The first Management Plan to look at the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was published in July ahead of a three-month period of consultation. The Plan includes the nationally important landscape of north Wiltshire and outlines the hopes for the area. The Plan also outlines some of the practical work that needs to be taken to conserve and enhance the landscape for the future. "This is a very important Plan for the future of the North Wessex Downs," explained Martin Spray, chairman of the AONB Council of Partners.  | | Richard Clarke, Director of the AONB (left) and Martin Spray, Chairman of the North Wessex Downs AONB Council of Partners (right) review the Management Plan. |
"Landscapes are not formed overnight, and this Plan has an enduring quality beyond today's policies to create a landscape for the future. "It identifies the many threats to the landscape as well as the opportunities which will bring many benefits. "I hope that people who value this magnificent landscape will respond to the Plan and give their feedback on the ambitions and actions outlined in it." The Management Plan has been published in three sections: | Landscape and Context | This sets out a series of visions and 51 objectives, that together define the ambitions for the North Wessex Downs over the next 20 years | | Policies for Delivery | This looks at how the ambitions and objectives for the North Wessex Downs will be delivered over the next five years. | | Action Plan | This identifies specific actions to be taken by different organisations from 2004 - 2007 to start to deliver the ambitions for the North Wessex Downs. |
English Nature and The Countryside Agency will review the Plan and it will then be adopted by the local authorities that have an obligation to conserve and enhance the unique landscape of the North Wessex Downs. The Plan will then be submitted to the Minister for Rural Affairs by 31 March 2004.  | | Bluebells at West Woods, near Marlborough |
Submit your views on the future of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by visiting the North Wessex Downs website. Use the form below to add your comments to this story. Peter Cushion
I have lived in Swindon,Wiltshire most of my life.
Throughout my childhood and indeed into Adult life I have spent many hours walking the hills and valleys that make up our beautiful county. Anything that can be done to preserve this wonderful landscape, should be done. It is vital that we maintain the beauty of our county for each and every person that lives in or comes to visit Wiltshire. Not only the current populus but future generations to come. Paul Snowdon
I do not live in Wiltshire myself but I have relatives who live near Swindon, and each time I visit them I love to go walking on the Ridgeway around Hackpen Hill. The Downs are a wonderful and very important amenity for many reasons,including :- recreation,wildlife,history,heritage,farming etc. I live in Leeds and although there are many great places round about ,the Downs are uniqe and deserve to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
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