There are 5 themes to consider :-

• Nutrient management
• Energy efficiency
• Water management
• Animal health and welfare
• Forestry

CONTACT: James Lloyd, Climate Change Advisor: james.lloyd@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk or telephone 01451 862033

FOR LOCAL ADVICE/ ASSISTANCE, RDPE - BID WRITING, PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND SUPPORT, ENERGY EFFICIENCY / GENERATION, & CARBON AUDITS

NOTES

The FFIS is part of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and is a targeted small grant scheme providing support for farmers, foresters, agricultural contractors, woodland owners, and horticultural businesses.

http://rdpenetwork.defra.gov.uk/funding-sources/farm-and-forestry-improvement-scheme

This support is geared to improve competitiveness by using resources more efficiently or improving animal health and welfare. This scheme aims to help make your business more profitable and resilient whilst reducing the impact of farming on the environment.

Applicants are advised to read the Applicant Handbook very carefully as some of the conditions and eligible items have changed since Round 1. A copy of the handbook can be downloaded from the RDPE Network website
http://rdpenetwork.defra.gov.uk/funding-sources/farm-and-forestry-improvement-scheme

The application form for Round 2 will be available to download from the above web site on May 22nd 2012. This bidding round will close at 5:00pm on Tuesday July 17th 2012. Applications received after this date will not be processed.
Please note that under no circumstances will Defra accept applications submitted on Round 1 application forms.
The maximum grant per business is £25,000 over the lifetime of FFIS and the minimum grant is £2,500. Only items listed in the Applicant Handbook are eligible for funding and grant rates vary between 15% and 50% depending on the item and applicant location.

For an application to be processed Defra must receive a fully completed, signed hard copy of the application, an electronic copy and all supporting documentation by 5:00pm on Tuesday 17th July 2012. Supporting documentation includes quotes, a declaration form signed by all partners in the business (or a company director and company secretary in the case of limited companies), copies of at least 2 years of full trading accounts, and relevant thematic documentation such as animal health and welfare plan summary, energy bills or water bills. Full details of the documentation required are in the Applicant Handbook so please read it carefully. For any queries that cannot be answered by the handbook, then you can email your relevant local delivery team. Please only telephone if your query is extremely urgent. Full contact details of the FFIS RDPE delivery team can be found on the RDPE Network website.
 

The ticket provides unlimited rail travel in and around the Cotswolds, including Swindon, Kemble, Stroud, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Ashchurch (for Tewkesbury) and on the North Cotswold Line between Oxford and Moreton-in-Marsh. It also provides unlimited bus travel with participating operators: Cotswold Green, Johnsons Excelbus, Pulhams Coaches, RH Transport and Swanbrook.

The Discoverer ticket - which is valid seven days a week anytime (after 8.50am Monday-to-Friday for rail users) - can be bought at any UK rail station and on the participating bus services.

Prices are: one-day Adult £10, and three-day Adult £25. Reductions are available with Railcards, and prices are half price for children under 16.

It is anticipated that more bus operators will join the scheme in the future, but in the meantime, itinerary suggestions using the new ticket have been prepared for visitors to the Cotswolds. These, and other details - including links to timetables and a downloadable leaflet - are at: www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/discoverer.

The initiative has been developed by the Cotswolds Conservation Board with First Great Western, Cotswolds Tourism, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire County Councils and local bus operators - and will initially run for a trial period of 6 months, until October 2012. It is then hoped that operators will continue to operate the scheme in the future, with a view to enhancing the offer further by incorporating discounted entry into attractions and extending the area of coverage.

Promotional leaflets will be printed shortly and distributed to railway stations and Tourist Information Centres throughout the Cotswolds.
ENDS
 

The Cotswolds AONB Management Plan, which is under review, provides information on a number of different aspects of the AONB including planning, transport, tourism, recreation, historic buildings and biodiversity to help guide the management of the AONB over the next five years.    The new plan, which will come into effect in April 2013, has identified a range of key issues and policies covering each of these and other topics.  Members of the public are now being invited to put forward their thoughts on whether they agree or disagree with the content of the plan.

For further details of the draft Management Plan review, click here.

To go direct to the survey questions, click here.

Closing date for responses is: 14 July 2012.

For further information, contact Malcolm Watt, Planning Officer on 01451 862004 or email: malcolm.watt@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk 

The Board has arranged a series of meetings across the Cotswolds to:

a)  Inform a wide audience of its role, work and future activity

The Board works with a wide range of organisations and individuals, including local authorities, wildlife trusts, parish councils and individual farmers and businesses in the AONB. The work load includes dealing with AONB issues from climate change and planning matters to managing the Cotswold Way and carrying out small scale practical tasks.

The meeting is an opportunity to learn more about this work and to put your questions to Board staff.

b) Encourage responses to the draft Cotswolds AONB Management Plan 2008-13 

There will be a presentation of the Plan, its statutory purpose, relevance, contents, and delivery.

Meetings will be held at:

11^th June    Ilmington Village Hall, Front Street, Ilmington, Warks, CV36 4LA

12^th June   Council Chamber, Wychavon District Council, Pershore, Worcs WR10 1PT

14^th June   St Margaret’s Hall, St Margaret’s Street, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DE

21^st June    Council Chamber, West Oxfordshire District Council, Witney, OX28 1NB

26^th June  Council Chamber, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Stroud, GL5 4UB

At all venues there will be meetings held from 10.30 -12.30 am and 2.00 - 4.00 pm. You are welcome to attend either.

To download an agenda for the meeting, click here. It wil be helpful if you could inform Malcolm Watt of your intention to attend. 01451 862004   malcolm.watt@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destination/uk/60570/Cotswolds-travel-guide.html

The centre which is run by the Cotswolds Conservation Board, will build on its previous two years success in helping people discover the fascinating story of the Cotswolds.

Through a series of imaginatively designed information panels, visitors can learn about the history, geology, landscape, people and nature of the area as well as be inspired to explore the Cotswolds further using the extensive network of public rights of way including the popular Cotswold Way National Trail. This season, a number of activities will be taking place at the centre including taster days in blacksmithing, and a Jubilee themed treasure hunt. A number of maps, walking routes, guide books, souvenirs and refreshments are available for visitors to buy, plus there is a wide range of free local information.

The centre, open from April to October, Wednesdays to Saturdays, is housed in the 18th century Old Prison in Northleach and allows visitors easy access to view one of the original cell blocks, along with the Lloyd Baker Rural Life Collection. This unique collection is the largest publicly owned regional collection of agricultural 'bygones' in the country, which includes a range of beautifully crafted harvest wagons and carts.

A bid by local environmental charity, the Friends of the Cotswolds, to invest in and secure the future of the building is currently being evaluated by Cotswold District Council, following the launch of the Friends’ fundraising campaign earlier this year. The campaign aims to build on the success of ‘Escape’, developing a centre of excellence for rural skills training and renewable energy demonstration, as well as significantly enhancing the range of interactive materials and exhibits for visitors to learn more about the AONB.
ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Escape to the Cotswolds is open from 4 April to 31 October, Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11am to 4pm.
• The centre is situated on the A429 Fosse Way at Northleach.
• The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966 in recognition of its rich, diverse and high quality landscape.
• The Cotswolds AONB is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation established in 2004 which has 37 members - 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by the Secretary of State.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), along with National Parks, are considered to be the most special landscapes in the country and belong to an international family of protected areas. There are 38 AONBs in England and Wales, and a further eight in Northern Ireland. For further details, visit: www.landscapesforlife.org.uk

The quest to find the Cotswolds' wonders has fired up the public's imagination, resulting in a long list of over 80 nominations. Historic and ancient sites, Cotswold buildings, churches and monuments, natural attractions, towns and villages and many more suggestions have been flooding in since the campaign was launched before Christmas.

With such a variety of suggestions covering natural, geological, historical, landscape and cultural features throughout the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Board is looking to invite the public to vote for their top seven Cotswolds ‘wonders’ to help determine the final list. The list will then be used to create a brand new series of ‘wonder walks’ to help more people access and enjoy the best places in the Cotswolds landscape.

Nicola Greaves, Information & Interpretation Officer at the Conservation Board said: “This campaign has attracted huge interest from the public and we were amazed by the variety of nominations from across the area that people have sent in. It has shown just how many wonderful features and attractions the Cotswolds AONB has and we are now looking forward to seeing what the final list will look like and then developing the wonder walks.”

To vote for your favourite final seven, view the full list at: www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk/wonders, then email your seven choices to info@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk, or submit via facebook.com/cotswoldsaonb by 1 June. The final seven will be announced shortly afterwards.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966 in recognition of its rich, diverse and high quality landscape.
• The Cotswolds AONB is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation established in 2004 which has 37 members - 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by the Secretary of State www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk
• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), along with National Parks, are considered to be the most special landscapes in the country and belong to an international family of protected areas.  There are 38 AONBs in England and Wales, and a further eight in Northern Ireland.  For further details, visit: www.landscapesforlife.org.uk
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.

Hosted by the Cotswolds Conservation Board, the visit will include a tour of Broadway Tower, a unique Capability Brown Folly Tower and one of England's outstanding viewpoints, which at 1024 feet (312m) above sea level, is the second highest point on the Cotswold escarpment. It also stands on the Cotswold Way, England’s newest National Trail which stretches 102 miles between Chipping Campden and Bath.

The tour will be followed by a meeting at the Cotswold Conference Centre with key tourism stakeholders including representatives from destination management organisations, local authorities and tourism partnerships from across the Cotswolds. In the afternoon, there will be an opportunity for the Minister and Mr Berresford to meet with a number of local tourism businesses at the Manor Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh and hear their views on marketing tourism in the Cotswolds.

As part of the visit, the Minister will formally open the Cotswold Conference Centre’s conservatory extension to their new Smallbrook Suite.

James Berresford said: “The Cotswolds is an outstanding area of beauty and a real gem of a destination. We are excited to be featuring the Cotswolds in our forthcoming advertising campaign which launches later next month. I’m looking forward to meeting so many industry colleagues today and discussing ways in which we can continue to work together to further grow tourism to this beautiful part of England.”

Martin Lane, Director of Cotswolds Conservation Board said: “It is a pleasure to welcome the Minister and VisitEngland to the Cotswolds. Over the past few years we have worked closely with our partners on various sustainable tourism projects and activities, including achieving the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism award for the Cotswolds. We therefore welcome the opportunity to discuss ideas for developing and managing tourism together in the future that will help to complement and promote our landscape, nature, culture and heritage, whilst fully supporting the local economy.”
ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966 in recognition of its rich, diverse and high quality landscape.
• The Cotswolds AONB was awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas in 2011.
• The Cotswolds AONB is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation established in 2004 which has 37 members - 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by the Secretary of State.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), along with National Parks, are considered to be the most special landscapes in the country and belong to an international family of protected areas. There are 38 AONBs in England and Wales, and a further eight in Northern Ireland. For further details, visit: www.landscapesforlife.org.uk
   

The wardens, who form the voluntary arm of the Cotswolds Conservation Board, are building the central feature of the new garden at Malmesbury Primary School – a circular dry stone wall seating area which will eventually contain a pebble mosaic to be designed as part of a school competition.

The idea for a garden at the school came from Headteacher Jeff Staton.

“We wanted to develop a new garden for our school because we wanted to create a special space that the whole school community can enjoy and use for different purposes. The project is also a unique opportunity for our children to see a project grow from the vision and design right through to the completed garden. The children involved have worked really hard in the initial stages to establish the plot. Now that parts of the project like the wall and mosaic are getting underway they will bring new learning experiences that they are really looking forward to too. We are lucky to have a great support team led by Jill Cainey with help from the voluntary wardens. They have made the difference and shown the children that transforming some waste ground into something special is possible.”

Designed by teacher and former climate scientist, Jill Cainey, the garden will help the children gain a better understanding of their local environment as well as help build self-esteem and confidence by encouraging them to get actively involved with all parts of constructing the garden, as well as its future maintenance.

Jill said: “Gardening brings so many benefits to children and it is wonderful to allow children to be part of the creation of the garden. I believe that helping children connect to their environment is key to them understanding wider scientific and environmental issues.”

With much of the ‘hardscaping’ of the garden almost finished, the garden is expected to be fully planted by spring.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966 in recognition of its rich, diverse and high quality landscape.
• The Cotswolds AONB was awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas in 2011.
• The Cotswolds AONB is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation established in 2004 which has 37 members - 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by the Secretary of State.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), along with National Parks, are considered to be the most special landscapes in the country and belong to an international family of protected areas. There are 38 AONBs in England and Wales, and a further eight in Northern Ireland. For further details, visit: www.landscapesforlife.org.uk
   

Walkers in South Korea are a step closer to walking the Cotswold Way National Trail thanks to the launch of the Cotswolds – Korea Friendship Trail in the South Korean island of Jeju Olle.

Along part of the Jeju Olle long distance coastal walking route, walkers can now find the same waymarked wooden signposts that are used along the Cotswold Way. The launch of this part of the trail in South Korea follows a similar launch which took place at Stinchcombe Hill last year, where a specially marked trail promotes the links with South Korea, and marks the completion of this new friendship trail – one of the first friendship trails in the world.

Friendship trails are similar to twin towns, whereby trails in different countries team up in the name of partnership, mutual publicity and international alliance. Through the concept of the Cotswolds Korea Friendship Trail and others in the world, it is hoped that the idea will spread across the globe, promoting understanding and walking, whilst boosting tourism and local economy.

Whilst helping to promote the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as the perfect destination for foreign walking holidays, the newly-marked route in South Korea will stand as a reminder of how walking routes can cross international boundaries.

“This is a real opportunity to promote international friendship and cooperation. We are proud to be joining up with Jeju Olle, and hope this special relationship will benefit people, landscapes and conservation in both our countries,” said James Blockley, Cotswold Way National Trail Officer.

Similar plans are now underway to launch a new friendship trail with the Bruce Trail in Canada this April.

A downloadable route guide for the Cotswolds Korea Friendship Trail at Stinchcombe Hill is available here.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Cotswold Way was launched as a National Trail in 2007 and stretches for 102 miles along the Cotswolds escarpment between Chipping Campden and Bath.
• The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966 in recognition of its rich, diverse and high quality landscape.
• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), along with National Parks, are considered to be the most special landscapes in the country and belong to an international family of protected areas. There are 38 AONBs in England and Wales, and a further eight in Northern Ireland. For further details, visit: www.landscapesforlife.org.uk
• The Cotswolds AONB is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation established in 2004 which has 37 members - 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by the Secretary of State.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.

James Lloyd has been appointed by the Cotswolds Conservation Board to provide climate change adaptation advice and support to farmers and rural businesses across the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

In his new post, which has been established thanks to funding from National Grid, James will be working closely with farmers and rural businesses to identify measures aimed at increasing efficiency and productivity, and demonstrating that sustainable land use can increase profitability. Assisting businesses to access external sources of funding will also be a key part of James’ new role.

James, who is well known in Gloucestershire’s rural economic development sector having spent five years working as rural development adviser for the Gloucestershire Development Agency, is enthusiastic about his new role and the support that he is able to offer rural businesses.

“I am looking forward to providing dedicated advice and support to farmers and other rural businesses across the Cotswold AONB, promoting the benefits of early transition to a low carbon economy,” commented James.

“This exciting new role will involve taking forward a variety of initiatives focused on resource management, renewable energy, and sustainable land management, including assistance with various funding applications, and administration of a small grant scheme for innovative demonstration projects''.

The need for a dedicated climate change advisory service was identified in the report ‘The Future of Farming and Forestry in the Cotswolds AONB,’ published last year by the Cotswolds Conservation Board. The report highlighted the pressures likely to be faced by farms and other rural businesses in the future as a result of climate change, and made a number of recommendations based on adaptation and mitigation measures that can be taken to help conserve the special features of the Cotswolds.

Funding for the new role has been provided by National Grid as part of the Wormington to Sapperton Gas Pipeline Project mitigation package.

Tim Vaughan, National Grid project manager said: “We are delighted James has joined the CCB team to carry this work forward. He has a valuable role in helping farmers and local businesses move towards a low carbon economy as part of the CCB's climate change advisory service.”

For further details, contact James Lloyd at james.lloyd@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk or 01451 862000.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966 in recognition of its rich, diverse and high quality landscape.
• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), along with National Parks, are considered to be the most special landscapes in the country and belong to an international family of protected areas. There are 38 AONBs in England and Wales, and a further eight in Northern Ireland. For further details, visit: www.landscapesforlife.org.uk
• The Cotswolds AONB is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation established in 2004 which has 37 members - 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by the Secretary of State.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
   

With such a rich source of natural, geological, historical and cultural attractions throughout the AONB, the Cotswolds Conservation Board is looking for help in compiling a ‘Seven Wonders of the Cotswolds’ list. These will then be used to create a brand new series of ‘wonder walks’ to help more people access and enjoy the best places in the Cotswolds landscape.

The list could include historical, geological, natural, cultural, built or landscape features that encapsulate why the Cotswolds is such a special and distinctive place.

Nicola Greaves, Information & Interpretation Officer at the Conservation Board said: “The Cotswolds AONB has such a vast range of wonderful places and features that we wanted to include the general public in helping us to come up with a definitive list. We will then be able to use the final seven wonders list to help increase appreciation of the AONB as well as enjoyment of the Cotswolds through the creation of seven Wonder Walks.”

To nominate your own suggestions for inclusion in the Seven Wonders of the Cotswolds, simply email them to info@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk, or send via twitter @cotswoldsaonb or facebook.com/cotswoldsaonb by 31 January 2012. The full list will be announced in March 2012 and will then go to a public vote to determine the final seven. All nominations will also go in to a prize draw to win a Cotswolds T shirt and an eco-bag.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966 in recognition of its rich, diverse and high quality landscape.
• Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), along with National Parks, are considered to be the most special landscapes in the country and belong to an international family of protected areas. There are 38 AONBs in England and Wales, and a further eight in Northern Ireland. For further details, visit: www.aonb.org.uk
• The Cotswolds AONB is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation established in 2004 which has 37 members - 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by the Secretary of State.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.

A selection of things to do in the Cotswolds AONB this Christmas:


Enjoy festive late-night shopping

Where: Broadway, 2 Dec; Bourton on the Water, 2 Dec; Winchcombe, 6 Dec

There are many opportunities to enjoy a late night shopping trip to one of our charming Cotswold towns and search for gifts with a difference.
On 2 December, Broadway hosts festivities for all the family including carol singers, swing band, horse & carriage rides, street entertainers, hog roast, mulled wine, roast chestnuts and much, much more! Also on 2 December, Bourton on the Water will hold its annual Christmas late night shopping extravaganza! Shops will be open till 9pm and there will be plenty to entertain with the lighting of the Christmas Tree in the river at 6 pm, children’s roundabout, Punch & Judy, Father Christmas and much more.
The Walkers are Welcome town of Winchcombe will be holding its traditional Christmas festival on 6 December, with a variety of market stalls, entertainment and Father Christmas. An adaptation of a traditional Winchcombe Mummer’s Play with a seasonal theme will be acted out on the streets during the evening and Happenstance Border Morris will be celebrating Christmas in dance.

Make your own natural Christmas decorations

Where: Prema Arts Centre, Uley, near Dursley (www.prema.org.uk)
Go on a festive foray of seasonal crafts with Ellen Winter from the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and learn how to make beautiful, natural decorations for the home, including wreaths, stars and angels. Pre-booking required: Tel 01453 860703

Buy a home-grown Christmas tree

Where: Westonbirt Arboretum (www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt)

Choose a real, home-grown Christmas tree this year from sustainably managed forests. You can also pick up a Christmas wreath and some locally grown mistletoe.

While you’re there: explore the magical illuminated trail route through the Old Arboretum, meet Santa in the wonderful winter wonderland and browse an array of festive gifts and fare.

Where to see the stars this Christmas

Where: Kilkenny Picnic Site, Gloucestershire (www.gloucestershire.gov.uk)
One of the best viewpoints in the Cotswolds that is far enough away from neighbouring towns and cities to make for great star-gazing.
While you’re there: enjoy a hearty, home cooked meal, using locally sourced ingredients, at the nearby Frogmill Hotel.

Help shed the Christmas calories

Where: Overbury, Worcestershire (www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk)

Starting from Overbury Church, this 4-mile guided walk with our Cotswold Voluntary Wardens on 28 December will help blow away some of the Christmas over-indulgence.
While you’re there: take an extended walk to the top of nearby Bredon Hill. This National Nature Reserve and Iron Age Hill Fort commands far-reaching views and contains many trees which are over 300 years old.

Recharge after Christmas...

Recover from the chaos of the festive period by escaping for a weekend in one of England’s protected landscapes, offering over 650,000 hectares of stunning countryside, coast, parks and gardens. Visit www.our-land.co.uk for inspiration on how to make the most of winter in the South East.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• ‘Our Land’ unites and celebrates the nine protected landscapes of the region. The area consists of two National Parks and seven Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): the Chilterns, Cotswolds, High Weald, Isle of Wight, Kent Downs, New Forest, North Wessex Downs, South Downs and the Surrey Hills
• The Our Land website is packed with information to help people find out more about what the South East has to offer, arrange visits, book short breaks and holidays and encourage people to discover and experience what’s on offer. 
• Our Land aims to cut air travel and create more sustainable communities in the countryside, through encouraging green tourism.
• Our Land is funded by £1 million from the Rural Development Programme for England, funded by the EU. The site is built and managed by responsibletravel.com.

About the Cotswolds AONB

• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.
• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk

Twenty eight hedgelayers from across the region took part in this year's annual North Cotswolds Hedgelaying Competition held at Woodlands Farm, Chedworth and organised by the Cotswolds Conservation Board with the support of the National Hedgelaying Society.

Held on Saturday 19 November, five classes of competitors, from novice through to professional – battled it out for the prestigious hedgelaying trophy and cash prize under the expert eye of the judges.

The winners were announced as follows:

• Open: 1st Steven Leslie from Derbyshire; 2nd Rob Thompson from Nuneaton; 3rd Nigel Adams from Oxfordshire.
• Intermediate: 1st Tony Wilsdon from Bampton, Oxfordshire; 2nd Hefin Davies from Burford; 3rd John Dunbar from Wolverhampton.
• Junior and Beginners: 1st Martin Jarratt from Chipping Norton; 2nd David Faulkner from Marston St Lawrence, Oxfordshire; 3rd William Balmont from Reading.
• Veteran: 1st Clive Matthew from Leicestershire; 2nd Peter Tunks from Surrey; 3rd Tony Heard from Alcester, Warwickshire.
• Beginners Pairs: 1st Chris Rawlings and Jeremy Bainbridge from Oxfordshire; 2nd Stuart Edmunds & Robert Gascoigne from Thame, Oxfordshire; 3rd Tristan & Terry Hillsdon from Aylesbury, Bucks.

Competition organiser and rural skills officer at the Cotswolds Conservation Board, David Molloy said: "Once again our hedgelaying competition attracted a high level of interest from both competitors and spectators who are as keen as we are to keep this important skill alive, as hedgerows are not only important wildlife habitats but also help to define the distinctiveness of the Cotswolds countryside.”

ENDS

PHOTO CAPTION: The winning hedgelayers from across the five classes at the North Cotswolds Hedgelaying Competition.

Notes to editors:

1. The competition was kindly supported by the National Hedgelaying Society.
2. The competition took place at Woodlands Farm in Chedworth, Gloucestershire.
3. Competition classes are described as follows :
   1. Class 1: Open: anyone with experience of hedgelaying.
   2. Class 2: Intermediate: those who have not won this class twice or been placed in an open or veteran class.
   3. Class 3: Junior, Beginners and Novice. Juniors are to be under 21 years; Beginners are those who haven’t entered a competition before; Novices are those who have not won this class before, or been placed in an Open or Veteran class.
   4. Class 4: Veterans: competitors who have reached their 60^th birthday on or before the day of the competition.
   5. Class 5: Beginner pairs: any two people working on one section who have not entered a competition before.
4. Competition prizes are awarded as follows:
   1. Class 1             1^st: Trophy and £50, 2^nd: £30; 3^rd: £15
   2. Class 2             1^st: Trophy and £40, 2^nd: £25; 3^rd: £15                 
   3. Class 3             1^st: Trophy and £30, 2^nd: £20, 3^rd: £10
   4. Class 4             1^st: Trophy and £40, 2^nd: £25, 3^rd: £15
   5. Class 5             1^st: Trophy and £30 each, 2^nd: £20 each, 3^rd: £10 each

5. The Cotswolds Conservation Board organises a number of rural skills courses throughout the year including hedgelaying, dry stone walling, thatching and woodland coppicing. Visit www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk

Cotswolds AONB fact file

• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.

• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.

• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.

• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk
 

The competition, which is part of the Board’s rural skills programme, follows on from the successful Dry Stone Walling Competition held recently at Adam Henson’s Farm Park. The competition involves five classes of competitor, from novice through to professional, who will be battling it out for the prestigious hedgelaying trophy and cash prize.

To compete, participants have to cut and lay a section of hedge up to 10 yards in length, depending on which class they belong. The hedge is to be laid in the Midland style and must be 3’ 6” in height.

Judging is carried out by representatives of the National Hedgelaying Society and is made on a points basis, with points awarded for specific aspects of hedgelaying including cut and pleach, stake and heatherings, back of hedge and general appearance.

The draw for sections will take place at 8.40am and laying will commence at 9am. All hedgelaying will finish at 2pm when final judging will take place.

Competition organiser, Rural Skills Officer at the Cotswolds Conservation Board, David Molloy said: "We are looking forward to this very popular event in the Board’s rural skills programme which always attracts many participants and spectators. Hedgerows are an important and distinctive feature of the Cotswolds landscape and keeping the traditional skill of hedgelaying alive is therefore an integral part of our overall skills training programme.”

For further information on the competition and courses, and to register as a participant, please visit www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk or telephone the Cotswolds Conservation Board on 01451 862000.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The competition is kindly supported by the National Hedgelaying Society.

2. The competition takes place at Woodlands Farm in Chedworth, Gloucestershire.

3. Competition classes are described as follows :
a. Class 1: Open: anyone with experience of hedgelaying.
b. Class 2: Intermediate: those who have not won this class twice or been placed in an open or veteran class.
c. Class 3: Junior, Beginners and Novice. Juniors are to be under 21 years; Beginners are those who haven’t entered a competition before; Novices are those who have not won this class before, or been placed in an Open or Veteran class.
d. Class 4: Veterans: competitors who have reached their 60th birthday on or before the day of the competition.
e. Class 5: Beginner pairs: any two people working on one section who have not entered a competition before.

4. Competition prizes are awarded as follows:
a. Class 1 1st: Trophy and £50, 2nd: £30; 3rd: £15
b. Class 2 1st: Trophy and £40, 2nd: £25; 3rd: £15
c. Class 3 1st: Trophy and £30, 2nd: £20, 3rd: £10
d. Class 4 1st: Trophy and £40, 2nd: £25, 3rd: £15
e. Class 5 1st: Trophy and £30 each, 2nd: £20 each, 3rd: £10 each

Cotswolds AONB fact file

• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.
• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
   

The Cotswolds Conservation Board, the organisation which looks after the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), has submitted a first-round application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to help secure the future of the grade II* listed Old Prison at Northleach.

The 18th century Old Prison, owned by Cotswold District Council and due to be put up for sale in the next few weeks, houses the new Escape to the Cotswolds discovery centre, opened in 2010, and the unique Lloyd Baker Rural Life Collection. It also houses the Board’s offices, with the Board being a tenant of the District Council.

Through the bid for funding from the HLF, the Board is seeking to realise the building's full potential as a centre and resource for the local community and safeguard access to this wonderful building and landmark on the Fosse Way itself.

The application for a total of £1.3m towards a £1.8m project will, if successful, create a vibrant visitor centre at the heart of the Cotswolds. As well as conserving and improving access to and interpretation of the former Northleach House of Correction and the Lloyd Baker Collection, the new centre will act as a central hub for the Cotswolds AONB helping to deepen understanding and appreciation of the significance of this special landscape through volunteer-led hands-on activities and demonstrations, interactive interpretation and costumed story-telling. The centre will also become a focus for rural skills training, building on the Board's existing rural skills training programme, and will seek to be a showcase for sustainable energy conservation and production within the context of a historic building.
If successful, this first-round application will lead to the Board being invited to submit a detailed second-round application. The first-stage decision is expected in January 2012.

Director of the Cotswolds Conservation Board, Martin Lane said: "This is an exciting and ambitious project which we believe will breathe new life into this important historic building as well as secure the future of both the building and the collection for the public. Plus, with the initial success of 'Escape' we have a strong base on which to build a centre for the Cotswolds that local communities and visitors to the area can enjoy."

Further details of the HLF application can be viewed at: www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/newsevents/hlf

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The ‘Escape to the Cotswolds’ discovery centre is open between April and October, Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Entry is free of charge.
• The Northleach House of Correction is one of four houses of correction built in Gloucestershire in the 1790’s to the design of the then High Sheriff, Sir George Onesiphorus Paul. Paul was the inspiration and driving force behind the reorganisation of Gloucestershire’s prison system, the first such scheme of its kind in the country. Today the keeper’s house, female cells and police station along with the front façade and perimeter wall all survive, as does the court room.
• The Rural Life Collection is a personal collection of agricultural and rural history by Miss Olive Lloyd-Baker who was born in 1902 to a distinguished Gloucestershire family. When she died in 1975 the “Lloyd-Baker Collection” was accepted by HM Treasury in lieu of estate duties and its ownership transferred to Cotswold District Council. Since the 1980’s further additions to the collection were made by generous donations from local people, once it was housed at Northleach. At the heart of the collection are 23 farm wagons and carts, with regional and national significance as locally-distinctive examples.
• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.
• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk
   

Malcolm Watt, Planning Officer for the Board said:

“Getting the right development in the right place is a vital issue for people living and working in the Cotswolds. The Board finds much in the new framework to welcome – such as the new need to consider the impact of development on tranquillity, and the proposal to give local communities the opportunity to develop their own plan for their town or village. We also welcome the simplification of the whole planning process.

However, the Board is concerned that despite Government assurances, the framework as currently worded weakens the protection of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from poor quality development. The Board’s suggested changes to the NPPF will achieve a better balance between development and the protection of the natural beauty and special character of the area. For example, the Board suggests that it should be an aim to ‘avoid’ environmental harm being caused by development rather than just ‘minimise’ any harm, as is suggested in the draft NPPF.

We also have concerns that the draft framework does not recognise the economic benefits that flow from a high quality environment, including through the provision of vital services such as water supplies and encouraging sustainable tourism.”

The Board’s full response can be viewed by clicking here

ENDS

‘Our Land’ unites and celebrates the nine protected landscapes of the region – the first time such a collaboration has been created – in a new central tourism website: www.our-land.co.uk (hosted by responsibletravel.com). The promotion of sustainable tourism businesses that have a passion and commitment to their local landscapes and communities lies at the core of the site.

Employment in tourism in protected landscapes is around double the national average at almost 20%. Our Land aims to boost the vital revenue generated through tourism, whilst ensuring the long-term protection of the land by encouraging the public to recognise and rejoice in these diverse landscapes.

More than a third of the South East is officially classified as Protected Landscape – this consists of two National Parks and seven Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB): the Chilterns, Cotswolds, High Weald, Isle of Wight, Kent Downs, New Forest, North Wessex Downs, South Downs and the Surrey Hills.

Visitors can use the new website to find and book their next holiday; browsing specific regions and accommodation preferences or by viewing suggested itineraries themed around seasons and activities, as well as reading about the sights, sounds and smells that make the different landscapes so distinct.

Social media elements allow people to share their experiences and to ask questions of the area to a panel of local experts; including historians, conservationists and walking and cycling experts.

Local businesses signing up to the scheme will benefit from free or discounted inclusion on the website, support developing their interaction with the landscape, and the promotional weight of the initiative. To qualify as partners, businesses must agree to the ‘Our Land Promise’ www.our-land.co.uk/copy/promise to offer authentic experiences that celebrate the cultural and natural history of the region, and they must demonstrate to visitors their commitment to the environment.

Supporters and partners
TV presenter Kate Humble, is championing the new initiative and said: “In the UK we have some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes on our doorstep. Not only are these wonderful places to enjoy Britain’s nature at its best, they are also packed full of interesting stories of thousands of years of human life. There is a powerful, resurgent interest in re-discovering natural and cultural Britain and I congratulate the Our Land partners in aiming to capitalise on this in a responsible and sustainable way.”

Justin Francis, MD, responsibletravel.com, said: “We have some of the most diverse landscapes on our doorstep but too many are unaware of the riches that can be less than an hour away by bus, bike or train. Our aim is to reconnect people that live in the South East with our shared heritage to ensure it is enjoyed, whilst being conserved for centuries to come.”

James Berresford, CEO of Visit England, said: “Within the Strategic Framework for English Tourism the Rural Tourism Action Plan aims to significantly increase the economic benefits of tourism to local communities, and the Wise Growth Action Plan embeds the principles of balancing growth with sustainability across the industry. Our Land is a very good example of putting these strategic plans in to action. In time I hope it will develop beyond the South East.”

As well as working with local tourism businesses, Our Land will collaborate with membership organisations, transport providers and the media to promote the range of visitor attractions on offer in the protected landscapes.

Our Land has been made possible thanks to a £1m grant from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), to be spent over the next 2.5 years, after which it is intended the model will continue to prosper commercially and be available as a template for other protected landscapes across the country. Our Land is being managed by the South East Protected Landscapes (SEPL) forum, made up of representatives of the nine landscapes, and is being given web, marketing and brand support by the project’s private partner, sustainable tourism leader, responsibletravel.com.
- Ends -

For further information please contact:
General media enquiries:
Adam Stones or Georgie Howlett at Forster – 0207 403 2230, adamstones@forster.co.uk, georgina@forster.co.uk
 

Notes to editors:

• Our Land has been made possible thanks to £1million funding from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) which is administered through Defra.
• Our Land is managed by the South East Protected Landscapes (SEPL) Forum – made up of representatives from each of the region’s nine protected landscapes – with web support from responsibletravel.com
• Our Land is constituted through a Memorandum of Agreement with Surrey County Council, which also acts as the project’s accountable body.
• Around 36% of the South East region is designated Protected Landscape, the primary purpose of which is the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the landscape.
• responsibletravel.com, the world’s leading company for marketing green and sustainable tourism, is the project’s private sector partner responsible for commercial strategy, branding and marketing, including creating and managing the Our Land web platform. responsibletravel.com has committed to running the project beyond the funding period.
• responsibletravel.com was set up in 2001 and has generated £80million of bookings for small, rural and specialist tourism businesses. Every business that appear on Our Land will also be listed for free on responsibletravel.com.
   

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has received an international accolade for delivering and promoting sustainable tourism.

The prestigious European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas was presented at the annual EUROPARC Conference in Germany, attended by over 300 people from 20 countries. The Cotswolds was one of 11 parks and protected areas being awarded the Charter for the first time. A total of 89 out of 440 protected areas hold the charter in 35 European countries.

On receiving the award, Cotswolds Conservation Board Vice Chairman Liz Eyre said: "The European Charter is a huge accomplishment for the Cotswolds AONB. The award reflects the desire by all our partners to ensure that this very special area continues to prosper from tourism but without spoiling our main assets - the natural environment, landscape and tranquility."

Achieving Charter status involved the development of a 5-year Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Action Plan for the AONB, setting up a partnership with key stakeholders, and culminated in a 2-day visit to the AONB by a Europarc assessor in April.

The assessor commented favourably on a sound strategy, the enthusiasm of all partners concerned and the potential for the Cotswolds to build on its international brand and reputation as an excellent destination for walking.

ENDS
 

The Board and LGG recognise that the positive benefits to physical health and mental wellbeing to be gained from access to the natural environment are well documented. See for example Newton, J. (2007) "Wellbeing and the Natural Environment: A brief overview of the evidence."

The NHS and public health white papers set out proposals for far reaching changes to health policy. The transfer of responsibility for public health from the NHS into local government will lead to greater emphasis on the role of local government and its partners in improving the health of the public and tackling health inequalities. With this comes the opportunity to act more broadly on the social and environmental determinants of health and to utilise the health promoting assets within our communities and our natural surroundings.

The Workshop will aim to:

• increase knowledge and understanding of how the natural environment can contribute to improved health and wellbeing of communities and individuals and share this amongst local authorities, commissioning groups, community organisations and other partners;
• map existing assets and interventions that promote the use of the natural environment of the Cotswolds AONB for improving health and wellbeing;
• seek out further opportunities particularly, though not exclusively, through partnership working with local authorities, primary care trusts and the emerging clinical commissioning groups;
• develop pilot schemes with local partners that would be able to demonstrate increased health and wellbeing outcomes at lower cost.
• showcase such interventions and share learning for the benefit of others.

To book your place at the workshop, please contact the Cotswolds Conservation Board on 01451 862000 or email claire.parker@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

Starting at 11am from Escape to the Cotswolds, the discovery centre for the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the walk will be led by Cotswold Voluntary Warden Colin Boulton, who will take visitors on a gentle two hour walk around Northleach. 

As well as discovering the rich history of this once internationally important wool town including the magnificent Church of St Peter and St Paul, the walk will take in Escape to the Cotswolds where the fascinating history of the Cotswolds AONB can be explored.  Visitors will also be able to see inside one of the original cell blocks in the Old Prison, and view the Lloyd Baker Collection of Rural Life, a nationally important collection, located behind the Old Prison, which features a fascinating array of agricultural implements and ‘bygones’.

Throughout the 4-day Heritage Open Days festival, the Northleach Historical Society will be displaying a mini exhibition about Northleach in the Escape to the Cotswolds centre.

Nicola Greaves, information and interpretation officer at the Cotswolds Conservation Board said: “Heritage Open Days is an excellent opportunity for us to show people what a wonderful cluster of attractions we have all in one place and provide a fascinating glimpse into the past.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Every year in September, Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s rich architecture history and culture. Thousands of buildings of every age, style and function open their doors free of charge.
• The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens are the voluntary arm of the Cotswolds Conservation Board.
• Escape to the Cotswolds is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm and admission is free.
• The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966 and this year celebrates its 45^th anniversary.
• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.

• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk
   

The new course, made possible with the help of a £10,000 grant awarded by the Ernest Cook Trust, is aimed at addressing the current shortfall in advanced dry-stone walling skills and techniques and will provide wallers with the advanced Lantra Level 3 qualification, essential towards achieving the master craftsman certificate.

The 22-week course and assessment prepares the wallers to deal with the range of situations that they can encounter, including curved walls, walls on sloping ground, high or retaining walls and ‘lunkies’ which are holes in the wall designed for animals to pass through. These are all aspects of the skill critically important to the conservation of the Cotswolds landscape and the special features that add local character as well as the continuing development of the profession.

Rural Skills Officer, David Molloy, said: “The Board has a very strong track record of delivering and promoting dry stone walling courses in the Cotswolds and there are some highly experienced and skilled wallers operating in the AONB. However there is a real challenge in developing the next generation of top flight wallers. Through this course we hope to address this challenge and make a significant contribution to developing the skills necessary to help conserve the special character of the Cotswolds in the long term.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• There is only one other course in the UK offering Lantra Level 3 training at The College of the Peak in Derbyshire.
• The course takes place at Huntsmans Quarry, Naunton, and is led by Master Dry Stone Waller, John Day.
• The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966 and this year celebrates its 45th anniversary.
• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.
• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk
   

The construction of a 44km gas pipeline between Wormington and Sapperton in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) last year was a major project which had many implications for the Cotswolds landscape. However, thanks to a positive and close-working relationship between the Cotswolds Conservation Board and National Grid, nearly one million pounds of funding and in-kind contributions were negotiated by the Board to help mitigate the impact of the pipeline on communities and the landscape within the AONB.

The gas pipeline project, detailed in the newly published Cotswolds Conservation Board’s Annual Review 2010/11, provided: £400,000 of funding towards the rebuild or reinstatement of dry-stone walls in the AONB; £100,000 of funding for community projects as well as nearly £100,000 towards a range of climate change projects. In addition to the National Grid funding, landowners, farmers and communities have contributed to these sums. The walling grants, for example, have already secured an additional £343,000 towards 3130 metres of restored walls in the wider landscape.

Other funding went towards the provision of specialist ecological, environmental and archaeological advice throughout the project to ensure the continued conservation and enhancement of the landscape.

Martin Lane, Director of the Cotswolds Conservation Board said: “Working in partnership with National Grid last year proved extremely beneficial for all concerned. This was a major construction project taking place in a protected landscape, yet thanks to a close working relationship with National Grid, we were able to not only ensure minimal impact on the landscape, but also help lever in significant resources for the benefit of the AONB.”

Tim Vaughan, Project Manager with National Grid said: “The extensive dialogue we had with the CCB, right from the initial planning stages, was a key factor in the success of this project. Inevitably there have been a number of challenges, but these have been overcome with the support of the CCB and local communities. We hope our commitment to initiatives within the AONB will leave a lasting legacy.”

In addition to the gas pipeline project, other highlights from last year, detailed in the Annual Review include:

• Nearly £50,000 of grants awarded to 15 community environmental projects through the Sustainable Development Fund.
• The development and launch of the new Escape to the Cotswolds discovery centre at Northleach.
• The Cotswolds Ancient Woodland Project has contributed to 102 successful English Woodland Grant Schemes valued at more than £1.4 million.
• 127 people trained in traditional rural skills – dry-stone walling, hedgelaying and woodland coppicing.
• New rural skills website launched – www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk
• Nearly 44,000 hours of volunteer work carried out by Cotswold Voluntary Wardens.
• A ‘Highly Commended’ award received by from the Landscape Institute Awards for the Board’s work in strategic landscape planning.

ENDS

PHOTOGRAPH ATTACHED: Left to right: Cotswolds Conservation Board director Martin Lane; National Grid project officer Tim Vaughan; and CCB Chairman Jeff West in front of one of the reinstated dry-stone walls along the gas pipeline corridor.

PHOTOGRAPH 2 ATTACHED: Shows the same area during the gas pipeline construction period.

Notes to editors:

• The full Annual Review 2010/11 can be downloaded here.
• The Cotswolds was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966 and this year celebrates its 45th anniversary.
• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.
• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk
   

The Charter is awarded to AONBs and National Parks which have shown a commitment to developing tourism while considering the needs of the environment, local residents, businesses and visitors.

The Cotswolds AONB is just the fourth AONB in England to receive the prestigious award and joins an elite group of 77 members which include some of Europe's most beautiful landscapes such as Cévennes National Park in France, the Cairngorms in Scotland and Spain’s Sierra Nevada National Park.

The Cotswolds Conservation Board has been working closely with tourism authorities and businesses across the area to develop a five-year sustainable tourism strategy and action plan which aims to recognise the Cotswolds as a sustainable visitor destination widely known for its quality and enriching visitor experiences.

An assessor for the award visited the Cotswolds in April to meet some of the businesses and organisations that have demonstrated their green tourism credentials, and meet with members of the Board to discuss the sustainable tourism work carried out to date.

In her final report, the assessor commented on the good work achieved so far. She said: “The Board has established an enthusiastic sustainable tourism partnership and developed a good strategy and action plan……The Cotswolds is a very strong, internationally recognised brand, a tourism ‘superbrand’ and despite the significant challenges of working across 7 counties, the partnership has successfully brought together the relevant stakeholders to act in a co-ordinated way.”

Painswick Rococo Garden, which has a Green Tourism Business Scheme Silver Award, is one of the local tourism businesses that has been working with the Conservation Board to achieve the Charter and welcomed the news. Director Paul Moir said: “This is excellent news for our tourism industry. As a business in the Cotswolds, I fully appreciate the importance of operating in a high quality and well cared-for environment which is loved by visitors. The European Charter award will be a huge boost to us all and sends out a very positive message about the work that we are doing collectively to drive tourism forward in a sustainable way.”

Conservation Board member and Chair of the Cotswolds AONB Sustainable Tourism Partnership, Nick Holliday said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award which demonstrates that we are implementing a strategic approach to working with local communities and tourism businesses to deliver tourism that complements and helps to promote our beautiful landscape, nature, culture and heritage, as well as supporting local employment and local produce.”

The European Charter is awarded by Europarc Federation, the organisation that represents protected areas across Europe. The award will be officially presented at this year’s Europarc conference in Germany in September.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Europarc represents approximately 440 members, including protected areas, government departments and businesses in 36 countries across Europe. www.europarc.org.
• The Cotswolds AONB Sustainable Tourism Partnership was set up in 2010 to develop and implement the Cotswolds Sustainable Tourism Strategy. It comprises representatives from destination management organisations, local authorities, tourism businesses, conservation groups and local community organisations.
• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.
• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk
   

The new site, www.escapetothecotswolds.org.uk, has a fresh, clean look and is designed to provide a range of information on outdoor activities and places to visit. The site contains easy-to-access details of walking routes, guided walks, cycle rides, horse riding, events and festivals, as well as information on local attractions including historic sites, towns and villages, nature reserves, museums, gardens and much more. The website also provides a simple and free facility for event organisers and walks leaders to easily submit their own walk or event for inclusion on the site.

Information & Interpretation Officer for the Cotswolds Conservation Board, Nicola Greaves said: "Encouraging more people to explore and enjoy the Cotswolds and have easily accessible information to do so, is an important aspect of the Board's work. This new website does just that and we are keen for other organisations in the Cotswolds to use the site to promote their own events taking place in the AONB."

The new site follows on from the Board's recent launch of a new website for rural skills courses – www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk - which has already proven to be very popular, generating over £5,000 worth of course bookings in just three months.

The website also complements the new AONB discovery centre at Northleach – Escape to the Cotswolds – which provides a range of information for visitors including walking, cycling and other recreational opportunities.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.

• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.

• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and amounts to 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.

• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk.
 

Thirty pupils from Rose Hill Primary School in Oxford enjoyed a fun day of learning, out of the classroom and in the Cotswolds countryside, as part of an educational initiative in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Organised by Cotswold Voluntary Wardens, the pupils, aged between nine and ten years of age, visited the Old Farm at Dorn, Moreton-in-Marsh to learn about and experience first-hand, life on a traditional farm and find out where much of their food comes from. As part of their visit, the children saw Charollais cattle, chickens and Gloucester Old Spot pigs; they visited a field of wheat crop, identified trees and wildflowers, plus watched a demonstration of sheep shearing.

Following the farm tour, the children were taken to see the Rollright Stones where they learned about the folkore and history surrounding the stones and spent some time sketching.

The farm visit is part of the successful educational project organised by the Voluntary Wardens, the volunteer arm of the Cotswolds Conservation Board. The project aims to encourage understanding and awareness of the countryside among school children as well as providing opportunities to interact and connect with their local environment.

Teacher, Nicola Matthews at Rose Hill Primary School said: "Our children come from a variety of backgrounds and few have often had the opportunity to explore the countryside in this way. We were therefore delighted to be able to take part in this programme to help encourage our pupils to learn about farming and gain a fascinating insight into aspects of the countryside that they would not usually see."

Voluntary Warden and co-ordinator of the visit, Gerry Simper, said: “We are always looking for ways for all to appreciate and enjoy the Cotswolds AONB. This project, encouraging children from an urban area, to explore a working farm and many other aspects of the countryside on their doorstep, fitted the bill.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:
 

• Old Farm at Dorn is a 300 acre tenant farm just to the north of Moreton-in-Marsh and forms part of the Batsford Estate.
• For many children from Rose Hill, this visit was a rare opportunity to experience the countryside and gave them an appreciation of farming, food production as well as protecting wildlife in its natural habitat.
• In 2010/11, 387 pupils in 13 schools across the Cotswolds AONB took part in a range of outdoor activities with the Voluntary Wardens including nature walks, map reading and fossil hunting.
• There are 300 active Cotswold Voluntary Wardens who, in 2010/11, dedicated almost 44,000 hours towards helping the Cotswolds Conservation Board conserve, enhance and increase understanding of the Cotswolds AONB.
• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.
• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is one of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk.
   

The wardens, who form the voluntary arm of the Cotswolds Conservation Board, recorded a total 43,772 hours by 280 active volunteers across the Cotswolds AONB, worth well over £300,000, during 2010/11. Despite a number of work parties and guided walks being cancelled due to persistent bad weather in December, the wardens still managed to surpass their previous year’s total.

Almost seventy per cent of wardens’ time was spent on a variety of important conservation and enhancement work, with the remainder focused on organising and leading guided walks, attending shows and advancing the Education Project.

Voluntary Wardens’ conservation activities during 2010/11 included:

* Over 118,000m² of unimproved limestone grassland across 23 different sites were cleared of invasive plant species
* 9,681 m² of woodland was coppiced and 16,588 m² cleared
* 187 new trees planted, 800 hedge trees and shrubs planted and 905m of hedgerow laid
* 171m of streams and ditches cleared
* 921m of dry-stone walls repaired or rebuilt
* 835m of fencing erected

Wardens also helped to facilitate easier access to the Cotswolds countryside by installing 107 kissing gates and 173 waymark or finger posts; constructing 413 steps in banks and 19 bridges, and clearing 23,291m of footpaths and bridleways.

In addition to their conservation work, the wardens make a significant contribution to the Cotswolds Conservation Board’s second purpose of increasing the understanding and enjoyment of the Cotswolds AONB. Last year, the interpretive guided walks programme included 295 walks, 10% more than the previous year, and attracted 4354 people, 20% more than 2010/11.

The Education Project continued to encourage more schoolchildren out of the classroom and into the countryside to explore their environment and become more aware of some of the Cotswolds as a special area. The wardens worked with 13 schools and 387 children across the Cotswolds on activities such as tree identification, fossil hunting and farm-based activities.

Cotswolds Conservation Board volunteer co-ordinator, Becky Jones, said: “It has been another fantastic year for our wardens. Once again we are extremely grateful to them for the thousands of hours dedicated to help look after the AONB and encourage even more people to enjoy and explore our beautiful countryside.”

Head Warden David Colbourne said: "It has been an exceptionally productive year, despite the severe winter that we experienced. Thanks to the professionalism and skills of our many wardens, we have been able to make many significant and tangible contributions to the activities of the Conservation Board throughout the AONB.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Working in partnership with other organisations continues to be an important element of the work of the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens Service. They work with local authorities, environmental organisations, wildlife charities and many local communities to help conserve, enhance and increase understanding and enjoying of the AONB.
• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.
• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk

This free event which takes place on Tuesday 31 May at 10am is organised and led by Rosemary Wilson, Voluntary Warden for the Cotswolds Conservation Board and former teacher, and will encourage children and their families to use a map and follow a trail exploring the beautiful countryside surrounding the village of Fifield in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Children will discover interesting landscape features, wildlife and a few ‘quirky’ things along the way to help them understand more about the nature and countryside on their doorstep.

Nicola Greaves, Information & Interpretation Officer at the Cotswolds Conservation Board said: “Our guided walks are always very popular with a wide range of people. We are delighted to be supporting Countryside 2011 with a walk that is specifically aimed at younger people to encourage them to explore the outdoors in a safe and fun way.”

Also happening in the Cotswolds AONB during the COUNTRYSIDE 2011 week on Sunday 29 May is a 7-mile walk based on the Rollright Stones, a special place steeped in history and folklore.

COUNTRYSIDE 2011 is a two-week showcase of countryside-based activities and events designed to get us all up, out and hooked on the great outdoors. The fortnight of discovery runs from 28th May to 12th June across nine counties in South East England.

The event also forms part of this summer’s Cotswolds AONB Guided Walks Programme which features over 130 free guided walks across the Cotswolds aimed at encouraging people to enjoy and appreciate the countryside. For further details of all guided walks in the Cotswolds, go to www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/guidedwalks.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The ‘Be a Cotswold Detective’ Walk will start from the village of Fifield at 10am on Tuesday 31 May. Pre-booking is not required.
• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.
• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• The Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park and represents 10% of the total AONB area in the UK. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk

The grants are funded by National Grid as part of the Wormington to Sapperton gas pipeline project. For the first year of the scheme the grants were targeted within the pipeline corridor. Over 30 schemes have been approved to date, providing for the repair of over 3km of dilapidated walls. From 1st June landowners across the AONB will be eligible to apply for grants on average of 30% to repair their walls.

Martin Lane, Director of the Cotswolds Conservation Board said “We have been delighted with the take up of grants since we launched the scheme last year. The extension of the scheme across the whole of the AONB means that our partnership with National Grid can now benefit the whole protected landscape, from Bath to Stratford and Cheltenham to Witney.”

Mark Beard, Project Manager for the pipeline commented “National Grid is pleased that the Conservation Board has managed to deliver such a successful grant scheme on our behalf. The work being grant aided will leave the landscape through which the pipeline has been constructed looking better than before we started work.”

For information regarding the scheme and an application pack, please contact Stuart Leaver on the Cotswolds Conservation Board, 01451 862022.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The dry stone walling grant can be used to rebuild complete sections or partially collapsed walls; reinstate traditional topping and coping stones; and undertake general repairs to ensure a wall’s continuity for at least 10 years.
• The dry stone walling grant scheme was launched in June 2010 by CCB and National Grid as part of the 44km Wormington to Sapperton Gas Pipeline Project which is now completed.
• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.
• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• With its rolling hills and valleys the Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk

Press contact: Nicola Greaves
Tel: 01451 862003 Email: nicola.greaves@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

Cotswolds Conservation Board, Fosse Way, Northleach, Gloucestershire GL54 3JH
Tel: 01451 862000 Website: www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk
 

The Cotswolds Conservation Board has unveiled a brand new website for rural skills courses across the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The new website, www.cotswoldsruralskills.org.uk is designed to provide a one stop shop for people interested in learning a new traditional craft or skill. One-day and two-day courses are available in a range of subjects including dry-stone walling, grassland ecology and management, thatching and blacksmithing. Courses are also available in ‘map & compass’ to help navigate the Cotswolds countryside.

As well as providing comprehensive details of courses and annual rural skills competitions, the website enables easy online booking plus the purchase of gift vouchers for courses.

The website is not only a central resource for courses offered by the Conservation Board, but also allows other providers such as colleges, community groups and local authorities to promote their own courses.

David Molloy, Rural Skills Officer for the Cotswolds Conservation Board said: “Our courses offer an ideal opportunity to learn the skills needed to help conserve and enhance the Cotswolds landscape. This new website provides us with an excellent online platform to help raise awareness of and grow the range of courses offered by the Board and other providers across the AONB."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.
• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• With its rolling hills and valleys the Cotswolds is the second largest protected landscape in England after the Lake District National Park. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk

Press contact: Nicola Greaves
Tel: 01451 862003 Email: nicola.greaves@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

Cotswolds Conservation Board, Fosse Way, Northleach, Gloucestershire GL54 3JH
Tel: 01451 862000 Website: www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk
 

This new initiative is a result of last year’s World Trails conference on Jeju Island, attended by the Cotswold Way and hosted by the Jeju Olle Trail, a new and breathtakingly beautiful long distance walking route around the coast of the island.

One of the many ideas discussed at the conference and earlier in the year when the Cotswold Way played host to representatives of the Jeju Olle Foundation, was the concept of ‘friendship trails’. These are essentially similar to twin towns, whereby trails in different countries team up in the name of partnership, mutual publicity and international alliance.

The launch of the new Cotswolds Korea Friendship Trail will take place on the 19th April as a mark of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

A short circular walk following the Cotswold Way around Stinchcombe Hill near Dursley will be signed with special markers, introducing people to one of the most scenic parts of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, whilst raising awareness of walking in other countries. Similarly, a section of Jeju Olle will be marked with the familiar oak sign posts seen along the Cotswold Way, inviting visitors to the island to come walking in the one of England’s most stunning landscapes.

The Cotswolds Korea Friendship Trail is one of the first ‘twin trails’ in the world, and it is hoped that the idea will spread across the globe, promoting understanding and walking, whilst boosting tourism and local economy.

James Blockley, National Trail Officer for the Cotswold Way says, “This is a real opportunity to promote international friendship and cooperation. We are proud to be joining up with Jeju Olle, and hope this special relationship will benefit people, landscapes and conservation in both our countries.”

Photo Opportunity:

An opening ceremony for the trail will be held at midday on the 19th April near the golf club on Stinchcombe Hill (postcode GL11 6AQ). Representatives from the Jeju Olle Foundation, the Cotswold Way and the Cotswolds Conservation Board will be available for photographs and interview.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Cotswold Way:

• The Cotswold Way National Trail is 102 miles (164 km) long, and runs for most of its length along the Cotswold escarpment.
• The Cotswold Way was formally launched as a National Trail in May 2007, although it had existed as a promoted long distance walk for over 30 years. This designation is a very special one and there are only 14 other Trails in England and Wales with this special grading.
• The Trail's highest point is Cleeve Common at 317m (1,040ft).
• The Trail team is hosted by the Cotswolds Conservation Board, based at Northleach.
• Funding for the management and promotion of the Trail is provided by Natural England.
• The Cotswold Way links all that is special about the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; internationally renowned bluebell woods, rare and important limestone grassland, intriguing history both ancient and modern, globally significant geology, sleepy villages and thriving market towns.
• Highlights along the Trail include: World Heritage City of Bath; views over River Severn to Brecon Beacons in Wales, Malvern Hills and Forest of Dean; National Trust properties of Dyrham House and Horton Court; Broadway Tower and Somerset Monument tower follies; old mill towns of Painswick, Stroud & Dursley; Devils Chimney at Leckhampton Hill; Belas Knap Long Barrow; Sudeley Castle; and Hailes Abbey.

Cotswolds AONB:

• The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is looked after by the Cotswolds Conservation Board – an independent organisation with 37 members, 15 nominated by local authorities, 8 by parish councils and 14 appointed by Government.
• The Government has designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks as our finest countryside and they are recognised as being of national importance.
• With its rolling hills and valleys the Cotswolds is the third largest protected landscape in England and Wales after the Lake District and Snowdonia. It covers 2,038 square kilometres (790 square miles), stretching from Warwickshire and Worcestershire in the north, through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, down to Bath and Wiltshire in the south.
• The Cotswolds AONB is the largest of the family of 46 AONBs in the UK. For further details: www.aonb.org.uk

Jeju Olle:

• Jeju Olle is a series of walking routes on Jeju Island, 130km off the southwest coast of Korea.
• This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is almost sub-tropical in climate, its scenery passing from windswept coastline, through countless tangerine groves criss-crossed by distinctive stone walls, and up to the 6,400 foot peak of Hallasan.
• Work on the trail began in 2006 when a dedicated group of volunteers began seeking out a way of promoting access to the coastline of Jeju, discovering old paths and creating new ones.
• ‘Olle’ is a Jeju dialect term meaning a path that links a dwelling to the main road, and is used to represent the trail linking countryside with the outside world. It also means ‘will you come?', inviting people to visit the island and the trail.
• For further details, visit: http://221.139.0.180:8080/eng/

Press contacts:

Nicola Greaves: Tel: 01451 862003 / 07743 478204, Email: nicola.greaves@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

James Blockley: Tel: 01451 862034 / 07738 040456 Email: james.blockley@cotswoldsaonb.org.uk

www.nationaltrail.co.uk/cotswold  www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk