New hope for land of glory (From Worcester News)

New hope for land of glory

11:51am Wednesday 16th December 2009 in

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THE Malvern Hills, the rocky spine with the dinosaur profile that separates Worcestershire from Herefordshire, is in line for some official long-term tender loving care.

The hills include some of the finest and most varied natural landscapes in the country, but according to a recent report by Natural England they, and all other uplands, may be vulnerable and will need careful looking after during the next 50 years.

Wide-ranging management of the area involving habitat and species protection is already in place through a partnership between farmers, graziers, land managers and Natural England, so that heather management, gorse and bracken control, woodland and grazing management are under way.

However, according to Natural England it is now vital for places such as the Malvern Hills to be part of a much longer-term vision in order to secure their future.

Roger Owen, regional director of Natural England, said: Through our Uplands Vision report we want to work with partners to deliver a long-term vision for the Malvern Hills and all our important uplands. This area reflects the wide range of biodiversity, historic and recreational assets of our region, and some of our most treasured landscapes”.

The Malvern Hills are in a relatively strong position thanks to the hard work and dedication of the local partnership and Ian Rowat, director of Malvern Hills Conservators, said: “Today, thanks to support from Natural England, three of the duties of the Malvern Hills’ conservators are being supported – keeping them as an open space, protecting wildlife and providing support for commoners, who are now grazing the hills with their stock. “ The Vital Uplands report – and the detailed description of environmental services that goes with it – describes how the UK’s uplands might look and be managed in 50 years’ time.

Mr Owen said : “Uplands are vital for our food production, carbon storage and climate regulation, flood management and water supply, as well as providing inspirational landscapes for recreation and homes to many rare and important species. In Worcestershire, the Malvern Hills reflect the wide range of biodiversity, historic and recreational assets of our region, and some of our most treasured landscapes. Through our Uplands Vision report we now want to work with partners to deliver a long-term vision for this and all our important uplands.”

Natural England’s chief executive, Helen Phillips recently visited Malvern to see for herself how partners are already working together.

She said: “We are approaching a critical period for the future of our uplands. With climate change predicted to place them under even more strain it is essential that we adapt the way our upland environment is managed in order to secure the vital services it provides.

“The support and co-operation of hill farmers and land managers are key to achieving this and it is heartening to see the partnerships they are forging with conservationists. This is the kind of 21st century approach we need that recognises food production, a healthy natural environment and an economically viable uplands can – and must – be successfully combined.”

It’s good to see someone has their finger on the pulse, although the Malvern Hills, if asked, might just say they’ve seen it all before.

After all, they have been around for quite a long time.

What the report will cover

The key environmental elements examined in Natural England’s Vital Uplands report include: Sustainable production of food, wood and other raw materials.

Mitigation and reducing climate change.

Resilient upland eco-systems.

Vibrant upland communities and economies.

Clean water supplies from upland rivers and lakes.

Reduction of ‘natural’ hazards – such as flooding and wildfire.

Health and well-being benefits.