2004-2009 Management Plan

Conservation is the process of managing change.  Managing a landscape means understanding the qualities which give the area its special character, identifying the focus for change and understanding how this may be influenced or channelled to maintain the area's attractive landscape.  All this needs to be done in a way that does not compromise the interests of those who live and work in the area.  

An AONB Management Plan is essential to guide this process of landscape change.  The Plan shows what needs to be done, by whom, in which order of priority and with what resources.  This helps to direct resources into well-targeted action on the ground.  The Plan also reflects the fact that the management of an AONB is a partnership activity - land management in Nidderdale is the responsibility of countless farmers and landowners, businesses and government bodies.  For the Management Plan to be effective, it needs to reflect the needs and aspirations of the local community so that everyone will be committed to its implementation.
 
The Plan can have other functions too:
  • It provides increased awareness of the value of the AONB and the pressures it faces
  • It generates political and other support
  • It can coordinate the activities of a wide range of agencies and individuals making best use of available resources as well as promoting collective responsibility for management of the AONB
  • It is used to support bids for funding from various potential sources
  • It incorporates a set of common aims, based on a well-researched and comprehensive record of the current condition of the AONB
  • It provides a flexible working document that incorporates a mechanism for monitoring review, allowing the reappraisal of objectives and policies in response to changing circumstances
  • It provides a comprehensive approach, which is essential if priorities for action are to be decided
The Management Plan 2004 - 2009 can be downloaded as a pdf file (1MB).
 
The 2004 - 2009 Plan is now being revised and will be replaced by a new Plan for the period 2009 - 2014 from next April.
 
Information about how you can get involved with the review process can be found on the '2009-2014 Management Plan Consultation' page of this website.