AONB Consultation
Collaborative Conservation: Building Partnerships for Haslemere's Biodiversity
Members of local conservation group, Haslemere Biodiversity, made several submissions to Natural England’s consultation on the Surrey Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) at the end of 2023. Although over the county boundaries, we included Bramshott Common, Ludshott Common, Waggoners Wells and Whitmore Vale, as wildlife don’t recognise borders in the slightest and are quite happy to roam wherever allowed. We are unreasonably delighted that Natural England have included them as areas of consideration in their 2nd consultation which runs 17th Sept – 10th Dec 2024. This consultation seeks to validate the inclusion of these sites, and community feedback is sought as to whether the boundaries drawn are appropriate.
The AONB review is part of an ambitious programme of landscape designation and is one of four being considered (the others being the Yorkshire Wolds, the Chilterns and the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge) to help deliver on the government’s commitment to safeguard more of England’s beautiful and iconic landscapes for future generations. The purpose of an AONB designation is to conserve and enhance an area’s natural beauty, and the designation is made using statutory powers in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
You can view the boundaries under consideration below, or at https://consult.defra.gov.uk/ne-landscape-heritage-and-geodiversity-team/surrey-hills-boundary-variation-2nd-consultation/consultation/subpage.2024-08-23.1487338422/ (scroll down to Figure 28b) where you can also respond to the consultation. The areas in yellow are those the community is invited to comment on (green and purple areas were previously consulted on and are now fixed).
The Green Belt ends at the eastern borders of Haslemere and Hindhead and although the majority of Bramshott and Ludshott Commons are designated conservation areas, they are not part of a wider protected landscape. The southern side of the Whitmore Vale valley borders the AONB which washes over the northern half of the valley. It has areas of Ancient Woodland and has one of the sources of the River Wey running through it; but is again not part of a specific landscape designation.
Haslemere Biodiversity’s response to the consultation will support the inclusion of these sites within the AONB as they are important habitats for native wildlife. Whilst our POV is flora and fauna focused, spaces will be special to people for many different reasons. The review asks people to evaluate the surrounding countryside and to support what is proposed, suggest extensions or request exclusions; with reference to the following five categories:
- Landscape quality – the current physical state or condition of the landscape and its features (consider submitting photos to support your points).
- Scenic quality – the extent to which the landscape appeals to the senses (primarily, but not only visual senses).
- Relative tranquillity – the degree to which relative tranquillity can be perceived in the landscape.
- Natural heritage features – the influence of natural heritage on the perception of the natural beauty of the area. Natural heritage includes flora, fauna, geological and physiographical features.
- Cultural heritage – the influence of cultural heritage on the perception of natural beauty of the area and the degree to which associations with particular traditions, people, artists, writers or events in history contribute to such perception.
Evidence is a powerful accompaniment, particularly if suggesting additional areas. Paintings, photos, local history, knowledge and experience are all immensely valuable to the process.
Haslemere Biodiversity are considering the addition of land west of Hammer Lane between Grayshott and Headley Down, which could help wildlife move between the north end of the Punchbowl and Ludshott Common. Each response will have a different point of view however, and we urge you to submit your own; remembering the consultation closes 10th Dec 2024. The last review of the AONB was in 1958, so it really it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect the places and spaces special to you. Be ambitious, spread the word but above all, make sure you get it done!
If you’re interested in local conservation, our website www.haslemerebiodiversity.org.uk offers a wealth of information. Of particular interest may be the HEN (Haslemere Ecological Network) which shows what conservation sites are in place already and ways in which wildlife can traverse the area. There is also plenty of information on how valuable volunteers are in pushing projects forward, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch at info@haslemerebiodiversity.org.uk.