Probably the most frequently asked question since we were shortlisted for potential AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) designation back in June 2021 is ‘What is happening with AONB status for the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge’. Currently there’s actually little to report on this very detailed process but we will continue to update our Website with any fresh information, details of which can be found by following the links on the Toolbar CLICK HERE.
Natural England (NE) is the body that leads the process on behalf of DEFRA and the Government. They have already undertaken some preliminary work to become more familiar with the Sandstone Ridge, including two visits with their Senior Executives. At one visit, Marian Spain, the NE Chief Executive, was in attendance. The most recent visit was in June 2022, during which time NE asked to meet with representatives from our two Local Authorities, Cheshire West and Chester (CWAC) and Cheshire East (CEC), the National Trust, Bolesworth Estate and others. Both visits appeared to be positive but NE were keen to emphasise that potential AONB designation represents a ‘journey’, taking up to 2-3 years, and, at all times, a multiplicity of criteria have to be met, together with a raft of public consultations.
There are indications that the process is about to begin in earnest. NE have called a more formal meeting on 28 September 2022 to include representatives from the two Local Authorities and the Chair and Vice Chair of the SRT. We anticipate that NE will outline their plans and the broad timescale of the designation process. Once we have further information, we will keep you informed and look forward to sharing and discussing the various issues that are likely to arise. In the meantime, if you have any questions then please don’t hesitate to get in touch via info@sandstoneridge.org.uk
Although the AONB designation proposal has been an important milestone for us in recent months, the SRT has still managed to maintain other activities despite the significant challenges of the Covid pandemic and its immediate aftermath. Please take a look at our top stories and projects which are covered on our Website.
Can you help?
new and exciting project.
The Sandstone Ridge Trust is planning to introduce a community-led project that will involve groups and villages along the entire length of the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge, but we will need some assistance to develop an open-source Website and assistance in data entry procedures.
We’d like to record aspects of parish and other boundaries, including walls, gates, boundary stones and natural features, to name but a few.
You may have already seen one of our recent website articles on this topic CLICK HERE (for boundary markers).
The project will look at the history and relevance of boundaries, how they have evolved, as well as documenting historically important features.
We wish to crowd-source data collection, in other words, we need some form of open-source Website that project teams can log onto and contribute to the database on pre-set, linked forms.
Looking further forward, we would like to graphically display data and photos on a GIS platform.
Amongst the many talents of our volunteers and supporters, is there anyone out there who might be interested in taking on this role, or at least to talk to us to find out more?
We look forward to hearing from you. Please contact info@sandstoneridge.org.uk