National context:

The East Hampshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of 41 nationally important areas designated, under the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, for their outstanding landscape quality. Together with the National Parks they provide some of the Country's finest scenery.

Background:

The East Hampshire AONB was designated in 1962. It covers an area of 386 sq km encompassing the western end of the the ridge forming the South Downs, but also including the western edge of the weald, the Rivers Meon and Rother and the Hangers. A Project Officer was appointed in 1994 to implement the management plan that had been agreed by the Joint Advisory Committee (JAC). The JAC is made up of representatives of local and national government organisations, along with statutory agencies, landowner, conservation, amenity and recreation bodies.

In April 200 the Countryside Agency agreed to take forward the process of designating the South Downs as a new National Park, a process which is unlikely to be complete until 2003.

Objectives:

Protect, conserve and enhance the natural beauty and amenity of the East Hampshire AONB, including its physical, ecological and cultural landscape.

Promote the quiet informal enjoyment of the area by the general public, but only so far as is consistent with the first aim.

Raise awareness of the AONB and to encourage land management which supports the two aims above.

Foster social and economic well being of communities within the East Hampshire AONB.

Action on the Ground:

• Advice to landowners and farmers on landscape, wildlife or archaeological enhancement or protection.
• Grant aid for a wide variety of schemes which achieve the aims of the Project, such as tree and hedge planting, pond creation, hedge laying or coppicing, Village Design Statements.
• Advice and assistance in setting up and running community volunteer groups.
• Practical help through the South Downs Volunteer Ranger Service.
• Provision of self guided walking and cycling routes.
• Surveys of species, habitats or features of importance within the AONB.
• Comment on planning applications which will have a significant impact on the AONB landscape.
• Promote sustainable development through Structure and Local Plans.
• Promote sustainable access to the AONB through Local Transport Strategy.

Publications: