*Deadline extended to the 7th September* In 2015 we widely consulted on a new Land Management Plan that covered the 5-year period; April 2016-March 2021. This plan is coming to an end soon and work is underway on an updated plan for April 2021-March 2026.
To help inform this work, Malvern Hills Trust (MHT) would welcome your help and specifically your thoughts on:
- The Land Management Plan document
- The land management that has been delivered since April 2016
- Possible improvements for the next 5-year period
Have your say by completing our short consultation questionnaire. Please downloaded and save one of these documents (Word or PDF) to your computer, enter your comments, then email your questionnaire by the 15th August to jonathan@malvernhills.org.uk. Deadline for responses is 7th September.
Land Management Plan Consultation Questionnaire (Word doc)
Land Management Plan Consultation Questionnaire (PDF)
You may wish to refer back to our current Land Management Plan which you can find here but we've provided a summary of the existing Land Management Plan (LMP) below.
Please do not provide representations on the MHT constitution, easement process, the precept nor any other item unrelated to land management. These should be emailed separately to info@malvernhills.org.uk
Thank you for taking the time to help us in planning future land management of the Hills and Commons.
Our Land Management Plan
The Land Management Plan (LMP) is a document written to guide the land management work of the Malvern Hills Trust (MHT).
It details the framework in which MHT’s work sits, describes the land we care for, evaluates what’s important, identifies objectives and programmes the work necessary to achieve those objectives. It should therefore provide a transparent link between theory and legislation, and the practical tasks undertaken on the ground. It is a working document intended for those managing MHT land, but it is also made publicly available here.
Key achievements of the LMP 2016-2021
The Trust’s work focusses on its legal duties relating to public access and conservation of the landscape. Particular achievements since 2016 include:
Public access
- Upheld 1200ha (3000acres) open to the public and maintained an array of access infrastructure (steps, benches, signs, car parks etc).
- Created and waymarked several permissive routes for cyclists to improve the cycling network. Produced a ‘cycling and walking guide’ to ensure everyone knows where to go.
- Improved access for families and less-able visitors by upgrading sections of path (>2km) to make them more buggy and tramper-friendly.
Landscape, natural and cultural heritage
- Maintained a fantastic range of 14 priority habitats including ponds, lowland mixed woodlands and species-rich pastures through a range of land management, such as livestock grazing and coppicing.
- Gained nationally important ‘Sites of Special Scientific Interest’ status for our hay meadow on Malvern Common.
- Increased the number of geological sites in good condition from 9 to 16 helping scientists and students study part of Earth’s history.
- Restored 10 ha of secondary woodland to open habitats creating views, revealing archaeology and supporting rare wildlife.
- Repaired damage to the archaeology of British Camp – one of the finest hillforts in the country.
- Increased land under our care by 11 hectares including some strategic in-bye land purchases that will aid the management of key sites including Castlemorton Common.
