Area of outstanding natural beauty group talks about Brexit

Shropshire Council's Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty partnership will meet on Tuesday to discuss how the country leaving the EU could impact on the area's future.

A report will go to the board, which is currently working on applications to create a conservation board for the Shropshire Hills, at its coming meeting.

The report, written by Phil Holden, AONB Partnership Manager, said: "The two main issues arising from Brexit of direct relevance to the AONB are the future of EU-based environmental legislation and mechanisms for enforcement.

"The second is Government policy and funding regimes for land management including both farming and forestry."

Other issues, he said, include a potential loss of funding, the reaction of the economy and the political climate that could like the AONB partnership with other protected areas in Europe.

He added: "A further immediate issue particular to the Shropshire Hills AONB is the potential for Brexit to affect the outcome and/or timescale of our request to Defra to create a Conservation Board."

At the meeting, to be held on Tuesday at Shirehall, the board will look at ways to respond to the ongoing discussions over Brexit and any potential issues.

Mr Holden added: "The AONB Partnership should continue dialogue with local and national

stakeholders on these issues.

"There should be an emphasis on finding and developing common ground rather than divisive language and approaches.

"We should not limit the potential of a new land management policy and funding regime to improve the landscape of the AONB, but also need to recognise that changes for many will feel threatening.

"The potential benefits of changes need to be well articulated.

"Over the next six months or so, continuing dialogue may be more useful than setting out written ‘positions’ – there is in fact a risk that the latter could perhaps inhibit dialogue. We need to work over the next year or two towards likely forthcoming consultations by government and to the next AONB Management Plan."

The Shropshire Hills was designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty in 1958 and covers a quarter of Shropshire.

It is one of 46 AONBs in the UK. The purpose of designation is to conserve and enhance natural beauty, while also taking account of economic and social needs, promoting sustainable development and meeting the demand for recreation.

The Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership co-ordinates this work, hosted by Shropshire Council and funded in addition by Defra, Telford & Wrekin Council and project funders.