Agenda item

We received a report regarding the proposed outline work plan for the Wye Valley National Landscape Team during the forthcoming financial year, subject to confirmation of funding with Defra, Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales.

In doing so, the following information was noted:

·          The proposed Work Programme for the Wye Valley National Landscape Team for 2025/2026 is presented in draft form as budgets for the National Landscape have yet to be confirmed. The Programme is ambitious but dependent on adequate funding and resources being available.

·          A new National Landscape Core Funding agreement is awaited from Defra with allocations currently unconfirmed, part from continuation of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Officer post.

·          Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have confirmed provisional National Landscape allocations for 2025/26 and 2026/27 subject to the final approval of the Welsh Government Budget in late March 2025.

·          Consequently, only a draft Work Programme can be presented.

·          Priorities include: the potential expansion of the farming support role, with the continuation of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Officer post and the Wye Adapt to Climate Change? Programme, potentially augmented by a similar role on the Welsh side; on-going Planning advice shared jointly with the Malvern Hills AONB Partnership; the focus on Nature & Climate outcomes through the promotion and administration of Welsh Government’s Sustainable Landscapes Sustainable Places (SLSP) programme and Sustainable Development Fund (SDF); the on-going activities and achievements of the Volunteers and Young Adventurers led by the Community Links Officer; the development of Nature Recovery Plan and publication of the remaining Species Action Plans by the Development Officer and Nature Recovery Officer; the delivery of the National Grid Landscape Enhancement Initiative (LEI) projects; the review of the AONB Management Plan and publication of the Public Consultation Draft Plan; the celebratory activities for the Wye Valley Walk’s 50^th anniversary; and continuing a range of existing activities and projects, including continuation of the control of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) and advancing the Lower Wye Tracks & Trails Action Plan, led by the Projects Officer; while retaining enough flexibility to pursue new funding opportunities and develop new initiatives.

·          The draft Wye Valley National Landscape Team core budget for 2025/26 as presented to the Steering Group is £504,028 and additional funding programmes, grants and match funding is anticipated to exceed £1,000,000 levered into the National Landscape during the year.  

Having received the report, the following points were noted:

·         Outcomes arising from decisions made by the Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) will be monitored and presented in future reports to the JAC outlining achievements.

·         A running conversation will be maintained with Ministers regarding our position within the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation, which is anticipated to commence in the coming years.

·         With regard to the Position Statements on Tranquillity, Setting and Cultural Capital, the National Landscape Manager will identify timescales and aim to present a draft report to the JAC at the November 2025 meeting.

We resolved to endorse the draft Wye Valley National Landscape Team Work Programme for 2025/2026.