Management Plan 2014-2019 - Howardian Hills
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Management Plan
2014-2019
Ministerial Foreword
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) This management plan also makes the
are some of our finest landscapes. They are important connection between people
cherished by residents and visitors alike and and nature. I am pleased to hear that local
allow millions of people from all walks of life communities have been central to the
to understand and connect with nature. development of the plan, and will be at the
Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
heart of its delivery. From volunteers on nature
I am pleased to see that this management conservation projects, to businesses working
plan demonstrates how AONB Partnerships to promote sustainable tourism, it’s great to
can continue to protect these precious hear of the enthusiasm and commitment of the
environments despite the significant local people who hold their AONBs so dear.
challenges they face. With a changing
climate, the increasing demands of a growing AONBs are, and will continue to be,
population and in difficult economic times, landscapes of change. Management plans
I believe AONBs represent just the sort of such as this are vital in ensuring these
community driven, collaborative approach changes are for the better. I would like
needed to ensure our natural environment to thank all those who were involved in
is maintained for generations to come. bringing this plan together and I wish you
every success in bringing it to fruition.
AONB Partnerships have been the
architects of a landscape-scale approach
to land management. This approach is a
key feature of the Government’s Natural
Environment White Paper and emphasises
Lord de Mauley MP
the need to manage ecosystems in an
Minister for Natural
integrated fashion, linking goals on wildlife,
Environment and
water, soil and landscape, and working at
Fisheries
a scale that respects natural systems.
2
Contents
Foreword 2
Part one Introduction 1.1 The Howardian Hills AONB 4
1.2 Special Qualities 7
1.3 The AONB Partnership 10
1.4 The AONB Management Plan 11
1.5 Landscape character 13
Part two Achieving a Vision 2.1 A Vision for a Living Landscape 15
2.2 The Ecosystem Approach 17
2.3 A Rich Heritage 20
2.3.1 Natural Environment 21
2.3.2 Historic Environment 25
2.4 Living and Working in the Howardian Hills 29
2.4.1 Local Communities 30
2.4.2 Agriculture 32
2.4.3 Forestry and Woodland 34
2.4.4 Development and the Rural Economy 37
www.howardianhills.org.uk
2.4.5 Roads, Transport and Traffic Management 40
2.5 Enjoying the AONB 43
2.5.1 Recreation, Access and Tourism 44
2.6 Awareness and Promotion 47
Part three Implementation 3.1 Putting the Plan into Action 48
3.2 Monitoring 49
3.3 Action Programme 51
Glossary
Landscape Management & Priority Sites
The Evidence Base and Priority Sites descriptions & map are on the CD on the inside of the back cover.
3
1.1 The Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding
Natural Beauty
The Howardian Hills is one of 46 The Howardian Hills AONB The purpose of designation
areas in England, Wales and Northern Lying between the Vale of Pickering and Government guidance(2) describes the
Ireland that have been designated as
Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
the Vale of York, the Howardian Hills AONB purpose of designation as follows:
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty forms a clearly defined geographical area of
(AONB). AONBs, together with National well-wooded rolling countryside (see Figure • The primary purpose of designation is to
Parks and Heritage Coasts, cover 1). In the north west the AONB abuts the conserve and enhance natural beauty.
some of the most spectacular and North York Moors National Park; in the east, • In pursuing the primary purpose of
unspoilt landscapes in the country. along the Derwent Valley, it extends to the designation, account should be taken
rising ground of the Yorkshire Wolds. Roughly of the needs of agriculture, forestry
The designation was confirmed by the
rectangular in shape and up to 16 miles and other rural industries and of
Secretary of State for the Environment
(25km) long by 6 miles (10km) wide, it covers the economic and social needs of
on 19th October 1987. As one of seven
79 square miles (204 sq. km). Section 2.3 (A communities. Particular regard should
protected landscape areas in North
Rich Heritage) describes the landscape and be paid to promoting sustainable forms
Yorkshire, the Howardian Hills AONB plays
its characteristic features in more detail. of social and economic development
an important role in both local and regional
that in themselves conserve and
landscape and wildlife conservation, as Administratively, the AONB falls within the enhance the environment.
well as in tourism, leisure and the rural County of North Yorkshire and is divided • Recreation is not an objective of
economy. It also ranks alongside some between the Districts of Hambleton and designation, but the demand for
of the world’s best-known landscapes, Ryedale. Containing all or part of 44 recreation should be met so far as this
such as the USA’s National Parks and Parishes, which are administered by 29 is consistent with the conservation
the Amazon Rainforest, as part of the Parish Councils or Meetings, the designated of natural beauty and the needs of
International Union for the Conservation area has a population of approximately agriculture, forestry and other uses.
of Nature’s family of Protected Areas. 6,100 people. A further 3,200 live in villages
just outside the designated boundary(1).
(1)
Mid-Year Estimates for 2010, ONS, Crown Copyright.
(2)
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: A Policy Statement, Countryside Commission, CCP 352, 1992.
4
Natural beauty is defined as including Central to the management of the
flora, fauna and geological as well as AONB is the concept of sustainable
landscape features. The conservation of development, as defined in the
archaeological, architectural and vernacular Brundtland Report: “development that
features is also important, since the meets the needs of the present without
landscape is continually being shaped by compromising the ability of future
human influence. Whilst the character of generations to meet their own needs.”
AONBs often differs from that of National
Parks, in landscape and legal terms they In order to satisfy both the Section 85
have equal status and protection. CRoW Act Duty to Have Regard and the
principles of sustainable development, all
Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights policies within other plans, strategies and
of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 places a ‘duty of programmes should adequately reflect
care’ on relevant bodies, by stating that: the national importance of the AONB.
In exercising or
performing any function
in relation to, or so as
to affect, land in an area
www.howardianhills.org.uk
of outstanding natural
beauty, a relevant authority
shall have regard to the
purpose of conserving
and enhancing the natural
beauty of the area of
outstanding
natural beauty.
5
6
Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
Figure 1: AONB general area
1.2 Special Qualities
The primary purpose of AONB designation Although the Howardian Hills landscape The evolution of the landscape of the
is “to conserve and enhance natural is heavily-wooded it is essentially a area since prehistoric times, and the
beauty”. It is therefore essential to farmed landscape, so agricultural and forces for change which continue to
define as clearly as possible the forestry practices play a dominant shape it, are described in detail in The
character of the landscape, recognising role in shaping its appearance. Howardian Hills Landscape, a report
both its Special Qualities and the prepared by consultants in 1995(3).
forces for change that act upon it. The report summarised the Special
Qualities of the AONB as follows:
The Howardian Hills have a strong unity of visual character, not least
because they are physically separated from the surrounding countryside,
but also because there are a number of common characteristics which
bind the landscape together. The strongest of these is the dominance of
woodland, which seems to form a green web across the whole area. The
open sweeping views from the ridge tops and the quiet intimacy of the
www.howardianhills.org.uk
enclosed valleys are experiences which constantly recur whilst travelling
through the area. The sheer complexity of the land cover, with its rich
patchwork of crops, pastures, woods, trees and hedgerows is another
consistent quality across most of the area.
(3)
The Howardian Hills Landscape, Cobham Resource Consultants, Countryside Commission, 1995
7
More specifically, the key Special • A remarkable heritage Whilst agricultural and forestry
Qualities are considered to be: The Howardian Hills has a concentration operations are generally seen as being
of archaeological and historic features, part of rural life, features such as traffic
• An unusual landform ranging from Iron Age earthworks on noise, minerals workings, excessive
The Howardian Hills is the only area prominent hilltops to the castles and lighting and aircraft noise can all be
of Jurassic limestone landscape in the monasteries of the medieval period. The detrimental to the feeling of tranquillity.
north of England to be designated as numerous grand houses and designed
an AONB. The deeply incised Kirkham landscapes, such as Castle Howard, Although the Howardian Hills are not
Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
Gorge is a unique glacial overflow Newburgh Priory, Hovingham Hall, Gilling especially tranquil in national terms, this
channel of great scientific importance. Castle and Nunnington Hall, have a means it is particularly important to protect
• A richly varied landscape dramatic effect upon the landscape. those parts of the AONB that do still have
The landform consists of a complex relatively high levels of tranquillity. In
• An important wildlife resource
system of ridges, hills and valleys 2006 55% of the AONB was categorised
The AONB contains a section of
(see Figure 2). These are clothed as having a relatively High or Very High
the unique River Derwent, with
with a mosaic of woodland, rolling level of tranquillity for its area.(4)
its outstanding wild plants and
arable fields, small-scale pasture, animals. Other habitats of national
fens, hedges and walls, formal Designated Sites
importance include fens and
parkland and scattered settlements. relatively extensive remnants of Site Designation
• A landscape of high visual quality Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland. European significance
The variety of landform and land use Special Area of Conservation (SAC) 1
produces a contrast in scale, colour, Whilst each of these attributes is important National significance
texture and form. The settings of in its own right, it is their combination in Site of Special Scientific 8
the historic houses, the extensive a relatively small area that has produced Interest (SSSI)
woodlands, the broad sweeping views a landscape of national significance. Scheduled Monument (SM) 79
and the unspoilt farming landscapes Registered Park and Garden (RPG) 5
and traditional building styles have Tranquillity Listed Building 373
a special aesthetic appeal. AONBs and National Parks are Local significance
increasingly seen as calm and tranquil Conservation Area 11
areas, where people can relax and get Site of Importance for Nature 70
away from the rush of modern life. Conservation (SINC)
(4)
CPRE/Natural England, 2013.
8
Figure 2: Topography
9
www.howardianhills.org.uk
1.3 The AONB Partnership
A Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) The main work of the JAC is to: The Joint Advisory Committee
was established for the Howardian normally meets three times a year, in
Hills AONB in 1992 to help agree • Advise and steer the preparation and order to make formal policy decisions
a co-ordinated approach. Its implementation of a Management Plan; and monitor the work of the AONB
members include representatives • Promote awareness and understanding Unit and AONB Partnership.
Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
of the following organisations: of the AONB for the purposes
for which it was designated; A small Working Group of officers from
• North Yorkshire County Council • Advise local authorities and other the local authorities and Natural England
bodies on countryside conservation, meets regularly with the AONB Unit and
• Ryedale District Council also provides the JAC with support. This
informal recreation and environmental
• Hambleton District Council management issues affecting the AONB; Core Partners Group considers budget and
policy issues on a day-to-day basis, as
• Ryedale Parish Councils • Consider and advise on development
well as monitoring the allocation of grants
• Hambleton Parish Councils and spatial plan policies, proposals and
from the JAC’s various grant schemes.
reviews as they relate to the AONB;
• Natural England
• Discuss major issues affecting the The AONB Partnership Group involves
• Forestry Commission character of the AONB and, where a wider range of organisations and
• National Farmers Union appropriate, make recommendations; specialisms not currently represented on
• Act as a forum where the three either the JAC or Core Partners Group.
• Country Land and
local authorities can discuss and It acts as a co-ordinated delivery and
Business Association
co-ordinate their activities; monitoring mechanism for the Management
• Ramblers Plan at officer level. It also provides a
• Suggest priorities for action,
agree and monitor an annual work forum for Parish Councils to engage with
programme and identify the resources the AONB Unit and other organisations
required to carry out the work. in the wider AONB Partnership.
101.4 The AONB Management Plan
The basis for the Management Plan these pressures bring are addressed Joint Advisory Committee may therefore
The Howardian Hills contains a wide and guided in a way that conserves and take it outside the formal boundary when
range of features – woodland, parkland, enhances the landscape of the AONB. this would benefit AONB objectives,
farmland, rivers and lakes; all of which particularly in relation to work with
The Countryside and Rights of Way communities, countryside management
provide a variety of wildlife habitats.
(CRoW) Act 2000 placed a statutory duty advice and development control.
Changing demands on agricultural land, on all local authorities to prepare and
the economics of woodland management adopt Management Plans for AONBs The policy and strategy context
and a variety of environmental factors within their areas. The Plan must provide There are a large number of plans and
constantly alter the relationship between a Vision, together with a set of Objectives strategies that impact on the landscape,
different land uses, bringing changes and Actions, which formulate the local economy and communities of the
to the landscape. A number of tourist authority policies for the AONB and help Howardian Hills. They operate at an
attractions lie within the AONB and it also to define their functions in relation to it. international level e.g. the European
has many villages, large country houses It should also raise the profile of AONB Landscape Convention, national level e.g.
and Estates that are popular with visitors. management issues and demonstrate the National Planning Policy Framework
Several tourist routes cross the area, whilst the commitment of all public bodies, (NPPF), a county level e.g. Minerals and
the major attractions of York, the North statutory undertakers and other interested Waste Local Development Frameworks,
www.howardianhills.org.uk
York Moors National Park and the coast organisations to the management of the and a local level e.g. Local Development
are also nearby. In the past there have area. The constituent local authorities Frameworks, Biodiversity Action Plans
been few threats from major development agreed that the Joint Advisory Committee (BAPs) and Community Strategies.
proposals. With development of the rural should co-ordinate the preparation of the
economy, increased levels of traffic and Management Plan on their behalf. The The important focus of the AONB
pressure for housing, there is no guarantee three local authorities were required to Management Plan, and what differentiates
that this fortunate situation will continue. adopt this revised Plan by 1st April 2014. it from these other plans and strategies,
The Management Plan, in combination is the primary purpose to conserve
Although the Management Plan is written and enhance the natural beauty of the
with the spatial plans covering the area,
specifically for the designated area of the Howardian Hills. The Management Plan
provides a useful means for ensuring
AONB, activities adjacent to the formal ‘adds value’, by informing other plans
that the problems and opportunities that
boundary can have an impact on the and indicating how their policies can
AONB itself or its setting. The work of the be implemented within the AONB. 11In terms of development control, the • Establishing clear and practical A number of technical research documents
AONB lies within areas covered by the Objectives and Actions to guide and statistics were also used – these can
Ryedale and Hambleton District Councils, integrated decision-making and be found in the Evidence Base under
who are responsible for local planning progress on the ground. the respective chapter headings.
matters. The area is also covered by • Recommending priorities for action.
North Yorkshire County Council, which The policies and priorities of other
• Identifying the resources organisations are constantly evolving and
has responsibility for minerals and waste and funding required.
planning. The formal plans that guide the the AONB Management Plan doesn’t
Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
day-to-day planning decisions taken by Because many of the activities which aim to reference or summarise all of
these Councils can be obtained from them. can radically alter the character of the them. Likewise, the situation within the
landscape do not fall within planning AONB is constantly changing and the
The Howardian Hills AONB control, the AONB Management Plan Management Plan can only be a ‘snap-
Management Plan provides an essential tool to help guide shot’ of the time at which it was written.
As described above, the AONB future land management activity, funding, The Plan therefore will be under constant
Management Plan has a clearly defined development and recreational use. review to ensure that its overall aims
purpose and role within the suite of are being achieved, and the next formal
other plans and strategies. It provides a Achieving a consensus for this type
of approach naturally involves all review will take place in 2018/19.
framework for partnership, by helping all
those who have an interest and involvement who own or work the land, as well
in the AONB to see ways in which their as the local authorities, Government
individual or collective efforts and decisions departments and agencies, voluntary
can contribute to looking after the area. groups, local residents and the many
A primary aim is to gain their support and individuals who enjoy the area.
to this end the Plan provides a focus for: For this review of the Management Plan
• Drawing together up-to-date a series of Topic Groups considered
information on the AONB. how well the 2009-2014 Plan had
performed and identified the issues likely
• Considering conflicting
to be encountered over the next five
pressures and issues.
years. The information was then used
to revise and update the Objectives
and Actions for the 2014-2019 Plan.
121.5 Landscape Character
Variations in landscape character
By analysing various landscape elements, a number of broad landscape character
types have been identified. Each has its own unique combination of characteristics
which give it a special sense of place. A full description of the individual
landscape types is contained in The Howardian Hills Landscape report.(5)
The landscape character types are illustrated in Figure 3. The AONB
has seven types with, in places, local sub-divisions:
1. Plateau 5. Castle Howard Basin
2. Upland Fringes 6. Central Hills and Valleys
a. Northern Plateau Fringe 7. Derwent Gorge
b. Western Plateau Fringe
c. Southern Plateau Fringe As these landscape character types
d. Southern Moors Fringe reflect differences in landform, vegetation
e. Eastern Moors Fringe and land management, they have been
3. Ridges used as a basis for dividing the AONB
into the Management Zones referred
www.howardianhills.org.uk
a. South Ridge
b. South East Ridge to in the Landscape Management &
c. North Ridge Priority Sites section of the Plan.
d. Caulkleys Bank
4. Vales
a. Vale of York
b. Vale of Pickering
c. Crayke
(5)
The Howardian Hills Landscape, Cobham Resource Consultants, Countryside Commission, 1995.
13Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019 14 Figure 3: Landscape character areas
2.1 A Vision for a Living Landscape
Section 2.3 (A Rich Heritage) describes prolonged localised weather conditions
the physical character of the AONB are beginning to influence management
landscape and the elements that contribute decisions that affect the AONB.
to its Special Qualities. Apart from the
geology and natural landform of the Of vital importance are the local
Howardian Hills, all the other factors communities within the AONB, as only by
that influence the way the AONB looks acting jointly can any significant progress
and feels are largely governed by human be made on some issues. The work of
activity (past and present). It is the actions community development organisations
of people, acting as both individuals has led to a noticeable increase in
and communities, which shapes the community activity over the last five
area and gives it its ‘sense of place’. years. Affordable/local needs housing
for key local workers and providing
All the issues and factors described services to the relatively dispersed
in subsequent sections of this Plan communities of the Howardian Hills remain
combine in a constantly variable as significant challenges however.
pattern to define the character of the
The Vision for the Howardian Hills must
www.howardianhills.org.uk
Howardian Hills. It is therefore the
activities, hopes and aspirations of the therefore recognise that the landscape
people who live and work in the area or will change, but it needs to ensure that
enjoy it for leisure and recreation that it does so in a way that conserves and
will ultimately determine its future. enhances its Special Qualities. This will
be a particular challenge over the next
In addition to ‘everyday’ human factors 5-year period, given the difficult economic
there are the unpredictable impacts of conditions and the Government’s
climate change. Invasive species of plants likely policies in response to that.
and animals, new diseases affecting
tree species, and the impact of severe/
15The Vision people of all ages to live and Parks & Gardens, etc) will be in sustainable
management, in the Low/Not at Risk
The policies in the AONB Management Plan work in the area. Residents category as defined by English Heritage.
need to be guided by a long-term goal.
The Vision for local people and partner and visitors alike will be able • There will be a more diverse mix
organisations to work towards for 2035 is: to enjoy and appreciate the of housing units/tenures and more
services will be delivered at community
AONB in an environmentally level or remotely e.g. via the internet,
The Howardian Hills will sustainable way. thereby reducing the need to travel.
Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
continue to be a tranquil Key Vision Aims:
• Where travel is necessary, a network of
public and community transport links will be
and well-managed rural • Farming, forestry and local businesses in place to cater for the majority of needs.
area. It will still be notable will be environmentally, socially
• Personal transport is still likely to
and economically sustainable,
for its extensive woodland, be important, but will be powered
thriving and developing due to the
by more sustainable fuels.
rolling agricultural fields, Special Qualities of the AONB.
• All Rights of Way will be easy to use, with
large country houses • All SSSIs will be in Favourable Condition,
the minimum of barriers to all types of user.
and designed parklands. with the long-standing water quality
• A wide cross-section of society will
issues on the River Derwent resolved.
The threats to the natural • All Ancient Woodland SINCs will have
enjoy and appreciate the Special
Qualities of the AONB, for their
and cultural resources of been restored, or be in the process of
intrinsic value and for the physical and
the AONB will have been restoration, to native broadleaves.
mental stimulation they provide.
• All grassland SINCs will be in sustainable
addressed and these assets grazing/cutting management regimes. The Management Plan contains Objectives
will be sympathetically • Habitats within the AONB will be linked to and Actions for the period 2014-2019
managed within a diverse the wider landscape, to form a coherent under three broad themes: A Rich Heritage;
network of green infrastructure. Living and Working in the Howardian Hills;
and prosperous rural and Enjoying the AONB. Achievement
• Designated Heritage Assets (Scheduled
economy. Active and resilient Monuments, Listed Buildings, Registered
of the Objectives and Actions for this
5-year period should contribute to the
communities will have ultimate achievement of the Vision.
increased opportunities for
162.2 The Ecosystem Approach
One of the key documents guiding this 1. Taking a more holistic approach to The National Character Area (NCA) profile
revision of the AONB Management Plan is policy-making and delivery, with produced by Natural England for NCA 29
Biodiversity 2020: a strategy for England’s the focus on maintaining healthy (the Howardian Hills) contains a list of the
wildlife and ecosystem services. ecosystems and ecosystem services. ecosystem services that the NCA provides.
2. Ensuring that the value of 75% of the AONB is within NCA 29, with
Outcome 1C is of particular relevance 10% in the Vale of Pickering NCA, 8% in
ecosystem services is fully
to AONBs and sets out the challenge the Vale of York NCA and 2% in the North
reflected in decision-making.
that we are helping to meet: York Moors & Cleveland Hills NCA.
3. Ensuring that environmental limits
Outcome 1C: By 2020, at least 17% of are respected in the context of The principal ecosystems services
land and inland water, especially areas of sustainable development, taking into provided by NCA 29, and their condition/
particular importance for biodiversity and account ecosystem functioning. issues, are considered to be:
ecosystem services, [will be] conserved 4. Taking decisions at the appropriate
through effective, integrated and joined spatial scale, while recognising the Provisioning services (food,
up approaches to safeguard biodiversity cumulative impacts of those decisions. fibre and water supply)
and ecosystem services including through 5. Promoting adaptive management
management of our existing systems of • Food provision: Over 82% of the
of the natural environment to
protected areas and the establishment NCA is cultivated – mostly crops and
www.howardianhills.org.uk
respond to changing pressures,
of nature improvement areas. fallow, with smaller areas of permanent
including climate change.
grassland. The fertile soils are mostly
The milestone for this action is that 6. Identifying and involving all relevant grade 2 or 3 agricultural land. Holdings
Biodiversity 2020 and ecosystem stakeholders in the decision are largely given over to the production
targets will be integrated into AONB and plan making process. of cereals, mixed and general
Management Plans by March 2014. cropping, lowland sheep and cattle.
The 2009-2014 Management Plan was
already built on these principles. One • Timber provision: The NCA has
In 2010 Defra published six principles
of the key tasks for the 2014-2019 Plan a high proportion of woodland
which underpin an Ecosystem Approach.
period however is to better understand cover and includes substantial
how individual projects and developments areas of timber production, much
impact on the various ecosystem of it from conifer plantation.
services that the AONB provides.
17• Biomass energy: Defra maps show is an identified problem. The problem restoration/creation) can significantly
a medium potential yield for short can be regulated through appropriate reduce this risk by increasing the
rotation coppice and miscanthus. land management practices. land’s capacity to hold rainfall and by
• Water availability: The NCA overlies • Regulating soil quality: Free-draining slowing its flow into watercourses.
a minor post-Carboniferous rock soils cover 44% of the NCA and play a
Cultural services (inspiration,
aquifer. Land management practices valuable role in groundwater recharge.
education and wellbeing)
influence the extent to which water at This enhanced infiltration is achieved
the surface will infiltrate and recharge through good soil management • Sense of place/inspiration: The sense
Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
groundwater supplies. There is no water practices to maintain soil structure. of place is framed by the landform – a
available for further abstraction from The NCA’s slowly permeable soils are belt of complex rounded limestone and
the River Derwent, largely to protect at risk of suffering compaction and calcareous sandstone ridges rising above
downstream flow levels outside the NCA. reduced infiltration, which can result the surrounding vales. The landscape
in diffuse pollution/sedimentation. is a diverse mosaic of sheltered valleys,
Regulating services (water
• Regulating water quality: The NCA woodland, parkland and villages,
purification, air quality maintenance
straddles two of Defra’s priority with open arable and large-scale
and climate regulation)
catchments (Yorkshire Derwent and plantations on the intervening ridges
• Climate regulation: The soils tend to Yorkshire Ouse, Nidd & Swale), with only and plateaux, offering extensive views
have a low carbon content, of between ‘moderate’ water quality and identified over the vales. The extent of designed
0 and 5%. There is a higher carbon problems of diffuse agricultural pollution parkland is a defining characteristic.
content in the woodland soils and from phosphates and nitrates from • Sense of history: A sense of
in semi-natural habitats (particularly areas under cultivation. These issues history is evident in the remains of
wetlands), with opportunities to increase can be addressed through good nutrient Bronze Age burial mounds, Iron Age
carbon storage/sequestration through and soil management, and through earthworks circling prominent hills,
enhanced management of these. measures to buffer watercourses and and deserted medieval settlements.
trap sediment, including appropriately There is significant evidence of Roman
• Regulating soil erosion: In over 50% of
sited woodland creation. occupation, and a strong pattern of
the area the soils are classed as being
prone to erosion. The NCA straddles two • Regulating water flow: There is medieval nucleated settlement in the
of Defra’s priority catchments (Yorkshire some flood risk associated with the valleys. Historic designed parkland
Derwent and Yorkshire Ouse, Nidd & River Derwent and its tributaries. associated with country houses is a
Swale), where the sedimentation of Land management within the wider strong feature of the landscape.
watercourses as a result of soil erosion catchment (woodland planting, wetland
18• Tranquillity: The area is an important Climate Change • Observation of weather patterns, to
resource for tranquillity, with 85% One over-arching factor that has the assess possible long-term implications
of it classed as ‘undisturbed’. potential to impact heavily on the Special and any changes to the AONB.
• Recreation: Recreation and access Qualities of the AONB, and the ecosystem • Partnership working with the North York
are supported by the Ebor Way services it provides, is climate change. Moors National Park, given the overlap
long distance route, a network of The general long-term prediction is of farmland types and habitats between
footpaths and bridleways, and a for hotter drier summers and warmer the two areas, to maximise the area
small amount of open access land. wetter winters, with more frequent and covered by an ecosystem approach.
• Biodiversity: There is 1 internationally extreme weather events. Some of the
designated site within the NCA, part effects could include more frequent and
severe flooding of farmland, damage to
OBJECTIVES –
of the River Derwent Special Area of
Conservation (SAC) – 75 ha of which archaeological remains by soil erosion THE ECOSYSTEM APPROACH
lies within this NCA. There are 8 Sites of and weathering, loss of fertile topsoil
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the from fields, windblow of mature trees, Please see the Action Programme
NCA, making up less than 1% (142 ha) of new species moving in, or extinction of for details of specific Actions
the area. These designated sites, and other existing species unable to move within the for each Objective.
areas of priority habitat (such as ancient landscape. Both research information and
ES1 Gain a better understanding
woodlands), will be at the core of efforts practical observations will be important in
of the AONB’s contribution
to increase the resilience of native flora deciding how to manage these impacts.
to ecosystem services.
and fauna to future environmental change. [For the period 2009-2014 patterns of
www.howardianhills.org.uk
There are 70 locally designated Sites of prolonged and extreme weather, e.g. snow/ ES2 Promote sustainability and
Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). frost, drought, cold easterly winds and support appropriate projects that
• Geodiversity: There are 3 geological heavy rainfall have been experienced]. benefit the AONB’s ecosystems
SSSIs within the NCA. Kirkham Gorge is services and Special Qualities.
of scientific importance as a renowned
Key issues 2014 – 2019
• Improvement in the understanding ES3 Understand potential climate
example of a glacial overflow channel.
of the ecosystem services that change trends and scenarios and
Many of the ecosystem services that the AONB provides, the impact monitor impacts on the AONB.
the AONB provides are closely linked of management/development
to the Special Qualities for which the decisions and the interactions with
area was originally designated. the AONB’s Special Qualities.
19Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
20
2.3 A Rich Heritage2.3.1 Natural Environment
Key Facts • It also recorded 14.5ha of mire. Most • Both Ryedale and Hambleton Districts
• The AONB is a key area for a number of of this habitat type is found along have Local Biodiversity Action
nationally important Biodiversity Action streams and rivers, particularly near Plans (LBAPs) in place, although
Plan (BAP) Priority Habitats including Coulton and in the Derwent Valley. they are both due for review.
lowland broadleaved woodland, wood • 85ha of open water was recorded, • The AONB contains: 1 Special Area for
pasture and veteran trees, limestone and with the largest water bodies Conservation (SAC); 8 Sites of Special
neutral grasslands and fen meadows. being the lakes at Castle Howard, Scientific Interest (SSSI) (5 Biological,
• Characteristic species include brown Wiganthorpe, Newburgh Priory and 3 Geological); 70 Sites of Importance
hare, lapwing, tree sparrow and barn owl, Pond Head (Oulston) Reservoir. for Nature Conservation (SINC).
as well as several local rarities such as • A survey of road verges in 1997 • The AONB is a Priority Area in the
knapweed broomrape and baneberry. found nearly 38ha of species- North Yorkshire & York Local Nature
• Nearly 80% of the habitats in the AONB rich grassland habitat on 132 Partnership (NY&Y LNP) Strategy.
are either farmland or are associated separate stretches of verge.(8) • Further information and statistics can
with human settlement. BAP Priority • In 2013 there was 3,332ha of be found in the Evidence Base.
Habitats (which show the strongest woodland in the AONB; 1,532ha was
semi-natural characteristics) represent classified as Ancient, with 163ha
classified as Ancient Semi-Natural.(9)
www.howardianhills.org.uk
only 8% of the total area of the AONB.(6)
• A habitat survey in 1992 recorded • In 2013 8% of the AONB’s rivers and
362ha of high quality neutral grassland, streams and 50% of its groundwater
11.5ha of unimproved calcareous bodies were classified as being
grassland and 761ha of botanically much in Good Ecological Status.(10)
poorer semi-improved grassland.(7)
(6)
Natural England, 2011.
(7)
Southern Ryedale and Howardian Hills AONB Phase I Survey, A Weston, University of York/English Nature, 1992.
(8)
Howardian Hills AONB Roadside Verge and Hedgerow Survey, Bullen Consultants, Howardian Hills AONB Joint Advisory Committee, 1998.
(9)
Forestry Commission, 2013.
(10)
Environment Agency, 2013.
21General Principles • The North Yorkshire & York Local Nature • The incidence of invasive non-
• National Character Area (NCA) 29 Partnership (NY&Y LNP) should be native species should be
Statement of Environmental Opportunity: used as a forum to develop and deliver monitored and management action
Support sustainable management of integrated projects both within the taken where appropriate.
the agricultural landscape to retain Howardian Hills and linking outwards.
important rates of food provision, while • Partnership working with the North Key Issues 2014 — 2019
enhancing the network of semi-natural York Moors National Park should be • The continued management of SINCs,
habitats within pastoral and arable encouraged, given the overlap of as they form the AONB’s principal
Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
landscapes, protecting the wildlife and farmland types and habitats between network of important biodiversity sites.
water quality of the River Derwent, the AONB and National Park. • The progression of river catchment-
optimising carbon storage, soil quality • Knowledge about habitat and species based partnerships, to provide an
and regulation of peak flow events, and status within the AONB, particularly for integrated framework for action in
strengthening the sense of place.(11) farmland birds, should be improved. delivering mutual objectives.
• Biodiversity 2020 (BD2020) • The status of the AONB’s water bodies, • How well the new agri-environment
objectives for the AONB’s SSSIs, as measured by the Environment scheme can improve the biodiversity
Priority Habitats and Species should Agency’s Water Framework Directive value of both important sites and the
be promoted and delivered. (WFD) indicators, should be improved. wider farmed landscape of the AONB.
• The principle of bigger, better, more and • Awareness and understanding • The availability of other funding to
joined-up, as developed in Prof. Sir John amongst local people and visitors supplement/fill any gaps within the new
Lawton’s report(12), should be used to of how important the AONB is as agri-environment scheme, to maximise
guide habitat management action and a biodiversity and geodiversity action for biodiversity in the AONB.
create a more wildlife-friendly matrix of resource should be increased. • The continued spread, and as yet
habitats across the wider countryside, • Advice, assistance and (where unknown impact, of infectious
including within villages and gardens. appropriate) grant aid should be plant diseases and non-native
• An Ecosystem Approach to delivery of provided to help land managers plant/animal species.
projects and consultation responses improve biodiversity and
should be developed, in line with geodiversity on their land.
Biodiversity 2020 Outcome 1C.
(11)
National Character Area 29 Profile: Howardian Hills, Natural England, 2012.
(12)
Making Space for Nature: A review of England’s Wildlife Sites and Ecological Network, Prof. Sir John Lawton, Defra, 2010.
22OBJECTIVES –
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Please see the Action Programme for details of specific Actions for each Objective.
For Actions relating to community involvement please see Objective LC2; for skills
training see Objective D6; for promotion and raising awareness see Objective AP2.
NE1 Continually improve knowledge of NE6 Monitor and where appropriate
the wildlife resources in the AONB. support control of invasive non-
native species in the AONB.
NE2 Ensure that appropriate protection
is given to the best nature NE7 Encourage the identification
conservation sites in the AONB. and conservation of important
geodiversity sites and
NE3 Assist with the implementation features in the AONB.
of LBAP/BD2020/WFD targets
for priority habitats in the NE8 Provide assistance to farmers
AONB (broadleaved woodland; and land managers, to help them
grasslands; wetlands) to manage their land sympathetically.
improve condition and increase
NE9 Ensure continued recognition
www.howardianhills.org.uk
network connectivity.
of the Howardian Hills as a
NE4 Assist with the implementation priority area for biodiversity
of LBAP/BD2020 targets for in North Yorkshire, as part
priority species for which of the NY&Y LNP.
the AONB is important.
NE5 Assist with the implementation
of LBAP/BD2020 targets for
wildlife within villages.
23Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
Figure 4: Natural Environment Priority Sites
242.3.2 Historic Environment
Key Facts the time of the Dissolution in 1537 land and still important, consisting of both
• A rich history of human activity is evident building materials were sold cheaply. This broadleaved Ancient Woodland and
in the Howardian Hills, from Mesolithic enabled the rise of landed gentry whose big more recent conifer plantations on
flint scatters to Roman bath houses to estates and country houses form arguably former heathland. As unploughed
medieval monasteries to railways. The the most visible theme of the Howardian heathland that survived agricultural
area has good soils for farming, with Hills today. Estates and grand houses improvement, a wealth of prehistoric
the geology and extensive woodlands at Castle Howard, Gilling, Hovingham, burial mounds and other features are
providing stone and timber for building. Howsham, Nunnington, Brandsby, now preserved within the plantations.
The area’s proximity to Malton with its Kirkham, Whitwell, High Hutton, Ganthorpe, • The history of religious and private
fort means that some of the Roman Swinton, Hildenley, Wiganthorpe, Dalby Estates in the Howardian Hills has
remains are likely to be from villas or and Sproxton are all still recognisable resulted in a large stock of traditional
farming communities. These would have to a greater or lesser extent today. stone-and-pantile farmhouses, farm
provided food and other goods, such • The complex geology allowed only small- buildings, cottages and village houses,
as pottery from Crambeck, to the fort. scale operations of extractive industries many of them in ‘estate villages’.
• A strong theme of the Howardian Hills such as stone quarrying, coal mining, • As well as the physical remains there
is the scatter of nucleated medieval lime burning (for building mortar and land are also the cultural traditions that have
villages, which place name evidence improvement), brick and tile making and developed over the centuries. Traditional
www.howardianhills.org.uk
shows originated in the Saxon and pottery manufacture. The Derwent is the values associated with a long history of
Scandinavian periods. The Saxon minster only navigable river in the AONB and religious activity and farming are still strong.
at Stonegrave and the open strip fields provided limited use for transport of goods • An archaeological survey of the AONB
of ridge and furrow still visible at Crambe owing to poor access. Three railways was carried out in 1993 and a Historic
are some of the best preserved remains. served the area, with only the York to Landscape Characterisation survey
Scarborough line now remaining open. was completed in 2011. A community
• Monastic orders were drawn to the
area, with monasteries established at • Agricultural improvement changed archaeology group working on Yearsley
Kirkham and Newburgh. The tradition the landscape significantly, with the Moor have demonstrated the wealth
continues today with Ampleforth Abbey. old common fields enclosed and the of features from all periods that
land improved for the production can be found when focus is tightly
• The monasteries were important
of sheep and crops. Woodland is concentrated on a specific area.
landowners with widespread farms, so at
25• The AONB contains: 373 Listed Buildings; General Principles • The significance of all aspects of the
11 Conservation Areas; 79 Scheduled • National Character Area (NCA) 29 historic environment should have
Monuments; and 48 non-designated Statement of Environmental Opportunity: a high profile amongst residents,
heritage assets that are considered to Protect the geological and historic land managers and visitors, to
be locally important. The 5 Registered landscape features that are characteristic ensure that it is respected.
Historic Parks and Gardens comprise of the area, including its distinct • Advice, assistance and (where
11% of all North Yorkshire’s registered landform, prehistoric earthworks, appropriate) grant aid should be
parks (outside the two National Parks), medieval monasteries, grand houses provided to help owners recognise
Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
demonstrating how important they with designed parkland, and settlement and better manage historic
are to the character of the AONB. pattern. Manage these features environment features on their land.
• The 2013 English Heritage ‘Heritage at to provide diverse public benefits, • Designated Heritage Assets on English
Risk Register’ identified the following enhancing the sense of place and history, Heritage’s ‘Heritage at Risk Register’
nationally significant assets as being At and protecting natural resources.(14) should be priorities for management
Risk in the AONB: 4 Listed Buildings, • Community groups and other action, to ultimately ensure that no
27 Scheduled Monuments and the researchers should be supported in Assets appear on the Register and that
Registered Historic Park and Garden discovering and understanding the a sustainable future has been secured
at Castle Howard (13). A further 10 heritage of the AONB, and feeding for all designated and non-designated
Grade II Listed Buildings at Risk are the results into the North Yorkshire heritage assets in the AONB.
recorded on District Council registers. Historic Environment Record (HER). • Conservation/management plans should
• Further information and statistics can • All nationally important heritage assets be prepared for all designed landscapes,
be found in the Evidence Base. in the AONB should be appropriately to help develop a better understanding
conserved and enhanced. and appreciation of their significance
and to guide their future management.
(13)
English Heritage, 2013.
(14)
National Character Area 29 Profile: Howardian Hills, Natural England, 2012.
26Key Issues 2014 — 2019 • The condition of non-designated sites,
particularly designed landscapes not
OBJECTIVES –
• The unpredictable availability of resources
on the English Heritage Register. HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
for historic environment conservation
work, from both the public and private • The length of time since the last
comprehensive survey of archaeology in Please see the Action Programme
sectors, particularly with the ending of the
the AONB in 1993. Current data sources for details of specific Actions for
Environmental Stewardship Scheme.
need to be thoroughly assessed, to each Objective. For Actions relating
• Small but incremental changes to heritage to community involvement please
assets, due to amendments to Permitted draw out themes where there is a lack
of knowledge and where they contribute see Objective LC2; for skills training
Development Rights and potentially fewer see Objective D6; for promotion and
resources for Planning Enforcement work. to the overall understanding of history
and significance in the Howardian Hills. raising awareness see Objective AP2.
• The condition of sites on English Heritage’s
‘Heritage at Risk Register’, particularly HE1 Improve understanding of the
Scheduled Monuments affected by AONB’s historic environment
arable cultivation or damaging plant and its significance.
growth, the Registered Park & Garden
HE2 Sustain and enhance the
at Castle Howard and the Grade I Listed
significance of the AONB’s
structures at Castle Howard. Proposals
historic environment.
for Enabling Development may come
forward to address the latter issue. HE3 Help local people to identify
www.howardianhills.org.uk
the non-designated heritage
assets which contribute to
the character of their area and
support the development of
management strategies for their
conservation and enhancement.
27Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
Figure 5: Historic Environment Priority Sites
282.4 Living and Working in the Howardian Hills
www.howardianhills.org.uk
292.4.1 Local Communities
Key Facts • The percentage of people aged 20-44 • The number of communities with Parish
• The Howardian Hills is sparsely (21.2%) is significantly lower than for Plans has significantly increased in
populated, with approximately 6,100 the Yorkshire & Humber region (33.5%) the last 5 years, as has the number
people living within the AONB boundary and England as a whole (34.3%).(16) of community projects that have
itself, and 9,400 when the villages • The percentage of people aged been instigated as a result of them.
Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
within its ‘socio-economic envelope’ 65-84 (20%) is higher than for the • At least 35% of the village halls
immediately adjacent are included.(15) Yorkshire & Humber region (14.4%) serving AONB communities have
• The majority of the population is and England as a whole (14.1%). undergone substantial improvements
concentrated within a number of small • The market towns of Easingwold, recently to make them more
villages and hamlets. Ampleforth Malton and Helmsley provide the main useable and sustainable.
(including the Abbey and College) focus for local employment, shopping, • The LEADER Local Action Group
is the largest village, with 1,400 health facilities and recreational and AONB Sustainable Development
residents. Only four other villages activity, with only limited services Fund have been significant sources
contain more than 500 people. The available in individual villages. of funding for these projects.
scattering of villages is interspersed • The main issues that emerge from • Significant programmes of education
with numerous individual farms. community consultations are volume work have been completed with the 10
• Many villages are ‘estate villages’, of traffic (particularly HCVs), speeding primary schools covering the AONB.
where the principal estates still traffic, declining services within villages, • The Key Facts on employment and the
own a significant proportion of the housing (lack of affordable, but also economy of the AONB are contained
properties (e.g. Coneysthorpe, Welburn, new Local Plan targets for house in the Development & Rural Economy
Hovingham and Nunnington). building), lack of local employment and section of the Management Plan.
lack of public transport. There is also • Further information and statistics can
recognition however of the tranquillity also be found in the Evidence Base.
and natural beauty of the AONB.
(15)
Mid-Year Estimates for 2010, ONS, Crown Copyright.
(16)
Census 2011, ONS, Crown Copyright.
30General Principles Key Issues 2014 – 2019
OBJECTIVES –
• The AONB should have flexible • An ageing population profile,
and resilient communities that potentially resulting in fewer
LOCAL COMMUNITIES
are better placed to adapt to the economically active people.
evolving challenges they face. Please see the Action Programme for
• Service provision linked to the ageing
details of specific Actions for each
• Knowledge-sharing should be population profile, with potentially
Objective. For Actions relating to
encouraged, to help communities greater reliance on services being
skills training please see Objective
to develop and potentially delivered by communities themselves
D6; for promotion and raising
collaborate on projects. rather than by the public sector.
awareness see Objective AP2.
• Parish Planning should be supported • The increasing importance of
as a useful way of developing environmental sustainability as a LC1 Assist local communities
projects that have buy-in from all way of reducing living costs, for with identifying and
sections of the community. example by energy conservation implementing projects that
• Advice, assistance and (where and waste reduction. maintain and enhance their
appropriate) grant aid should be provided • The potential loss of rural skills. character, sustainability and
for appropriate community projects. • The possible loss of identity and sense of community.
• The continued coverage of the community cohesion for some rural LC2 Encourage voluntary and
AONB by initiatives such as LEADER communities, due to the turnover community engagement with
should be a high priority, as they rate of house occupation. the local natural and historic
www.howardianhills.org.uk
can provide significant social and • Levels of rural crime such as illegal environment of the AONB.
economic benefits for communities. coursing and the theft of farm
• The linkages between the local machinery, livestock, heating oil, etc.
market towns and their hinterland in • Perceptions of the volume and speed
the AONB should be developed, to of traffic passing through villages.
maximise the social and economic • Less public sector support and funding
development opportunities they bring. for community projects, with fewer
‘development officers’ and less grant aid.
• In light of the above, the continued
coverage of the AONB by a new LEADER
programme for rural development.
312.4.2 Agriculture
Key Facts pasture is now largely confined to the (B&B or self-catering), contracting,
• Around 70% of the AONB is categorised steeper slopes and poorer soils. development of offices/workshops,
as farmland and agricultural practices • Farming in the AONB consists specialist cropping/livestock, game
therefore have a major influence on overwhelmingly of arable cropping, with shooting and energy crop production.
the appearance of the landscape. associated sheep and cattle enterprises. • Further information and statistics can
Howardian Hills AONB Management Plan 2014-2019
• Farming is a major industry and Indoor pig rearing is increasing and there be found in the Evidence Base.
employment sector within the AONB, are a small number of poultry farms.
and many families have been farming Dairy farming is continuing to decline.(17) General Principles
their land for several generations. • Agri-environment schemes have generally • National Character Area (NCA) 29 Statement
been popular in the AONB, with the of Environmental Opportunity: Support
• Around 30% of the farmed land is
Countryside Stewardship Scheme sustainable management of the agricultural
rented, principally from the large Estates,
resulting in significant restoration of landscape to retain important rates of food
and this has a generally stabilising
hedgerows and creation of large areas of provision, while enhancing the network of
effect on major land use change.
grass margins. At its height, approximately semi-natural habitats within pastoral and
• During the period of agricultural
45% of the total AONB area was covered arable landscapes, protecting the wildlife
intensification after World War Two a
by Countryside Stewardship Agreements. and water quality of the River Derwent,
significant proportion of the grassland
• In 2013, 55% of the agricultural land optimising carbon storage, soil quality
in the AONB was converted to
area of the AONB was in Entry Level and regulation of peak flow events, and
arable cropping. Hedgerow removal
Stewardship and 20% in Entry Level + strengthening the sense of place.(19)
was significant in some parts of the
Higher Level Stewardship. In total these • A profitable and thriving agricultural
AONB but less marked in others.
agreements, over their 10 year lifespans, and land management industry should
• The land is predominantly classed as
will be worth over £7 million to the land be encouraged, as this is vital to the
Grade 3, with some areas of Grade
management economy of the AONB.(18) economic, environmental and social
2 along the limestone ridge between
• Farm diversification enterprises within wellbeing of the Howardian Hills.
Malton and Hovingham. Permanent
the AONB include visitor accommodation
(17)
Defra June Census statistics, 2011.
(18)
Natural England, 2013
(19)
National Character Area 29 Profile: Howardian Hills, Natural England, 2012.
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