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Play your part in enhancing the character of our landscape

15/06/2010

The Landscape Partnership, formed after the successful award of funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), has got straight to work and is seeking the additional partners to become involved in developing the project.

The partnership will comprise representatives of a number of local organisations, community groups and regional bodies, including Durham Wildlife Trust and the Forestry Commission.  It is hoped to include those responsible for managing parts of the landscape in and around Barnard Castle and along the River Tees, representatives of the parish councils, and specialists from Durham County Council.  It will be an active partnership and those who are interested in joining, and feel they can contribute, should contact Barnard Castle Vision either via the website www.barnardcastlevision.co.uk or call 01833 696263.

Jo Bird, local resident and member of the Ramblers, hopes the project should increase the town’s chances of achieving Walkers are Welcome accreditation.  She said: “The whole community should be excited about this award.  Through this project more people will be able to understand, appreciate and enjoy the beautiful locality around Barnard Castle.  The proud history of our landscape and its character won’t be changed, it will be enhanced, and everything will be done with sustainability in mind.”

Town Cllr Roger Peat, who has been involved in developing a hay meadow in The Upper Demesnes in Barnard Castle, emphasised the importance of welcoming people into the partnership.  He said: “There has been some confusion, but this is not about laying hard paths through beautiful woods beside the River Tees.  Any improvements will be sensitive and appropriate to the setting.  If you know and love this landscape, please don’t sit back.  Join the partnership and play your part in directing the project for the benefit of the whole community.”

The Landscape Partnership should not be confused with the recent work carried out to improve specific pathways near the Castle in Barnard Castle, where it was appropriate to make the routes suitable for buggies as well as less physically able walkers and wheelchairs.

In May 2010, Barnard Castle Vision announced that the HLF has earmarked a first-round pass* for Barnard Castle Vision under its Landscape Partnership (LP) programme, to progress plans to develop, conserve and restore the landscape from Eggleston to Winston, including Barningham, Bowes and the River Greta.  As part of this award, HLF has awarded £87,000 of Development Funding to plan and prepare the full project bid and get the project underway.  Should the full project bid be successful, the full amount of nearly £2 million will be forthcoming.

The Landscape Partnership is supported by Barnard Castle Vision, the Barnard Castle Town Council and Durham County Council.  It is a five year project which incorporates four separate landscape programmes; conserving and restoring, increasing community participation, access and learning, and training and skills.