Introduction

In late Spring 2010 the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) approved funding of £87,200 for a Stage 1 project (the Development Stage) to focus on the landscape of Mid Teesdale, covering an area along the Tees Valley and River Greta: from Eggleston to Winston including Barningham, Bowes and Barnard Castle. This funding is to be used to develop a Stage 2 bid for nearly £2 million HLF money to be matched by other donors and a range of help in kind. The Stage 1 grant money was released by HLF after the general election and the remainder is being held until late 2011, during which time the Stage 2 bid has to be planned in detail, with a range of supporting evidence.

Reason for the Partnership

The initial bid was submitted by a small group dedicated to the conservation of the area, which they described as a 'lost' landscape outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines AONB. The area is, however, of equal beauty and has many notable features and associations, with historic and cultural sites that have been and continue to be of considerable appeal to scientists, artists and authors, as well as visitors from the locality and farther afield: William Wordsworth, Charles Dickens, Sir Walter Scott, John Sell Cotman, J.M.W Turner and the early photographer Elijah Yeoman, amongst others. The area is also vital for wildlife, containing valuable quality habitat of national and international importance.

Broad Objectives

To bring back into focus the unique characteristics of the area and to renew and conserve the views, the walks, rural and town features that make up the landscape as a whole. To focus on the historic landscape and its' impact upon creative artists and to see how the current state of the landscape can be renewed to inspire artists, residents, and other intrepid visitors today and in the future.

To involve the local community and increase the sense of pride and ownership, through a new volunteer group with local wardens to help with the renewal and care of important sites, adoption of views and sites of special interest and perhaps celebrations or 'festival' of the views.
To extend the Barnard Castle Landscape Appraisal across the whole area, bringing together the parishes, educational, social, environmental, and commercial bodies in support.
To ensure the longevity of the project by investing in education, skills and access.
To mirror HLF's objectives focus on heritage, landscape and environmental goals, noting concerns to focus funding on areas where deprivation occurs, particularly recognising the rural dimension.

Structure

The landscape partnership will incorporate all organisations and individuals who can contribute in some way to the project through their activity in the area, ownership of land, knowledge and skill, preparedness to help, or contributions of funds or in kind assistance. In the first year there will be an interim steering committee to oversee the Stage 2 bid, drawn from various interests and agencies, and supported by Barnard Castle Vision and Durham County Council who will provide funding, office, and support in kind. A Programme Development Officer and a Community Development Officer were appointed in August 2010 for one year to work with local communities and agencies to develop the bid.

Stage 1 Development: 2010 - 2011

The purpose of the initial funding is to prepare a Landscape Conservation Action Plan (LCAP), to work up the initial ideas and new projects with the community, and to prepare the formal bid involving:

Engagement with community, key stakeholders and specialist interests to strengthen the Partnership
Development of volunteer programme
Assessment of contribution of technology and learning, and development of a craft training scheme
Extension of the Barnard Castle Landscape Assessment to the full geographical area
Inventory and condition survey of historic buildings, structures and other features
Compilation, assessment and development of environmental and biodiversity plans and actions
Assessment of Sites of Special Scientific Interest, ancient woodlands and other natural sites
Specific project work and practical action on the ground

Stage 2 Implementation: 2010 - 2014

The partnership, through its' two staff, will work with local people to deliver projects outlined in the stage 2 bid document, and to make any changes and adjustments felt necessary in line with expectations. There are four key programme themes which the bid will develop, as required by HLF:

A. Conserving or Restoring
B. Increasing Community Participation
C. Access and Learning
D. Training and Skills