Blackdown Hills Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Blackdown Hills are designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) because of its wonderful, unspoilt countryside. It is home to nationally important heritage: from rare butterflies to specialist bog plants, from ancient hill forts to WW2 airfields. The underlying geology gives the Blackdown Hills its striking scenery: the dramatic northern scarp and the upland plateau with its deep valleys where historic, unspoilt villages nestle. The area covers 370 square kilometres of unspoilt countryside which spans the Devon-Somerset border. For many it epitomises our mental picture of the English countryside, characterised by hedgerows and copses, small farms with intricate field patterns, steep valleys and narrow, winding lanes. There are 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. They are landscapes considered so precious they are protected for the nation. The Blackdown Hills AONB is looked after by a partnership of national agencies, local authorities, conservation organisations and community groups who work together to protect this special place. The small staff team, based in Hemyock: • Produces and monitors a five-year management plan for the whole AONB Partnership• Works with partners to conserve and enhance the landscape, its wildlife and cultural heritage• Provides opportunities for people to enjoy and understand the area• Advises local planning authorities, decision-makers and landowners• Supports and works with the local communities and businesses to deliver environmental projects • Represents the countryside as part of a UK network of protected landscapes which includes both AONBs and national parks. The work of the Blackdown Hills AONB partnership is funded by Defra; Devon and Somerset County Councils; East Devon, Mid Devon and South Somerset District Councils; and Taunton Dean Borough Council.
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Employee Count: 4
Keywords: civic & social organizations