Quantock Hills. An Area of Outstanding Beauty

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HORSES, THE LANDSCAPE AND YOU: EQUESTRIAN GUIDE TO KEEPING HORSES IN PROTECTED LANDSCAPES

South West Protected Landscapes Forum in partnership with The British Horse Society and The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) launch a new publication to-day for horse keepers in the south west. The publication “Horses the Landscape and You” provides guidance, information and contacts to help make sure horses are well cared for and make a positive contribution to our landscape. The Quantock Hills AONB Service's Landscape Planning Officer, Emma-Jane Preece, has been collaborating with all the Protected Landscapes within the South West (the 14 AONBs and 2 National Parks) on this publication.

Horse owning and riding is an increasingly popular activity that is growing across the south west of England. How horses are cared for and the developments associated with keeping a horse have a significant impact on the character and quality of the South West’s special landscape. South West England is defined by the richness and diversity of its landscape. Nearly 40% of the region is recognised as internationally important through the designation of 2 National Parks and 14 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). Dave Dixon, Regional Programmes Manager working with the Protected Landscapes says, “Keeping our landscape special both now and for future generations is a job for us all. By understanding what makes our protected areas so special we can all play an active part in ensuring the landscape we pass on to future generations retains these highly regarded qualities”. Owners of horses and ponies have an important role to play in safeguarding our rich landscape. Julie Garbutt, Regional Development Officer with The British Horse Society points out that horse owners and keepers “are not only responsible for the welfare of their animal, but take on a further responsibility to care for the land on which their horses live. Managed in the right way, land can support the welfare needs of the horse, as well as maintaining and enhancing the distinctive character and wildlife of the landscape”. This new guidance combines information about legal requirements with “top tips” to ensure your horse’s life is rich and healthy whilst helping to improve the quality of the landscape in which you live and work. Download the new guidance from http://www.southwestlandscapes.org.uk/CommissionedWorks.asp

Georgie Grant - November 2010

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Annual Reports

View Annual reports from the Quantock AONB Service

AONB Planning Consultation Comments 2011

Please click below to read responses made by the AONB on behalf of the Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee

Information leaflets

Find out more about why the heathland is so important for birds, the red deer on the Quantocks and why the history of the landscape is so special.

Management Plan

The Quantock Hills AONB Management Plan 2009-2014 and Management Plan Summary

Newsletters

If you would like to subscribe to the Quantock Hills e-newsletter please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and we will put you on our mailing list

Other organisations and activities in the Quantocks

A few things you might find interesting from organisations we work with in the Quantocks

Planning Application Comments 2012

Find out how the Quantock Hills AONB Service commented on planning applications in 2012

Planning Guidance and Position Statements

Find our guidance documents and position statements here.

PREPARING FOR CHANGE

Climate-proof your tourism business

Quantock Deer Count Results

Annual deer count results for 2010, 2011and 2012

QUANTOCK ECO EVENTS PROGRAMME

Building Resilient Villages

Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) Papers

Papers from the partnership committee the Joint Advisory Committeeqhjac_papers_22nd_july_11.pdf

Quantock Hills Visitor Guide

Recreation Leaflets

a full range of leaflets from circular walks to event guides and leaflets to allow you to enjoy the best of the hills

SCC disposal of land

Find out the Quantock Hills AONB Service position, and our response to SCC

Sustainable Development Fund forms

The SDF for 20011/12 has £45,000 to allocate. This will provide grants to organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals who wish to explore and develop practical projects that enhance, conserve and develop the environment, economy and way of life.

Tick Leaflet

Ticks are becoming more common and a bite from this spider-like parasite could lead to Lyme Disease. This is a treatable infection caused by bacterium transmitted by ticks when they bite. Not every tick carries Lyme Disease and it is important to realise that the disease is relatively rare.