Countryside Management Association News

The Countryside Management Association 40th. Anniversary conference was held at the University of Worcester on 14th and 15th September the title of which was “Towards Natural England”. The keynote speaker Sir Martin Doughty Chairman designate for Natural England emphasised that Natural England’s purpose was to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit of present and future generations.

He explained that existing ‘founding body’ work and duties will roll forward and will include the Countryside Agency's work with countryside management services, including following up current research into how local countryside management is being delivered. Natural England see this as an opportunity for a new improved relationship between themselves and countryside managers.

Sir Martin highlighted Natural England’s priorities and how they fitted into the Countryside Management Association's agenda. Natural England are keen to explore links to the Countryside Management Association’s work across a variety of sites and agendas both in urban and rural areas.

As well as Sir Martin the other speakers were Stephen Preston from English Nature who talked about Biodiversity and Landscape, Wendy Thompson from the Countryside Agency whose presentation covered Connecting with the Natural Environment and Jon Cree from Bishops Wood Education Centre who focused on education and interpretation.

The afternoon session picked-up on the morning themes via a series of workshops with the following day spent visiting various urban and rural sites in and around Worcester and the Malvern Hills.

Speakers at the Conference dinner included one of the founder members of CMA; David Newman and Wade Muggleton; the "Wider Countryside" Officer for Worcestershire County Council.