INTERNATIONAL COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP EXCHANGE
THE COTSWALDS, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE EXCHANGE

Introduction

Unimproved limestone grasslands unique to the Cotswolds have decreased from 45 % of land area to 1.5 %. Valued as rich ecological habitat, beautiful open spaces, and evidence of the medieval sheep farming economy which made the Cotswolds rich and created its distinctive landscape, they are now under threat from the demise of traditional agriculture and the conflicts of recreational uses. The study focussed on sites on the western escarpment, representing a range of condition, problems and opportunities. The brief from the Steering Group (the National Trust, Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, English Nature and the MAFF) asked for a fresh look at the issues of continued management.

Key Issues

Valued cultural landscapes under threat

As man-made environments, these unimproved limestone grasslands must be managed or they return to scrub: and quality landscape, views, plant diversity, and unique history will be lost. The grasslands have significant recreational and tourism value; for “fresh air and exercise”; for dog walking; as beautiful viewpoints; for their contribution to the visual appeal of the Cotswolds. Their bio-diversity is ecologically significant. They are historically important for prehistoric remains, their role in Cotswolds culture and economy and for associated traditions of common rights and land ownership.

Traditional grazing in decline

Traditional uses which created and maintained the grasslands are obsolete. Declining pastoral agriculture, current livestock breeding requirements for nutrient-rich diets and fewer people exercising Commoners’ rights mean reduced grazing. Many sites have deteriorated to rank grass then to scrub and woodland. Only continuous management will secure conservation of the grassland habitat. Management of surviving sites varies from; no management at all; to some with sporadic grazing/mowing; to some still in pasture use likely to cease soon. Many private landowners cherish their grasslands; some farmers need financial support to continue. How many grassland sites are at risk is not known. Some are well-visited public sites where different interest groups are in conflict.

Co-ordinated local action is the key to conservation

Local people, community volunteers, commoners, and farmers with strategic support from conservation professionals are the key to continued management. Strong appreciation of the value of limestone grasslands and a determined will to save them exists amongst national and local agencies, voluntary groups, landowners, farmers, Commoners and local people. Not all stakeholders see themselves as Ôconservationists.Õ Golfers, horse-riders, dog walkers, local residents also have personal commitment to individual sites. Mechanisms are needed to establish common understanding of the issues and joint action.

“The level of support in the community is much higher than people think ….
it’s just that nobody asked us.”

Observations

There is widespread appreciation of the value of unimproved limestone grasslands in the Cotswolds. Threats and required action for their management are less widely understood.

Local peoples’ views about the importance of grassland sites as places where they live, work and play are crucial in defining a “sense of place” worth preserving. Local agencies, owners and voluntary groups already apply innovative grassland management where traditional regimes are absent. Duplicated effort, failure to share information and limited resources mar effectiveness. Local people actively involved in conservation and management of their local sites said they needed more information on what happens elsewhere, effective solutions and who else was involved.

A random sample of local and distant visitors revealed little knowledge of the interest and importance of sites they were visiting.

Recommendations

Build on What Already Exists

Build on what already exists and increase its effectiveness by action to co-ordinate activity, provide strategic direction and increase funding. The study team recommends new, focused efforts to promote public awareness, obtain more funding, do more work and find common ground.

A Toolkit for Local Action

Local peoples’ views and concerns, sometimes ignored in the past, should be the starting point for a “toolkit” of approaches for local action to achieve local goals. Mechanisms enabling local people to take control of problems and thrash out solutions include; FriendsÕ groups for sites under pressure; reduction of tensions between owners and conservationists; shared skills and machinery, more younger volunteers; and enlisting support from key community groups.

Celebrate and Raise Awareness

Better promotion is needed of the value of grasslands and awareness of the threats they face. Profile raising and celebration should involve; a festival and local events, award scheme, marketing them as elements of Cotswolds identity, using media opportunities, developing educational opportunities.

Integrated, Customised Management Plans

An integrated management plan for each site, involving all interested parties, is required. Sites vary in size, location and condition – customised solutions for management and promotion measures are needed. Wider knowledge of management regimes is needed. Recommended options include: grazing (most desirable) with a “flying flock” or by contract licences (with payment to farmers) and perhaps local voluntary shepherding, hidden barriers or fencing; mowing (for difficult access areas) with pooled machinery/pedestrian mowers; and scrub control. Better understanding of legal rights concerning Commons is needed. Compromise on temporary fencing is essential; traffic calming, signing footpaths and bridle routes, bylaws re dogs on leads and public access, interpretation and zoning of activities are required.

Enhancing the Local Economy

Enhancing the local economy will help safeguard the resource. Re-establish traditional breeds and develop niche markets for (organic) meat and other local produce. Promote “green” tourism and harness visitor income for conservation. Tap tourism funding schemes to help sustain the beauty and diversity of the Cotswolds. Exploit the scenic values of Cotswolds limestone grasslands in calendars, post cards, photography, and artwork.

A “Cotswolds Grasslands Partnership”

A ÔCotswolds Grasslands PartnershipÕ is urgently needed to provide strategic direction to reduce fragmentation; regional co-ordination of conservation efforts; professional and financial support for local ownership and action. It should: map sites using GIS, identify skills and experience; promote awareness; help existing and encourage new local conservation groups; set and monitor targets; initiate joint projects. Securing increased funding is essential- an endowment fund should be considered. Action is needed to strengthen partnerships and developing fundraising programmes, particularly targeting businesses, agri-environment scheme funds and HLF.

The Future

Local people and organisations have the ideas, energy, ability and will to act. The newly formed Steering Committee is the basis for promoting partnership. Much is done already but much more is needed. Working together in partnership is crucial.

The Team

· Alan Bowley English Nature (UK)
· Andy Collins Bollin Valley Project (UK)
· Robin Griffiths Countryside Council for Wales (UK)
· James Pepper National Park Service (USA)
· Mark Robinson Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts (USA)
· Carol Tocco National Marine Fisheries Service (USA)
· Jill Way Town Supervisor, Wingdale, New York (USA)
· Lucy Worsley English Heritage (UK)

Where to Find Out More: Mr Laurie Clark, National Trust, Mythe End House, Tewkesbury,
Gloucestershire GL20 6EB TEL: 01684 850051 FAX: 01684 850090

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©2002 Glynwood Center