Download printable summary of annual review 2010-11
This year, the Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership's full annual review is published as a web resource for the first time.
Please browse chapters by following the links on the left.
Foreword from the chairman
2010 - 2011 was a tough year for all publicly-funded bodies, and I am very proud of the way the Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership and the staff team responded to the challenge.
By being prepared to adapt and focus resources, we managed not only to continue our existing work, but achieve great results in new areas such as green energy.
Our renewable energy report and conference showed how a small and nimble AONB team can bring together a wide network of experts, partner organisations and local communities to achieve common goals.
During the year, responsibility for central government funding of AONBs transferred from Natural England to Defra, and I am delighted that we have secured core funding for the next four years, albeit with a marginally reduced budget.
In light of this reduction, the support of our local authority partners was more important than ever this year, and will continue to be a vital component of our funding mix.
However, as we move to a future where funding from central and local government is restricted, our priority now is to reach for new sources of income and to find fresh ways of working.
In particular, we look forward to working creatively with local communities. I know that local people care deeply about the landscape and wildlife, and their involvement will be vital to the future conservation of the Blackdown Hills.
Paul Diviani
Chairman, Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership.
