The Malvern Hills National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee was scheduled to discuss a range of topics including access enhancements, planning matters, and the organisation's budget and work programme for the upcoming year. The meeting's agenda also included updates on local environmental initiatives and information items.

Local Environment and Access Enhancements

A presentation was scheduled from Sue Haywood of the Little Malvern and Welland Parish Council Environment and Planning Group, focusing on local efforts to conserve and enhance the area for both nature and people.

Access for All in the National Landscape

The committee was set to receive a report from David Armitage, NL Partnership Assistant Manager, concerning efforts to improve access for everyone within the Malvern Hills National Landscape. This initiative aligns with the vision outlined in the Malvern Hills National Landscape Management Plan 2025-2030, which aims to ensure the landscape is a welcoming place for quiet, informal recreation, free from barriers to participation. The report was expected to cover the use of dedicated Access for All funding, which has supported projects such as the purchase of a disabled buggy, improved footpath surfaces, and the replacement of stiles with gates. The report was also to address challenges faced by ethnic communities in accessing green spaces, noting that issues raised often mirror those of other groups, including the provision of toilets and public transport. The report was also to touch upon the negative press coverage some National Landscapes have received regarding inclusivity initiatives. The committee was recommended to note the report's contents, discuss issues including the impact of misinformation, and provide ideas to David Armitage on how access funds for 2026/27 could be utilised.

Planning Matters

Catherine Laidlaw, NL Planning Officer, was scheduled to present a report on the development of Local Plans affecting the Malvern Hills National Landscape. A key focus was the Forest of Dean District Draft Local Plan, specifically the proposed Glynchbrook Garden Village development of around 3,500 houses. The Malvern Hills National Landscape (MHNL) team had submitted a response to the consultation, raising concerns that the evidence base did not sufficiently justify the scale of development in that location, given the sensitivity of the National Landscape and its setting. The response also highlighted potential inconsistencies with national policy and the legislative framework for protected landscapes, and the risk of soundness issues if the plan progressed on this basis. Specific concerns included the scale and location of growth, potential impacts on landscape and setting, evidence and assessment gaps, reliance on future master planning, and increased recreational pressure on the Malvern Hills SSSI¹.

The report was also to cover updates on the Herefordshire Local Plan, noting that work had paused on the previous draft and a new plan was being prepared, with Ledbury remaining a focus for growth. Additionally, the report was to address the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR), which had been adopted and was based on earlier housing requirement figures, with a further review anticipated to address increased national housing needs. The report was to highlight the ongoing uncertainty in plan-making due to national reforms and changes, and the increasing likelihood of development pressure across multiple plan areas. The MHNL team's engagement with planning policy officers and Natural England to address cross-boundary issues and impacts on the Malvern Hills SSSI was also to be mentioned.

National Landscape Budget and Outline Work Programme 2026/27

Paul Esrich, NL Partnership Manager, was scheduled to present the proposed budget and work programme for 2026/27. The core budget was expected to remain at £217,620, with £173,490 anticipated from Defra and £44,130 in match funding from local authorities including Herefordshire Council, Worcestershire County Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Forest of Dean District Council, and Gloucestershire County Council. The report was also to detail voluntary contributions from Parish and Town Councils, which add to the overall budget for delivering the Partnership's work programme.

The work programme for 2026/27 was to be centred around the implementation of the NL Management Plan, with key priorities including work towards meeting 30by30 targets², implementation of the Climate Change Adaptation Plan, delivery of Defra's Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme, and various Access for All improvements. The programme also included providing advice and support to landowners, assisting Natural England with a Protected Sites Strategy for the Malvern Hills SSSI, raising awareness and increasing participation, and participating in Local Development Plan reviews. Additional funding pots from Defra were also detailed, including significant amounts for the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme (£326,058), Access for All (£89,248), and capital grants (£123,079) for 30x30 work and investments. The committee was recommended to note the budget and comment on the overall direction and work priorities for the year ahead.

Information Items

This section of the agenda was to provide updates on various projects and initiatives. These included the completion of the FiPL budget for 2025/26, with a summary of completed projects to be updated. Capital funding for 30x30 works had supported management in six woodlands and the purchase of a robocut machine for the Malvern Hills SSSI. The reintroduction of the Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterfly, supported by a grant for habitat management, was also to be mentioned.

Other updates included the planting of native trees and shrubs in Suckley to connect areas of Ancient Semi Natural Woodland, funded by the Forestry Commission. Farm advisory work to support farmers into SFI schemes and register restored meadows as Priority Habitat Inventory grassland was also to be reported. Work had commenced on a water sampling project on the Whippets and Careys Brooks to inform management for endangered White-Clawed Crayfish. Natural Flood Management work, including the installation of leaky dams on Swinyard Hill, was also to be detailed. A Parkland Management Plan for Old Colwall was completed, with hopes for a future Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier application. Deer management support for local land managers was also to be noted.

Updates on volunteer work included efforts by the Earth Heritage Trust to manage geological heritage sites and the purchase of new mist nets for volunteers surveying bird species on Castlemorton Common. Finally, information on planning matters included the refusal of a solar farm application at Chapel Hill / Monksfield Farm due to landscape and highways impacts, and ongoing discussions regarding a reserved matters application at Cales Farm, where efforts were being made to improve the integration of green infrastructure.