SECTION 3.0 - Durham County Council

• Paragraph 14 Species protection - Local planning authorities should take
measures to protect species from further decline.
• Natural Areas in the North East Region, English Nature, (1999).
This document promotes
the conservation of wildlife and natural features
throughout the North East of England. It highlights how England is divided into a
series of Natural Areas based upon the distribution of wildlife and natural features,
land use patterns and the human history of each area. Natural Areas are based
upon j oint work with the former Countryside Agency into the characterisation of the
countryside into locally distinctive units called character
areas. The document
indicates that natural areas offer a more effective framework for the planning and
achievement of nature conservation objectives
than administrative boundaries and
are recognised in planning policy. County Durham contains parts of several Natural
Areas including the North Pennines, Northumbria
Coal Measures, Tees Lowlands
and the Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau Natural Areas. For key themes
including earth heritage, freshwater, inland rock, bog fen and swamp, woodland,
lowland grassland and heath, upland grassland and heath, maritime areas
the
document describes key features of each area and includes key issues and
objectives. • North Pennines
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Geo-
diversity Audit and Action Plan, 2004-2009, North Pennines AONB
Partnership, (2004).
The
principal aim of this plan is to guide the conservation and interpretation of the
geological features of this world renowned area for the study of earth science. It
is
also
intended to support the development of sustainable ‘geo-tourism’ in the North
Pennines, as part of the North Pennines AONB Partnership Staff Unit’s work as
managers of the European Geo-Park status for the AONB.
The Action Plan sets out a vision, “By 2014, the variety of geological features
and
processes that underpin and influence the landscape, biodiversity and culture
of
the North Pennines AONB will be well protected and well managed. This means
that the most important and typical sites and features are recognised
and
conservation measures are in place. Those sites and features that
have played the
most important roles in the development of geological science or in the cultural
heritage of the North Pennines have been consolidated and interpreted.
Management plans for these features are in place and are working
well. The way
the geology of the North Pennines is reflected in its buildings and walls is well
understood and appreciated. Through caring for the area’s geology and realising
its potential for tourism, education and lifelong learning, the AONB has
successfully maintained its status as a European Geo-Park”. The main objectives
of this Geo-diversity Audit and Action Plan can be summarised as:
• To raise awareness of the fundamental importance of geo-diversity in the
sustainable management of the North Pennines AONB.
• To improve knowledge and understanding of the geo-diversity resources
within the AONB.
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