Minutes:
Verbal updates were given by partners:
Jerry Fryman – Worcestershire Association of Local Councils.
Some Tramper users had found some footpaths were difficult to access. It was hoped that the Countryside Heritage Team would be able to change the gates in Castlemorton to make the path more accessable.
Dick Bryant – The Earth Heritage Trust
Volunteer groups had been affected by lockdown but the Trust had carried out some conservation work at Dales quarry before the current lockdown was imposed.
The Trust would be bidding for a contract to carry out condition monitoring work.
The Earth Heritage Trust had created a new website and JAC Members were encouraged to look at it.
James Hervey-Bathurst – The Eastnor Estate
The Estate had completed its Higher Level Stewardship Scheme and it looked likely to be extended. It is working with the AONB Unit to explore a Natural Capital Assessment and the issue of car parking around the estate was being addressed.
Jim Burgin – Malvern Hills District Council
Sarah Jones, who previously worked for the AONB Unit was now a Conservation Officer for the District Council. There were interviews coming up for the other vacant Conservation posts.
The Council’s 5 Year Plan and Destination Zero plan complemented the work of the AONB.
Sarah Faulkner – NFU West Midlands
Farmers had concerns with the developing Environmental Land Management Scheme and Brexit. There were specific concerns about access to labour for next year. The weather had also caused problems with flooding earlier in the year and then a very dry spring and summer.
The NFU had received an increase in queries about people taking more access which was positive, but raised questions about how it should be managed.
John Raine – Malvern Hills District Council
Destination Zero project was progressing although there had been some disruption from Covid.
A Carbon Reduction Officer for Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils (a joint post) was due to start shortly.
Rachel Datlen – Worcestershire County Council
St Wulstan’s Nature Reserve had completed its Higher Level Stewardship and had been invited to extend the Scheme for a further year.
Hazel McDowall – Natural England
There had been a natural England and partners Nature Recovery Network launch the previous day.
Natural England were monitoring visitor numbers and completing a People in Nature survey which reported monthly.
Duncan Bridges – Malvern Hills Conservators
There had been an increase in visitors on the hills and commons during this year, at times 2-3 times more than normal and even in October there had been a 40% increase compared with previous years.
It was good that people were re-discovering the hills but there were pressures with wear and tear on paths and an increase in litter. Some volunteer parties had been operating in groups of 6 but had now stopped with the most recent restrictions.
The annual tree survey had shown that Ash die back had accelerated due to the weather. If there were further periods of dry weather this could cause a significant impact on the landscape.