily available. This meant that dry stone walls were a worthwhile long term investment for landowners.
Surprisingly to some, dry stone walls contain a wealth of diversity. Offering shelter from wind and rain, dry stone walls provide fantastic habitat opportunities and wildlife corridors for a wide range of plant and animal species. Dry stone walls support species of mosses, lichens, pennywort, stonecrop, ivy and cranesbill. Slow worms and invertebrates including snails live within nooks and crannies between stones, alongside spiders, woodlice, springtails, millipedes, bees and wasps. Birds such as wrens, wheateaters, robins, redstarts, coal tits and little owls also nest within cavities, alongside toads, adders, voles, fieldmice, shrews, hedgehogs and bats.
Sadly, over the years many dry stone walls have fallen into disrepair. This has mostly been down to the high cost of upkeep and shifts in agricultural practices towards arable farming. The decline in the number of dry stone wallers has also been a widespread problem.
The process of dry stone walling requires some skill, as they are constructed without the aid of mortar and cement. The structure relies entirely upon the ability of the waller to carefully place stones, so that the weight of stones themselves keep the structure standing. Walls still standing after more than 100 years are certainly very well built walls!
To tackle the problem of the decline in wallers, the Cotswolds Dry Stone Walling Academy has been established. With the aim of keeping the skilled practice alive, we run a range of courses for all skill levels. From absolute novices, to the intermediately-skilled and the professional waller- we will always have something available to suit you!
If you want to create your own Cotswolds legacy, if you want to keep the historic skill living on, and if you’re keen on giving dry stone walling a go you can view our courses at http://www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk/events/?searchfilter=type&searchquery=1 and book on now!

Hedgelaying Courses

May 12, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on May 20, 2016

The Cotswolds are renowned for their quaint villages, bountiful wildlife and beautiful scenery of rolling hills, dry stone walls and traditional hedges. It is these hedges that hold the key to much of the flourishing wildlife seen throughout the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
 
The art of hedgelaying has been part of the Cotswolds landscape for centuries. Traditionally developed and managed as stock-proof barriers and to mark ownership boundaries, the skill of hedgelaying was once common practice.
 
 
Over the years, hedges have developed to possess their own distinctive range of species. Surveys in the AONB show us that our hedges are providing essential habitats for bats, reptiles, badgers, hedgehogs, birds, invertebrates, and the rarer hazel dormice and great crested newts (RSPB).
 
Overall in the UK, hedges have been recorded to house and/or provide food for over 1500 insect species as well as 600 floral species, 65 avian species and 20 mammal species (Hedgelink).
 
The hedge structure absorbs the wind’s energy, which creates perfect microclimates for sheltering and nesting animals. Hedges also provide food (pollen and nectar) and nesting resources for pollinators such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies. These pollinators collectively provide the UK with an estimated £510m worth of pollination services annually. Without these pollinators, the production of many of our agricultural products would not be possible.
 
Many researchers have talked about the role hedges play as ‘wildlife corridors’. Many studies have shown that birds, small mammals (shrews, mice, hedgehogs, rabbits, badgers), pollinators and invertebrates choose to travel along hedges instead of crossing exposed open fields. Hedges provide a safe travelling medium that these animals can disperse from, allowing wider-scale colonisation and access to habitats and resources otherwise too hazardous or remote to use.
 
So by taking one of our hedgelaying courses, you are helping to preserve and increase the numbers and extent of floral and animal species within the AONB for years to come. If you fancy becoming an ambassador for the traditional art of hedgelaying, visit our website at www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk and book on!
 

Cotswolds Stepping Stones Programme

May 12, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on January 23, 2017

Are you a level 1 dry-stone waller? Are you looking to branch out your skills into the commercial world of walling? If so, the stepping stones project is your chance!
 
From March 2016, newly qualified level 1 dry-stone wallers have the opportunity to take on their own dry-stone walling projects and get paid for it by the Cotswolds dry-stone walling academy.
 
Our ‘stepping stones’ initiative falls under the umbrella of the Cotswolds Dry-Stone Walling Academy. Through this program we aim to give level 1 dry-stone wallers the chance to develop a portfolio of their own dry stone walls and showcase their skills. This will enable level 1 wallers to understand the pressures of being a professional waller.
 
We currently have our first Stepping Stones candidate who is working hard undertaking work on her wall which she will be completing within the next 5 weeks!
 
If you missed the previous article, the aim of the programme is to offer newly qualified wallers the opportunity to develop their skills by taking on the repair of a 10-20m section of traditional Cotswolds field wall. Working alone, the waller is given a set period of time (as negotiated by the Board and the waller) in which they must compete the work.
 
With total flexibility, an assigned professional dry-stone waller acting as a mentor, and the opportunity to begin to create a portfolio of your own work, the programme is a must for anyone hoping to get into professional dry-stone walling!
 
Currently, existing locations for Stepping Stones include;
 
Burford (Oxfordshire)
 
Chedworth (Gloucestershire)
 
Charlbury (Oxfordshire)
 
If you fancy joining the Stepping Stones Programme, or you would like to take your level 1 walling qualification in order to qualify, or if you know someone who would be interested, please contact Rural Skills & Grants Officer, David Molloy on 01451 862002 or by email david.molloy@cotswolds-nl.org.uk

Job Vacancy: Cafe & Retail Manager

April 29, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on May 16, 2016

To manage the Cotswold Lion Cafe at the Discovery Centre, Northleach

 £23,002 – £27,333, 37 hours a week

After a very successful two years of operating the Cotswold Lion Café we are looking to appoint a full time Café & Retail Manager to help build upon that success.

This is a wonderful opportunity to work in the heart of the Cotswolds where the Conservation Board’s café and shop is the core welcome to our Cotswolds Discovery Centre, which encourages a greater understanding, appreciation and active enjoyment of the area.

This is a real hands on role. We are looking for someone who will be a working member of a small team preparing light snacks, sandwiches and homemade cakes to a high standard. The role involves serving food and beverages to the public and developing a retail area so a smart appearance at all times is essential.

You will work closely with the Communications Officer and Visitor, Interpretation & Events Officer. Your team will also work closely with visitor centre volunteers and the local community to provide good food, good service and a great welcome.

Our location means we have significant peaks and troughs in trading through the week and the seasons. You will lead a small team of casual staff to provide the service, including operating on your own at the quietest times.

You will work 37 hours a week with regular weekend, bank holiday and occasional evening shifts and attendance at meetings and training days as required. You will need to be flexible and be able to cover holidays and extra hours at busy periods. You may be required to carry out other duties, commensurate with your level of responsibility and may need to travel occasionally to do so.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Recruit and manage a team of catering, retail and serving staff, ensuring adequate staffing, supervision and access control at all times.
  • Ensure the day to day operation is performed so as to be statutorily compliant with specific focus on, but not limited to: Fire, Security, Health & Safety, COSHH Food Safety, Liquor Licensing, personnel practices and other appropriate legislation as may affect the scope of the cafe’s operation; as well as in accordance with the Board’s policies and procedures.
  • Maximise income and profitability of the trading operations, promoting positive selling, effective cost
    control revenue management and administration while ensuring this is both statutorily compliant and in line with the policies and procedures of the Board.
  • Provide a high standard of visitor and customer service at all times commensurate with the objectives of the Board and good visitor attraction and hospitality industry practice.
  • Measurable success criteria.
    o   Achieving operational and budget targets
    o   Achieving sales development targets
    o   Improving year on year sales

Click here to see the Job Description, and to complete the Application Form please click here. Guidance information on how to complete the application can be found here. For more information and any questions about this role please email Chris Brant, Communications Officer – chris.brant@cotswolds-nl.org.uk

The closing date for applications is 10.00am 20 May 2016 and interviews are scheduled for 25 May 2016, with the post commencing as soon as possible thereafter.

 

Click here to see the rest of our current vacancies.

 

Job Vacancy: Assistant Cafe Manager

April 29, 2016 by Chris Brant
Last edited on May 10, 2016

Assistant Cafe Manager (3/4 days per week)
Cotswold Lion Cafe at the Cotswolds Discovery Centre in Northleach
Salary: Pay Rate is £8.50 P/H

Key experience:

  • A catering kitchen background with at least 2 years’ previous experience in a busy establishment.
  • You can adapt your cooking skills to trade volumes and simple guest requests.
  • Prepared to work weekends, bank holidays and occasional evenings.
  • It would be advantageous for you to have up to date food hygiene qualifications and an eye for detail and organisation.

Our menu is simple, but as a seasonal business the small kitchen and service area can get very busy during the holidays and weekends so a calm approach and temperament is required.

Key duties:
In their absence, you will be deputising for the manager and will be responsible for:

  • Cash management
  • Staff supervision
  • Ordering
  • Opening and closing the business
  • As well as the everyday duties of cooking and ensuring good hygiene standards, and Yes there is some washing up involved too!

Along with the Cafe & Retail Manager you will be responsible for reducing wastage and ensure costs are controlled, as well as delivering consistent food quality.

A smart clean appearance is essential and good communication skills are important too. We also have a small shop area which just needs care and attention to keep it looking good for guests visiting our centre.

This is not a big part of your role, and you may not have any experience in retail but this could be a great opportunity to learn new aspects of good business practice.

You won’t work every weekend as fair rotas and time off are considered essential. Due to the business demands, days are not fixed but a fair working rota is agreed with the manager to ensure suitable cover and support to the business. Standard hours are approx. 8.30am till 5.45pm, with some later hours if we are busy.

Please email your CV with a covering letter to Chris Brant in the first instance, explaining why you would like to be considered chris.brant@cotswolds-nl.org.uk

Click here to see the rest of our current vacancies.