Landscape Fragility
Many of the elements that contribute to the distinctive and special character of the landscape of the CCWWD AONB are inherently fragile.
The AONB Partnership has therefore been looking at ways of recognisng and identifying this fragility through looking at Landscape Sensitivity as well as managing elements which contribute to key attributes of the landscape such as its tranquility, remoteness and lack of light pollution.
Landscape Sensitivity report
This is a commissioned report (2007), focusing on the innate fragility or robustness of the landscape character areas of the AONB, undertaken for us by The Landscape Practice, based in Sherborne.
The report is available to download here
Download: Landscape Sensistivity - Figure Four (PDF, 724kB)
Download: Landscape Sensistivity - Figure Three (PDF, 706kB)
Download: Landscape Sensistivity - Figure Two (PDF, 720kB)
Download: Landscape Sensistivity - Figure One (PDF, 735kB)
Download: Landscape Sensistivity Report (PDF, 512kB)
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Tranquillity and the CPRE
During 2005-2006 the CPRE (Campaign for the Protection of Rural England) with support from the Countryside Agency commissioned a map of tranquil and non tranquil areas across the nation. This work is availiable here .
These studies investigated peoples’ perceptions of tranquillity, factors that make a place tranquil or non-tranquil, and cross-checked these findings with other local studies [eg. in the Chilterns]. The whole country was assessed for 44 attributes of tranquillity or non-tranquillity and the scores were then mapped on the basis of 500 x 500m squares [ie. a quarter of an OS map grid square]. For ease of presentation, the scores were converted to a spectrum of colours, with dark green representing most tranquil and dark red least tranquil. This complicated process was undertaken by Northumbria University in collaboration of the University of Newcastle, using a sophisticated GIS to handle the various databases and layers.
With the support of the South Wiltshire branch of the CPRE the AONB plan to undertake a study to identify the factors contributing to tranquillity, or loss of tranquillity, in this AONB. Attention could then be given to actions to restore or enhance tranquillity in the AONB, both generally and at specific locations.
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Light Pollution
The AONB Partnership has recognised the significance of Light Pollution within the AONB. Two national datasets showing light pollution are available from 1993 and 2000 which demonstrate the spread of light pollution across the AONB and the general loss of dark night skies. Contributory factors are street and highway lighting, and the sideways and upward dispersion of light from a variety of sources. The latter can be tackled through the use of properly shielded modern light fittings and the AONB regularly advise on their use when commenting on planning applications. In connection with highway lights we seek to influence the highway authorities' asset management and replacement plans to include light units that minimise pollution. That includes encouraging the use of "natural" light rather than the all too frequent orange sodium lights.
We have commissioned a report on Light Pollution in the AONB details of which can be found here.
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Rural Roads and the Dorset AONB
The ‘Reclaiming our Rural Highways’ project in the Dorset AONB has indicated the scope of the issues regarding the urbaniastion of rural roads and the loss of their essential countryside characteristics. The project looked at ways to reduce the clutter of signs and other artefacts, and to find means of improving driver behaviour without adding to those artefacts or creating further clutter.
This joint Dorset County Council and Dorset AONB initiative is establishing a protocol to guide the management of rural roads in harmony with landscape character and local distinctiveness and sense of place. This clearly has wider relevance and this AONB is actively involved with our colleagues extending the principles of reclaiming our rural highways throughout this AONB.
Please Note: Some of the above documents may require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them, you can download this free software here.
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