Agenda item

We received a report regarding the Wye Valley National Landscape Nature Recovery Plan.

In doing so, the following information was noted:

·        The Colchester Declaration – a ‘declaration for nature’ was produced in 2019 supported by all the AONB (now known as the National Landscape) Partnerships and the National Association for AONBs (now the National Landscapes Association).

·        The ambition was pledged for every AONB Partnership to prepare a Nature Recovery Plan and deliver Species Action Plans to reverse the decline of threatened species.

·        Five species, or assemblage of species, were chosen as representative of the Wye Valley National Landscape Special Qualities as a commitment to the Colchester Declaration.

·        The suite of Species Action Plans supports the Wye Valley National Landscape Nature Recovery Plan.

·        Four previous Species Action Plan (SAP) have been adopted by the Joint Advisory Committee (JAC), the fifth and final Species Action Plan will be presented to the next JAC meeting, focusing on Water Crowfoot, emblematic for the sustainable restoration and management of the riverine habitat.

·        The Wye Valley National Landscape Nature Recovery Plan and Species Action Plans are designed to align with the Monmouthshire Local Nature Recovery Action Plan (NRAP) and Gloucestershire and Herefordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRSs).

·        The Herefordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy is currently out for public consultation until 22^nd March 2026.

The Wye Valley National Landscape Team is finalising its Nature Recovery Plan, built around five representative species that reflect the area’s ecological special qualities. The plan consolidates extensive ecological data, mapping, and species assessments, and acts as an umbrella for individual species action plans. It is intended to align with wider statutory frameworks, including the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and the Nature Recovery Action Plan in Monmouthshire.

The urgency of ecological recovery was raised, noting the ambitious 2030 targets set out in the Colchester Declaration and the significant challenges posed by current declines, such as the Wye’s unfavourable river condition.

Concerns were raised about potential conflicts between recreational river use particularly paddle sports and sensitive species like water crowfoot, with a need for further evidence on the impact.

The importance of monitoring progress against species baselines was highlighted, though acknowledged that reliable baseline data is lacking for some species. An update report in the form of the State of the National Landscape Report including trends is planned for the next Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) meeting.

Discussion also addressed ancient and veteran trees within the landscape. Clarification was sought on the distinction between “ancient” and “veteran” trees, with members directed to the Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory for accessible definitions. The issue of protecting iconic trees from deliberate vandalism, referencing the Sycamore Gap incident, was raised, though it was noted that most local ancient trees are on private land and not widely accessible, reducing their vulnerability. Tree Preservation Orders remain an available tool where needed.

We resolved:

(i)              To endorse the Wye Valley National Landscape Nature Recovery Plan, in accordance with the Colchester Declaration commitments.

(ii)             To note the public consultation on the draft Herefordshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).