Areas Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Research Articles

Areas of Outstanding Nineteenth Century Beauty: Historic landscape characterisation analysis of protected areas in England

Abstract Establishing and expanding protected areas (PAs) has become a key conservation tool in efforts to halt global declines in biodiversity. Given the ubiquity of past and present human influence, PAs inevitably include landscapes and seascapes with varying levels of human modification. We briefly review the geographical biases in England's terrestrial PA network, noting that landscape‐scale PAs (National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) across England disproportionately occupy rugged upland terrain of low agricultural value as a result of the specific history of PA creation, but that this also biases which historic landscapes compose PAs. We explore these biases using Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC). Analysis of HLC revealed that PAs in our focal region in northern England are defined by land‐use changes and landscape reorganisation processes of the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily that of enclosure. The impact this landscape transformation had on biodiversity should now form a priority for further research. This historic landscape influence on PA designation has resulted in PAs being typically owned by large estates with consequences for their biodiversity, management and wider social impact (e.g. greater wealth inequalities). The results highlight that historic landscape perspectives are useful to address conservation priorities and practices related to the protection of biodiversity and could be especially helpful in understanding the interaction between biodiversity protection and historic land‐uses, ownership, management, access and other social impacts. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Trade-offs between the natural environment and recreational infrastructure: A case study about peatlands under different management scenarios

The importance of peatlands for conservation and provision of public services has been well evidenced in the last years, especially in relation to their contribution to the net zero carbon emission agenda. However, little is known about the importance of recreation relative to conservation and their trade-offs. In this paper we address this knowledge gap by exploring the trade-offs between natural properties of peatlands and recreational infrastructures for different categories of recreationists (walkers, cyclists, anglers, and birdwatchers) of an open heather moors and peatlands landscape. We do so building on a series of management scenarios formulated through participatory methods and applying choice experiment related to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark in the UK. Results show a high degree of heterogeneity in landscape preferences across different user groups. Recreationists had a higher appreciation for semi-natural habitats compared to pristine or restored peatland (e.g., land rewetting). Walkers and cyclists were more sensitive to changes in the availability of recreational facilities than to environmental quality, while anglers’ and birdwatchers’ preferences were more aligned with values promoted by restoration policies. Overall, our results point to a potential value conflict between benefits generated by conservation and the benefits valued most by some groups of recreationists. To maximise success conflicts like the one revealed here need to be considered in strategies that provide a central role for peatlands in net zero climate mitigation strategies.

Evaluating the success of upland hay meadow restoration in the North Pennines, United Kingdom, using green hay transfer

Abstract Traditionally managed mesotrophic species‐rich upland hay meadows conforming to the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) MG3b are one of the rarest grassland types in the United Kingdom, with substantial declines in botanical diversity over the last 50 years. Intensive spring grazing, earlier cut dates and increases in soil fertility cause a decline in characteristic positive indicator species in MG3b meadows, shifting communities from species‐rich MG3b, to NVC MG6 meadows, and finally to species‐poor NVC MG7 meadows. The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership's Hay Time project aimed to improve the knowledge of upland hay meadows, and to investigate the success of seed addition of key positive indicator species. A landscape‐scale restoration programme was undertaken between 2006 and 2012, harvesting seed from 82 species‐rich donor meadows and spreading seed onto 89 receptor meadows (222.82 ha). Seed was harvested as green hay, using two types of donors: MG6 (classed as restoration, with species such as Rhinanthus minor) and MG3b (classed as enhancement, with species such as Geranium sylvaticum). All 89 meadows were monitored, with a baseline botanical survey and a repeat survey 3–5 years after seed addition. In addition, 41 meadows that did not have seed addition were monitored (controls). Species richness, diversity and floristic composition improved in 77 meadows 3–5 years after seed addition. Eighteen plant species had an increase in frequency in the receptor meadows but did not increase in frequency in the control meadows. The most successful were eight positive indicators which were annuals or fast‐growing perennial plants (Anthoxanthum odoratum, Euphrasia spp., Myosotis discolor, Plantago lanceolata, Ranunculus acris, R minor, Trifolium dubium and Trifolium pratense). However, rarer characteristic MG3b plants such as Alchemilla spp., G. sylvaticum and Cirsium heterophyllum showed little signs of establishing. Botanical evidence is demonstrating that seed addition using green hay is a successful way of restoring meadows to an MG6 community. What is now needed is an effective method to establish characteristic MG3b plants. Hand‐collecting seeds and establishing plug plants, alongside seed addition and maintaining traditional management practises, is one possible way forward.

Genetic structure of Sessil oak (Quercus petraea (matt.) liebl) from the area of outstanding natural beauty “Avala“

The paper presents the results of the genetic diversity analysis of Sessile oak populations from the area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) "Avala" which were obtained using SSR markers. Genomic DNA was isolated from leaf tissue of 50 test trees from two populations. Genotyping was performed using microsatellite markers QpZAG110, QpZAG15, QpZAG1/2, QpZAG3/64, QpZAG36, QpZAG1/5, and QrZAG108. All loci were polymorphic with the high mean value of PIC (0.934). The total number of alleles determined in the studied population was 127. The range of alleles varies from 15 (QpZAG1/5, QpZAG1/2) to 23 (QpZAG110) with an average of 18.14 alleles per locus. The number of effective alleles ranges from 8.273 (QpZAG1/5) to 13.830 (QrZAG108). The mean value of the gene flow (Nm) was 8.522 with a range from 5.548 to 14.876. Overall genetic diversity was high (He = 0.909) and ranged from 0.879 to 0.928. Due to the excess of homozygotes observed at most loci, a significant inbreeding coefficient was detected (Fis = 0.796). The Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) confirmed that genetic diversity was more pronounced within populations (77.5%) than between them (1.6%). The average allele frequency (Q) of the studied populations shows that the individuals originate from two or more populations. The obtained results can be used for the adoption of appropriate plans for the management of protected natural resources and the management of this ecologically and economically important tree species. Also, the obtained results enable the adoption of the necessary measures for the conservation of sessile oak genetic resources by in-situ and ex-situ methods. Based on the research results, the use of this important species can be recommended for its reintroduction in optimal microclimatic conditions, as well as in the selection of the best individuals for the reintroduction.

Exploring Public Recognition and Perceived Cultural Value of the Special Qualities within English Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

As both the concept of ‘landscape’ and ‘beauty’ have very perceptual definitions, they must be assessed by large groups to be appropriately addressed. Therefore, amid a review of AONB designation, cultural perceptions of what is valuable within these designated areas is of paramount importance. Ecosystem services have gained traction as a way to assign social value to the non-physical benefits landscape can provide. AONB landscapes have a list of ‘special qualities’ (SQs) which are the features and characteristics of this area that warrant its protection. This study looks at the extent to which SQs reflect public values. Multiple methods including photo elicitation, participatory mapping, in-person surveys and social media data analysis have been used. The study suggests that when presented with the same landscape there is huge diversity as to what should be considered ‘special’. There is a general preference of landscape heterogeneity, therefore no one SQ could be more important than any of the others if considered in isolation. SQs that have a tangible link to the cultural ecosystem services they provide, were most appreciated. All methods used had their own benefits and flaws, hence future research should use a combination of methods to address perception issues.

Earth Observation for Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification within Environmental Land Management Policy

The main aim of the new agricultural scheme, Environmental Land Management, in England is to reward landowners based on their provision of ‘public goods’ while achieving the goals of the 25 Year Environment Plan and commitment to net zero emission by 2050. Earth Observation (EO) satellites appear to offer an unprecedented opportunity in the process of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of this scheme. In this study, we worked with ecologists to determine the habitat–species relationships for five wildlife species in the Surrey Hills ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB), and this information was used to examine the extent to which EO satellite imagery, particularly very high resolution (VHR) imagery, could be used for habitat assessment, via visual interpretation and automated methods. We show that EO satellite products at 10 m resolution and other geospatial datasets enabled the identification and location of broadly suitable habitat for these species and the use of VHR imagery (at 1–4 m spatial resolution) allowed valuable insights for remote assessment of habitat qualities and quantity. Hence, at a fine scale, we obtained additional habitats such as scrub, hedges, field margins, woodland and tree characteristics, and agricultural practices that offer an effective source of information for sustainable land management. The opportunities and limitations of this study are discussed, and we conclude that there is considerable scope for it to offer valuable information for land management decision-making and as support and evidence for MRV for incentive schemes.

Light pollution colour changes at MHAONB, from distant town conversions to blue-rich LED lighting, implications for rural UK skies

The sky in the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (MHAONB) has been monitored continually since 2012, when a dark sky survey of the area was carried out commissioned by Malvern Hills Conservators. Ever since then at F.C. Observatory Mathon, the sky brightness has been measured continually, in the last few years at minute intervals in all weathers. On the darkest of nights, a fisheye lensed camera was used at the same intervals. There is a trend in brightness distribution and colour changes on the sky, especially towards the horizon, with clearly separated bright sky domes. The sky quality meter (SQM) photometry data near zenith does not show any great change. In 2015, Malvern Hills Conservators commissioned the author for modelling of the effect on the MHAONB sky, of the ongoing blue rich LED re-lighting throughout Herefordshire.The SQM photometry shows the sky brightness are very weather dependant; and the camera shows colour changes from orange-pink to blue-rich LEDs. Besides the trend over recent years to blue white from orange, changes can occur over hours or even minutes, depending on cloud cover over individual towns on or beyond the horizon, and local humidity levels. It can vary from orange to blue and red. Clear skies can vary in overall colour from one night to another and brightness falls overnight. This is shown in isophotes and accurate profile curve fitting. The effect of 2020 lockdown is included. A measurement was made of the clear air back scatter ratio from a known luminance source which can be used to estimate the sky visibility degradation from any planned lighting scheme.For the rural UK, the Milky Way is only 20% contrast to background at zenith on the darkest nights, (MHAONB 21.10 mag.arcsec−2), doubling the road light level across Europe would make it invisible.

A nationwide study on Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. infection rates in questing Ixodes ricinus: a six-year snapshot study in protected recreational areas in England and Wales.

Understanding the variation in Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. infection rates in Ixodes ricinus ticks is important for assessing the potential for Lyme borreliosis transmission. This study aimed to investigate infection rates of B. burgdorferi s.l. bacteria in I. ricinus across 24 field sites in England and Wales, focussing on protected recreational areas in National Parks (NPs) and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), to provide comparable data across multiple years to assess spatio-temporal changes in B. burgdorferi s.l. infection. Working with park rangers, questing ticks were collected each spring from 2014 to 2019. A subset of ticks, 4104 nymphs, were analysed using a pan-Borrelia qPCR assay, as well as a Borrelia miyamotoi-specific qPCR, and sequenced to determine Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. genospecies. Site-specific B. burgdorferi s.l. infection rates in I. ricinus nymphs varied from 0% to 24%, with overall infection rates ranging from 2.5% to 5.1% across the years. Genospecies composition of sequenced samples was 62.5% B. garinii, 20.3% B. valaisiana and 17.2% B. afzelii. Borrelia miyamotoi was detected in 0.2% of ticks. This study increases our knowledge on B. burgdorferi s.l.. infection in areas used by the public for outdoor activity across England and Wales, highlighting the spatial and temporal variability which can impact the changing risk to humans from infected tick bites.

Tourism Competitiveness of Rural Areas: Evidence from a Region in Poland

The aim of the article is to present the analysis of tourism competitiveness of the rural areas of the Eastern Poland microregion (Podlaskie, Warmińsko–mazurskie, Lubelskie, Świętokrzyskie, Podkarpackie provinces). To group the rural communes in terms of tourism competitiveness, a cluster analysis with Ward’s method was applied. To do so, the data provided by the Central Statistical Office (Warsaw) in Poland of 2019 were used. The analyses provided in the article confirm the dependence between the size of the areas of outstanding natural beauty and the region’s tourism competitiveness. The results can be applied by the representatives of various institutions and organizations supporting the development of tourism in those areas.

Where's wallaby? Using public records and media reports to describe the status of red-necked wallabies in Britain.

Investigating the range and population dynamics of introduced species provides insight into species behavior, habitat preferences, and potential of becoming established. Here, we show the current population status of the red‐necked wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus) in Britain based on records from an eleven‐year period (2008–2018). Records were obtained from Local Environmental Records Centres (LERCs), the National Biodiversity Network (NBN), and popular media. All records were mapped and compared to a historical distribution map (1940–2007), derived from published data. A total of 95 confirmed wallaby sightings were recorded between 2008 and 2018, of which 64 came from media sources, 18 from Local Environmental Records Centres (LERCs), seven from the National Biodiversity Network (NBN), and six from the published literature (Yalden, Br. Wildl., 24, 2013, 169). The greatest density of wallaby sightings was in southern England, with the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty a particular hot spot (n = 11). More sightings were recorded in August than in any other month. Much of the species’ ecology and responses to British biota and anthropogenic pressures are unknown, and therefore, further research is warranted. The methods used here are widely applicable to other non‐native species, particularly those that the public are more likely to report and could be an important supplement to existing studies of conservation and management relevance.

Establishing a functional framework for monitoring protected landscapes; with a case study of English Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

Protected landscape status is one of the highest designations afforded by the British legislature. To maintain consistent landscape quality, track environmental interventions, or measure the impacts of planned and unexpected events there is a need for co-ordinated national as well as local environmental monitoring. Conventionally indicators are used as monitoring proxies for tracking complex changes in landscape form and qualities, designation criteria, compliance against protective legislation, and the effectiveness of varying governance programmes. The regulatory agency of UK (English) environmental standards on behalf of the government, Natural England, monitors against a framework of indicators for the designation criteria of ‘natural beauty’ in 10 UK National Parks (NP) and 33 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and distributes data and analysis annually. This paper centres on an empirical case study that investigates environmental indicators used on-the-ground, as evidenced in AONB management plans. These bottom-up indicators are compared with top-down indicator frameworks from both Natural England’s monitoring programme (FMEOPL), and the emerging indicators associated with the UK 25-Year Plan to Improve the Environment (25YEP). A methodology is developed to collate diverse indicators from these three policy and governance sources and to recommend a synthetic list of 158 indicators with future potential as candidates of a national framework for monitoring environmental change in the UK at landscape-scale. Given the trans-national action of environmental stressors, this work is also considered to represent internationally significant findings.

George Richard (Dick) Potts (1939–2017)

George Richard (Dick) Potts (1939–2017)

Festival heterotopias: Spatial and temporal transformations in two small-scale settlements

This paper reports the findings of research undertaken at two festivals which take place in small-scale settlements: one in a village set in rural western Ireland, the other in a small coastal town set within a largely rural Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in southern England. It uses Foucault's concept of heterotopia as an analytical tool to further understandings of how the spatial and temporal interruptions caused by festivals temporarily transform the prevailing social order. The findings attest to the manner in which festivals juxtapose several incompatible spaces, creating a diverse array of social alterations in consequence, and highlight the accumulative effect produced through the transformation of multiple discrete spaces. They empirically illustrate the well-established argument that heterotopias disrupt traditional concepts of time and further support their temporal layering effect: that is, the sense of past festivals intertwining with and informing the social actors' experience of current festivals. While the findings illustrate how festivals can require certain acts or rituals to gain entry, importantly, they show how maintaining these rituals during the festival is critical to social actors' continued immersion in this temporary world. The study concludes by offering a modified set of principles of heterotopia specifically tailored to apply to festivals within the context of rural settlements.

Assessment of the aesthetic landscape properties for managing areas of outstanding natural beauty and historical significance

The restoration of historical cultural landscapes, which has become increasingly widespread in developed countries, has resurrected two common approaches based on a specific set of measures applied for landscape reconstruction and preservation (area management plans) and landscape and visual impact assessment (so-called LVIA). The development of area management plans is associated with the evolving concept of a target state, in which the landscape preserves its functionality and possesses the properties of a historical reference model. Such properties are sought using geographic information systems and old map sources, in the course of reconstruction of landscape history. The implementation of LVIA requires prior structural modeling of a visual space in relation to its observers, photographs, and the revealing roles of individual components in forming landscape scenes, as well as determination of visual deformations that negatively affect the aesthetic properties of the landscape. Adverse aesthetic changes may occur as a result of both new actions in development of the area and the natural dynamics of the landscape and its “wilding” (ecorehabilitation). The design of a three-dimensional cultural landscape computer model, supplemented by step by step parameterization of potential changes, makes it possible to objectify the entire process of evaluating acceptable impact on the aesthetic properties of a landscape and to apply this model for solving conflict issues associated with the development of areas of outstanding natural beauty and historical significance.

Examining participatory governance in a devolving UK: Insights from national parks policy development in Northern Ireland

This paper provides a contemporary examination of policy making and participatory practice in the context of devolving governance in the UK. The paper takes Northern Ireland as its focus and is particularly timely considering the context of devolved governance, the ongoing transition from conflict to relative peace and the potential for rejuvenating democracy through participatory governance. The paper concentrates on one particular policy process, namely the attempted designation of a national park in the Mournes Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A thematic analysis of qualitative data is drawn upon to analyse the structural factors that framed the policy-making process, in particular the role of power in determining how consultation processes were initiated, designed and undertaken. Using Lukes’ model as an analytical framework, power is shown to manifest at multiple levels within the policy-making process to influence policy outcomes. The paper reveals how the persistence of a top-down approach to policy development combined with a highly parochial political outlook undermined attempts to designate a Mourne National Park. The paper concludes that, given the immaturity of recently devolved government in Northern Ireland, in this instance, the democratising intentions of devolved governance have not been met. This has implications for Northern Ireland’s recent reform of public administration which devolves certain planning powers to local authority level and the management of the internationally significant Mournes landscape.

The assessment of cultural ecosystem services in the marine environment using Q methodology

Cultural ecosystem services are generally understood to be the non-material value that can be gained through ecosystems such as a sense of well-being, reflection and spiritual enhancement. These are often linked with a sense of place, culture, heritage and identity. The assessment of cultural ecosystem services, particularly in the marine environment is an inherently complex and difficult task, because they often involve making value judgments which can be hard to quantify. Methods applied to determining the value of these services are often focused on their financial value. Whilst methodologies have been developed to assess the non-material importance of these services, this paper argues that Q methodology provides a highly appropriate way of examining unmeasurable values by being able to convert qualitative, subjective data into quantitative information. The research presents two data sets derived from Q methodology which examined stakeholder views of the cultural values from two marine protected areas; the Pacific Rim National Park, Vancouver Island, Canada and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Chichester Harbour, UK. The relevance of using Q methodology as a valuation mechanism in this type of study is examined and justified; whilst highlighting the advantages of tackling a subject of values and intangibility, highly qualitative information, with a structured, semi-automated and primarily quantitative methodology. The findings show that the case-study areas hold three predominant ‘factors’ of value for its stake holders. These include the protected areas; as a place of care for each other and oneself through the natural world; a place of spirituality; and as a place of freedom and refuge. The paper strongly argues for the use of Q methodology in such a study, which ultimately helps to bring about a depth of information that arguably traditional methods are incapable of in the same capacity.

Is Green the New Red?: The Role of Religion in Creating a Sustainable China

The Chinese Daoist Association has embarked upon an ambitious agenda to promote Daoism as China's "green religion". This new construction of a "green Daoism" differs, however, from both traditional Chinese and modern Western interpretations of the affinity between Daoism and nature. In promoting Daoism as a green religion, the Chinese Daoist Association is not aiming to restore some mythical utopia of humans living in harmony with nature, but instead to support a nationalist agenda of patriotism and scientific development. At the same time, as I shall argue, this agenda may deliver positive benefits in the form of protecting the local environments around important sacred sites that are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Going under the Devil's Punch Bowl: the story of the A3 Hindhead tunnel, UK

The £371 million A3 Hindhead tunnel road scheme in Surrey, England was opened to traffic in July 2011, ending over half a century of congestion in a highly prized and protected natural environment. It consists of a 6·4 km dual two-lane bypass of Hindhead, including a 1·8 km long twin-bore tunnel under Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl, part of the Surrey Hills designated area of outstanding natural beauty. The scheme was delivered by the Highways Agency on behalf of the secretary of state for transport. This paper provides an overview of how, following 22 years in gestation, this challenging project was delivered almost flawlessly through intelligent planning, collaborative working and comprehensive engagement of the local community.

Community-level renewable energy planning in sensitive areas

This paper looks at medium-scale renewable energy systems suitable for community-level developments, exploring the impact of the planning system on the scope for deployment and identifying ways of keeping schemes within limits that are likely to be acceptable. It pays particular attention to environmentally sensitive locations such as areas of outstanding natural beauty. The findings, which are generally applicable in a UK environment, are exemplified and demonstrated by means of a case study based on an area of outstanding natural beauty in north east England in which there is local community interest in sustainability matters generally. Systems considered include air source heat pumps, biomass heating, wind energy, solar photovoltaic and anaerobic digestion.

Private woodland owners’ perspectives on multifunctionality in English woodlands

Increasing emphasis is being placed in forest policies to deliver public goods such as biodiversity, recreation, landscape and carbon sequestration, alongside timber production. In light of this, it is important to understand how woodland owners themselves perceive their role in delivering these multiple benefits. With up to 80% of woodland in some areas in England in private ownership, and with an increasing number of owners with non-financial objectives for their woodland, the private sector may offer opportunities for delivering public goods. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions and attitudes of private woodland owners to multifunctional woodland management in three study areas in England: Cornwall, the Lake District and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Q Methodology was used to identify four perspectives of woodland ownership and management, which can be described as: the Hobby Conservationist; the Individualist; the Custodian and the Multifunctional Owner. The implications of the findings for forest policy are discussed.