*Deadline not extended to 7th September* The deadline for the public to have their say on the ways in which the Malvern Hills and Commons are managed has been extended.
The Malvern Hills Trust, who own and manage 1,200 hectares of this special landscape, have opened a public consultation on their Land Management Plan, a document which guides the charity’s land management work.
Jonathan Bills, Conservation Manager said “Our land management work focusses on the conservation of this landscape, its natural and cultural heritage, and public access so we’d like to hear what people think is important to them.”
“The current plan, covers the period from 2016 to 2021 and as we prepare our new 5-year Land Management Plan, we’d like to hear people’s thoughts on what work they’d like to see us carry out.”
This important document details the framework in which the Trust’s work sits, describes the land they care for, evaluates what’s important, identifies objectives and programmes the work necessary to achieve those objectives.
“We’re particularly interested in hearing the public’s thoughts on the Land Management Plan document, the land management that has been delivered during the life of the current plan and the possible improvements for the next 5-year period.”
The deadline for those wishing to submit their comments by completing the short questionnaire has been extended to the 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.
