50th anniversary of the designation of the Dedham Vale AONB

The Dedham Vale celebrated 50 years since being designated as an AONB on 20 May 2020. While the celebrations may not have been quite what was planned a few months ago it has been great to see articles various magazines, as well as much 'chatter' on social media.

The work funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to share the delights of the nationally designated landscape with a wider cross section of society, has been delayed but revised plans will be implemented as soon as possible.

EDF Energy submit a Development Consent Order to the Planning Inspectorate

Proposals for a new nuclear power station to be built in the nationally designated landscape on the Suffolk Coast have been submitted. It is fair to say the proposals have divided opinion. EDF Energy view here.

RSPB and Wildlife Trust view at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMaloGyojBA

See the AONB Partnership response to application

For an idea of scale of development see a through of similar development at Hinkley (not in an AONB): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkmE9hh5oeM

The planning inspectorate are expected to take 28 days to decide whether to accept the application.

New Era for the AONBs...

On 1 June the AONB team welcome Alex Moore da Luz into a new role in the team, that of AONB Nature Recovery Officer. The role has been created by rejigging current funds and seeks to meet the aspirations of the Colchester Declaration (An AONB network pledge to meet the wildlife and climate crises) and the review of nationally designated landscapes undertaken by Government.

Alex leaves his role of River Stour Enhancement Project where since 2015 he has: Planted 9,402 riverside trees and shrubs; created 7 backwaters and bays; built 91 woody flow deflectors and brushwood mattresses; created 143 berms, bank re-profiles, gravel deflectors, two stage channels, riffles and pools; removed 34,837 Giant Hogweed plants manually removed and organised 40 Himalayan Balsam pulling work parties organised.

We are interviewing for his replacement at end of May.

Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs):

The AONB team continues to monitor and engage on major development proposals such as at Sizewell C, Offshore Wind Developments, New National Grid Infrastructure and Interconnectors. Many AONB Partnership members are either furloughed, re-deployed or focusing on other priorities, meaning it is difficult for the AONB Partnerships to give a representative views during crisis.

For your Information...

• 5 June is World Environment Day
• AONBs working with DEFRA on Green Recovery Plans
• Free Field Studies Council Webinars
• Natural England news
• CPRE Star Count shows 61% of participants live in areas with severe light pollution