
April/May 2010 Update

![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Conservation |
New rural skills programme 2010
|
Skills in the landscapeThe Board has submitted a new bid, Skills in the Landscape, to the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding through the Skills for the Future Scheme. This scheme offered a one-off opportunity to bid for funds to set up training bursaries aimed at supporting a greater diversity of people in undertaking training and work experience in heritage skills. |
Gas pipeline updateMain construction work will start over the next few weeks on the new 44 km, 900mm-diameter pipeline linking National Grid's existing installations at Wormington (near Broadway) and Sapperton (near Cirencester). The work involves fencing the working area, removing and storing topsoil, and digging a trench, which will then be backfilled once the pipeline has been laid. The new pipeline is expected to be in operation by the Autumn, although reinstatement of the land may continue after this time. |
Deer management information published
|
Understanding and enjoying |
New Cotswold Lion and grants supplement published
|
New programme of free guided walks in the CotswoldsThe new Cotswold Lion features over 140 free guided walks, visiting some of the most beautiful places in the Cotswolds AONB. |
Quantum Sheep moves into Cotswold Farm Park
|
New Step into the Cotswolds walks produced
|
Tourism surveyWork is progressing towards the Board's application to the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism. As part of this process, the Board is undertaking a survey to find out views and opinions on tourism in the Cotswolds. These findings will help with the development of a sustainable tourism strategy and action plan for the AONB. |
People and communities |
Over 80 attend Annual ForumThe Board's Annual Forum 2010, held in February at the award-winning and eco-friendly Toddington Village Hall attracted over 80 delegates from across a wide variety of interests including the farming and forestry sectors, local authorities, conservation and environmental organisations. |
65 attend Farming ForumThe Board's Farming Forum in March attracted 65 farmers and landowners from across the AONB to learn more about climate change and its likely impact on farming and forestry in the Cotswolds over the next 20 years. |
Access Conference 2010This year's Access Conference, which will be focused around identifying opportunities for developing and improving access and recreational opportunities in the Cotswolds AONB, will take place at Cotswold District Council, Cirencester on Tuesday 6 July. |
Applications open for the Alfred Toepfer Natural Heritage Scholarships 2010Each year the EUROPARC Federation, in cooperation with the Alfred Toepfer Foundation (D), awards three Alfred Toepfer Natural Heritage Scholarships, each worth 3000€, to promising young conservationists. The application period for the 2010 scholarships has begun and they are open to Europeans below the age of 35, who work for an environmental institution or are studying something related to the environment in a higher education establishment. |
Strategic management and planning |
Business Plan 2010-13The Business Plan 2010 - 2013 was adopted by the Board at the March meeting. The full plan can be downloaded from the Board's website or by clicking here. |
Forum for PartnersThe Board's next 6-monthly Forum for Partners, which was due to take place on 22 April, has been put back to June. Details of date, venue and programme will be confirmed shortly. |
Planning approval granted for redevelopment of a former airfield in the AONBPlanning consent has been granted following an inquiry held to consider a proposal submitted to Cotswold District Council for substantial redevelopment of the former airfield at Upper Rissington, near Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire. The proposals include the demolition of hangers and other airfield buildings, and the construction of 368 homes, together with retail, employment and community buildings, including a new primary school. The Council had refused the application on a number of grounds including the impact on the Cotswolds AONB. The Conservation Board supported the Council’s stance, and gave evidence at the inquiry regarding the impact on the AONB. |
|