VIEWS - FOR EVERYONE ISSUE55 AUTUMN2018 - NATIONAL TRUST
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Views For everyone Issue 55 Autumn 2018
Views For everyone Issue 55 Autumn 2018
Editorial information Guidelines for contributors
Views is compiled and edited by Jacky Ferneyhough. Credit and Views is intended as a free exchange of ideas, experiences and
thanks are due to Anthony Lambert for his efficient proofreading. practices. Comments and contributions are welcomed at any time
from the Views readership. However, if a contributor’s opinion differs
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Front cover: Putting an arm around nature. © National Trust Images Printed on 100% recycled paper
/Tom Soper © 2018 National Trust. Registered charity no. 205846
Small images: Visitors meet a First World War enactor at Park Hall Farm Designed by Blacker Limited (7004)
near Oswestry, Shropshire. © Heritage Open Days/National Trust Images/ Print managed by Park Lane Press
Chris Lacey; Ladybird on a child’s arm. © National Trust Images/Chris
Lacey; Snakelocks anemone in the fragile seagrass habitat at Porthdinllaen,
Gwynedd. © National Trust/Laura Hughes; Visitor writing a message on a
roof tile, The Vyne, Hampshire. © National Trust Images/Karen Legg
Page 1: Stanley Sharpe and his mum, Rachel, who collaborated in a project
to make Croome Park, Worcestershire, accessible and enjoyable for all.
© National Trust
Page 3: A view across the park to Petworth House, West Sussex.
© National Trust Images/Andrew Butler
2 ViewsEditorial
T
o be ‘for everyone’ is a big ask. But with communities to harness natural evidence-based examples to promote
it’s okay – we had a head start. In energy, to how we manage change based on discussion and advocacy across the UK and
1895, the Trust was established to be communication and knowledge, and from further afield. At a property level, we can
‘of benefit to the Nation’ – the second part experiencing the world through another’s show where we have ‘stolen with pride’ by
of our maxim ‘For ever, for everyone’. For eyes, to coming to our senses – literally – adopting best practice and learning from
nearly 125 years we have known that it is through nature. others. Whether staff or volunteers, we can,
people who give meaning to our work and to We are hugely grateful to the authors in like our authors, share what we do for others
our places. this issue for sharing their knowledge and to adapt and use.
The need for space and beauty is as experience. All show their sincere passion There are so many new ways to welcome
relevant today as it was when we started. for the work that they do. ‘Valley views’ anyone who wants to enjoy the places we
By putting people at the heart of our is a textbook case of how a team with a care for on behalf of the nation on their
conservation work, and engaging or single goal is pulling together to restore an terms, whether they want to join in and
involving them, our places become what entire landscape. Other articles recognise connect, or simply relax and reflect. We hope
‘everyone’ seeks: a haven, a pleasure ground, the influence that visitors, partners and this issue of Views will share some of the
a fun day out, a work of art, a force of nature, community groups have on places and how ways we are doing this, so please, read on!
an opportunity and far, far more. they develop.
This issue is an introduction to what can We can be proud of the past but more Mark Harold Director of Land & Nature
and is being achieved across the Trust, from important is what is happening now. In John Orna-Ornstein Director of Curation
the creative to the resourceful: from working these times of great change, we can use & Experience
What a Views!
You can help us make the 2019 issue of Views a fantastic The theme for Views 2019 will be announced shortly.
reading experience! If you’re doing something you find Deadlines will be between 21 May and 1 June 2019.
interesting, we’d love to hear about it. Tell us what you’ve However, articles and recommendations of authors/projects
tried, what you’ve learned and what you’ve achieved or are are welcomed at any time; please send them to
planning to do next. views@nationaltrust.org.uk
Views 3Contents
Shared landscapes Change management Our essential nature
6 An evolving masterpiece: 25 Sustainable and enjoyable: 38 How do we secure the
the outstanding, universal, managing access in houses natural environment for
valuable Lake District and gardens future generations?
Alex McCoskrie, World Heritage Site Rebecca Bevan, Gardens Researcher, Rachel Hall, Land & Nature Officer
Programme Manager and Helen Lloyd, Preventive
Conservation Adviser – Housekeeping 40 Engaging our visitors with
8 Valley views: finding nature: the latest research
inspiration in 28 Every Step Counts, even and activity
Fishpool Valley more at Hatfield Forest Penelope Chapple, Outdoors
Claire Watts, Visitor Experience Ben Rosendal, Visitor Experience Experiences Manager, and Carl
Officer; Ian Grafton, Operations Manager and Stuart Warrington, Greenman, 50 Things Product
Manager; Imogen Sambrook, Project Regional Wildlife Adviser Development Manager
Manager; Malcolm Emmerson, Ranger
Volunteer; Adam Edwards, Fundraising 30 Changing coasts: 43 Following nature through
Consultant; Andrew Perry, Ecologist; for everyone but maybe the seasons: a fresh
and Janine Young, Archaeologist not for ever approach to programming
Phil Dyke, Coast and Marine Adviser Sarah Kinnersley, National Seasonal
14 Securing the future of the Programming Manager, and Jenny
White Cliffs of Dover 31 Changing perceptions for Brown, Easter Project Officer
Virginia Portman, General Manager future access at Compton
Bay 45 Treemendous Trail:
17 Kipscombe Farm: John Brownscombe, Compton bringing trees and
connecting farming, Landscape Project Officer people together
habitats and people Harriet Cade, Assistant Ranger
Josey Field, Project Ranger 34 Planning to keep the coast
open 48 Connecting people with
20 Living the dream: Sally Brown, Senior Research Fellow coast and nature
renewable energy projects Eric Wilton, General Manager
in north-west Wales 36 Eco-friendly moorings:
Keith Jones, Environmental Practices pleasing boat owners,
Adviser conservationists and
wildlife
22 Reflections on relevance: Andy Godber, Llŷn Countryside
four decades in pursuit Manager, and Sue Wells, Marine
of meaning on Wales’s Project Manager
mountains and shores
Richard Neale, former Coastal
Engagement Project Manager
4 ViewsBetter by design Co-operation and Illuminating the
community experience
50 Trust in Nature:
conservation volunteering
therapy in action 67 Lifting the lid at The Vyne 80 Opening to a lifelong
Carl Henderson, Conservation Kathryn Allen-Kinross, Assistant love of heritage
Volunteer Project Curator Annie Reilly, Heritage Open Days
National Manager
52 Sharing tranquillity 70 Working towards a
Simon Toomer, Plant Conservation common purpose 82 The Jewish Country
National Specialist Barbara Wood, Curator Houses initiative:
telling a new story
55 Transforming lives and 72 Community and public Abigail Green, Professor
landscape: how we archaeology at Knole
mapped joy at Croome Nathalie Cohen, Archaeologist 84 Looking into pictures:
Rachel Sharpe, Creative Partnerships narrative, allegory and
Manager 74 Participatory design allusion
and social impact at Christopher Beharrell, former
58 Welcoming visitors Rainham Hall Historic Buildings Representative,
on the autism spectrum Sally James, Creative Programme and Christine Sitwell, Paintings
to Chirk Castle Manager Conservation Adviser
Jon Hignett, Visitor Experience
Manager, Jasmine Hrisca-Munn, 76 Engaging new audiences 87 LGBTQ heritage
Volunteer & Community Involvement at Tredegar House and its contemporary
Officer, and Susan Jones, Volunteer & Philip Wilson, Community Engagement relevance
Community Involvement Manager Officer Tom Butler, Creative Producer, Julie
Howell, Experience Designer, and
78 Seeing things differently Richard Sandell, Professor of Museum
at the Roundhouse Studies
Birmingham
Chris Maher, Creative Producer 89 Forging a heritage
experience through the
skill, experience and the
mediation of memory in
Northern Ireland
Lasting attractions Petra Honkysova, Tourist Advisor and
Researcher
59 Visiting country houses 92 Welcome here:
Anthony Lambert, freelance editor and cultivating arable plants
writer in a historic garden
Kevan Horne, Volunteer Gardener
62 ‘Knowle neere Sevenock
a greate old fashioned
house…’
Helen Fawbert, House & Collections
Manager
64 Brimham beginnings
Stephen Lewis and Rupert Tillyard,
Day Maker Volunteers
Views 5Shared landscapes
An evolving masterpiece: the outstanding,
universal, valuable Lake District
Alex McCoskrie, World Heritage Site Programme Manager
F
ollowing over 30 years of partnership belong to all the peoples of the world, nominated as a mixed site but was deferred.
working, the English Lake District was regardless of their location. It was resubmitted as a natural property
successfully inscribed onto UNESCO’s There are ten criteria upon which three years later, but was again deferred.
World Heritage List in July 2017 and joined nominations are judged. These criteria Though inscription was recommended by
a family of famous and iconic places across cover values such as human creativity, the World Heritage Committee’s advisory
the planet.1 This list of over 1,000 special important buildings, cultural traditions, body, ICOMOS,2 there was still debate as to
sites represents the world’s best cultural and human interaction with their environments, how best to categorise the Lakes. In 1992
natural treasures, considered of outstanding exceptional natural areas and outstanding UNESCO recognised significant interactions
value to humanity, now and in the future. examples of geology, ecology and between people and the natural environment
This is embodied by the international treaty biodiversity. If a place meets at least one
The Convention Concerning the Protection of these criteria, or Outstanding Universal
of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, Value (OUV), it could then be considered Voted Britain’s favourite view, Wastwater and the
adopted by UNESCO in 1972. What makes worthy of inscription as a cultural, natural or surrounding hills epitomise why the Lake District
is considered to be of outstanding value on a
the concept exceptional is its universal mixed WHS. world-wide measure. © National Trust Images/
application: World Heritage Sites (WHS) In 1986 the Lake District was first John Malley
6 Views Shared landscapesand created a new WHS category: cultural The Trust’s Outstanding Grasmere Island, the sale of which in 1893 set
landscape. This opened the door for the Universal Value Canon Rawnsley on a course to found the
National Trust. The Trust acquired the island in
UK Government to resubmit the Lake 2017. © National Trust/Andy Wills (Hovershotz)
District’s nomination, on the basis of three The National Trust and the Lake District’s
intertwined attributes: World Heritage status are intrinsically linked.
The third attribute of OUV is the Lakes’
m being a landscape of exceptional beauty role in the development of the worldwide and conservation at loggerheads. The
that has been shaped by people through conservation movement. This includes the lessons learnt and the actions implemented
persistent agro-pastoral traditions and roots of the Trust. helped to spark and shape the two most
industry It was here that great thinkers like prominent and influential global approaches
Wordsworth and Ruskin, and subsequently to landscape protection.
m inspiring artistic and literary movements,
the general public, recognised the The American pioneers who created
generating ideas of global importance
importance of looking after landscapes. the first national park in 1872 were directly
on the notion and appreciation of
Early awareness of the Lake District grew inspired by the environmental thinking of
landscapes, their value to society and
through the Picturesque and Romantic Wordsworth, Coleridge and Ruskin. The
their ownership
movements. Creations by their writers, poets American model of protection through
m sparking the development of models of and artists extolled the Lakes’ landscapes legislation would wash to these shores
landscape protection that have spread and traditions. These works became widely in 1951, and specifically here with the
nationally and internationally available, interest in the Lakes flourished, establishment of the Lake District National
and the first tourists started to arrive. As the Park that same year.
The 2016 nomination was submitted by the Lakes’ popularity grew, so did the public’s A second innovative way of looking
Government on behalf of a partnership of 25 attachment to it, and it became thought of after landscapes – through ownership –
organisations, comprising local government, as a ‘national property’, as first suggested by similarly has its roots in the Lakes. Early
conservation bodies (including the Trust), Wordsworth in his Guide to the Lakes (1810): environment campaigner and Grasmere
land owners, education providers and ‘… a sort of national property, in which every resident Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, when
business representatives. The process of man has a right and an interest who has an faced with the potential private sale of key
nomination itself has been beneficial beyond eye to perceive and a heart to enjoy.’ The local beauty spots in the 1880s, realised that
World Heritage inscription. It brought Lake District became firmly embedded in no organisation existed to protect the land
previously disparate organisations and the nation’s consciousness and has remained and the public’s access to it. Together with
sectors together to agree the Lakes’ OUV, to there ever since. Octavia Hill and Robert Hunter, Rawnsley
submit the bid and work together to manage This love evolved into a desire to protect created the National Trust in 1895.
the WHS. As with all relationships, the Lake landscapes. The prospect of industrial These models of land conservation have
District National Park Partnership still faces developments, whether tree felling, non- had worldwide influence. Over 100 countries
occasional divergence of opinions. The native plantations, railway extensions have national parks; over 70 have National
Partnership will have to work as a platform or reservoir building, stirred opposition, Trusts. The thinking and ideas behind both,
for debate and discussion, accommodating lobbying and organised campaigning. and their international significance, are in part
differing agendas and objectives, and seek Repeatedly key moments through the why the Lake District now enjoys WHS status.
balanced solutions to the challenges faced. history of the Lakes brought development
Shared landscapes Views 7A major part of looking
after the cultural
landscape of the Lakes
means ensuring that
traditional upland farms
continue to be financially
viable. The uncertainty
over Brexit is raising
challenges that will have
to be jointly overcome
by farmers, landowners
and markets. © National
Trust/Paul Harris
Looking after the Lakes of visitors each year, which WHS may make their mark, WHS status is stimulating
stimulate. Monitoring tourism numbers and debate on how to look after the Lakes for
The Lake District is a complex WHS. It is their impacts is crucial if we are to manage all, now and in the future. It is only through
the UK’s largest, and managing it will not be the more negative effects of popularity partnerships and collaboration that this very
without significant hurdles. On inscription, and sustain the very things they come to special place, now globally recognised, will
UNESCO provided the Partnership with experience. The Partnership already has in continue to support and nurture nature,
recommendations that need planning place measures of economic impact, visitor culture and farming, and to delight and
for and working out, in order to maintain numbers and conditions of attributes of inspire.
World Heritage status. The magnitude of OUV. Further assessments will be coming on
these challenges emphasises the complex stream in the near future. References
environment of the Lakes. It will be no mean We play an integral role within the 1. The Trust owns land within eight WHS and
feat to minimise the impact of nuclear power management of the WHS. As one of the few buildings in a further three in England, Wales
and Northern Ireland. These are inscribed by
station expansion, mitigate and manage partners to be multi-issue, we need to drive UNESCO, the United Nations Educational,
the impacts of climate change, seek a multiple strategies that will protect OUV and Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
sustainable future for upland farming, secure sustain nature, industry, communities and 2. ICOMOS: International Council on Monuments
affordable housing and retain local services. visitors alike. Whilst unknowns like Brexit and Sites.
The Lakes also welcome many millions and Common Agricultural Policy changes will
Valley views: finding inspiration in Fishpool Valley
Claire Watts, Visitor Experience Officer, Ian Grafton, Operations Manager, Imogen Sambrook, Project Manager, and Malcolm
Emmerson, Ranger Volunteer, Croft Castle and Parkland; and Adam Edwards, Fundraising Consultant, Andrew Perry, Ecologist,
and Janine Young, Archaeologist, Midlands
Introduction of flora and fauna, all of which were under Improvements are now underway to
threat from years of neglect and lack of both its designed and natural attributes.
A little lost and forgotten, Fishpool Valley maintenance. With help from supporters, we The myriad aspects of Fishpool Valley have
is a Picturesque landscape lying squeezed finally have the funds to restore its designed inspired different motivations with one goal.
between the tree-lined entrance drive to views, walks, cascades and structural features The following views are from seven members
Croft Castle and neighbouring Bircher as well as habitats, and to improve land of the project team who have been working
Common in north-west Herefordshire. The management which, in terms of woodland to get the design of the restoration planned
valley has man-made pools, aesthetic and and invasive species, had gone far beyond the and agreed, to make our vision for Fishpool
functional structures, and a diverse array resources of our Countryside Team. Valley a reality.
8 Views Shared landscapesThe designed landscape of Fishpool Valley had
become hidden and its features lost. © National
Trust Images/Tom Webster-Deakin
The Gothick Pumphouse, which sits on Dam 5
between two pools, at the heart of the valley.
© National Trust Images/James Dobson
Malcolm Emmerson, Ranger
Volunteer, Croft Castle and Parkland
Since retiring from teaching five years ago
I consider myself very fortunate to work as
a ranger volunteer at Croft Castle. This has
allowed me to combine my love of the local
countryside and its fascinating past, while
helping to maintain Croft’s historic parkland.
The Iron Age hill fort of Croft Ambrey, the
ancient trees and wood pastures capture the
interest of many visitors, and for the more
adventurous there is, of course, the Fishpool
Valley, almost hidden from view as one
drives up to the car-park.
My first experience of working in Fishpool
Valley made me aware of the wide variety
of trees, the almost hidden architectural
features, the varied wildlife and the natural
beauty of this part of the estate. To observe
the sunlight penetrating through the tree
canopy on the beech hangar is an amazing
sight. It soon became apparent, however,
that large areas had become overgrown,
and the pools and dams were suffering
from years of neglect. Fortunately we
have an energetic and enthusiastic team
of volunteers who are passionate about
restoring the valley, so when the Fishpool
Valley Project was announced, we were
delighted. At that stage we had already
started clearing and restoring a few of the
original carriage rides and pathways, but
many of the fine views remained sadly
obstructed by the density of tree growth.
Clearing the vegetation around one of
the pools last year opened up hitherto
obstructed views of the old pump house and
proved that even limited work could restore
the ‘Picturesque’.
The project started in earnest in August
2017 when I and other volunteers assisted
Stephen Wass of Polyolbion Archaeology to Andrew Perry, Ecologist, West of Special Scientific Interest for the habitat it
uncover stonework features associated with Midlands provides.
the dams. Through careful archaeological As an ecologist, one of my roles is to
work, we started to reveal spillways, As with most of the landscapes at National ensure that we look after the wildlife that we
cascades and other puzzling features, Trust properties, Fishpool Valley has been have, and to advise on how we can create
covered over by the detritus of time and engineered at various points in history to suit new opportunities for it. Restoring the
dating from the Picturesque movement of the styles and fashions of the time. However, Picturesque vision for the Fishpool Valley
the late eighteenth century. What became these modified landscapes can also provide a Project has brought a number of challenges
apparent was that in its heyday, the Fishpool valuable habitat for wildlife. For example, the around protected species, and we’ve had to
Valley must have been an awe-inspiring place man-made pools and spillways in Fishpool balance the aims of heritage conservation
for visitors to the Croft Estate. It is hoped Valley support large numbers of the rare with the needs of the wildlife.
that future archaeological work, linked with white-clawed crayfish, the Grotto and other There will be some ecological gains:
the dam restoration and the opening up of structures provide roosts for bats, and otters selective thinning of the woodland will
more of the original carriage rides, will excite feed on trout in the streams and pools. A improve habitat for butterflies, wildflowers
present-day visitors as well. large part of the valley is designated as a Site and give future veteran trees room to grow;
Shared landscapes Views 9Andrew Perry (left)
looks on as Simon
Barker, Wildlife
Adviser, measures a
white-clawed crayfish.
These training events
were held to prepare
staff and volunteers
to assist with crayfish
rescue. © National
Trust/Imogen
Sambrook
The pride of Fishpool
Valley: a white-clawed
crayfish. © National
Trust/Imogen
Sambrook
and repairing the dams will help preserve for woodland plants such as herb-paris. I’ve protected species, and I am looking forward
the aquatic habitats long into the future. also been searching for dormouse signs to gaining more experience working with the
However, in going about this work, we and nests with the help of Croft Castle’s crayfish when we start work on the dams.
have to be careful not to lose what we’ve dedicated volunteers, although we’ve found
got, and ensure that we are complying no evidence yet!
with the national and European legislation There have been new opportunities for Janine Young, Archaeologist, West
around protected sites and species. This has me too, such as receiving training on how to Midlands
involved gaining various consents, liaising survey and handle white-clawed crayfish, and
with external organisations such as Natural learning about natural flood management. The estate and park at Croft contain all
England and the Environment Agency, and Local natural historians have also volunteered sorts of fascinating archaeology, including
working with consultants regarding bats and their knowledge, such as advising us on the the less well-known archaeology in Fishpool
white-clawed crayfish. special fungi that can be found in the valley, Valley, which is primarily that of the designed
One of my specific tasks in the project and sharing their records of breeding birds. landscape, although it also contains evidence
has been mapping ecological features such My next task will be working with the for industry and technology. The hidden
as potential bat roosts, badger setts, places contractors on site to make sure that we features and stories of the valley have always
that may be used by otters and areas notable follow best practice for working around been tantalisingly just visible yet beyond
10 Views Shared landscapesour reach, and this project has been a good Equally important as this research, designed former glory, and while we nibbled
opportunity to explore them a bit further. however, is ensuring that work carried out away at the dense tree cover, it was only a
Being involved with this great project as part of the project, such as tree felling, drop in the ocean compared with what was
from the very beginning meant we had time dam repair and improvement, doesn’t have needed. Many conversations with senior
to consider carefully how the archaeology an impact on any archaeological remains and management were always aspirational and
was built into the overall project timetable. that any important remains are preserved, usually ended with ‘well, one day ...’.
Early on we realised that there were at least either in situ or, if necessary, by record. That ‘one day’ has finally come:
two important ways that archaeology could During the works planned this year a close unexpected, unheralded and unbelievably
contribute. relationship with the contractors and an exciting!
Firstly as an important part of the ongoing archaeological watching brief will And the very first thing I said when told
research informing our understanding of the be essential to enable us to ensure this was that I wanted to be on the team! Not
valley – it’s hard to restore something if you preservation. because I wanted to poke my nose in but
don’t know what was there! Analysis of the The archaeological work has also because, after all these years, I could not
LiDAR data has given us a good overview of provided a great opportunity for have coped with being unable to feed in,
the landscape, allowing hitherto unknown considerable volunteer involvement and no matter how insignificantly, my thoughts,
features to be picked up. Alongside contribution, as well as sparking the interest ideas and comments. Thankfully I have that
some extensive documentary research, a of visitors. privilege and although busy with daily ‘stuff’,
programme of excavation has been carried it has been great seeing so many varied
out. So far this has enabled us to understand disciplines getting involved.
in more detail how the valley worked and Ian Grafton, Operations Manager, So what does it mean operationally
how some of the dams functioned. This Croft Castle and Parkland for Croft? From a purely practical point of
in turn has influenced the engineers’ new view, it means that we have a ‘new’ asset
designs for the dams. With the vital help of The countryside of the Croft Estate is the to promote and share with our visitors. We
volunteers, we have uncovered previously backdrop and buffer from the twenty- encourage people to visit the valley, but the
unknown spillways, steep cascades, curious first century which makes it such a special Ambrey hill fort is what most people choose
water management features as well as paths and precious place. With a background to visit. However, once valley views have
and carriage rides. As ever with archaeology, in countryside management, my love been opened and interpretation developed,
the story is never complete, and the for Fishpool Valley is both aesthetic and we will have a unique offer right next to the
fieldwork still leaves us with questions professional.
that are difficult to answer… just what was From the time I was first made aware
Staff and volunteers assist Polyolbion Archaeology
the function of the small vaulted building of its significance, I have had a yearning with the excavation of the old spillway on Dam 1.
uncovered at Dam 3? to do something to return the valley to its © National Trust/Imogen Sambrook
Shared landscapes Views 11car-park, one less demanding than trogging case for Fishpool Valley. Here was part of the is remarkable; it has been very beneficial to
up to the Ambrey. story of Herefordshire on which these funds view the project from different perspectives
It’s a wonderful opportunity to link the could make a significant impact and a visible and learn so much more about the history of
stories of the castle and the landscape in a difference. the designed landscape and its wildlife.
new way and explain the reasons why Croft The project has moved very quickly and As the project is innately multi-
looks and feels the way it does, to draw the changes such as tree clearance are already dimensional and complex, it has been vital
outdoor visitors inside and to encourage the evident. Having a clear project plan, with lots to share clear, positive and consistent
castle visitors outside and show them that, of historical information, and good visuals messages surrounding our vision for the
according to Gilpin, ‘which is agreeable in a showing what the valley might look like valley and the reasoning behind our work. It
picture’. when work is completed, has been invaluable has also acted as the perfect opportunity to
Exciting times! when showing prospective donors around promote our cause and share the incredible
the site. It is really important when talking to conservation work that the ranger team are
potential donors that there is a clear vision undertaking in the valley. We’ve had really
Adam Edwards, Fundraising and outcome for the project which you can positive engagement with our interpretation
Consultant, Midlands articulate and thereby encourage them to and marketing, including temporary leaflets
support you on that journey. and panels, web articles, regular social
My first experience of Fishpool Valley was media posts, press releases and on-property
in the late autumn three years ago when marketing. Strong internal communications
we came with a donor as part of his visit Claire Watts, Visitor Experience have also been imperative to maintain
to Herefordshire. It seemed a hidden and Officer, Croft Castle and Parkland awareness across the property of the
forgotten part of the estate that was difficult project and its aims. We’re now beginning
to access due to the mud. To hear the My first venture into Fishpool Valley an exciting fundraising campaign for the
General Manager talking about the scale of was about four years ago during my job restoration of the dams, which will require a
restoration needed to the dams as well as induction. This only scraped the surface holistic approach to ensure the message is
the wider valley made it seem a tall order to of its vast and varied history, but I was consistent and engaging across the site.
find a funder who would be able to make this immediately struck by the secluded beauty It’s been interesting to consider both our
work happen. In 2016 I received a request to of the place. Four years on and I now have short-term and long-term interpretation
propose projects to which an allocation of the privilege of working closely on a project and programming. We held a series of
donated funds could be contributed, which which encapsulates what the Trust stands Picturesque Tours in early summer, as well
I thought a perfect opportunity to make the for: restoring, protecting and conserving a as other guided walks through the valley to
vitally important part of our heritage and the engage people with the project. In five years’
historic landscape at Croft. time, for visitors to be able to experience a
From a Visitor Experience perspective, it’s revived Picturesque landscape, with restored
Part of the restoration work involves replacing the
temporary measures installed following a flooding been wonderfully rewarding to work within carriage rides and sweeping vistas, will be an
event in 2012 with longer-lasting repairs to dams such a multi-disciplinary team. The amount awe-inspiring experience in itself. The valley
and spillways. © National Trust/Imogen Sambrook of expertise and experience within the team will undoubtedly ‘speak for itself’, but it
12 Views Shared landscapesAn artist’s impression
remains to be decided what supplementary of the view once the
interpretation will be needed to share its Picturesque design
stories with our supporters. This is such has been restored.
© National Trust/
an exciting time for Croft and I’m looking Coulimages
forward to seeing how we can engage
our visitors with the project in ever more The team head out
for another day’s
innovative ways. work; this time it’s the
ranger volunteers on
their way to ground-
truth the LiDAR data.
Imogen Sambrook, Project Manager, © National Trust/
Croft Castle and Parkland Imogen Sambrook
With a background in managing multiple
projects relating to conservation, I came to
the Trust in March 2017 to plan and deliver
the Fishpool Valley Project.
When I saw the role advertised, I stopped
off at Croft to investigate the valley and see the quality of the project team: a multi- Lastly, I would add, still new to the Trust,
whether the project would be of interest. It disciplinary mix of property, consultancy and I am emboldened and proud to be working
was a late December afternoon in golden volunteers who have woven a strong web of somewhere that supports and invests in
sunlight, the beech hangar and Picturesque plans, engagement, activity, fundraising and such exciting and important conservation
features still holding on against centuries of proposed works which, combined, will see work, not for financial gain, but one where
weathering and natural overburden, some the valley returned over the next four years we are simply looking after nature and
of which looked as delightful and surprising to a Picturesque landscape. heritage. Support through the project
as the scene was probably intended upon The most overwhelming aspect has management process and provision of
inception. I was won over – instantly. been the commitment of volunteers: guidance via the Specialist Advice Network
The joy of the role has come from being well underway with addressing invasive has been invaluable. We think of ‘for
immersed in just one project that epitomises flora when I started, I expect they’ll be everyone’ in terms of our visitors, and rightly
the Trust’s ethos and core purpose; being maintaining the valley long after I have left. so, but these accounts from just seven of the
able to become so involved in every aspect The ranger volunteers have been excavating people involved are a reminder that beauty
has been a real pleasure and a privilege. historic spillways, clearing debris and scrub, and awe are part of the experience of our
At the time of writing, we are at a second felling chestnut to construct cleft wooden staff, volunteers and partners also. Our vision
stage in project management, that of gates, researching the Picturesque, surveying for Fishpool Valley will become a shared
seeking approval for implementation. At the for dormice, restoring views and carrying out reality for very many thousands of people
time of publishing, we hope to be underway much of the actual work on the ground. They for years to come because of their alliance of
with the first repairs. are truly amazing and this project would be skills, interests and motivations.
Success to date is simply down to nowhere without them.
Shared landscapes Views 13Securing the future of the White Cliffs of Dover
Virginia Portman, General Manager, White Cliffs & Winchelsea, Kent
T
he original White Cliffs Neptune Dame Vera backs the refusal should it ever be up for sale. But
appeal in 1974 prompted Sir John fundraising appeal we had just 42 days to gain Regional and
Winnifrith, Director-General of the Executive Team backing, to fundraise and to
National Trust between 1968 and 1970, There have been two occasions since then complete the purchase. A key lesson is that
to write: when our supporters have responded it is indeed possible to galvanise support
magnificently to calls for help to ensure we to tight deadlines if you work closely and
Far more of it [the White Cliffs] needs can protect more of the cliffs. The first was communicate well between property teams,
the safeguard of Trust ownership if we are in 2012 when £1.2 million was raised in and regional and central colleagues. The
to preserve the historic setting to the sea 90 days to acquire ‘the missing link’ of fundraising team were wonderfully fleet
approach to Dover, the Gateway to England. White Cliffs between Langdon and St of foot, and the involvement of Dame
I can guarantee that there will be further Margaret’s, and most recently in 2017 when Vera Lynn ensured not only a successful
chances to enlarge our protection. Only £1 million was raised in a staggeringly fast campaign, but brilliantly positive media
the generosity of members and supporters 19 days. On this second occasion, more than coverage for the Trust.
can guarantee that, when the time comes, 17,500 donations were received to secure We were touched by some of the
there will be funds ready to ensure that this 70ha of the cliff top at Wanstone, deepening responses from donors when they were
historic coast is kept safe for the nation in our ownership inland of the cliff edge asked why they had given to the appeal:
the ownership and protection of the National acquired in 2012.
Trust. Demonstrating incredible insight and
forward-planning, colleagues had discussed
One of Wanstone Battery’s 15-inch guns,
the Wanstone land with the owner back ‘Jane’ which was named after the pin-up.
in 2012, who agreed to give the Trust first © National Trust archive
14 Views Shared landscapesm ‘The White Cliffs are a sign that we are arable with a re-focus on nature. This is installations that were constructed by
home and they live in our hearts’ likely to include options for flower-rich order of Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
margins, beetle banks, unharvested cereal In memos to the War Cabinet in August
m ‘I feel a common sense of ownership of headlands and the use of autumn-sown 1940, Churchill wrote: ‘We have to fight for
this unique piece of our nation and that ‘bumblebird mix’ to encourage farmland the command of the Straits (of Dover) by
fills me with joy’ birds and a range of nectar-feeding insects artillery, to destroy the enemy’s batteries,
m ‘Thank you National Trust for securing such as bumblebees and butterflies. Local and to multiply and fortify our own’. He had
the future of the cliffs for us all to enjoy’ birdwatchers are already delightedly a genuine concern that the enemy would
reporting large increases in bird numbers take control of the Channel at its narrowest
These show just how connected people are attracted by the overwintering stubble. point and that would provide ‘a natural
with our cause, particularly where there is a We’ve already created wider field margins preliminary for invasion’. He made several
strong emotional link. for all sorts of wildlife, including ground- visits to Dover with ministers and senior
Donations came from all areas of the nesting birds, and there was a noticeable members of the armed forces from the UK
country, and our efforts received recognition increase in the song of the skylark in spring. and overseas to reinforce his point of view.
the world over, confirming the White Cliffs’ Our long-term ambition is to increase The structures are well-preserved, and
status as iconic and truly internationally the size of the area managed as grassland we have begun the task of securing these
known. During the BBC Breakfast’s Facebook abutting the cliff edge, but whatever the precious monuments by working with
live stream on the day that the successful future, the land is now a place dedicated to local contractors and an enthusiastic and
achievement of the appeal was announced, nature and for people to enjoy. skilled band of volunteers. Many of these
comments of support came from such volunteers bring with them the experience
places as Perth in Australia, Guatemala in and knowledge gained from the Fan Bay
Central America and even Chitwan in Nepal. Churchill’s legacy deep shelter project that was realised in
2015 and is now a much-loved and thriving
Many people associate the cliffs with times visitor attraction. The two Sound Mirrors
Creating a haven for wildlife of happiness and homecoming but they uncovered as part of the project date from
do also evoke memories of some of the the First World War and just after (1917 and
We are currently discussing with Natural darker moments in our nation’s past. The
England and our own Wildlife & Countryside site contains a number of Second World War
and Food & Farming advisers how much of structures and buildings that are significant The 15-inch gun ‘Clem’ (after Clementine
Churchill) fires in the distance. The image is
the land should be reverted to permanent to the overall narrative of British history, taken from where ‘Jane’ is sited. © Photographer
grassland, and how much might remain including the remains of heavy artillery unknown.
Shared landscapes Views 15The White Cliffs are a far more tranquil place Who will help us with our ambition? Trust’s protective ownership transforms the
today. It is being transformed into a place fortunes of these vital, internationally valued
dedicated to nature and for people to enjoy.
© National Trust Images/James Dobson Natural England chose the White Cliffs of landscapes.’
Dover as the setting for the launch of the
south-east section of the England Coast
1920). They became scheduled ancient Path, and during the appeal, messages For everyone?
monuments in 2016, and although the of support came in from the Kent Downs
Wanstone battery is listed in the Dover AONB, Kent Wildlife Trust and local The generosity of members and supporters,
District Heritage Strategy as a key heritage authorities, including Dover District Council which Sir John wrote about, is as strong
asset, it is noted at the same time that it and St Margaret’s Parish Council. We will today as it has ever been. While all our places
has no legal protection, without official continue to work closely with these partners are held ‘for the benefit of the Nation’, the
designation. and other organisations, such as Canterbury White Cliffs may be one of very few with
As reminders of a time when a nation’s Archaeological Trust, the Imperial War which so many people identify, whether
resolve was tested to extremes, we must not Museum and Operation Nightingale, in order they reside in this country or abroad, and
take lightly the responsibility that comes to realise our ambition. Senior members whatever their cultural relationship to the
with preserving such monuments, and of national AONBs held their annual field UK. The cliffs have been a rallying sight and
to making them accessible to the public. trip at Wanstone and the White Cliffs in have embodied ‘for ever, for everyone’ for
The extent to which we do this will be in July, using it as an example of a much-loved the whole country long before the Trust
part dependent on the levels of funding heritage coast. As the director of Kent adopted the phrase. With our acquisition of
that we can secure, but our commitment Downs AONB, Nick Johannsen, said at the coastal hinterland, all are now able to see
in the regional coast strategy is to make time of the acquisition: ‘The White Cliffs and participate in looking after the White
‘the coast in London and the South East have historically had many land management Cliffs and help us make this former icon of
alive with reminders of our past, enabling issues: disparate ownership, low potential wartime into a haven for nature.
visitors to connect with the people who income from agriculture, urban fringe
have lived and worked there, and leaving damage and harm. Many organisations work
them feeling inspired’, and the Wanstone together to try to overcome these issues and
battery acquisition holds great potential for there have been successes, but it is quite
achieving this. clear from experience that the National
16 Views Shared landscapesKipscombe Farm: connecting farming,
habitats and people
Josey Field, Project Ranger, Kipscombe & Watersmeet, Devon
K
ipscombe Farm is a 357ha hill farm The enclosed grazing is set out in six hand for at least the next three years. The
on the north Devon coast. Parts are large blocks of about 120ha, which span the reasons were the current political landscape
close to 300m above sea level, and landholding. Each block is split into smaller (potential loss of subsidy, upon which the
conditions can be challenging. Overlooking field structures by ageing Devon banks or farm currently relies), the Trust’s Land,
the Bristol Channel to the north and the wind-battered hedges, which are beginning Outdoors and Nature (LON) programme
Watersmeet Valley to the south, the land to crumble and become less stock-proof; (many opportunities to improve the farm’s
undulates sharply: precipitous cliff edges in fact ‘ranch’ might be more descriptive nature status) and a team keen to take on a
drop away to the sea on one side, while the of the farm in its current state. Even where farm.
land cascades into the sessile oak woodland the boundaries are stock-proof, some of the General Manager Rob Joules sourced
of Watersmeet on the other. fields are enormous, at more than 8ha. £140,000 of funding for a three-year project
The farm itself is a mixture of enclosed The Trust had always let the farm, but to: (1) develop a sustainable, nature-friendly
grazing (semi-improved and dry acid in March 2017, with a change of tenancy, a farming system; (2) improve the habitat
grassland), surrounded by dry acid review was conducted into its future. Many and wildlife value of the farm; (3) build
heathland, coastal heath and bracken slopes. options were considered, including: taking connections with local communities, farmers
The soil is mostly acidic, free-draining, the farm fully in-hand; re-letting fully to a and visitors. In January 2018 a project team
sandy loam, which in winter is resilient to tenant; or keeping the buildings in-hand and was assembled to deliver these goals.
‘poaching’ (the heavy puddling caused by re-letting the land. After a full Land Choices
livestock), but in summer dries very quickly. assessment, as well as a Phase 1 habitat Kipscombe Farm, looking out over some of the
The top layer is thin and prone to run-off. survey and soil sampling (thanks to the 2016 enclosed fields to the heathland beyond. Our herd
of Exmoor ponies, along with longhorn cattle and
Much of the farm’s land is designated a Site Academy Ranger group), it was decided Exmoor horn sheep, will help achieve our grazing
of Special Scientific Interest. that Kipscombe would be taken back in- goals. © National Trust/Josey Field
Shared landscapes Views 17Hedges and walls in
their current state.
© National Trust/
Josey Field
Connecting farming to nature i.e. breeding robust native varieties of sheep ecological food chain (birds, bats, butterflies
(Exmoor horn) and cattle (English longhorn) and other invertebrates and mammals,
As mentioned, the farm has relied heavily on that can be kept out all year, and by selling etc.). Additionally, stocking density across
government subsidy. In the past it had been our produce straight to source wherever the wider heathland will be reduced and
overgrazed, with as many as 1,500 sheep on possible, through meat boxes and in our managed more systematically to help
the holding. While much of the heathland is café. Both actions help us to preserve native manage the bracken and heathland structure.
in an ‘unfavourable-recovering’ condition, breeds, connect directly with local suppliers
some priority habitat has been lost and and consumers, and help our financial
bracken slopes are beginning to predominate margins. Connecting wildlife to habitat
– all issues which we hope to address by Secondly, sustainable farming means
implementing a sustainable farming system. using livestock both to create and maintain Using grazing animals to improve the
So what is a sustainable farm and how healthier habitats on the farm. When quality of existing habitats is important,
does it connect with our nature conservation the farm was taken back, the permanent but so too is creating more and better-
goals? Firstly, it means being economically pasture and heathland was in a declining connected priority habitat. Much of the farm
sustainable; liberated from the ties of state. By implementing a system of ‘mob is currently arranged in isolated ‘habitat
government subsidy, the livestock must grazing’ (high stocking densities, but low blocks’: a long coastal strip, bordered on
financially support themselves. Therefore stocking rates and moving stock frequently) each side by woodland, with blocks of
it is imperative that we add value wherever throughout the enclosed fields, we can enclosed permanent pasture surrounded
possible, and most especially to our meat. improve soil health, sward structure/ by heathland. All of which are fantastic
After lengthy discussions, we believe this can density, habitat value and stock health. This environments in themselves, but each type
be achieved by farming a low-input system, should lead to increases throughout the is unconnected, with very formal edges
18 Views Shared landscapesseparating them. As such, wildlife has very and visit us. Neighbouring farmers, for paths, we hope to increase opportunities for
few corridors to move along. Furthermore, instance, can help to make this project a engagement. Interactions with property staff
many of these habitats are, for want of truly landscape-scale venture. By making our and volunteers, and maybe some ‘hands on’
a better word, ‘monotats’; they are of a ‘brand’ of nature-friendly farming desirable activities, will allow us to share our ideas and
single structure and lacking in diversity and to them, through partnership working, messages about good farming practice and
dynamism. wildlife corridors would expand well wildlife conservation.
To rectify this, we’ve planned a programme beyond the Trust’s ownership. With Brexit
of tree planting and grazing: (1) the planting poised to change the landscape of farming,
of large shelter belts will, as well as separate there is an opportunity to reach out. For Concluding thoughts
fields, also provide shelter for livestock and instance, the funding for this project was set
wildlife alike, form wildlife corridors across intentionally low to provide an example of Written at the beginning of our project, this
fields and reduce run-off of soil and nutrients; how establishing a low-input, nature-friendly is as much a speculative piece as anything
(2) block-planting to create wood-pasture, farming system could be a financially viable else. It is my hope that in three years I can
thus creating a double-layering of habitat that option for a family business. write an article to report the progress we
is more relevant to a greater variety of wildlife; Nearby residents, children and have made in supporting farming, wildlife
(3) reduce grazing pressure in the combes business owners are important too, and and people at Kipscombe. The full force of
where we’ll plant more trees to grow wooded the Kipscombe LON project also aims to our changes probably won’t be felt for many
connections right across the farm; (4) grazing open meaningful conversations with them. years, as we all know nature’s concept of
the woodland edges, opening glades and By inviting local groups to help conduct time differs greatly from our own. However,
generally blurring the line between woodland surveys, volunteer on the farm, buy our if we start now I may be lucky enough to
and fields. organic meat or attend workshops, we can see some of our aims come to fruition in my
explain our management and why it matters, retirement.
making this project a success on the social
Connecting people to our cause landscape as well as the physical one.
Visitors are perhaps the hardest group to
All this work would be short term and reach, purely because they are transient. By
Andrew, our stockman, and Bob, one of our
isolated if we don’t somehow manage to creating a ‘farm hub’, including workshop ‘Farm Thursday’ volunteers, making much needed
make it meaningful to those who surround space, and a network of new permissive repairs. © National Trust/Bob Walters
Shared landscapes Views 19Living the dream: renewable energy projects
in north-west Wales
Keith Jones, Environmental Practices Adviser, Wales
T
he National Trust in Wales has been
using its expertise in renewable
energy generation to help rural
communities generate their own energy and
an income.
The area we focused on, north-west
Wales, is a candidate World Heritage Site
famed the world over for its slate mines.
It really is beautiful here, but a community
can’t simply live off the view. Using the
natural resources – hills and plenty of
water – for renewable energy, we can
help them realise one more benefit of
living among such splendour. ‘Splendour’
is no exaggeration for the landscape is
more than a mere utility; Snowdonia, for
example, is a designated National Nature
Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest,
Special Area of Conservation and a Ramsar
site – a perfect storm of designations,
some might suppose, that would hinder
development. To date, however, we have
enabled, facilitated and signposted four became an enabler and supporter to the The National Trust (Rosie and Linda in the
major renewable energy projects, which are project. foreground) gave training to community energy
companies on claiming income from generated
wholly owned by their communities. These Three years later the Anafon Community electricity. © National Trust/Keith Jones
generate not only sustainable energy, but Hydro was switched on. Some funding was
also sustainable income for what can be raised via a community share offer and this
quite poor communities. By assisting them £1 million hydro became the first of a few day, switched on by an MP in one valley and
to become masters of their own destiny, community energy schemes in the area a Welsh Assembly member in the other.
we are also growing confidence in their highlighted by the Trust as possibilities. The Trust team have been unbelievable
ability to sort their own problems and seize The Trust receives a commercial rent for in supporting this project in their own time.
opportunities. The benefits go both ways the Abergwyngregyn land it leases to the Volunteering after work and at weekends as
as the Trust is now relevant to communities community hydro, and the now established project managers, client engineers, business
beyond its boundaries, which aids further community-benefit society of Anafon support, arborists – the list goes on and
relationship-building such as the Penrhyn Hydro (co-operative) has also committed on. There is such a wealth and depth of
Castle transformation project which follows to donate a significant sum for catchment expertise in the Trust; when working for it,
on the heels of the Bethesda community management to the Trust once the hydro is it’s easy to take this for granted, but then
hydro, albeit with a different approach. paid off. something like this project causes you to see
your colleagues afresh, and it is amazing. All
this support has allowed us to make a real
Starting with a discussion Two more hydros follow difference in ‘places where people live’, to
quote the Strategy, and to present the Trust
Where did this all start? Following the Following the success of the Anafon in a different light to these communities.
very successful development of the £1.3 community hydro, the Trust also identified
million National Trust Snowdon Hydro, we and supported the development of hydros in
wanted to share what we had learnt. We the communities of Bethesda and Llanberis, UK recognition
opened a discussion with the community both of which were 100 per cent funded
of Abergwyngregyn on the possible through a community share offer. What was The next phase of this work was to see if the
development of a community hydro scheme so positive was that most of this funding electricity generated from these renewable
on the Anafon river. This was initially came from within 15 miles of the projects, systems could actually be supplied to people
expected to be a partnership as the Trust and the shares sold out in six weeks. Both in the communities and help those most in
owned part of the catchment above the communities supported each other during need. Again the Trust played an enabling role
village, but it soon became obvious that the marketing to the point of even launching through the establishment of a ‘network’
ahead of us was a legal minefield and so we both hydros at the same second on the same of community energy companies it works
20 Views Shared landscapesYou can also read
