Working Groups

In October 2004 the Partnership agreed to form a number of Working Groups to advise on and oversee implementation of the AONB Management Plan in certain topic areas.

Click below for information on the following working groups :

Recreation, Tourism & Products Development Group

The primary role of the Working Group will be to support the purposes of the AONB and the implementation of the Shropshire Hills AONB Management Plan in relation to recreation, tourism and products.  In particular the group will:

  • Examine issues relating to recreation, tourism and local products affecting the Shropshire Hills and guide AONB Partnership’s strategic approach on these issues.
  • Help to define actions required of partners, the AONB Partnership and other parties to achieve the aims of the AONB Management Plan, and help to implement or steer projects as appropriate.
  • Receive updates and exchange information on relevant activity to monitor delivery of the AONB Management Plan.
  • Provide a forum for discussion of issues related to recreation, tourism and products in the AONB, to aid co-ordination of work by range of organisations and build mutual understanding.

Following the formation by Shropshire Council of the Shropshire Hills and Ludlow Destination Development Partnership, it is intended that the AONB Working Group be merged with this new structure.  Further information on tourism related activity is available on our Sustainable Tourism Strategy page.

Click below to see minutes and presentations from previous meetings :

Farming Working Group

The primary role of the Working Group will be to support the purposes of the AONB and the implementation of the Shropshire Hills AONB Management Plan in relation to farming matters. The Group aims to :

  • Examine farming issues affecting the landscape of the Shropshire Hills (in particular the Single Farm Payment, Environmental Stewardship scheme and relevant market trends), and guide AONB Partnership’s strategic approach on farming issues.
  • Help to define actions required of partners, the AONB Partnership and other parties to achieve the aims of the AONB Management Plan, and help to implement or steer projects as appropriate.
  • Receive updates and exchange information on relevant activity to monitor delivery of the AONB Management Plan.
  • Provide a forum for discussion of issues related to farming and conservation in the AONB, to aid co-ordination of work by range of organisations and build mutual understanding.

Click below to read minutes from previous meetings:

Long Mynd-Stiperstones Working Group

The primary role of the Working Group will be to support the purposes of the AONB and the implementation of the Shropshire Hills AONB Management Plan in relation to matters affecting the Long Mynd – Stiperstones area.  The Group aims to :

  • Help to develop and deliver a sustainable future for the Long Mynd -Stiperstones area as a key part of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  • Help to define actions required of partners, the AONB Partnership and other parties to achieve the aims of the AONB Management Plan, and help to implement or steer local projects as appropriate.
  • Provide a forum, with good community and landowner representation, for discussion of conservation issues related to the area.
  • Aid co-ordination of conservation-related work by a range of organisations.
  • Advise the AONB Partnership on issues affecting the area.

Recent activity in this area has focused on development of a large project bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund, submitted in February 2011.  If the bid is successful, the Long Mynd-Stiperstones Group will be replaced by a new Partnership and Steering Group to oversee the project.  For further details on the proposed project click here.

Click below to read notes from previous meetings:

Historic Environment Discussion Group

The purpose of the Group is to provide a forum for the exchange of news and information for community groups working in the Shropshire Hills AONB. Practical support will also be given in the form of professional help and networking, advice, access to the AONB’s library and mapping facilities.

In particular, the Group will:

  • Provide feedback on current and future work;
  • Identify research opportunites within the AONB;
  • Pursue funding opportunities for work to promote the historic environment in the AONB and work with the AONB team to secure funding as is available;
  • Promote increased public awareness and understanding of historic environment issues and provide opportunities for public involvement.