2. statement of significance - thames chase · 2017-01-27 · country parks • thorndon woods,...

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2. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

This section builds on our landscape understanding (Section 1.2-1.4) to set out the Land of the Fann’s significance and why it is valued by local communities. A summary of landscape significance is offered, followed by a consideration of features of significance within each of our 11 Landscape Character Areas that also draws on community input. Finally, the value of the landscape to communities for learning and enjoyment is outlined.

2.1 SummaryThe Land of the Fanns hosts a well beloved and unusual variety of niche landscapes, providing the relief of open space for communities along East London’s fringes. It is a landscape of highland, unusual in Essex, that embraces a plain of lowland and marsh crossed by rivers that together comprises 11 areas of distinctive and contrasting landscape. By their inherent nature, each has attracted its own history, whilst collectively making up a united area of diverse heritage interest, including many sites of national importance and connections to the national story.

A whole cavalcade of history has paraded across this area over the millennia and continues to do so today. Local people feel a proud connection to this crossroads landscape, despite continuous migration to, from and through it. History shows time and again that local people have consistently displayed a certain independence and affection for the area and its particular ‘sense of place’. From the Iron Age Land of the Trinovantes, through the Saxon period when it was part of Lundein, subject to the Danelaw and then East Seaxe, to the Essex we know in modern times.

Today, this pride has become much harder to express at landscape scale as south-west Essex has merged into north-east London and become divided by administrative boundaries.

Continued fragmentation through road and rail building, compounded by gravel extraction, urban sprawl and industry have resulted in the Land of the Fanns becoming an increasingly forgotten landscape. As it has lost its sense of identity, development decisions have been taken against a backdrop of weak information about the landscape, its sense and its meaning, further compounding the problem. What remains are communities feeling instinctively allied to his landscape, despite its form no longer easily understood and no overarching narrative to support a joined-up appreciation.

Local people, visitors and decision-makers deserve access to a good understanding of the identity and significance of the landscape so that balanced decisions are made with well-informed mitigating solutions where necessary. Better connecting the often isolated visitor attractions and revealing their significance, their offer and their physical and historical links are crucially needed to help re-establish linkages and a ‘sense of place’ to this historic landscape. Through the co-ordinating narrative of the Land of the Fanns, the first steps towards restoring the significance of this landscape will be made.

2.2 Features of SignificanceThe 11 Landscape Character Areas are used as a spatial framework for understanding features of significance within the landscape. The adoption of a spatial rather than thematic approach here is deliberate, given the complexity of the Land of the Fanns area and its status as a newly defined landscape. This structure has also made it easier for communities to relate to their heritage and meaningfully participate, especially with the ‘Land of the Fanns’ concept being so new.

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HAVERING WOODED HILLS

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Centred on the historic linear village of Havering-atte-Bower, this is a countryside highland area of country parks, woodland and farmland that has managed to retain a sense of remoteness. The features of significance here include:

• Strong historic character and time depth combined with wildlife interest, along with topography and views giving rise to high landscape value – particularly from Broxhill Road across Bedford’s Park

• Second largest avenue of Wellingtonias in England within Havering Country Park

• Historic settlements in Havering-atte-Bower (conservation area and listed buildings) and at Noak Hill

• Narrow lanes and strong rurality in places

• Ancient woodland at Bower Wood, Foxburrow Wood and Trench Pond Plantation

• Important wooded skyline and setting to London

• Recreational assets at Home Farm (Prygo Park), Bedfords Park and Havering Country Park

• London Loop long distance route passes through this area as does the north part of Sustrans route 136

• Friends Group and Local Heritage Society

• Strong horsey culture

INTANGIBLE HERITAGE ASSETS HERE INCLUDE:

What our communities say:

“Views over Romford and London shows off the Essex ridge and plateau – geology of landscape”

“Breath taking

space

in Harold Hill”

“Views across

into London”

• Rich history

• Sense of remoteness

• Important archaeological potential

• Rich historical connections

• Fables relating to royalty

• Community heritage celebrations

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BRENTWOOD WOODED HILLS

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This countryside area with its large free roaming deer herds around St. Vincent’s hamlet and South Weald continues the ridge eastwards, swinging towards Thorndon to the south east and crossing the head of the Ingrebourne Valley at Brentwood. Features of significance here include:

• Weald Country Park and Thorndon Country Park both Registered Parks and Gardens and of national significance

• Three scheduled ancient monuments including a moated site at Dagnam Park Farm, hill fort at Calcott Hall Farm and Old Thorndon Hall and Gardens

• Historic villages of South Weald, Great Warley (both conservation areas), Little Warley, St Vincent’s hamlet, Brook Street and Childerditch

• Significant areas of ancient woodland reflecting historic management practices such as coppicing

• Rural, incised tree lined lanes which have strong character and time depth

• Patches of acid soils give rise to areas of bracken, birch and beech woodland which adds texture and variety to the area along with remnant commons and grazed parkland

• Significant recreation opportunities in this landscape associated with nature reserves and country parks

• Thorndon Woods, Weald Park and Dagnam Park are all part of the Essex Wildlife Trust initiative Living Landscapes which seeks to take a landscape scale approach to connecting and developing habitats

• Friends Group



“King Georges Park – wonderful facilities and walk to Thorndon Park”

“Walks through

Weald Country

Park – the d

eer

enclosure!”

“Fabulous vie

ws”

• Old garrison town

• Sense of history

• Historical events

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LANGDON HILLS AND FARMLAND

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Langdon Hills (known as ‘long hill’ by the Saxons) is the furthest eastern reach of the Land of the Fanns as it curves around to cradle the south and west urban limits of Basildon. The hillside forms an ancient cliff face and landslip area along its length from Jury Hill at East Horndon. Here, the features of significance include:

• Dunton Plotlands as an area of significant cultural landscape

• High quality landscape with exceptional views to the fens, the Thames and London skyline

• High concentration of Local Nature Reserves – Lincewood, Marks Hill, Willow Park, Dunton Plotlands, Vange Hill

• SSSI at Basildon Meadows valued for its unimproved and herb rich grassland

• High concentration of recreational sites including Langdon Hills Country Park, One Tree Hill and golf courses

• Hawkesbury Manor in the east of the area is a timber framed, Grade II listed building of mid to late 18th Century origin

• Significant number of ancient woodlands including Hall, Coombe, Great Sutton, Northlands and Martinhole Woods

• Perceived rurality and tranquillity and sense of separateness from urban areas



“Great walking area”“Bluebell walks”

“Amazing views

towards London

and the Tham

es”

• Sense of interwar and wartime self-reliance

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BELHUS LOWLAND QUARRY FARMLAND

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Along with Thurrock Reclaimed Fen, this area forms the large central plain that is the heart of the Land of the Fanns. Here the landscape also surprisingly starts to host long hills and downs as it extends further away from the hilly ridge towards the Thames. Features of significance include:

• Concentration of conservation areas at North Ockendon, Cranham Hall and Harwood Hall

• Number of important ancient woodland sites

• Watercourses include Running Water Brook, Common Water course and the stream which feeds Berwick Pond, all of which have potential to become significant wildlife corridors

• Country Parks include Belhus Woods and Grangewaters

• Remnant fish pond and parkland associated with Gaynes Park (now substantially built over) at Corbets Tey

• Cranham Nature Reserve

• Remnants of historic parkland at Belhus (Registered Park and Garden Grade II)

• Thames Chase Forest Centre at Broadfields Farm (with Grade II listed barn and stables)



“Was a barren area – much better now”“Often underrated”

“Thames Chase

Forest Centre

is

wonderful and

a

much needed f

acility”

• Archaeology

• Medieval pilgrim route

• Possible Saxon routes

• Chafford Hundred gathering ground

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THURROCK RECLAIMED FEN

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Together with Belhus Lowland Quarry Farmland, this area makes up the main central farmland plain of the Land of the Fanns. It is cut by a grid-iron pattern of straight country roads with hidden villages at Little Warley, West Horndon and Bulphan. With a strong but surprising sense of place, the area retains an air of mystery and vulnerability. Features of significance here include:

• Low lying geometric landscape with strong lines and repetitive patterns reflecting early enclosure of fenland and marsh

• Open and extensive views giving rise to a feeling of relative remoteness and wide skies

• Bulphan a medieval village

• High potential for paleo-environmental deposits and surviving archaeology

• Significant number of medieval moated sites in area indicative of a dispersed settlement pattern

• Remnant fen landscape at Orsett Fen, Bulphan Fen and Stringcock Fen

• Area popular for cycling due to flat topography



“Lovely drive through flat landscape”

“Remote”

“Big skies”

• History of the fann lands

• Marshes and fens

• Historic pilgrim routes

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ORSETT LOWLAND FARMLAND

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This is an attractive lowland farming area rising above the Thurrock Reclaimed Fens. The features of significance in this area include:

• Considerable time depth and long history of occupation reflected in settlement patterns, enclosure patterns and historic sites

• Visible remains of the importance of the area historically for produce and trade

• Notable concentration of scheduled ancient monuments including a cropmark complex west of Orsett, Iron Age enclosures at Baker Street and Bishop Bonner’s Palace north of Orsett

• Orsett and Horndon-on-the-Hill are conservation areas and the area as a whole contains a high concentration of listed buildings



“Lots of green space still here”

“Threatened by Lower Thames Crossing”

“Glimpses of Baker

Street windmill

from the A13”

• North/south commercial route to the Thames

• Sense of history

• Local traditions such as ‘hanging of the bun’ in Horndon-on-the-Hill

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DAGENHAM CORRIDOR

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This important strategic green corridor is the first lung of open space for anyone heading east out of London and provides access to open space for thousands of people at Chadwell Heath, Collier Row, Rush Green, Romford, Hornchurch, Elm Park, South Hornchurch and Dagenham. Features of significance here include:

• High concentration of native black poplar which is rare

• Juxtaposition of wetlands and drier acid grasslands makes this landscape important for a wide variety of birds and invertebrates

• Significant areas are nature reserves – Beam Valley, The Chase and Eastbrookend Country Park

• River Beam acts as the boundary between the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham and Havering

• Bretons is a former manor house within the Beam Valley with other historical features including tank traps, pill boxes and a section of the old Romford Canal

• Recreation sites include Crowlands Health Golf Club, allotments and school playing fields, Eastbrookend Country Park and Beam Valley Country Park



“Bretons is beautiful and peaceful”

“Horses running free at the Chase”

“Lovely green

spaces

but needs pr

omoting”

“Joy to walk and

see wildlife”

• Sense of history, particularly in the northern and southern areas

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INGREBOURNE VALLEY

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Like the Dagenham Corridor, the Ingrebourne River Valley runs north/south across the landscape and provides a virtually continuous open space link for people throughout its length. Here, the features of significance include:

• Natural river and sinuous course survives intact

• Ancient alder carr woodland

• Ingrebourne Marshes supports an important population of water voles

• Ingrebourne Marshes SSSI is the largest single area of floodplain grassland and continuous reed bed in Greater London

• Hornchurch Country Park and strong historic links to WWI and WWII

• Pages Wood – largest Forestry Commission site in Thames Chase offering open access for recreation and containing a range of valuable habitats

• Sustrans route 136 travels along the Ingrebourne Valley



“I saw a kingfisher as a bright blue flash pass by on my walk here today”

“Top of Folke

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looked similar in

medieval times”

• Bronze Age landscape

• Fierce local defence of the Common

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MARDYKE VALLEY

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The Mardyke is a memory of an earlier position of the Thames and survives as an ancient meander of that great river. Now, it is a Thames tributary beginning in the Brentwood Hills, and at Upminster and Langdon Hills. Features of significance include:

• Upper slopes afford views across and along the emotive river valley

• Historic settlement of Stifford adds to local character and contains a concentration of listed buildings

• Ancient woodlands at Watts, Brickbarn and Hangmans Woods

• Ancient system of managed valley bottom pastures enclosed by ditches

• Stifford viaduct and Edwardian Stifford Pumping Station add visual interest and act as focal reference points

• Secluded character away from infrastructure crossing points with strong character despite proximity to urban areas

• Millard Garden and Barnett’s Wood are areas of open access



“Rambled from Davy Down along the Mardyke River – beautiful area and enjoyed by all of us”

“Love the rai

lway

viaduct”

“Is a hidden

gem”

• Geological history of sarsen stones

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RAINHAM, AVELEY AND WEST THURROCK MARSHES

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• Historic shipping view north from Coldharbour Point via Rainham Church to Hornchurch church requires protection

• Archaeology

• Sense of remoteness and history

The lower reaches of the Ingrebourne passes through this area into Rainham Creek, with the surrounding marshes serving an abundance of birds and other wildlife. The area is pressed in upon by industry and national service arteries – roads, railways, pylons, wind turbines and container ferries. Features of significance here include:

• Extensive areas of SSSI including Inner Thames Marshes and West Thurrock Lagoon and Marshes

• Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve and RSPB presence with visitor centre and parking

• Listed buildings include Medieval church at St Clements (Grade I)

• Visually dominated by the striking Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at the Dartford Crossing

• Memorable views across the Thames from some locations

• One of the densest water vole populations in the country

• Surviving historic military structures including rifle ranges and block houses



“Views over the Thames”

“Bracing river walk”

“The birds at

RSPB

Rainham Marshes

”

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WEST THURROCK QUARRY TOWNSCAPE

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This was once an area of significant chalk quarrying and of brick earth, the pits having now been reclaimed for retail and residential use. It is highly populated by residents, workers and regional shoppers, and is busily criss-crossed by heavily used long distance routes. While the people here are resilient, there is an understandable sense of resentment and being put upon over generations. Features of significance here include:

• Visual dominance of the striking Queen Elizabeth II bridge at the Dartford Crossing

• Area is valuable for its geological exposures and potential for Palaeolithic deposits

• Collection of listed buildings at High House

• Purfleet is a conservation area

• Purfleet Magazine is a scheduled ancient monument

• SSSIs at Grays, Thurrock Chalk Pit, Lions Pit and Purfleet Chalk Pits

• Memorable views up and down the Thames from Purfleet

• Emerging as a national centre for cultural and creative skills



“Warren and Lion Gorge – very quiet and peaceful”

“Lion Gorge is

a

wonderful plac

e!”

• Nationally important geology

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Historical records show how the various peoples occupying this

landscape have over the millennia consistently valued it. From the

Celts who fought for the land, the Romans who valued its productivity,

the Saxons who resisted invasion to subsequent defence forces

protecting the nation from medieval to modern times. Attachment to

this landscape has been shaped by the acceptance of new types and

forms of religion, and influenced by migration into, out of and through

the area with consequent expansion of settlement and employment.

It has also evolved through the effect of service corridors and trade

routes with their attendant wharfs, industry, smuggling, press gangs,

plague or day-trippers. All these factors have shaped the resilient

nature of local people and an appreciation of place and character.

The busiest and most populated areas are those closest to London

in the west, along the Thames to the south, and in the desirable

highland to the north around Brentwood which was found in 2016

to be amongst ‘the top 12 places to live in Britain’ (The Times,

2016). Whilst the Thameside communities were recorded in a 2012

‘happiness survey’ as having the lowest levels of life satisfaction

in the country (‘It’s one big cesspit here: Thurrock, the country’s

capital of misery’, Mail Online), only three years later the area had

somewhat redeemed itself and was found to be ‘one of the top 20

locations Londoners have relocated to in the past year. And its appeal

includes its green space’ (Evening Standard, 3rd February 2015).

2.3 How Communities value the Land of the Fanns

How the community value Land of the Fanns (Word It Out)

“[The] appeal [of the landscape] includes its green space”

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All three active and highly populated areas turn to the heart of the Land of the Fanns for a contrasting break from their pace of life. Here they find the peace and quiet of the countryside as well as outdoor recreational and learning opportunities. All this can be found along its river valleys and marshes, and across its hillsides and broad lowland plane with its remote villages at Bulphan, Orsett, the Horndons and Childerditch, all dotted with Essex vernacular buildings. These feelings were expressed by our communities when we asked them what they valued about the Land of the Fanns. The word cloud sums this up succinctly.

As a source of learning

NEED

A desire to defend a place, a willingness for self-improvement of an area or acceptance of change do not themselves generate a real sense of community value.

“Is it Essex? Is it London? Well no, it’s on the border. That’s maybe what is missing”

Knowledge and understanding of the area are required for people to appreciate a real ‘sense of place’. With a good understanding of the significance of an area, the information can be used by the community to inform decision-making and projects, and act as an educational tool to stimulate further academic and cultural study that can be recorded and shared.

In the ‘happiness survey’ above, one person (yourthurrock.com) commented tellingly ‘Is it Essex? …Is it London? Well no, it’s on the border.

That’s maybe what is missing.’ It may indeed

be that the difficulties of accessing information

about the landscape prevents people from fully

appreciating the significance of the area. This is

limited to fleeting glimpses of fine views, gems

of interesting history, the telling character of

local people and nuggets of personal stories.

POTENTIAL

Gradually the meaning of the landscape is

being revealed. There are geological sites to

visit including the sarsen stones in the Mardyke

Valley, and the chalk pits to study in the West

Thurrock Quarry Townscape. There are

existing and planned routes giving clarity to

the landscape such as the Ingrebourne Valley

route or the Mardyke Walk both giving access

to nature and wildlife. There is occasional

archaeological activity, but both training

and volunteering opportunities are limited

despite demonstrations of local interest.

In an effort to bring more of this heritage

to light, initiatives by organisations within

the Landscape Partnership have worked

to improve understanding through their

respective fields. Heritage plaques have been

placed to commemorate national figures

and events associated with the landscape.

Digital connections have been made

between organisations to improve access

to information, from authoritative sources

such as the National Amenity Societies,

Essex Records Office, Local History Library

and Museums to local heritage groups such

as Discover Me (Metropolitan Essex). Hands

on learning through conservation work is

undertaken by numerous groups including

Thames Chase Conservation Volunteers, the

Bumble Bee Conservation Trust, exercise

groups, photography groups and many more.

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Consequently, the communities of the Land of

the Fanns both need and value the landscape

as a source of learning. The Land of the Fanns

LPS will help draw together strong landscape

potential in order to address community need.

As a source of enjoymentThe Land of the Fanns is well used by

communities for leisure and enjoyment.

Local heritage open days are often held

(e.g. Bretons, Thames Chase Forest Centre,

Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre) in

addition to the popular national Heritage Open

Days that take place nationally. Additionally,

heritage walks led by local historians piggy-

back onto formal events in places such as

Havering-atte-Bower on Havering Wooded

Hills where celebratory local fairs revive old

traditions. Annual community plays based on

local heritage stories has on occasion gone

out to be performed locally at Hornchurch

Country Park in the Ingrebourne Valley. In

2016, 100 heritage stories were recorded with

Thurrock communities and subsequently

expressed through artistic flag painting,

dancing and a walking festival as part of the

HLF-funded ‘Thurrock 100 Stories’ project.

Public access to large and attractive open

spaces are often used by families to gather and

play with Thorndon Country Park (Brentwood

Wooded Hills), Bedfords Park (Havering

Wooded Hills), Langdon Hills Country Park

(Langdon Hills and Farmland) and Belhus

Woods Country Park (Belhus Lowland Quarry

Farmlands) particularly valued. Membership

of local heritage groups such as the Friends

of Ingrebourne Valley, Thames Chase Trust,

RSPB and Essex Wildlife Trust enable people

to become actively involved in reading,

serving and protecting local heritage.

It is the instinctive sense of place here in the

Land of the Fanns, its offer and challenges, that

has appealed to the many waves of people

passing through over time. The willingness

of local people to get involved and improve

things here is remarkable, adding a vibrancy

to the landscape, its history and heritage, its

convenient location, its wonderful surprising

views, accessible countryside and rich wildlife.

Thurrock 100 project

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3. THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Land of the Fanns is a landscape that has continually faced many different threats with landscape scale opportunities usually underexploited. With such a wide and varied range of heritage, there are inevitably numerous threats to it. Some will affect multiple forms of heritage, whereas others will be more specific.

This section firstly sets out the key risks facing the landscape and considers mitigating opportunities. Secondly, it develops the landscape scale risk appraisal further by considering local threats and opportunities within the 11 Landscape Character Areas. This process assists the development of appropriate projects (see Section 5: Scheme Plan). Thirdly, it considers the key threats and opportunities associated with the network of visitor hubs, building on the appraisal of sites outlined in section 1.4. With these ‘hubs’ representing vital conduits between people and landscape within our Scheme, it is important that key risks and opportunities here are also appraised. Finally, the key threats to management of the Land of the Fanns are outlined.

3.1 At Landscape levelClimate change

THREAT:

In any fight against climate change it is important that the geological and fossil

records revealed in West Thurrock Quarry

Townscape continue to be protected and

preserved for research and education. The

NCA profile has identified that in this North

Thames Basin area: ‘the sedimentary deposits

and the fossils contained within them represent

an important context for our understanding

of and insights into the potential impacts of

future climate change on our landscapes’

OPPORTUNITY:

• Support the continued preservation

and presentation of the Nature Park

and Gorges, coordinating public

accessibility between sites of interest.

THREAT:

Loss of woodlands and hedgerows is a

contributor to climate change and soil erosion.

It is also a loss to the local character of the

Wooded Hills and Farmlands. The ancient

hedgerows are also valuable biodiversity

and antiquity indicators. The NCA has

identified that ‘climate regulation: soils,

woodland and hedgerows are likely to be

significant stores of organic carbon across

this area’. It also notes how ‘the restoration

of hedgerows across the landscape can

reduce the scale of wind erosion’

Bedfords Park

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OPPORTUNITY:

• Forestry Commission planting and restocking historic areas with tree species throughout Thames Chase Community Forest

• Study what is happening to trees today, the habitats and species that the hedgerows, trees and woodlands support, learning about historic plantings, and considering possible effects of imports via the nearby ports

• Restock the historically typical Langdon Hills orchards

• Identification of ancient hedgerows and tree species in order to support interpretation

• Study the historical importance of new tree species to Britain within the Land of the Fanns, noting that contribution and applying the information to our knowledge of the past

Political issues and policy changes

THREAT:

National and local political opinion varies considerably both across this landscape and over time. Uncertainty can leave the area vulnerable to the politics of decision-making and pose a threat for an area under pressure for development.

OPPORTUNITY:

• Landscape becoming well-established and on-going in understanding, maintaining and sharing significance of the landscape to inform decision-making

• Reopening of landscape views (e.g into the Mardyke Valley at Davy Down and the Lower Mardyke, and from Bedfords Park towards London and the Thames)

• Accessible Land of the Fanns website as a portal for the landscape and LPS activity.

Need for long term management

THREAT:

The natural and built heritage is perhaps the most fragile and vulnerable of all the pressures on this landscape. A well-informed and co-ordinated partnership of national, regional and local organisations is best placed to establish and share the significance of this landscape.

OPPORTUNITY:

• Existing Landscape Partnership includes well-established national and regional bodies with wider support from local groups and bodies

• Expand the Landscape Partnership over time so that its grass roots support becomes more robust

• Conferences and festivals as ways to bring partners, groups and individuals together at regular intervals

THREAT:

Water management is a potential hazard in this area with a history of flooding both along the Thames and its tributaries and marshes. Keeping the water at bay is reliant a combination of London flood defences and the effective management of rivers and land. Changes in land ownership can result in new management regimes that can impose on adjacent areas.

OPPORTUNITY:

• Active schemes and best practice need to be consistently employed over a wide area and over time. An overall Landscape Management Plan to help bring organisations and land managers together and coordinate management is one way in which this could be achieved.

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Social and economic changes

THREAT:

The area continues to respond to outward

expansion pressure from London. As a cross

roads location, the landscape is also under

pressure to develop national transport links

further to boost the national economy, such

as the proposed Lower Thames Crossing.

OPPORTUNITY:

• To pragmatically meet economic

needs in an informed and sensitive

way whilst retaining what is unique

and special about this landscape

THREAT:

Many of the quarried pits were filled with

London’s rubbish before surface restoration

commenced as in Rainham Marshes and the

Ingrebourne Valley. Other areas continue to

be surface filled with inorganic material prior

to tree planting as in Belhus Lowland Quarry

Farmland area. This process over decades has

conditioned local people to an acceptance of

ever present lorry movements with rubbish and

fills across the landscape, with associated fly-

away litter, dust and dirt along road sides. Fly-

tipping has become common along rural lanes.

OPPORTUNITY:

• Promote locations that enable the

responsible disposal of rubbish and litter

• Organised litter picking to help address

the problem and increase local pride

• Use of the restored sites and mounds as

new vantage points and recreational areas

(e.g. Rainham Marshes, Ingrebourne Hill).

THREAT:

There is a dearth of traditional skills available in the area especially further to the west in the London Boroughs.

OPPORTUNITY:

• Bring back traditional skills by training interested people in new or first careers in craft work

• An apprentice scheme and wider volunteer opportunities that link traditional skills to hands on delivery within the landscape

Attitudes and understanding

THREAT:

Unfortunately, local people often grumble about the area, even displaying annoyance and resentment about places that stems from a lack of understanding. This is despite the clues all about of a rich, varied and ancient landscape. It is tricky to discover the sense and meaning of the place despite a good local market for nostalgic history books, each of which inevitably addresses a niche area or subject without making sense of the whole. Likewise, individual heritage sites attract visitors and supporters yet do not effectively link with each other to promote a joined-up understanding of the landscape.

OPPORTUNITY:

• The continued development of the Land of the Fanns Landscape Partnership in promoting an appreciation of the wider landscape

• The continued development of the Discover Me heritage network

• Coordination and presentation of clear information through maps, apps and website

• Development of educational resources that draw on the landscape

THREAT:

Where sites have proven popular and attract lots of visitors (e.g. Thames Chase Forest Centre), visitor pressure needs to be sensitively managed in order to minimise the environmental impact.

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OPPORTUNITY:

• Providing physical and intellectual access from these ‘hub’ sites to a wider network of places and spaces to alleviate pressure

Local issues

THREAT:

It is clear that the built heritage within the landscape is at risk from lack of investment, skills and knowledge, which is reflected in the number of assets on Historic England’s At Risk Register. This issue is likely to extend beyond just those assets captured on such official lists. Responsibility for identifying and protecting this heritage tends to fall to underfunded local authorities, groups and interested individuals.

OPPORTUNITY:

• Engaging with local people and groups to identify specialist areas of research and/or continued research as appropriate, into the numbers and extent of unprotected heritage.

• Consider with expert guidance, the Ice Age effects on this particular area and publish the results

• Identify with specialist guidance prospective scheduled ancient monuments, record and bring to the attention of Historic England

• Enhancing access to archaeological resources though improved relationships with the Museum of London and the Council for British Archaeology

• Forging closer links with the West Essex Archaeological Group and Birkbeck College which has helped reveal significant sites in the past (e.g. Saxon pit-houses in Rainham)

• Identification of buildings of local heritage value for local lists

• Compile the heritage story of the Land of the Fanns and put it into context as an authoritative information source

• Development of grass roots projects that respond to local need

THREAT:

The Land of the Fanns is a key landscape for wildlife corridors whether by air, across the land or in the rivers and marshes.

OPPORTUNITY:

• Identification and designation of key views

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that also support wildlife corridors

• Identification of natural heritage assets of local value for local lists

Heritage sites

THREAT:

Although there are some listed building designations across the broad lowland plain of the landscape, there is a significant absence of other built and natural heritage designations. This can result in a lack of attention to the area and neglect.

OPPORTUNITY:

• Review the story and contribution of these heartlands so that they can be valued for the significant role they play within the landscape and be considered in decision-making

THREAT:

Erosion of natural and built heritage through lack of awareness of significance.

OPPORTUNITY:

• A more visible protection of the heritage may be voluntarily, and even unknowingly, achieved if their protection was well known and valued with accurate information being easily accessible. This is especially necessary at a time of local authority cutbacks leaving them struggling to take a lead or provide specialist advice and support.

THREAT:

Belhus Park is a Grade II Registered Park with a number of surviving listed garden features and

references to Capability Brown and Richard Woods. The Park is under great demand and pressure from its urban-edge setting and requirement of modern recreational use.

OPPORTUNITY:

• Targeted interpretation and restoration of landscape heritage

• Further study of the work of Capability Brown, Repton and Woods and their local work

• Management Plans for these historic landscapes and opportunities for local people to learn how to ‘read’ the landscape

Coordination

THREAT:

There is a growing inability to respond to other threats due to fragmented understanding, information, skills and resources. There is also a need to manage public expectation in balancing economic, social and environmental needs within the landscape.

OPPORTUNITY:

• Enabling self-help and learning groups that draw on accessible information resources

• Improved physical connectivity to help complete linkages within the landscape

• Improved management and coordination plans between organisations involved in the Landscape Partnership

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HAVERING WOODED HILLS

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THREAT:

• This area has experienced and continues to suffer from urban fringe pressure including the expansion of the urban edge, and development of traveller sites, static caravan sites and ad hoc development along lanes

• Urbanisation of lanes and roads is apparent with proliferation of signage, concrete kerbs, traffic calming, lighting domestic curtilage treatment and fly tipping and litter

• Neglect of pastures in terms of under grazing and also areas of over grazing associated with pony paddocks particularly in the north

• Diversification of farms with the introduction of business parks, stud farms and kennels

• Managed recreation sites form small oases which lack connectivity and lack of easy access to the rural landscape outside of the managed parks

• The rural lanes and remnant rural landscape between urban areas are quickly passed through on busy roads

• Existing footpaths pass through isolated and ad hoc development and can feel unsettling and unsafe in places

OPPORTUNITY:

This landscape has a high sensitivity to change due to its quality parkland landscape and as an important resource on the doorstep of significant urban population. Opportunities include:

• Retain the gap along Lower Bedfords Road and protect the separation between Chase Cross and Harold Hill

• Retain and encourage appropriate management of the area so that farming and wildlife work together (see project A1.1)

• Reinforce parkland character through land management and reinstatement of lost features where feasible (see project A1.1)

• Maintain unbroken wooded skyline and views across London and promote the connection of this landscape to London

• Conserve strong rurality of area through restoration and retention of narrow rural lanes, field boundaries and hedgerow trees and soft urban edge (see project A2.1)

• Retain historic character of Havering-Atte-Bower and prevent inappropriate development that would detract from its historic form and character and position within the wider landscape

• Provide safe recreational routes through this landscape including cycle routes and parking places to provide opportunities to enjoy views and the character of the area as a whole rather than just the managed parks (see reserve projects)

• Research the possibility of using existing old Redwoods to clone new trees for replanting and replacing those that are lost from historic parkland

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BRENTWOOD WOODED HILLS

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THREAT:

• Although the road network through this landscape is not highly visible the noise impacts can be significant from traffic on the M25, A12 and A127

• The proximity of this landscape to Brentwood and its importance in providing countryside recreation to many people means that some routes experience heavy volumes of traffic which has resulted in verge erosion

• Loss of parkland features where land is either in multiple ownership or where a Registered Park and Garden extends beyond areas managed as country park. In places former parkland has been lost to arable cultivation. In addition to this there is an ageing population of mature trees and lack of management/replanting

• Loss of veteran trees due to diseases such as sudden oak death, legacy of Dutch elm disease and ash die back

• Increasing unmanaged wild deer populations resulting in over grazing and browsing of veteran and young trees

• Loss of open commons to woodland and scrub development through lack of management

OPPORTUNITY:

This landscape has a high landscape quality derived from its condition and combination of landscape patterns and features which give rise to high scenic quality and perceived time depth. Opportunities include:

• Protect the patchwork of parkland, common, arable and pasture land uses which have a strong rurality, scenic quality and time depth (see projects A1.1 and A2.1)

• Better manage and recreate heath areas and former commons supporting the work of Essex Wildlife Trust through their Living Landscapes Project (see project A2.2)

• Improve the interpretation of the historic land use patterns and increase awareness of designed parklands by notable figures such as Capability Brown. For example, events linked to celebrating 300 years of Capability Brown in 2016 could be developed (see projects A3.2 and B2.1)

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LANGDON HILLS AND FARMLAND

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THREAT:

• Proliferation of horse grazing resulting in visual clutter and changes to enclosure patterns

• Erosion of country lanes due to high traffic volume and popularity of area for open air recreation

• Growth of woodland vegetation resulting in the loss of some key views

• Visual impact of adjacent conurbations such as Basildon

OPPORTUNITY:

This landscape has a high landscape quality derived from its condition and combination of topography, woodland and views. However, it is a popular area for visitors and outdoor recreation and therefore the strategy for this area is to conserve and enhance the qualities of the area whilst encouraging better connections to the wider Project Area. Opportunities include:

• Promote and interpret the historic landscape and particularly that of the Plotlands (see project B4.1)

• Planting of new woodland fringes to urban areas to protect the rural qualities of this landscape (see project A2.1)

• Connect footpaths and cycle routes to the wider landscape to the west in order to alleviate pressures in terms of lane erosion and parking

• Create new views across the wider Project Area through the clearance of vegetation at key locations and creation of parking/pull ins and low key interpretation (see project B4.1)

• Conserve and enhance the woodlands through improved skills and training in traditional woodland management techniques (see project A4.1)

View over the Fanns from Langdon Hills

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BELHUS LOWLAND QUARRY FARMLAND

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THREAT:

• Loss of hedgerows in remnant arable areas resulting in a degraded and unkempt appearance

• Significant gravel and sand extraction both past and present resulting in a variety of active and disused sites, restored and poorly restored sites

• Growth of urban areas and abrupt straight edges of uniform housing has a visual impact on this landscape

• Fly tipping and proliferation of signage along with the introduction of concrete kerbing along lanes, concrete blocks and fencing to restrict access to former extraction sites and introduction of mini roundabouts and lighting along rural roads has a cumulative ‘used’ effect on the area

• Loss of elm trees from hedges has historically altered the treed character of this landscape and is still evident in the hedgerows today. The presence of dead elm trees reinforces the ‘downtrodden’ character of the area

OPPORTUNITY:

This landscape has a low to moderate landscape quality as a result of the significant change it has accommodated and fragmentation of its special qualities. Opportunities include:

• Restore physical structure to this landscape (see project A1.1)

• Reinforce the river valley landscapes as threads of natural habitat running through this area. This will increase wildlife value and corridors but will also provide a stronger landscape structure (see project A3.1)

• Ensure planting of trees within the valley landscapes reflect the wetland environment and include willow, alder and poplar. Opportunities to restore former and current extraction sites to water meadow and pasture should be sought where the sites lie within the river valley (see project A2.1)

• Woodland planting should seek to create structure, legibility and sense of distinctiveness. This may include planting woodlands with a dominance of a single species or avenues of trees along lanes (see projects A1.2 and A2.1)

• Increase the perceptions of time depth in this landscape by highlighting and connecting areas which are of historic importance and tell the story of the landscape prior to gravel and sand extraction (see projects A3.2 and B2.1)

• Seek opportunities to soften the urban edges with tree planting and landscaping and or the creation of new landscape parks (see projects A1.2 and A2.1)

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THURROCK RECLAIMED FEN2

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THREAT:

• Intensive agriculture resulting in loss of wet pasture/fen to arable land use, significant field aggregation and loss of infield ponds

• Loss of traditional boundary features such as hedges impacts on the pattern of the landscape and visual cohesion

• Development of large farms and associated large scale buildings with planting of conifer wind breaks

• Growth of settlement and in particular West Horndon with associated industrial estate due to location on railway line

• Urbanisation adjacent to this landscape can cause visual intrusion on the flat and open character

• Recreational uses, such as golf courses impact upon the agricultural character of the landscape

OPPORTUNITY:

This landscape has a moderate-low landscape quality as a result of intensive farming and gradual loss of defining characteristics which reflected its wetland past. Opportunities include:

• Restore fen landscapes at Orsett Fen, Bulphan Fen and Stringcock Fen - all of which have been lost in the last 50 years, by altering current drainage and land use (see project A2.3)

• Restore/reinstate infield ponds and improve management of those that survive (see project A1.1)

• Improve interpretation into the historic place names and features in this landscape through use of existing recreational routes, or specific new trails (see project 2.3)

• Enhance people’s connections with and understanding of this landscape through community archaeological excavations which can help to tell the story of this landscape (see project B3.1)

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THREAT:

• Loss of enclosure pattern through hedgerow removal

• Loss of orchards on the edges of settlements due to neglect

• Proliferation of horse paddocks and associated paraphernalia

• Decline in parkland features such as park railings and veteran trees

• Pressure for housing growth associated with existing historic nucleated settlement

OPPORTUNITY:

This landscape has a high landscape quality derived from its historic intactness and strong vernacular. Opportunities include:

• Interpretation of historic settlement patterns and enclosures and the trade of goods from this landscape including wool, deer and wildfowl - telling the story of the important role this landscape played in supplying London (see project B4.1)

• Restoration of orchards and creation of new community orchards (see reserve projects)

• Conservation and enhancement of parkland features including park railings, in field trees and woodland planting (see project A2.1)

• Conservation and management of hedgerows and woodlands which help to frame views from elevated locations (see projects A2.1 and B2.1)

Orsett Village

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DAGENHAM CORRIDOR

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THREAT:

• Former gravel extraction

• Urban fringe character due to municipal parking areas and formal recreation within the valley floor

• Areas of invasive weed species along water courses causing poor flow and loss of habitat

• Loss of native Black Poplar trees due to lack of management and little replanting

OPPORTUNITY:

• Conserve and enhance the watercourses within the valley through volunteer conservation activities (see projects A3.1 and A4.1)

• Creation of coherent network of nature conservation sites to increase connectivity and resilience (see projects A1.1)

• Planting of black poplar to maintain populations (see project A2.1)

The Chase

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INGREBOURNE VALLEY

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THREAT:

• Agricultural and urban runoff as well as discharge from sewage works significantly affect water quality. The Ingrebourne is currently classified as having poor ecological status and is failing for invertebrates, water plants and algae and fish and is bad for phosphate

• Increased flooding events affecting management of floodplain under stewardship and reducing access at certain times of the year

• Invasive species including Floating Pennywort, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam require continued management and reduce native species diversity

• Loss of traditional valley meadows and pasture. Some areas of valley floor are under gazed and become overgrown with blackthorn scrub, thistles and rank grassland giving rise to an unkempt and unmanaged character

• The channel has been straightened and overdeepened through Upminster

• Adjacent urban areas and lighting along roads has reduced the sense of tranquility within some parts of the valley

• A loss of longer views across and down the valley and the development of a monotonous character in places

OPPORTUNITY:

Although this is a relatively narrow corridor of valley landscape it remains a highly valued amenity resource in close proximity to urban areas. Its narrowness and nature conservation interest make it sensitive to change. Opportunities include:

• Reinstate traditional valley pasture and meadow management in order to create greater visual variety and increase the biodiversity interest of the valley habitats (see project A1.1)

• Develop and enhance the distinctive character of the three sections of river valley through varied management and creation of landmark features (see projects A2.1, A3.1 and B4.1)

• Create viewpoints across and down the valley to aid recognition of sense of place, the scale and topography of the valley and orientation (see projects B2.1 and B4.1)

• Monitoring the impacts of increased rainfall/runoff/in channel management on the riparian environment in order to effectively manage the floodplain landscape both in terms of stewardship and access provision (see projects A3.1 and A4.1)

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THREAT:

• Fragmentation by road infrastructure, especially junction 30 of the M25 and pylons are visually intrusive in the western part of the valley where the valley becomes broad and more open

• Urban fringe pressures and lack of management

• Impact of aggregate extraction

• Infringement of recreation uses changing the natural character of the valley and typical land uses

OPPORTUNITY:

This landscape has a moderate landscape quality as a result of the intact character to the east but effects of infrastructure on the western half of the valley. However, it is a popular area for visitors and outdoor recreation and therefore the strategy for this area is to conserve and enhance these qualities. Opportunities include:

• Promote and interpret the area in association with the wider landscape. This area has considerable scope to be used as a learning resource regarding landscape history (see projects B4.1, C1.2 and C2.1)

• Conserve and enhance the ancient coppiced woodland through training and skills development in traditional management (see projects A2.1 and A4.1)

• Restore structure to the western more open valley with appropriate woodland and tree planting which will integrate infrastructure more successfully (see projects A1.1 and A2.1)

Conservation work in Mardyke Woods

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RAINHAM, AVELEY AND WEST THURROCK MARSHES

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THREAT:

• Reclamation of marsh landscape for industrial use - the Thurrock Marshes have all but been reclaimed by major industry along the water frontage of the Thames to the east of the Dartford Crossing

• Aggregate extraction and subsequent landfill

• Visual intrusion of infrastructure including roads and pylons

• Rewetting of marshes to create valued habitats and natural fringe to the Thames

OPPORTUNITY:

• Manage recreational use to avoid impacts on wintering and breeding waders

• Enhance interpretation of estuarine habitats and changing extent of mudflats and salt marsh

• Conserve views and create new access/views along the Thames waterfront

View towards QEII Bridge

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WEST THURROCK QUARRY TOWNSCAPE

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THREAT:

• Growth of infrastructure development and possibility of a second Thames crossing.

• Growth of commercial and industrial development resulting in disorientating urban structure.

• Perceived loss of historic features due to the visual and physical dominance of more recent development.

• Physical separateness of this area from the wider landscape of the Land of the Fanns

OPPORTUNITY:

This landscape has a predominately low landscape quality as a result of the significant change it has accommodated and fragmentation of its special qualities. However, it is a popular area for visitors and outdoor recreation and therefore the strategy for this area is to conserve and enhance these qualities whilst encouraging better connections to the wider Land of the Fanns. Opportunities include:

• Creation of hubs for the dissemination of information about the landscape in the area, places to visit and access (see project C1.2)

• Improve physical footpath and cycle routes, including road crossings, from the urban areas to the Mardyke and then wider landscape to the north as well as to the River Thames waterfront (see project A3.1)

• Extend existing green spaces along road networks and into urban areas (see project A1.1)

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STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES

• Events and activities run throughout the year for children and adults

• Many regular daily and weekly users

• Educational programmes aimed at schools and community groups

• Good path networks in the landscape, many of which are accessible

• Regular talks and tours programme

• Nature conservation volunteer programmes

• High number of registered volunteers

• Largely local audience

• Beautiful landscapes for walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing

• Basic interpretation through leaflets and panels

• Sites cater for both specialist and non-specialist audiences

• Diverse learning programme offered both on and off site

• Visitors are generally happy with the on-site facilities

• Certain tired and deteriorated facilities

• Limited staff resources, including rangers

• Limited recent user and demographic data recorded

• Poorly signposted sites and difficult to find

• Public transport access can be poor

• Interpretation is tired and there is little digital interpretation

• Under-used landscape

• Difficulty in attracting new users

• Not fully-accessible landscape

• Limited provision for teenagers and visitors with disabilities

• Few targeted initiatives for specific audiences

• Limited car parking space

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS

• Enhance volunteer involvement

• Potential to develop Friends groups

• Improve paths to attract a more diversified audience

• Close working with local partners

• Enhance marketing, including social media presence

• Increase use of the landscape by healthy living and disabled groups

• Offer training/apprenticeships in habitat management and biodiversity surveying

• Offer inter-generational activities targeted at families, including better play spaces

• Cope to offer evening classes and events

• Further links with community groups

• Arrange more opportunities to attract young people

• Develop the landscape as a more cycle friendly destination

• Expand the education programme for schools

• Introduce more of the local community through local engagement and outreach work

• Struggle to get new volunteers during the holiday period

• Volunteers across sites tend to be older

• Consistently low number of young users

• Competition from other neighbouring urban and country parks

• Budgets are tight and amount of funding from local authorities is decreasing

• The weather is a critical factor in guaranteeing attendance to certain events

• Constrained activities programming given that funding is often grant dependent

• Accessibility by car only is a barrier

• Interpretation is rarely updated given the tight budgets

• Some feel that the sites are only for specialists

• Lack of enthusiasm and resources for collaboration and partnership work

3.3 Visitor HubsFrom the analysis of the nine visitor centres and attractions (section 1.5), it is possible to infer a number of common strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats that characterise the Audience Development element of the Scheme.

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RISK LIKELIHOOD IMPACT ACTION OWNER

Lack of match funding

Medium High Continued engagement with partnership funders via Strategic Board, Working Groups and individual meetings

Scheme Manager

Lack of financial and time commitment from partners

Medium High Quarterly Strategic Board meetings, quarterly working group meeting (and task & finish groups as needed), and maintain individual relationships with partners

Scheme Manager

2 x Engagement Officers

Lack of skills and knowledge

Medium High Recruit experienced Delivery Team, expand Partnership to add new skills and experience to the Board, and provide training for partners to develop

Scheme Manager

LPS team job roles not filled

Low High Advertise the positions widely and ensure adequate support and supervision once appointments have been made

Strategic Board

Scheme Manager

Failure to engage local community groups and interest groups

Low High Involve interest and community groups in decision making where possible, creating opportunities for input via Working Groups and regular communications


Failure to engage volunteers

Low High Activity recruit volunteers in a coordinated way with partners throughout the Scheme


3.4 Land of the Fanns LPSThere are a number of anticipated risks to Scheme delivery, which are outlined below with consideration of their likelihood, impact and the mitigating solution.

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4. VISION AND OBJECTIVES

The previous sections have described the Land of the Fanns spatially, thematically and through time, highlighting heritage significance, whilst considering the threats and opportunities facing it.

This section sets out our vision for the Land of the Fanns. Underpinned by six strategic objectives, the vision helps bridge the gap between our understanding of landscape significance and planned intervention through our LPS. These translate into four delivery programmes that bring coherence to our Scheme and structure our project portfolio. The section concludes by considering the strategic alignment between our delivery programmes and HLF Strategic Objectives.

4.1 VisionAdopted by the Partnership in 2014, the vision of the Land of the Fanns is

“The surviving London fanns on the edge of East London – a landscape of fens, forest and farms, rich in geological, natural and cultural heritage and continually evolving since the last Ice Age – will be positively managed and understood as the last remaining landscape of London as it once was.

Drawing on the area’s past as a unified, working landscape underpinning London’s growth, the Land of the Fanns will spark a rediscovering of this landscape drawing on the pride local communities instinctively feel about this misunderstood area. This is not only about undertaking restoration and access improvements that reconnect the landscape, it is also about equipping people with better knowledge and understanding to shape the strategic decision making that continues to fragment the landscape.

The landscape is a dynamic one that will continue to change – a broad partnership understanding of the Land of the Fanns will not only enable that change to be more positive, it will also develop its profile as one of the nation’s most fascinating landscapes, intimately connected with one of the most famous and celebrated cities in the world.

The ‘Land of the Fanns’ will become recognised as a connected and cohesive landscape where its heritage is loved and understood by its people.”

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4.2 ObjectivesSupporting the vision, six strategic objectives were

approved by the Land of the Fanns partnership in 2014:

1. RESTORATION AND CONNECTION

To work in partnership to restore, conserve and

connect the woods, fens, farmland, unique biodiversity,

heritage and cultural assets of our landscape and

utilise these to support local distinctiveness and

pride that reduces further negative impacts.

2. ACCESS

To improve physical and intellectual access to

the landscape for local communities and visitors

that encourages people to visit, respect and

appreciate its natural and built assets, through

targeted physical interventions and improved

co-ordination of visitor destinations.

3. INFORMATION

To create outlets for local knowledge that reveals the

exciting and unique stories of the landscape through

inclusive methods that enthuses local people and

visitors, guides decision-making and celebrates the area.

4. EXPERIENCE BY TAKING PART To encourage people to experience the Land of the

Fanns and learn about its rich physical, natural and

cultural heritage by actively taking part in conservation

projects, research and interpretation activities, cultural

activities, events, volunteering and learning that also

improves the prospects and skills of local people.

5. ENJOYMENT OF THE LANDSCAPE

To develop the ‘Land of the Fanns’ into a place

where local people and visitors can better enjoy

the landscape through better co-ordination and

commercial thinking of partnership organisations

providing tourism and related services.

6. PARTNERSHIP WORKING

To build excellent partnership working between the

key players who can make the Vision happen – the

public sector, private business and the community.

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4.3 Delivery ProgrammesUsing the Vision and Objectives as a starting point and shaped by consultation, four delivery programmes have emerged. These help provide clarity and focus to the Scheme projects (see Section 5), ensuring that the link between aspiration and activity remains clear as illustrated below1.

The following sections outline each of the Delivery Programmes in more detail, explaining how they relate back to the vision and objectives, why they have been identified and what they will achieve at high-level. The finer grain project detail is summarised in Section 5 with full project plans within the LCAP Part 2: Project Plan Manual.

A. Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns

Programme A: Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns will take forward Objective 1 ‘Restoration and Connection’ and in physical terms, Objective 2 ‘Access’. The development of the programme has been strongly influenced by the opportunities identified within the Landscape Character Assessment (see Section 3), helping to shape four areas of focus: Landscape Management, Habitats and Species, Connections and Links, and Environment related training. These areas of focus have been further refined by the findings of the Audience Development Plan and Skills and Training Audit.

1 Objective 6 ‘Partnership Working’ does not feature in the diagram because it is explicit across all Delivery Programmes.

1. Restoration and Connection Programme A: Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns

Programme B: Understanding the Land of the Fanns

Programme C: Attachment to the Land of the Fanns

Programme D: Enjoying the Land of the Fanns

2. Access

3. Information

4. Experience by taking part

5. Enjoyment of the landscape

VIS

ION

Link between Vision, Objectives and Delivery Programmes.

Key focus areas:1. Landscape Management2. Habitats and Species3. Connections and Links4. Environment

linked training

1. Restoration and Connection Programme A:

Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns

Programme B:

Understanding the Land of the Fanns

Programme C:

Attachment to the Land of the Fanns


2. Access

3. Information



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LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT Whilst this LCAP provides a strategic framework for the landscape, there is a need for an operationally focussed plan too. The co-ordination of landscape management and maintenance resources, expertise and ambition between public and private landowners will help ensure a more joined up approach to Countryside Stewardship funding and support. It could also create economies of scale that may enable landscape-scale social enterprises to become viable.

As such, this element of Programme A seeks to enable a more strategic approach to landscape management by developing a Landscape Management Plan, providing targeted support to help farmers access Countryside Stewardship, and enable promising landscape-based business ideas to become viable social enterprises. In combination, these interventions will allow restoration, connection and access work to be better managed and more efficiently maintained.

HABITATS AND SPECIES

Our habitat and species focussed projects are largely concerned with restoring woodlands, grassland and hedgerows in response to the Landscape Character Assessment and stakeholder consultation. This focus will ensure the greatest landscape impact in line with our vision. However, attention will also be given to some of our remnant and niche landscapes including a low nutrient site, the lost fens and the micro-landscapes of brownfield sites.

CONNECTIONS AND LINKS

Strategic opportunities have been identified along the main rivers (Beam, Ingrebourne and Mardyke) and within our historic landscapes.

The Land of the Fanns will included a river-focussed project that seeks to restore them as strategic connections for people and wildlife. This will build on the work of the South Essex Catchment Partnership (Mardyke) and the Roding, Beam and Ingrebourne Catchment Partnership which offers the potential to leverage further riparian-focussed resources in support of the Scheme.

The Scheme will also focus on two key historic landscapes where the potential for partnership working and landscape impact is greatest. These are Belhus and Thorndon where targeted interventions to support access and understanding will be guided by collaborative planning by landowners.

ENVIRONMENT LINKED TRAINING

Programme A will be underpinned by a training programme that addresses the skills needs of its component projects. These will be environmentally focussed.

B. Understanding the Land of the Fanns

Programme B: Understanding the Land of the Fanns will take forward Objective 2 ‘Access’ (in terms of intellectual access) and Objective 3 ‘Information’ (by generating/interpreting information). Development of the programme has been shaped largely by the Historic Landscape Report,

Key focus areas:1. LOTF narrative2. Recording landscapes3. Archaeology4. Interpretation5. Built/cultural heritage training



Programme B:


Programme C:



2. Access

3. Information



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helping to form five areas of focus: Creating a Land of the Fanns narrative, Recording Landscape, Archaeology, Interpretation and Built/cultural Heritage Training. These areas of focus have been refined by the Landscape Character Assessment, Interpretation Strategy and Skills and Training Audit.

LAND OF THE FANNS NARRATIVE

With the concept of a coherent, unified landscape having been lost over time, the use of Land of the Fanns as a unifying narrative is a crucial element of the Scheme. This is developed within Programme B given its role in supporting understanding. Through the Scheme, the narrative of Land of the Fanns will be developed further through a publication that brings together the history and stories of the Fanns. This will form the authoritative basis for other Scheme projects that aid landscape understanding.

RECORDING THE LANDSCAPE

A key challenge for our landscape is the relative lack of information and knowledge available. Consequently, Programme B has a focussed strand relating to the recording of landscape features and valued heritage assets that help build up a cultural picture of our landscape. This will be community focussed and help develop a spatial understanding that develops the Land of the Fanns narrative further.

ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE FANNS

Like the ‘Recording the Landscape’ strand, this element of Programme B seeks to build understanding of the hidden features of our landscape. A handful of sites both inland and along the Thames where both constraints and opportunities are favourable will become the focus of community activity. Opportunities to understand the archaeological elements of Land of the Fanns will be further developed through a mobile exhibition that shares this information.

INTERPRETING THE FANNS

This part of Programme B will see a joined up approach to landscape understanding through interpretation. Informed by the Audience Development Plan and guided by the Interpretation Strategy, this strand will focus on a number of ‘hub’ sites across the landscape. Each site will interpret locally important heritage in the context of the Land of the Fanns landscape.

BUILT/CULTURAL HERITAGE LINKED TRAINING

Programme B will be underpinned by a training programme that addresses the skills needs of its component projects. This will focus on built and cultural heritage related training needs.

C. Attachment to the Land of the Fanns

Programme C: Understanding the Land of the Fanns will take forward Objective 3 ‘Information’ and Objective 4 ‘Experience by Taking Part’. The Programme will underpin the sharing of information about the landscape to wider audiences and romote opportunities to participate.

Key focus areas:1. Raising awareness2. Involving people3. Training the champions

of tomorrow



Programme B:


Programme C:



2. Access

3. Information



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There are three areas of focus: Raising awareness, involving people and training the landscape champions of tomorrow. The Programme has been heavily steered by the Audience Development Plan and Skills and Training Audit.

RAISING AWARENESS

The information generated through the Scheme will only be useful if it is easily accessed and shared. Consequently, Programme C will include an awareness raising component that puts information communication channels in place (website, mobile app), enables proactive Scheme marketing efforts and coordinates wider participation opportunities across the Partnership. By making the Land of the Fanns more tangible, attachment to the landscape over time will become easier to achieve.

INVOLVING PEOPLE

Ensuring that people are able to relate to the landscape is crucial for generating attachment. This part of Programme C will focus on young people through schools in an effort to embed the landscape within local education. It will also include a community grants scheme that enables people to access funds to enhance the landscape in a grassroots way.

TRAINING THE LANDSCAPE CHAMPIONS OF TOMORROW

Programme C will be underpinned by a governance/leadership focussed training programme that seeks to create an increased, lasting grassroots capacity to support landscape. This will also include an apprenticeship programme that seeks to launch 2 environment/heritage focussed careers through Land of the Fanns.

D. Enjoying the Land of the Fanns

Programme D: Enjoying the Land of the Fanns is intended to be less formal than the other Programmes and addresses Objective 5 ‘Enjoyment of the Landscape’. There are two areas of focus: walking the Fanns, and celebrating the Fanns.

WALKING THE FANNS

Building on the physical improvements work, information gathering and sharing, and interpretation delivered through Programmes A-C, this element of Programme D will facilitate the exploration of the landscape on foot.

CELEBRATING THE FANNS

The achievements of the Landscape Partnership will be celebrated and shared as part of an annual conference. The landscape itself will be celebrated through an arts-led festival or activity that brings together Scheme delivery in an engaging way.

Key focus areas:1. Walking the Fanns2. Celebrating the Fanns



Programme B:


Programme C:



2. Access

3. Information



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A. RESTORING AND RECONNECTING THE LAND OF THE FANNS

In terms of heritage, Programme A is primarily concerned with getting natural heritage into better management and in better condition.

In terms of people, there is a strong volunteering component which focusses on developing skills through training so that people can volunteer time and enjoy themselves through hands on activity. These efforts are part of a wider aim to improve attitudes towards the landscape heritage.

4.4 HLF Strategic ObjectivesThe following table illustrates the high-level connections between the four Programmes and HLF Strategic Objectives. Project level links with HLF Strategic Objectives are contained within the full project plans (see LCAP Part 2: Project Plan Manual). These may highlight linkages in addition to these programme-level ones, reflecting the interconnectedness of each project to the wider Scheme.

Better managed

Developed skills

Negative environmental impacts reduced

Better interpreted/explained

Changed attitudes/behaviour

Local area/community better place to live, work and visit

Volunteered time

Organisation more resilient

In better condition

Learnt about heritage

More people and a wider range of people have engaged

Identified/recorded

Had an enjoyable experience

Local economy boosted

Pro

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: Resto

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and

R

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of th

e Fann

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Pro

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: Un

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th

e Land

of th

e Fann

s

Pro

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: Attach

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to th

e Land

of th

e Fann

s

Pro

gram

me D

: En

joyin

g

the Lan

d o

f the Fan

ns

Heritage

People

Communities

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In terms of communities, Programme A focuses on reducing negative environmental impact through environment focussed interventions. The exploration of social enterprise models and long term management arrangements is intended to make organisations more resilient and help boost the local economy. In combination, this work will help make the area a better place to live, work and visit.

B. UNDERSTANDING THE LAND OF THE FANNS

In terms of heritage, Programme B helps ensure that information relating to heritage is better managed in terms of landscape. Through heritage recording and interpretation projects, it explicitly addresses Strategic Objectives relating to heritage being better interpreted/explained and identified/recorded.

In terms of people, Programme B addresses all HLF Strategic Objectives by connecting efforts to enhance landscape understanding with training, learning and volunteering. Collectively, these activities aim to change attitudes to the landscape.

In terms of communities, Programme B seeks to engage more people and a wider range of people by enhancing intellectual access to a growing body of information relating to the landscape. By strengthening ‘sense of place’, the area will become a better place to live, work and visit.

C. ATTACHMENT TO THE LAND OF THE FANNS

In terms of heritage, Programme C seeks to ensure that information relating to heritage is better managed in terms of raising awareness. Through digital and marketing efforts, information that has been collected through research and interpretation will be promoting, serving to address Strategic Objectives relating to heritage being better interpreted/explained and identified/recorded.

In terms of people, Programme C addresses all HLF Strategic Objectives by connecting people to landscape management and maintenance through training, learning and volunteering. This includes a targeted apprenticeship programme for 2 young people. Collectively, these activities aim to change attitudes to the landscape by fostering greater attachment to it.

In terms of communities, Programme C seeks to engage more people and a wider range of people by better co-ordinating marketing effort and participation opportunities at a landscape scale. By working to get people invested in their landscape, it aims to make the area a better place to live, work and visit.

D. ENJOYING THE LAND OF THE FANNS

In terms of heritage, Programme D is primarily concerned with the interpretation and explanation of heritage by bringing together outputs from across the Scheme to support walks, conferences and arts-based activity.

In terms of people, Programme D addresses all HLF Strategic Objectives by encouraging people to walk and celebrate the landscape in a fun way. Learning and skill development will be informal. Collectively, these activities aim to change attitudes to the landscape by making it a cause for celebration.

In terms of communities, Programme D seeks to engage more people and a wider range of people through fun and non-specialist activities without any requirement for formal training. By supporting a grassroots celebration of the landscape, Programme D aims to make the area a better place to live, work and visit.

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5. SCHEME PLAN

This section sets out the individual projects that make up the Scheme Plan, which flow from the vision, objectives and programmes set out in the previous section.

It highlights the key changes in the Plan from the Stage 1 application proposals including a summary of the project appraisal process, followed by project summaries offering short, non-technical overviews. Full project plans can be found within the LCAP Part 2: Project Plan Manual. Finally, an outline of the Land of the Fanns Delivery Team is provided followed by a consideration of State Aid implications associated with the Scheme.

5.1 Evolution of the Scheme from Stage 1

At part of the Stage 1 proposals, 39 project ideas were proposed. These were revisited early on during the development phase with partners and stakeholders, resulting in the project proposals increasing to 44. At this stage, all projects were grouped according to three broad themes: Natural Environment, Built/Cultural Heritage, and Skills and Training.

The three themes were re-profiled into four bespoke Delivery Programmes following the completion of the Landscape Character Assessment, Heritage Landscape Study, Audience Development Plan and Skills & Training Audit. By shaping more focussed Delivery Programmes, these studies have enabled much clearer linkages between our vision and objectives, and project delivery to be made.

Finally, all of the projects were subject to an appraisal process which resulted in a more manageable, streamlined programme of 26 projects. Primarily through combining project concepts, this final shortlist captures the essence of almost all ideas proposed during Stage 1 and the development phase. Where ideas have not gone into the final programme, these have been earmarked as Reserve Projects. A few additional projects have been added to the Scheme following the Audience Development Plan and Skills & Training Audit, however these have brought further clarity to the training component of the Scheme and its alignment with the Delivery Programmes.

STAGE 1

39 projects

3 Themes

DEVELOPMENT PHASE

44 projects

3 Themes

STAGE 2

26 projects

4 Delivery Programmes

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The table below summarises the changes from Stage 1 to Stage 2, with new projects highlighted in yellow. All other projects have either evolved directly from the Stage 1 proposals, or represent an amalgamation and consolidation of project ideas.

Stage 1 (proposed)

Social enterprise

Habitats/ species for landowners

Enrol in agri

schemes

Community Tree

Nursery

Woodland

Grassland

Hedgerow

Heathland

Fen restoration & interpret

Stepping Stones

Rivers

Watervoles

Davy Down to Rainham

Connect-ions for

people and wildlife

Connect-ions for

people and wildlife

A: Restoring & Reconnecting the LOTF

B: Understanding the LOTF

C: Attachment to the LOTF

D: Enjoying the LOTF

Stage 1 (proposed)

Thames Chase: The

Heart of the Fanns

Designed Landscapes

Landscape Identifi-cation

Community Mapping

Havering Country

Park archae-ology

Jetties and Foreshores

Travelling archaeo-

logical exhibition

Davy Down interpret

Dovecote restoration

Stage 1 (proposed)

Digital heritage

Marketing

LOTF website

People Count!

Community Action Budget

Creating Comm-unities

Apprentice Scheme

Stage 1 (proposed)

Heritage Walks

Nature Walks

Health Walks

LOTF confe-rences

Public Art

Children & Theatricals

Stage 2 (actual)

A1.1. Landscape Managem’t

Plan

A1.2 Community

Tree Nursery

A2.1 Woodland, Grassland

and Hedgerows

A2.2 Low Nutrient Habitat

A2.3 Rediscover

the Lost Fens

A2.4 Micro Landscapes

A3.1 River Catch-ments

A3.2 Connecting

Historic Landscapes

A4.1 Environm’t

Skills & Training

Stage 2 (actual)

B1.1 Land of the

Fanns Book

B2.1 Designed

Landscapes

B2.2 Community

Mapping

B3.1 Community

archae-ology

B3.2 Travelling archaeo-

logical exhibition

B4.1 Inter-preting

the Fanns

B5.1 Heritage Skills &

Training

Stage 2 (actual)

C1.1 Digital Heritage

C1.2 Promoting

LOTF

C2.1 School programme

C2.2 Volunteer

co-ordination

C2.3 Community

Action Budget

C3.1 Landscape Champions

of Tomorrow

C3.2 Apprentice

Scheme

Stage 2 (actual)

D1.1 Walking

the Fanns

D2.1 LOTF confe-rences

D2.2 Arts Festival

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Summary of project appraisal processThe diagram below summarises the project appraisal process, which assesses projects against strength of alignment with both the Scheme vision and HLF strategic objectives, and the likely leverage of management and delivery resources. This process has ensured that all ideas have been considered methodically and that the final Scheme Plan is robust. All projects will be subject to an annual review against these criteria with the Scheme revised accordingly as needed.

5.2 Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the FannsA non-technical summary is provided for each project, including aim, project

summary, budget, intended outputs and outcome. For more detailed information

on the projects, please refer to the LCAP Part 2: Project Plan Manual.

A1.1 Landscape Management Plan ‘From Local to Landscape’

AIM

To co-ordinate landscape management efforts across the Land of the Fanns through

better partnership working between public and private landowners, uplifting farmland

through Countryside Stewardship and supporting landscape-focussed social enterprise

SUMMARY

‘From Local to Landscape’ seeks to effect a fundamental change in how our landscape is

managed and worked by moving away from a more locally focussed, less strategic approach

to one where diverse resources, expertise and ambition are pooled to enable cost effective

and joined up improvement to landscape. Those with the skills and knowledge needed

to enhance the landscape will be brought together with those that either own or work

the land to develop a more joined up approach to management that works for all.

Project Appraisal Criteria

1. Alignment with vision and supporting evidence base strong?

2. Alignment with HLF Strategic objectives strong?

3. Partner support (financial/in-kind) likely?

4. Prospect of match funding/financial leverage likely?

Project Concept

MEDIUM

LOW

HIGH

YES

NO

Project goes forward for delivery

Can concept be used to strengthen

a confirmed project further?

Project added to reserve list for annual review

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The project will firstly develop a framework within which to co-ordinate effort, which will be in the form of a Landscape Management Plan. ‘From Local to Landscape’ will then facilitate delivery of this Plan through targeted support for farmers and landowners to access Countryside Stewardship funds, and targeted support to establish viable landscape-based social enterprises (e.g. woodland products linked to woodland management). These efforts will complement the delivery projects being delivered through the LOTF LPS.

VALUE

£40,135

OUTPUTS

• 10 landowners participating in management

• 5 Countryside Stewardship agreements

• Landscape Management Plan

• 20 days of business support

• 5 Training and Knowledge sharing events

• 3 social enterprises

OUTCOME

Landscape management efforts are co-ordinated and strategic, enabling economies of scale and wider benefits for environment and economy.

A1.2 Community Tree Nursery

AIM

To develop a community tree nursery on a not-for-profit commercial basis providing genetically diverse stock for sale within the Land of the Fanns

SUMMARY

The project aims to support the supply of genetically diverse tree stock, helping to limit the threat from pests and diseases including ash dieback. Once established as a business, the nursery would supply stock to local organisations (e.g. Forestry Commission, Wildlife Trusts, Thames Chase Trust, local authorities, local communities) and contribute towards other Landscape Partnership Scheme projects in relation to hedgerow and woodland restoration. The nursery could also act as a source for restoration planting and future management by cloning trees from parkland. For example, the business could seek to grow on cloned elm which is more resistant to disease and market this locally to landowners involved in hedgerow management. The tree nursery would also offer opportunities for education and community involvement.

VALUE

£98,700

OUTPUTS

• Business Plan

• Tree nursery established

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• Tree nursery maintained

• Tree nursery supporting legacy

OUTCOME

Local provenance is used for local woodland planting and hedge

laying, with volunteering and education at the core

A2.1 Woodland, Grassland & Hedgerows

AIM

To restore 60 hectares of woodland, grassland and hedgerows across the

Land of the Fanns and link these to Countryside Stewardship

SUMMARY

The existence of Thames Chase Community Forest and associated local activity of the

Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust, Essex Wildlife Trust, RSPB and local authorities

offers an opportunity to restore 20 hectares of woodland through thinning, ride restoration,

coppicing and under-planting; to bring 40 hectares of grassland into active conservation

management; and create or restore at least 10km of hedgerows within the landscape.

The strategic context for this project will be developed through the ‘From Local to Landscape’

project (A1.1) which through its Landscape Management Plan element will help guide areas

of project focus. The project will also complement the ‘Connections for People and Wildlife’

project (A3.2) which seeks to link up newly restored and managed woodlands, grasslands and

hedgerows. Improvements to these habitats will also create new access and interpretation

opportunities for walks, which will be developed through the Walking project (D1.1).

VALUE

£114,750

OUTPUTS

• 20 ha of woodland restored/managed

• 40 ha of grassland restored/managed

• 10km hedgerow restored/managed

• 115 days of volunteer time


OUTCOME

Landscape distinctiveness has been enhanced and supported by ongoing management

A2.2 Low Nutrient Habitat

AIM

To restore remnants of low nutrient habitats, which have almost vanished from the landscape.

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SUMMARY

The remnants of low nutrient habitats with the Land of the Fanns area represent an original opportunity to restore ancient landscape features with supporting interpretation. With much of the rural landscape put over to intensive arable farming, the landscape is now nutrient rich and therefore not conducive for low nutrient habitats. The project represents part of the delivery mechanism for the ‘From Local to Landscape’ strategic management project (A1.1)

VALUE

£28,750

OUTPUTS

• 10 ha of low nutrient habitat restored/managed


• 1 Countryside Stewardship agreement

OUTCOME

An example of largely lost historic landscape has been restored and supported by ongoing management

A2.3 Rediscovering the Lost Fens

AIM

To highlight and interpret the lost ‘Fann’ landscape through access and restoration work.

SUMMARY

‘Rediscovering the Lost Fens’ will focus on the historic Fen landscape at the heart of the Land of the Fanns, drawing on the local network of footpaths to develop access and interpretation, whilst working with landowners to deliver restoration work through Countryside Stewardship. The project represents part of the delivery mechanism for the ‘From Local to Landscape’ strategic management project (A1.1) and will benefit from the ‘Farmland Uplift’ component which targets support for farmers to access Countryside Stewardship.

Given that the historic fens are almost wholly privately owned, it will not be possible to achieve large scale fen restoration without large scale land purchase. Consequently, the ‘Rediscovering the Lost Fens’ project seeks to raise awareness and appreciation of this habitat, helping to demonstrate the case for larger scale fen restoration as part of mitigation associated with large scale development in the future.

VALUE

£25,013

OUTPUTS

• Connections between ‘hubs’ and Fanns identified and made accessible

• 1 fen feature restored


• 1 Countryside Stewardship agreement

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•

OUTCOME

An example of largely lost historic landscape has been restored and supported by ongoing management

A2.4 Micro Landscapes

AIM

To establish and maintain management regimes on brownfield sites for invertebrates, creating opportunities to appreciate industrial habitats within the Land of the Fanns

SUMMARY

The urban landscape within Land of the Fanns area has become nationally significant for invertebrate species. This is especially the case within Thurrock, where a history of industry has left a legacy of diverse brownfields, now supporting rare and scarce species such as the Shrill carder bee (Bombus sylvarum) and Five-banded weevil wasp (Cerceris quinquefasciata). The ‘Micro landscapes’ project seeks to raise the profile of this often misunderstood and underappreciated habitat by bringing a brownfield site into management and using this site as a focal point for interpretation and community activity around invertebrates.

VALUE

£33,388

OUTPUTS

• 5 ha of brownfield sites restored/managed for invertebrates

• 12.5 days of volunteer time

• 100 participants in engagement activities

OUTCOME

An example of invertebrate rich brownfield habitat is understood and appreciated by local people

A3.1 River Catchments

AIM

To improve the riparian environments of the Land of the Fanns through Catchment Partnerships in line with the Water Framework Directive

SUMMARY

The project seeks to provide a significant boost for the Land of the Fanns rivers - the Rom/Beam, Ingrebourne and the Mardyke - by facilitating further river restoration work by the two Catchment Partnerships operating within the landscape. These efforts will be supported by the respective Catchment Partnership Plans: The South Essex Catchment Plan, the Roding, Beam and Ingrebourne Catchment Plan, and the Ingrebourne Catchment Restoration Plan developed by the Havering Wildlife Project. The aim is to achieve more naturally functioning rivers and floodplains that will achieve good ecological status under the Water Framework Directive through 6km of river improvements.

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The key goals identified within the Catchment Plans include:

• Water management: Improving the way in which water is captured and managed; and to reduce nutrients in our watercourses

• Land management: Work with land managers to reduce run-off, improve habitats and access for people

• River and floodplain management: Manage flood risk and drainage; improve connections and address Invasive Non Native Species

• Recreation and raising awareness

• Investment in the Catchments through partnership working

The project will aim to support improvements across each of the main rivers over the five years of the LOTF LPS, focussing on priority projects within the Catchment Plans that relate to the water, river and floodplain management goals, also in line with the Landscape Conservation Action Plan (A1.1). Volunteering opportunities relating to Catchment Partnerships will be linked to the wider Land of the Fanns programme.

Delivery of restoration work will be followed by appropriate management regimes and Countryside Stewardship where possible to ensure they are maintained into the future. This represents a key element of the Scheme legacy. Access to the restoration work will be facilitated by the Walks programme (D1.1).

A project for Year 1 has been developed for Grenfell Park along the River Beam/Rom, with a Year 2 project currently being scoped for Pages Wood along the Ingrebourne. Delivery during Years 3-5 will be defined during the early part of the Delivery Phase.

VALUE

£279,285

OUTPUTS

• 1 strategic intervention per River

• 6km of river restoration work delivered



OUTCOME

The riparian environment has been enhanced and supported by ongoing management.

A3.2 Connecting Historic Landscapes

AIM

To improve access and understanding at two strategic historic landscapes within the Land of the Fanns

SUMMARY

The project will focus on improving access and understanding at two historic landscapes with the Land of the Fanns. These are the Capability Brown landscapes at:

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• Belhus Park (Grade II Registered Park & Garden) in Thurrock

• Thorndon Park (Grade II* Registered Park & Garden) in Brentwood.

While the ownership of the woodland, grassland and amenity sites within these landscapes is fragmented, collectively they represent a significant and large scale strategic resource for local communities to access and enjoy. By drawing the governance, management and future planning together under the narrative of Land of the Fanns, access and understanding will become be more joined up. On this basis, the project will represent a flag ship scheme seeking to implements the principles of the ‘From Local to Landscape’ project (A1.1).

For each historic landscape, this project will help the development of a co-ordinated plan – a Historic Landscape Plan - to guide the efforts of key stakeholders within the landscape. This first phase will focus on creating opportunities for volunteer surveying to inform the plan development. Based on this plan, the remainder of the project (phase 2) will see targeted interventions to create/upgrade paths and access points and introduce signage to allow a wider range of people to experience these historic landscapes.

Delivery across the two sites will be staggered in order to maintain audience interest over the five years of the scheme and also to accommodate the fundraising strategy.

VALUE

£227,673

OUTPUTS

• 2 Historic Landscape Plans

• 3km of new and upgraded trails and access points


OUTCOME

Strategic historic landscapes are more accessible and understood by our audiences

4.1 Environment Skills & Training

AIM

To provide people with the skills needed to restore, understand and promote natural heritage within the landscape

SUMMARY

‘Environment Skills and Training’ will provide a wide range of training to local people to increase their understanding of the natural elements of Land of the Fanns and to provide them with the knowledge and skills to help conserve, care for and celebrate it. The project will open to all and marketed via partners and Land of the Fanns communications channels.

VALUE

£13,350

OUTPUTS

• 20 courses providing an introduction to landscape with 200 people trained

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• 20 courses based on understanding and recording Natural

Heritage provided with 100 people trained

• 10 courses based on the management of Natural Heritage

Assets provided with 50 people trained

• 10 courses based on Natural Heritage Skills provided with 50 people trained

• 10 courses based on creative skills provided with 50 people trained

OUTCOME

Local capacity to manage and appreciate the natural elements

of the landscape has been increased.

5.3 Understanding the Land of the FannsB1.1 Land of the Fanns book

AIM

To produce a publication that brings together the history and stories of the Land of the Fanns area

SUMMARY

The project will support the Landscape Partnership Scheme legacy by producing a publication

that brings together the history and stories of the surviving London Fanns and Marshes in South

West Essex. While this will be professionally produced, the research and development of the

book will help underpin the cultural and built heritage volunteering opportunities across the

LOTF LPS, linking to Designed Landscapes (B2.1), Community Mapping (B2.2), Community

Archaeology (B3.1), Travelling Archaeological Exhibition (B3.2) and Interpreting the Fanns (B4.1).

The book will create the narrative context for the 5-year scheme and therefore will be delivered

in Year 1. The requirement to create this narrative framework across administrative boundaries

accurately, quickly and authoritatively at an early stage of the LOTF LPS is why a professional

researcher and writer will be commissioned. The LOTF team has identified a professional

volunteer to lead this process, supported by the conservation practice offering support in-kind.

VALUE

£52,000

OUTPUTS

• Land of the Fanns book

OUTCOME

• An authoritative narrative on the Land of the Fanns is available to support understanding.

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B2.1 Designed Landscapes

AIM

To identify and record the changes in the Land of the Fanns landscape over time to build understanding and appreciation of its significance

SUMMARY

The ‘Designed Landscapes’ project seeks to build capacity within the Land of the Fanns to identify and record heritage so that its heritage significance can be better articulated.

There are three elements to the project. The first is a training-focussed element to help build up capacity to ‘read’ and record landscapes. The second will see a programme of survey work to record information and build up a picture of the Land of the Fanns to support future projects and decision-making processes. The third will see an improvement to a landscape feature identified as a direct result of volunteer surveying activity and selected by volunteers.

This project embraces the entire Land of the Fanns. The ‘Connecting Historic Landscapes’ project (A3.2) complements this initiative by focussing on two strategic historic landscapes at Belhus and Thorndon, delving into greater detail and translating the results of volunteer survey work into targeted access and interpretation interventions. The aim will be to translate the survey outputs from this project into targeted delivery elsewhere within the Fanns through other funding opportunities as they emerge.

The project will also inform the Walks programme (D1.1) and the Interpreting the Fanns (B4.1) project. The surveying will also support the evidence base for the Landscape Management Plan in the ‘From Local to Landscape’ project (A1.1).

VALUE

£19,763

OUTPUTS

• 5 recorded features per Landscape Character Area

• 1 surveyed feature has been improved


OUTCOME

The landscape is better recorded and understood by our audiences.

B2.2 Community Mapping

AIM

To record heritage places and stories valued by communities to strengthen cultural identity and place-making in the Land of the Fanns.

SUMMARY

The ‘Community Mapping’ project is comprised of three elements, relating to the recording, sharing and protecting of community valued heritage across the landscape. The project will commence in Year 2, building on the narrative framework enabled by the ‘Land of the Fanns book’ (B1.1) and the recording of historic

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features in the ‘Designed Landscapes’ project (B2.1) both starting in Year 1.

The first element – recording - will entail reaching out into the community to capture feelings

and memories that can be mapped against heritage sites across the Land of the Fanns area.

The second element of the project – sharing – will ensure that the information gathered

from the community is easily accessible via the various digital and physical channels

created by the Landscape Partnership Scheme. In particular, this information will be

linked to specific points and areas on a Land of the Fanns map so that the significance

attributed by the community to identified heritage sites can be clearly identified.

The third element – protecting – will see specialist planning support commissioned

during the second half of the Landscape Partnership Scheme to help create a case for

adding community mapped heritage sites to local place-making related frameworks.

VALUE

£39,995

OUTPUTS

• 100 places and stories of local value recorded

• 100 places and stories accessible online

• 100 places and stories reflected in local place-making policies


OUTCOME

The landscape is better recorded and understood by our place-makers.

B3.1 Community Archaeology

AIM

To enable people to engage with the archaeological history of the Land

of the Fanns within the landscape and along the River Thames.

SUMMARY

The project aims to involve local people in the process of rediscovering

the Land of the Fanns through hands-on archaeology, both within the

landscape and along the jetties and foreshores of the River Thames.

The inland element of the project will focus on up to five sites across the landscape where there is

archaeological interest and where community-orientated archaeology is permitted to take place.

The project will need to be coordinated with the work of local archaeological groups in the area.

The riverside part of the project aims to involve local people in the process of identifying and

interpreting historic connections between the Land of the Fanns and the River Thames. Inspired by

the Thames Discovery Programme led by the Museum of London, the project represents a river-

focussed complement to the Community Archaeology project, focussing on jetties and foreshores.

VALUE

£33,750

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OUTPUTS

• 5 sites identified for community archaeology

• 5 community digs

• 25 participants


OUTCOME

Landscape archaeology is better recorded and understood by audiences.

B3.2 Travelling Archaeological Exhibition

AIM

To raise awareness and understanding of the archaeology across the Land of the Fanns.

SUMMARY

The project seeks to connect audiences within the Land of the Fanns to the

archaeological finds from the landscape held in the Museum of London and local

museum archives. It comprises two key elements: the sourcing and selection of

artefacts for touring, and interpreting these as part of producing the exhibition.

The archaeological heritage exposed by the mineral extraction industry and recorded by

the former Passmore Edwards Museum (now the Museum of London) is out of reach both

physically and intellectually to local people. Sourcing a selection of this archaeological

heritage will allow it to be interpreted and toured as a travelling exhibition.

The interpretation of these will inform the content and style of exhibitions and events

that tell the story of the Ice Age and early human habitation of the landscape.

VALUE

£26,872

OUTPUTS

• 1 artefact for each Landscape Character Area identified

• Exhibited in all 4 local authority areas

• 5000 people view the exhibitions


OUTCOME

Landscape archaeology is better recorded and interpreted for audiences

B4.1 Interpreting the Fanns

AIM

To raise awareness and understanding of the landscape through physical signage

and interpretation at strategic locations across the Land of the Fanns

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SUMMARY

In order to help create the sense of a unified, connected landscape, it is critical that key messages, stories and connections are made evident at gateway locations throughout the Land of the Fanns. Guided by the Interpretation Strategy and Landscape Character Assessment developed during the development phase, the ‘Interpreting the Fanns’ project focusses on achieving this aim by delivering interpretation and signage that is locally relevant yet clearly connected to a bigger whole.

Given the number of locations and stakeholders involved, it will be necessary to develop interpretative guidelines so that partners are able to translate the principles and strategy into practical instructions for consistent project delivery across the Land of the Fanns. This will need to take forward the Interpretation Strategy developed during the development phase. When delivering at each location, the content will need to be shaped to reflect the landscape significance as defined in the Landscape Character Assessment. The method of signage and interpretation will need to reflect the location and context. Consequently, the project is comprised of two phases:

1. Interpretation & Signage Design Guide

2. Delivery of Signage and Interpretation

INTERPRETATION & SIGNAGE DESIGN GUIDE

Whilst the principles, themes, methods and plan for interpretation were established during the development phase, there were insufficient resources to translate this into a design guide that partners can use to guide delivery within their location. Consequently, further development work will be required during Year 1 of the Scheme to complete the interpretation planning process.

DELIVERY OF SIGNAGE AND INTERPRETATION

This second phase will deliver signage and interpretation at strategic locations across the landscape with content joined up in line with the Interpretation Strategy and the method tailored by the location.

Informed by the Landscape Character Assessment, strategic locations have been identified to focus LOTF LPS investment and ensure that the impact of investment is not diluted. Some signage and interpretation delivery will be taken forward by other projects within the LOTF LPS.

The locations that this project will focus on are:

• Eastbury Manor House, Valence House & Eastbrookend Country Park (LCA: Dagenham Corridor)

• Pages Wood (LCA: Ingrebourne Valley)

• Bedfords Park (LCA: Havering Wooded Hills)

• Langdon Hills (LCA: Langdon Hills and Farmland)

• Davy Down (LCA: Mardyke)

• Purfleet (LCA: Rainham, Aveley & West Thurrock Marshes, and West Thurrock Quarry Townscape)

• Thames Chase Forest Centre (LCA: Belhus Lowland Quarry Farmland, and Orsett Lowland Hills)

The locations taken forward through other projects within the LOTF LPS are:

• Historic landscape at Belhus (LCA: Belhus Lowland Quarry Farmland) – see A3.2 ‘Connecting Historic Landscapes’

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• Historic landscape at Thorndon (LCA: Brentwood Wooded

Hills) – see A3.2 ‘Connecting Historic Landscapes’

• Various local archaeological sites throughout Land of the Fanns – see B3.1

‘Community Archaeology’ and B3.2 ‘Travelling Archaeological Exhibition’

VALUE

£186,143

OUTPUTS

• Exhibition at Eastbury Manor/Valence House

• Exhibition at Davy Down

• Exhibition at Thames Chase Forest Centre

• Interpretation trail at Pages Wood

• Interpretation trail at Bedford’s Park

• Interpretation trail at Langdon Hills

• Interpretation trail at High House, Purfleet

• Interpretation trail at Eastbrookend Country Park/Dagenham Corridor


OUTCOME

Strategic locations within the landscapes are more accessible and understood by our audiences.

B5.1 Heritage Skills & Training

AIM

To provide people with the skills needed to restore, understand and promote

built, archaeological and cultural heritage within the landscape

SUMMARY

This project will provide a wide range of training to local people to increase their

understanding of the Land of the Fanns and to provide them with some of the knowledge

and skills to help them conserve, care for and celebrate it. The project will open to all

and marketed via partners and Land of the Fanns communications channels.

VALUE

£11,500

OUTPUTS

• 10 2-day archaeological heritage course session provided with 50 people trained

• 20 courses based on history and built heritage provided with 100 people trained

• 10 courses based on creative skills provided with 50 people trained

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OUTCOME

Local capacity to manage and appreciate the built, archaeological and

cultural elements of the landscape have been increased.

5.4 Attachment to the Land of the Fanns C1.1 Digital Heritage

AIM

Development of an app or equivalent that collates outputs from Land

of the Fanns projects and enables access via smartphone.

SUMMARY

The project will see the development of an app that collects data (e.g. text, images, trail

coordinates etc) from the Land of the Fanns website. This data will be sourced via wider data-

collection project initiatives such as Designed Landscapes (B2.1) and Community Mapping (B2.2),

and structured into trails to complement the Walks programme (D1.1). This will ensure that the

app content aligns with the efforts of volunteers across the Landscape Partnership Scheme.

The app will be marketed to the wider Land of the Fanns community as a

self-directed interpretation experience, complementing the heritage walks

programme. It will also encourage further collection of views and opinions

via social media in support of the community mapping project.

VALUE

£47,536

OUTPUTS

• Online Content Management System (CMS) available

• App available for download

• 2,500 downloads during life of scheme


OUTCOME

The cultural richness of the Land of the Fanns can be accessed via mobile in an engaging,

accessible way

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C1.2 Promoting the Land of the Fanns

AIM

To promote and celebrate the Land of the Fanns through a dynamic website and digital marketing, co-ordination of marketing at ‘hub’ sites and audience-generated content.

SUMMARY

The Audience Development Plan explored the potential audiences for the LOTF LPS and considered what the most suitable promotion and marketing methods were. Informed by the survey respondents, the Plan identified that websites and emails (over 50%) were by far the most popular methods by which people want to be engaged. This is followed by word of mouth (20%) and leaflets/newspapers (20%).

On this basis of the Audience Development Plan recommendations, the approach of the Landscape Partnership is to develop a strong online presence and digital marketing strategy to enable wide public promotion, supported by co-ordination of digital and physical marketing with partners ‘hub’ sites, and audience-generated digital content (with incentives) to help support word-of-mouth marketing.

VALUE

£64,153

OUTPUTS

• LOTF website and social media channels live

• Website Content Management System (CMS) available

• 10,000 website hits during lifetime of scheme

• 5 LOTF screens at hubs across the landscape

• 5 heritage bus tours during life of scheme

• Content (photo, text, video etc) competition every 6 months


OUTCOME

Awareness of the Land of the Fanns grows year on year.

C2.1 School Programme

AIM

To support teachers and young people to use the landscape in education through a Land of the Fanns education resource and a potential Forest School as legacy

SUMMARY

The project will develop an educational resource to encourage learning about the landscape heritage outside of the classroom. It will provide a diverse range of cross-curricular lesson plans and resources appropriate for Key Stages 1 to 4 that will be available online. The project complements the ‘Promoting the Land of the Fanns’ (C1.2) by focussing on schools. The ‘School programme’ project will also scope out the potential for a Forest School within the landscape area.

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VALUE

£22,500

OUTPUTS

• Online educational resource

• 10 school trips to Land of the Fanns sites

• 2,500 downloads during the life of the scheme

• Viable Forest School location identified

OUTCOME

The natural and cultural heritage of the Land of the Fanns is used as a teaching resource.

C2.2 Volunteer Co-ordination

AIM

To co-ordinate existing heritage and environment volunteering opportunities across the landscape in support of the Scheme aims

SUMMARY

The Land of the Fanns benefits from a wide range of heritage and environmental organisations that provide volunteering opportunities. This project seeks to ensure clear volunteer role descriptions and the co-ordination of these opportunities, linking them to Scheme projects so that prospective volunteers linked to such organisations are made aware and can participate.

Throughout the Scheme, volunteers are needed to support tangible change to landscape as championed by the objectives to ‘restore and connect’ and deliver ‘access’. This offers many opportunities for ‘hands on’ volunteering, whether that be conservation work or heritage crafts. There is also a need for volunteers to enable intangible change, about winning people’s hearts and minds over to the Land of the Fanns, in line with the objective focussing on ‘information’. This provides many chances for participants to shape interpretation, give talks, write content and otherwise disseminate the message of our special landscape.

By ensuring that regular, clear and consistent information about these volunteer opportunities flows between partner volunteer organisations and the Land of the Fanns team, the promotion of these opportunities will be more effective and reach a much wider audience. Whether a volunteer offers their time directly to the Land of the Fanns team, or via a partner organisation such as RSPB or the National Trust, this effort can be used to support the wider aims of the Scheme through effective co-ordination.

VALUE

£23,036

OUTPUTS

• Volunteer role descriptions

• Sharing of volunteer opportunities

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OUTCOME

It is easy for people to become involved in Land of the Fanns.

C2.3 Community Action Fund

AIM

To fund a suite of local community projects that complement the delivery of the Landscape Partnership Scheme

SUMMARY

This initiative will establish a grants programme for communities to deliver projects complementing the wider Scheme. The intention is to help encourage empowerment and promote a sense of ownership of heritage by local people.

Through a grants application process managed by the Land of the Fanns team, £15,000 per year will be made available to deliver small-scale projects of up to £5,000. The Scheme will be advertised via the Land of the Fanns website and associated social media. The project ideas will come from communities though may follow on from community participation in Scheme Projects where participants want to take a particular element forward. The Land of the Fanns board will make the grant decisions every 6 months.

VALUE

£75,000

OUTPUTS

• £15,000 of community-led projects per year

OUTCOME

Attachment to the Land of the Fanns with be strengthened through community-led projects.

C3.1 Landscape Champions of Tomorrow

AIM

To develop the landscape champions of the future by training volunteers and partners to support project delivery and secure the programme legacy

SUMMARY

‘Landscape Champions of Tomorrow’ seeks to provide training directly relating to LOTF LPS delivery and to support future sustainability through governance and leadership training. The project therefore underpins a wide suite of other delivery projects, whilst helping to lay the foundations for legacy. There are two elements:

• Supporting Scheme Delivery

• Securing Programme Legacy

This first element of the project will provide volunteers and partners doing project delivery with the training necessary to give them the skills and knowledge to manage and care for the heritage during the delivery phase and beyond. A variety of training opportunities will be provided to support the different projects. All training will be

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set in the context of enhancing the Land of the Fanns, with the specific training courses being reviewed during delivery to ensure continued relevance.

The second element of the project looks at training that increases local capacity to secure the long term legacy of the scheme. Key themes for training are identified here along with possible courses that would aid personal development around leadership and effective governance. The exact courses to be delivered may change during delivery in reaction to the needs of people and the landscape legacy.

VALUE

£29,545

OUTPUTS

• 10 Community Engagement courses provided with 50 people trained

• 10 Interpretation courses provided with 50 people trained

• 2 digital heritage provided with 50 people trained

• 10 leadership courses provided with 50 people trained

• 10 governance courses provided with 50 people trained

• 5 fundraising courses provided with 50 people trained

• 5 marketing courses with 50 people trained

OUTCOME

Local capacity to deliver the scheme and maintain the legacy of the landscape has been increased.

C3.2 Apprentice Scheme

AIM

To develop the skills and experience of 2 local young people through formal apprenticeships during the life of the Landscape Partnership Scheme.

SUMMARY

The Scheme will employ 2 local apprentices during the life of the Landscape Partnership Scheme. The Forestry Commission will host the apprentices.

The apprentices will receive training across a range of tasks, including environmental conservation, conservation of built heritage, horticulture, woodland management, marketing and education support. Their work programmes will be linked to specific projects within the overall Scheme as a means of supplementing their training and also helping to fulfil individual project aims.

VALUE

£132,000

OUTPUTS

• 2 apprentices recruited during life of Scheme

• 2 apprenticeships successfully completed

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• 2 apprentices successfully secure employment

OUTCOME

2 young people have started environment or heritage based careers as a direct result of the LOTF LPS.

5.5 Enjoying the Land of the FannsD1.1. Walking the Fanns

AIM

To enable access to the Land of the Fanns though targeted path improvements and a walking programme.

SUMMARY

The project has two components:

• A programme of targeted path improvements

• A volunteer-led walking programme relating to heritage, nature and health.

The ambition is to connect more people with the history of the built and natural environment throughout the Land of the Fanns area and beyond. The project builds on a Thames Chase programme of mapped walks that encourages all ages and abilities to explore the natural environment of East London and South West Essex. This volunteer-led effort has included conservation work to improve access to footpaths by upgrading their physical condition and replacing stiles with gates or staggered fences, providing improved signage, mapping the routes with distance, quality, hazards, places of interest and expected time, producing leaflets containing historical information of the landscape and buildings along the way, and leading guided walks using the produced leaflets.

The first project component will concentrate on the path network itself, and by means of path research and survey work, identify where historic routes exist and the extent of improvement required. This outcome of this process will help inform the path regeneration programme by helping target improvements where they are needed.

The second project component will help link walking routes to the various interpretation projects within the Scheme, underpinned by walk leader training so that a walking programme can be take place. This project will concentrate on creating a guided walk experience, complementing other interpretation projects such as the app (C1.1 Digital Heritage), Land of the Fanns book (B1.1), leaflets (C1.2 Promoting the Land of the Fanns), Connecting Historic Landscapes (A3.2), River Catchments (A3.2), Rediscovering the Lost Fens (A2.3) and Interpreting the Fanns (B4.1).

The walks will include historical routes, nature walks and health walks.

VALUE

£34,745

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• 10 walks mapped

• 10 walking routes accessible

• 10 guided walks per year

OUTCOME

It is easier to experience landscape heritage on foot.

D2.1 Land of the Fanns Conferences

AIM

To bring together partners, groups and individuals from across the

landscape area for an annual celebration of the Land of the Fanns

SUMMARY

The project will deliver an annual conference event that creates a colourful,

stimulating summary of activity for that year, drawing on the efforts of

partners, community groups and individuals. It will be open to all.

Each year will see a different conference theme, with the final event aiming to bring all groups

that have been involved in the lifetime of the scheme together for a grand, celebratory finale.

The conference events will promote the work of groups and individuals so that they feel involved

and appreciated. The landscape wide nature of the conference will also help generate pride in

the wider area and help reinforce the sense of partnership working created by the scheme.

VALUE

£6,500

OUTPUTS

• Annual conference

• Finale event

OUTCOME

People are united by a shared interest in the landscape.

D2.2 Arts Festival

AIM

To develop an art trail/festival that celebrates the Land of the Fanns

SUMMARY

The project aims to deliver an artist-led celebration of the landscape, drawing on

community engagement to create a legacy in the form of an art trail or festival.

The first stage will be to develop effective working relationships with key artists and

collaboratively develop more detailed proposals for the trail and/or festival. Delivery

of the project would then be shaped by this collaborative development.

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£43,000

OUTPUTS

• Arts based organisation become a partner

• Arts trail/festival

OUTCOME

People explore the cultural heritage of the landscape through the arts.

5.6 Reserve ProjectsSeveral project concepts from Stage 1 and the development phase have had to be omitted from the final programme following the project appraisal process. As part of this process, opportunities to integrate these into other projects were explored, which proved not to be possible. However, opportunities for these projects will be continually reviewed as part of the annual review process.

Dispersal of Reptiles and Amphibians

AIM

To establish and maintain management regimes for habitats for reptiles and amphibians that encourage dispersal

SUMMARY

The Land of the Fanns area is significant at a regional level in terms of the number of sites supporting three or even four of the UK’s native reptile species. This is especially the case for adders, which are increasingly rare. Implementing long term and targeted management regimes will support the ‘re-wilding’ of parts of the landscape as a legacy of the Landscape Partnership.

The project is comprised of two distinct phases: The first phase will involve a ‘call for sites’, involving the conservation community in putting forward potential sites to support disbursement of reptiles and amphibians. The process in itself will help highlight ‘hotspots’ that can supplement local records (Local Wildlife Sites etc). Sites that have been proposed during the Scheme development phase include Tylers Common, Tylers Wood, Harold Court Woods, Pages Wood, Berwick Woods, West Thurrock quarry sites and Little Belhus Country Park. An area or areas of up to 5 hectares will be confirmed for the second phase based on expert opinion.

Phase two will involve the development of sensitive management regimes in collaboration with the landowner. Any up-front habitat improvement works will be delivered by conservation volunteers in line with the management plan, with opportunities for volunteer involvement in ongoing maintenance explored. The intended legacy is that key sites will be enhanced and maintained beyond the project, supporting continuing dispersal of species and population increases over time. Guided walks would help a wider audience to understand the significance of these sites.

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Havering-atte-Bower to Broxhill Road path

AIM

To improve the bridleway network in and around Bedfords Park

SUMMARY

The project would entail the widening of footpaths to enable pedestrian access to/from Bedfords Park and the walled garden, with a new bridlepath that connects the ends of the existing bridlepath network to get horses off the road.

Food and Walled Gardens

AIM

To enable people to learn about the role of the landscape in food production through hands-on activity in historic walled gardens and orchards

SUMMARY

This project seeks to connect people to the land as a productive resource in an accessible way by focussing on historic walled gardens. This help ensures a more manageable and user-friendly scale that can appeal to wider audiences. At the same time, the project will complement the regeneration of historic houses within the Land of the Fanns area, in line with Scheme aims. This approach also offers opportunities to link with wider landscape interpretation, given the relationship between historic houses and their surrounding hinterlands – a key development in the evolution of the Land of the Fanns.

The project will focus on up to 3 gardens, including:

• Bedford’s Park, Havering-atte-Bower

• High House, Purfleet

• Bretons Manor House, Elm Park

The project will have two distinct components. The first is an activity-based programme seeking to involve local communities in growing food and understanding the significance of a productive landscape. The emphasis will be on building confidence and skills in a fun, informal way. To enable this, the project will fund the improvements needed, however this will be undertaken with community ownership in mind. The community group will be supported to develop future phases of restoration as required as part of the wider Land of the Fanns Scheme. This project is primarily about developing activities rather than enabling large-scale physical interventions that are local.

The second is an interpretation element that aims to develop a narrative that links the walled garden and its context to the wider notion of the Land of the Fanns.

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5.7 Delivery Team The structure of the Delivery Team has changed significantly since the Stage 1 proposals. These

proposed a team of 2.5 Full Time Employees (FTE): 1 FTE Scheme Manager, 1 FTE Community

Engagement Officer and a 0.6 FTE Tree Nursery Supervisor. However, these proposals have been

significantly revised to reflect the Stage 2 programme and the staff resources needed to deliver it.

The revised team includes:

• 1 x FTE Scheme Manager

• 1 x FTE Engagement Officer – Environment

• 1 x FTE Engagement Officer –Heritage

• 1 x 0.5 FTE Finance and Administration Officer

This revised structure reflects the broad engagement required with partners and community

across both environmental and cultural heritage elements of the Scheme. At the same time,

professional expertise is needed to effectively champion and support the projects relating to

these two areas. Consequently, two outward facing engagement roles, each with a distinct

specialism represent the core of the Delivery Team and the main change from Stage 1.

The Delivery Team is also aligned with the governance arrangements for the Scheme, ensuring

that each member of the team has a sense of ownership over part of the partnership structure.

The Scheme Manager will administer the Strategic Board as per the development phase. The

two Engagement Officers will each administer a working group relating to their particular field of

expertise. The Finance and Administration Officer will provide additional support as it is needed.

STRATEGIC BOARD(every 3 months)

Working Group 1

Environment(every 3 months)

Project task and

finish groups

Project task and

finish groups

Project task and

finish groups

Project task and

finish groups

Project task and

finish groups

Project task and

finish groups

Working Group 2 Heritage(every 3 months)

Finance / Admin Officer

Scheme Manager

Summary of governance arrangements

Engagement Officer –

Environment

Engagement Officer – Heritage

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Scheme ManagerThe Scheme Manager will oversee the day-to-day management and work of the Landscape Partnership and staff. A senior position, the Scheme Manager will lead on partnership engagement, fundraising and the strategic projects within the Scheme (e.g. A1.1 Landscape Management Plan). They will also lead on ensuring that projects are being delivered in line with the vision and objectives, to budget and to a high standard. This includes being responsible for reporting to HLF on Scheme progress.

Engagement Officer – EnvironmentThe Engagement Officer – Environment will take a central role in working with partners, community groups and volunteers and coordinating the environmentally focussed projects. This includes championing the environmentally focussed Programme A: ‘Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns’. In conjunction with the Engagement Officer –Heritage, they will support the delivery of Programme C ‘Attachment to the Land of the Fanns’ and Programme D ‘Enjoying the Land of the Fanns’.

Engagement Officer – HeritageThe Engagement Officer – Cultural Heritage will work in tandem with the Engagement Officer – Environment working with partners, community groups and volunteers in coordinating the built and cultural heritage related projects. This includes championing the built and cultural heritage focussed Programme B: ‘Understanding the Land of the Fanns’. In conjunction with the Engagement Officer – Environment, they will support the delivery of Programme C ‘Attachment to the Land of the Fanns’ and Programme D ‘Enjoying the Land of the Fanns’.

Finance and Administration OfficerThe Finance and Administration Officer is a crucial role in ensuring that the financial reporting and monitoring of the Scheme is run smoothly. They will also support the wider team as needed, in particular with Programme C: ‘Attachment to the Land of the Fanns’ and Programme D ‘Enjoying the Land of the Fanns’ which includes marketing and co-ordination activity requiring consistent, methodical support.

Other overheadsUnderpinning the Delivery Team are other essential costs including travel, recruitment, training, office housing costs and retention payments for Year 5 of the Scheme.

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5.8 Summary of Scheme CostsPROGRAMME PROJECT COST

A1.1 Landscape Management Plan: ‘From Local to Landscape’

£40,135

A1.2 Community Tree Nursery £98,700

A2.1 Woodland, Grassland & Hedgerows £114,750

A2.2 Low Nutrient Habitat £28,750

A2.3 Rediscovering the Lost Fens £25,013

A2.4 Micro Landscapes £33,388

A3.1 River Catchments £279,285

A3.2 Connecting Historic Landscapes £227,673

A4.1 Environment Heritage and Skills £13,350

B1.1 Land of the Fanns book £52,000

B2.1 Designed Landscapes £19,763

B2.2 Community Mapping £39,995

B3.1 Community Archaeology £33,750

B3.2 Travelling Archaeological Exhibition £26,872

B4.1 Interpreting the Fanns £186,143

B5.1 Heritage Training & Skills £11,500

C1.1 Digital Heritage £47,536

C2.1 Promoting the Land of the Fanns £64,153

C2.1 School Programme £22,500

C2.2 Volunteer Coordination £23,036

C2.3 Community Action Budget £75,000

C3.1 Landscape Champions of Tomorrow £29,545

C3.2 Apprentice Scheme £132,000

A: Restoring and Reconnecting

the Land of the Fanns

B: Understanding the Land of the Fanns

C: Attachment to the Land of the Fanns

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HLF Grant £1,359,700

Match funding £778,245

Management and Maintenance £114,237

Volunteer time £181,500

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PROGRAMME PROJECT COST

D1.1 Walking the Fanns £34,745

D2.1 Land of the Fanns Conferences £6,500

D2.3 Arts Festival £43,000

E1.1: Scheme Manager (5 years) £198,000

E1.2: Engagement Officer – Environment (4 years)

£132,000

E1.3: Engagement Officer – Heritage (4 years) £132,000

E1.4 Finance & Administration Officer (5 years) £72,600

E2.1 Staff Travel Costs £20,000

E2.2 Staff Recruitment Costs £5,000

E2.3 Staff Training Costs £7,500

E2.4 Office Costs £25,000

E2.5 Team Office Equipment £2,000

E2.6 Staff Retention Payments (final year) £7,500

E2.7 Interim management (scheme set up) £8,000

E3.1 Inflation £10,000

E3.2 Contingency £50,000

E3.3 Cost Recovery £25,000

E3.4 Evaluation Planning £15,000

E3.5 Legacy Planning £15,000

£2,433,682

D: Enjoying the Land of the Fanns

E: Programme Management

and Other Costs

TOTAL

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5.9 State AidAll of the projects have been forwarded to DEFRA to establish State Aid implications. The projects where State Aid implications could apply:

PROJECT REF: DEFRA ADVICE

A1.1

May require capturing for State Aid reporting purposes through existing RDP Countryside Stewardship Scheme (still being confirmed at time of publication). If not, the project will be covered by Article 21 of the Agricultural Block Exemption Regulations (ABER) ‘Aid for knowledge transfer and information actions’

A1.2

So long as the legal status of the tree nursery is an ‘enterprise’ (as defined in Annex 1 of the ABER), it is likely that this funding will be covered through the provisions of Article 19 of the ABER ‘Start up aid for producer groups and organisations in the agricultural sectors’

A2.1

Wil need careful consideration to ensure that any funding received through RDP Countryside Stewardship schemes is clearly separated from HLF funding to avoid the risk of ‘double funding’ beyond the permitted intensity rate.

A2.3If Countryside Stewardship is secured for the final project phase, this may require cover through Article 21 of the ABER

A3.1If there were potential for any economic advantage, this is likely to be ‘de minimis’

A4.1So long as training is for individuals and not employees of an undertaking, there are no State Aid implications

B5.1So long as training is for individuals and not employees of an undertaking, there are no State Aid implications

C1.2Heritage bus tours could cause a distortion to other bus operators, but would be ‘de minimis’

C2.3If any small scale projects funded by the Community Action Fund had any economic outputs, it would be worth covering them by utilising the provisions in the Industrial de minimis Regulations

C3.1So long as training is for individuals and not employees of an undertaking, there are no State Aid implications

C3.2So long as training is for individuals and not employees of an undertaking, there are no State Aid implications

There are no State Aid implications for all the other projects.

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6. MONITORING & EVALUATION

In order to ensure that the Scheme is delivering against the Plan outlined in the previous section, ongoing monitoring is required.

Monitoring involves the tracking of outputs, which are quantifiable measures of what the Scheme has delivered through its projects. Monitoring also entails the measuring of outcomes, which can be tangible in the same way as project outputs, or intangible if they relate to more subjective concepts such as people or communities. Outcomes represent the difference that the Scheme has made. Both rely on the effective collection of

evidence quantified in the form of indicators. Collectively, this monitoring supports the process of evaluation, which is all about researching, reflecting and reporting on what the Scheme has delivered in order to ‘prove’ and ‘improve’. Formal evaluation will take place half way through the Delivery Phase and on the Scheme conclusion.

This section sets out an outline monitoring and evaluation framework for our Scheme. This will be reviewed at the start of the Delivery Phase as part of a wider evaluation planning process summarised in the diagram below:

Summary of Evaluation Process

2017: Confirm Evaluation Framework

2022: Final Evaluation

Report

2019/20:Interim

Evaluation

Development Phase

Ongoing liaison, advice and support to project leads and partners

Delivery Phase

Collection and assessment of output data and outcome evidence

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6.1 Monitoring OutputsThe tangible outputs from individual projects will be monitored by partners, volunteers and delivery staff as a requirement of project funding agreements. The Finance and Administration Officer will collate these monitored outputs to create a picture of how the wider Scheme is performing. As explained within this LCAP (see Section 5: Scheme Plan) and individual project plans (LCAP Part 2: Project Plan Manual), these outputs have been specified as targets to meet. Through the Delivery Programmes, they are linked to the wider vision and objectives for the Scheme.

These targets help provide accountability for the Scheme and allow partners, funders and communities to assess the extent to which the Scheme has delivered the vision and objectives and achieved value for money.

The following table illustrates the type of activities and outputs that will be monitored during the Scheme across the four Delivery Programmes:

PROGRAMME OUTPUTS


Number of:

• Sites conserved or restored

• Management plans produced

Hectares of:

• Habitat created or restored

• Scrub cleared

Metres of:

• Hedgerow created or restored

• Path created or improved

• Ride created or managed

• River improved

Number of:

• Volunteers delivering projects

• Training courses held

• People trained through the scheme


Number of:

• Surveys undertaken

• Reports produced

• Heritage assets mapped

• Oral histories recorded

• Interpretation panels installed

• Exhibitions held


• People participating in events and activities



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6.2 Evaluating OutcomesOutcomes are by their nature more difficult to measure than outputs. Because they relate to the difference that an intervention has made, they need to be measured against an agreed baseline. This allows the extent to which aims have been achieved to be assessed against that baseline. The more intangible, diffuse nature of outcomes allows for more creative approaches of evidence gathering that could include:

PROGRAMME OUTPUTS


Number of:

• Web hits

• App downloads

• Open days held

• School resource packs produced

• Schools/children participating





• Apprentices gaining qualifications

Enjoying the Land of the Fanns

Number of:

• Guided walks, talks and events held



Evaluation methods

Online polls Visitor

comment book

Interviews

MappingFocus

groups

E-surveysPhotos

Anecdotal evidence

Vox pops

Peer review

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The following table highlights the intended outcomes within the four Delivery Programmes of the Scheme and proposes possible baselines against which change could be measured:

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES BASELINE


• Landscape management efforts are co-ordinated and strategic, enabling economies of scale and wider benefits for environment and economy

• Local provenance is used for local woodland planting and hedge laying, with volunteering and education at the core

• Landscape distinctiveness has been enhanced and supported by ongoing management

• An example of largely lost historic landscape has been restored and supported by ongoing management

• An example of invertebrate rich brownfield habitat is understood and appreciated by local people

• The riparian environment has been enhanced and supported by ongoing management

• Strategic historic landscapes are more accessible and understood by our audiences

• Local capacity to manage and appreciate the natural elements of the landscape has been increased

Possible baselines include:

• Current landscape management arrangements

• Current habitat management arrangements

• Photos before and after

• Skills and Training Audit (for understanding current landscape relevant skills and training opportunities)


• An authoritative narrative on the Land of the Fanns is available to support understanding

• The landscape is better recorded and understood by our audiences

• The landscape is better recorded and understood by place-makers

• Landscape archaeology is better recorded and understood by audiences

• Strategic locations within the landscapes are more accessible and understood by our audiences

• Local capacity to manage and appreciate the built, archaeological and cultural elements of the landscape have been increased


• Landscape Conservation Action Plan (reflecting landscape understanding)

• Interpretation Strategy

• Landscape Character Assessment


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PROGRAMME OUTCOMES BASELINE


• The cultural richness of the Land of the Fanns can be accessed via mobile in an engaging, accessible way

• Awareness of the Land of the Fanns grows year on year

• The natural and cultural heritage of the Land of the Fanns is used as a teaching resource

• It is easy for people to become involved in Land of the Fanns

• Attachment to the Land of the Fanns with be strengthened through community-led projects

• Local capacity to deliver the scheme and maintain the legacy of the landscape has been increased

• 2 young people have started environment or heritage based careers as a direct result of the LOTF LPS


• Current digital interpretation opportunities

• Current landscape marketing arrangements


• Current landscape related apprenticeship opportunities

Enjoying the Land of the Fanns

• It is easier to experience landscape heritage on foot

• People are united by a shared interest in the landscape

• People explore the cultural heritage of the landscape through the arts

• Audience Development Plan

6.3 Evaluation PlanAt the outset of the Delivery Phase, external specialists will be commissioned to further develop the outline monitoring and evaluation framework within this LCAP. The consultants will be required to review all the outputs and targets for the Scheme and confirm them with the Strategic Board. They will also be required to review the intended outcomes, confirm baselines and establish methods to measure the difference achieved. This process will result in a robust monitoring and evaluation framework for the Scheme which will inform the monitoring requirements within project funding agreements, the interim evaluation as part of the mid-term review and the final evaluation report.

This work will be captured within an Evaluation Plan for the Scheme, which will supersede this section of the LCAP once it is available.

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7. SCHEME LEGACY7. SCHEME LEGACY

This section sets out our ambition for a lasting

legacy. Whilst the Scheme Plan is a structured

response to our vision and objectives for the

landscape, it is intended to also represent more

than just a 5-year blip of activity. This section

sets out how this is to be achieved at landscape

scale, providing a foundation for more detailed

legacy planning during the Delivery Phase that

will also build on the monitoring and evaluation

framework outlined in the previous section.

7.1 Legacy aimsIt was explained in ‘Section 4: Vision and

Objectives’ how the vision and objectives

translate into targeted Delivery Programmes

that have structured our portfolio of projects.

Our legacy represents the long lasting ‘step

change’ that will have occurred once these

Delivery Programmes have been delivered.

As such, our legacy represents the long term

management and maintenance needed

after the Scheme ends and therefore it

should ultimately flow from that vision.

Supported by the four Delivery Programmes,

there are three legacy outcomes

that the Scheme as a whole seeks to

embed during its 5-year lifetime:

1. Landscape scale partnership working

becomes established as the norm

2. Greater ability and willingness to positively

influence strategic decision-making

3. Pride in the landscape is continually evident

1. Restoration and Connection Legacy 1: Landscape

scale partnership working established as the norm

Legacy 2: Greater ability and willingness to influence strategic decision making

Legacy 3: Greater pride in the landscape is continually evident

2. Access

3. Information



VIS

ION

Link between legacy aims and vision, objectives and delivery programmes

Programme A: Restoring and Reconnecting the Land of the Fanns

Programme B: Understanding the Land of the Fanns

Programme C: Attachment to the Land of the Fanns


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The diagram (on page 168) highlights graphically how the three legacy aims relate to the wider Scheme. The following sections provides further information on how these legacy aims build on the Delivery Programmes.

1. Landscape scale partnership working becomes the normThis legacy outcome draws on the outcomes of Delivery Programmes A and B to combine a more strategic approach to management and maintenance that better restores and reconnects landscape with a more holistic understanding of the landscape as a coherent whole.

In particular, the Landscape Management Plan ‘From Local to Landscape’ project (A1.1) seeks to establish a landscape scale approach towards the sharing of resources, expertise and ambition. In combination with the strategic vision for the landscape contained within this LCAP, the development of this plan will help strengthen the framework needed for landscape focussed partnership working. The restoration and connection work led by each partner through Delivery Programme A and beyond will be tied to project-level legacy outcomes in the form of Countryside Stewardship agreements where available (LCAP Part 2: Project Plan Manual considers legacies

at project level). These will also be framed within a wider landscape context.

Underpinning this landscape context will be a strengthened understanding of landscape that will be achieved through the various projects contained within Delivery Programme B (see Section 5: Scheme Plan). It will become easier for landscape scale partnership working to become established as the norm where partners fully understand how the landscape as a whole functions.

2. Greater ability and willingness to shape strategic decision-makingThis legacy outcome draws from the outcomes of both Delivery Programmes B and C. In order to effectively champion landscape within strategic decision making processes, input from both partners and the wider public needs to grounded in evidence if is to influence decisions.

By focussing on building a better understanding of the Land of the Fanns, Delivery Programme B is all about strengthening the ability to shape decision-making that affects the

landscape. By utilising the information on landscape heritage that is generated during and after the Scheme, it will become a crucial part of the wider Scheme legacy. This applies equally to people and the wider partnership.

Delivery Programme C is all about fostering greater attachment to the landscape, through better grassroots awareness and involvement with it. As such, it is intended to foster a greater willingness to champion the landscape in response to development threats. Combined with better information, this will increase scrutiny of potential development decisions and help ensure improved outcomes for landscape through more sympathetic development or targeted mitigation.

In the effort to win hearts and minds, this legacy aim is about winning minds.

3. Pride in the landscape is continually evidentThis legacy outcome draws on the outcomes of Delivery Programmes C and D, bringing together a greater attachment to the landscape with an increased enthusiasm to enjoy and celebrate it.

“An engaged partnership that understands our landscape and works together to positively improve it”

“All about winning minds”

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By making it easier for different audiences to become involved and learn about the landscape, attachment will grow over time. Alongside greater attachment, the ability to better enjoy

it through improved access and activities will help support a wider flourishing of pride in the Land of the Fanns. This represents a crucial part of place-making and a strong ‘sense of place’.

In the effort to win hearts and minds, this legacy aim is about winning hearts.

7.2 Legacy Organisation: Thames Chase TrustTo sustain this legacy, an organisation is needed to act as the ‘ring-holder’ or conscience for the landscape. Given how the Land of the Fanns Partnership owes its origins to Thames Chase Community Forest (see p. 10), the Thames Chase Trust is ideally suited as a potential legacy vehicle for the Scheme.

Rooted in the successful Community Forest movement with a distinct history in landscape scale working that stretches back to 1990s, the Thames Chase Trust is well placed to continue coordinating this work after the Scheme ends. Coupled with a successful transition from a public sector led initiative to a sustainable community led organisation, the Trust is able to act as an independent champion of our landscape with direct links to the communities that live within it.

Once confirmed, the roles and responsibilities of the Thames Chase Trust will need to be defined with partners during the Delivery Phase. This will outline the Trust’s role in influencing how the partnership will operate after the Scheme ends in terms of governance arrangements, leveraging further resources for delivery and ensuring the management and maintenance commitments made by individual partners are kept.

7.3 Legacy PlanningResources have been identified within the Scheme budget to support more detailed legacy planning during the Delivery Phase. This work will review the legacy aims set out within this LCAP and define specific actions and tasks required to embed those aims in the form of a Legacy Strategy. This would take place in time for the formal mid-term review with HLF.

Assuming that the Thames Chase Trust is confirmed as the legacy vehicle for the Scheme, there is potential for the Legacy Strategy to be tied to a future Community Forest Plan (the Thames Chase Plan). According to paragraph 92 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), such Plans enjoy a degree of formal recognition within the planning system:

‘An approved Community Forest Plan may be a material consideration in preparing development plans and in deciding planning applicatons’

Such an approach would help reinforce the Scheme’s legacy in shaping strategic decision-making within this landscape.

“All about winning hearts”

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8. ADOPTION & REVIEW

This Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP) was adopted by the Strategic Board on 5th September 2016, prior to submission to the HLF. The LCAP will be reviewed annually by the Strategic Board and revised as necessary.

The Land of the Fanns Delivery Team and the Strategic Board are collectively responsible for ensuring that the document is used to guide delivery throughout the Delivery Phase. They will also ensure that all delivery organisations use the LCAP to guide their scheme projects and landscape strategies. The wider Landscape Partnership will support communities to use this LCAP when making decisions about heritage within the Land of the Fanns area.

Copies of the LCAP will be held by all partner organisations and be available via the Land of the Fanns website and partner websites. A condensed summary version is also available.

Land of the Fanns Strategic Board

Notes:

© Thames Trust 2016

Design www.joannewood.co.uk

Photography Thank you to everyone who provided imagery for this document, including:

Aimee McGhee

Andy Hay

Discover Me

Forestry Commission

Howard Vaughan

Joanne Wood

John Winfield

Kenneth Yarham

Scott Sullivan

Sue Smith

Thurrock Council

Tom Heenan

Tom Marshall

www.rspb-images.com

Bedfords Park

Thames Chase Forest Centre

Broadfields, Pike Lane

Upminster RM14 3NS

Tel: 01708 642970

Fax: 01708 640581

Email: [email protected]

www.thameschase.org.uk

2. statement of significance - thames chase · 2017-01-27 · country parks • thorndon woods,...

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