The Stiperstones and Corndon Hill Country Landscape Partnership Scheme aims to ensure the area is recognised as a centre of industrial heritage, with local people and visitors better understanding the impact of lead, copper and barytes mining and quarrying on local communities, the villages and the land. The scheme will work jointly in England and Wales without being bound by administrative boundaries, and will also explore the rich heritage of over 700 years of border conflict and strife.

Shropshire Councillor Heather Kidd from Chirbury said: "This is fantastic news for our very special rural communities.  I can only thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for their support.  It will make a huge difference to us."

Anne Jenkins, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the West Midlands, said: "Spanning 168km2 on the Welsh English border, is this wonderful open landscape between the Shropshire Hills and Powys. Characterised by the distinctive upland ridges of the Pontesford-Linley fault, the area is rich in prehistoric, medieval and industrial history. Landscapes have been inspiring people for centuries, whether that be through poetry writing, photography, rambling, riding a bike or just simply enjoying the view. With this HLF award under the ground-breaking Landscape Partnership Scheme, we can protect the UK's special natural environment and help local communities take care of the open spaces around them."

Development funding of £93,800 has been awarded for the first twelve months to enable the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership and partners from both sides of the Welsh- English border to progress their plans to apply for a full grant next year. If successful, the five year delivery phase of the scheme will bring into the area a total of £1.75million of extra funding.

A range of activity will be delivered through the scheme, including restoration of mining relics, improved conservation management of wildlife habitats, better cross-border access and interpretation, promotion of local products and services, training and an apprentice programme in traditional skills, recording memories of older people in the area and work with schools.

 Notes to editors 

¹ A Landscape Partnership (LP) earmarked first-round pass means that money has been set aside by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the scheme in question. Competition at this stage is tough, and while it does not guarantee funding, it is an indication of positive support. The applicant then progresses to the second round and submits a further, fully-developed application to secure the full award.  This early level of strong financial commitment means that LPs can build strong partnerships with the assurance that funding for their scheme is in place provided that their final proposals fully meet the programme's criteria.  For more information, please call Katie Owen, HLF press office, on 020 7591 6036/07973 613820.    

² HLF’s Landscape Partnerships are helping bring together members of the community as well as local, regional, and national organisations to deliver schemes which benefit some of the UK’s most outstanding landscapes and rural communities.  Grants range from £250,000 up to £2m.  The next closing date for LP applications is 28 February 2012.  

Further information 

Clare Fildes, Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership, Shrewsbury Road, Craven Arms SY7 9NZ
01588 674 080 or  shaonbo@shropshire.gov.uk

The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of 40 AONBs in England & Wales.  This designation is recognition of the national value of the area’s landscape, and brings duties on local authorities to conserve and enhance its natural beauty.  Covering 23% of the county, the Shropshire Hills AONB extends from the Wrekin to the Clun Forest and from the Stiperstones to the Clee Hills.  It is a diverse and tranquil area, with rugged hills, rolling pastoral fields, woods and meadows, picturesque villages and historic buildings, hillforts and ancient monuments.

The management of the AONB is guided by a statutory Management Plan produced by the Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership which comprises 5 local authorities, 31 other organisations and independent community members. The AONB staff team are funded by the Countryside Agency and the local authorities, and work with others to implement the AONB Management Plan. Shropshire County Council acts as host authority for the AONB Partnership. The Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership plays three main roles:

• to develop policy and strategy for the area especially through the AONB Management Plan, and influence the policies and strategies of others;
• to take and co-ordinate action to conserve and enhance natural beauty, promote enjoyment and understanding, and further sustainable development; and
• to support the involvement of the community in the management of the AONB.