The North Devon Case

1. Biosphere Reserves and Development The North Devon Case

2. Development • Economic Development • Economic Capital • Circulation of finance • Regional Spatial Planning • Social development • Social Capital • Changes in attitudes • Education • Changes in systems

3. Introduction to North Devon Biosphere Reserve • Zones • Core area; • Buffer • Transition • Governance • Delivery

4. Our Biosphere Reserve • The core area - Braunton Burrows SAC

5. the Buffer Area • The Taw/ Torridge Estuary - Northam Burrows, Braunton Great Field, Braunton Marsh, saunton Down, Croyde. • Also has some statutory protection (SSSI / AONB).

6. The Transition Area • River Catchments • Lundy Island

7. Total 3850 sq km Population: C 150,000

13. Development activity in North Devon • Economic Strategy 2020 • Projects • Branding • Tourism • Broad Business support • LEADER4 • £3.8M • Range of small development projects

14. North Devon Sustainable Economic Strategy Environmental degradation Step change projects Business as usual Sustainable economic development GDP

15. Tourism Infrastructure • Tarka Trail Cycle way: • £7.5M contribution annually to economy • Surfing in North Devon • £52M contribution to the local economy • 80% of visits largely or wholly stimulated by the landscape and environment.

16. Developing the Tourism Infrastructure • Sub regional guides • Combe Martin Trails • 10 Cultural Trails • Guided Walks • Easy Access Audit + Walks • Environmental arts activities (Appledore Arts, North Devon Festival)

17. Maintaining Quality • Recreation and Access • The Biosphere Reserve Team operates a free registration scheme for fast leisure craft in the Taw Torridge Estuary - supporting the District Councils in developing safe and sustainable access to the water

18. Biosphere Reserve and AONBSample Tourism Projects • Local Food Safari • Farmers Market • Green Tourism Business Scheme training • Bedroom Browser folders with AONB and BR info

19. Slowing down

20. Tarka Trail Regional Route • Follow the route of Tarka the Otter • 180 miles • 7 to 9 days • 2500 users • Figure of 8 route • Barnstaple over Exmoor • Round the coast • Cycle walkway to Barnstaple • Cycle walkway Torridge Valley • Source of 2 Rivers • Down Taw Valley • Rail link to Integrate public transport

21. Continuous Improvement • Seeking Access improvements • £60k secured from SWCP association for Watermouth Improvement. • Ongoing upgrading of infrastructure.

22. Following the recent Interpretation Strategy for the whole Biosphere area. Support for innovative projects Explore North Devon Developing a DIY guided stay pack Local walks leaflets. Explore Braunton Node Explorers Qualified Guides Tarka Trail update North Devon Festival Walking Festival More continuous improvement

23. To see a change in behaviour and reward that change in all business sectors To share the benefits and costs of having a great environment To be light on bureaucracy To avoid brand competition Our aims for the Biosphere Reserve Accreditation

24. To develop an accreditation system for all sectors 3 Tier approach Use existing accreditation A values system not geographic Flexible Our approach

25. Logo remains the property of the Biosphere Reserve 2 year free trial to evaluate the scheme Can not rest at tier 1 for more than 2 years. Ultimately seek re-investment in the Biosphere Reserve Our (suggested) conditions

26. Biosphere Reserve Sustainable Tourism Successes • The area is now a focal point for walking and cycling and other activity-based tourism. • The economic benefits have been spread over a wide cross-section of the local community, and not restricted to big operators or corporate businesses. • The tourism season has been expanded at both ends into the shoulder periods as more visitors come at these times to enjoy the activities.

27. Orchards Grant Scheme 46 Landowners given on-site orchard advice 490 new trees to be planted this winter Biodiversity Action Plan Habitats and Species

28. Catchment Sensitive Farming • Reducing the nitrate and bacteriological loading in the rivers (and beaches) • Savings for farmers • Reduced losses of fertilizer (£5K on average) • Reduced risk

29. Educational Economy • Developing ESD resources within schools – encouraging schools to use the local environment as an inspirational learning tool. • SD Module at Foundation Degree level at North Devon College. • Supporting Biosphere Schools project (£100k project developing “virtual field trips and online resources” • Supporting “Eco school”

30. Bideford College • Influencing and supporting educational development • Stimulus for regeneration • Develop a low carbon economy

31. Regional Development • Local development Framework • Biosphere Reserve is a key policy driver • Development locations • Impact • Style • Sustainable housing standards • Materials • Sources • Social Housing sector settlement design • Climate Change Proofing • Supporting regional energy projects

32. Social development • Changing attitudes • Engagement • Tree Planting Record attempt • Big Beach Clean • Arts as an engagement tool.

33. Benefits • Difficult to quantify financially • LAs Invest c £150K into the Biosphere Reserve through Service • Return on investment estimated at 7:1 on direct projects and community involvement

34. Thanks for Listening Andrew.bell@devon.gov.uk