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Landscapes for Life

28/03/24
Landscapes for Life Conference

Landscapes for Life Annual Conference 2018

This week the Sandstone Ridge Trust attended the annual Landscapes for Life conference of the National Association of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (NAAONB). As an Associate Member of the National Association, the Trust has a great opportunity to meet and network with landscape professionals from across the UK family of 46 AONBs.

The theme of the conference was Shaping the Long View. Both the UK and the Welsh Governments have recently indicated their commitment to Protected Landscapes. Conference heard how the work of the AONB Family network achieves clean air, clean and plentiful water, and thriving plants and wildlife. AONBs are also investigating how they can help to reduce the risk of harm to people, the environment and the economy by using natural resources in a more sustainable and efficient way. There were also briefings on how to connect young people with nature, and inspire greater understanding and appreciation of natural beauty through the use of art. Unsurprisingly, the implications of Brexit for AONBs were also discussed!

Julian Glover, Chair of the current Review of National Parks and AONBs attended conference to hear the views of AONBs. Strengthened protection, increased responsibilities and more resources were discussed. Julian is visiting a number of protected (and non-protected) landscapes during 2018, and in the Autumn will be issuing a call for evidence. We shall try to persuade him to visit the beautiful Sandstone Ridge!

Ian Marshall who attended the conference said "There is always so much to learn from the AONB family, and I've come away from conference with many ideas and contacts to follow up. The national Review presents the Trust with a great opportunity to raise the profile of the Sandstone Ridge on a national stage and make the case for it to be considered for AONB designation".

Conference presentations and briefings are available.