It is with huge disappointment that we report that the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge potential Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation process has been paused.

This decision has been the result of a 'cut in government funding'.

We have been assured by Natural England that the work of the Sandstone Ridge Trust was instrumental in meeting many of the DEFRA designation criteria and it is recognised that our collaborative work provided the consultants with a clear 'sense of place' and a 'landscape worthy of national protection'.

It was emphasised that the work of the Trust should not be underestimated.

This journey has been extraordinarily long, having been shortlisted back in June 2021.

That said, it was never considered that it would be a cut to government funding that would bring a halt to the project.

Nature conservation appears to be under assault.

Many of you will know that the Sustainable Farming Incentives programme was abruptly halted for new applications in March and that ring-fenced funding for ambitious nature recovery programmes has been removed from farming schemes.

Landscape decisions such as the potential designation of the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge has now suffered too and, unfortunately, we are likely not alone.

Our thanks to you all for your unwavering support.