15 Mar New chair takes the helm

 The South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (National Landscape) Partnership has elected a new Chair, Peter Sandover, to champion the protected landscape.  He succeeds John Green who has held the post for the past four years.  Peter has been a member of the Partnership for several years as representative for voluntary organisations.

National Landscape Manager Roger English said “I would like to welcome Peter to this vital Chair role which ensures that the importance of the protected landscape to conservation and wellbeing is fully understood and supported. The National Landscape is one of the finest in the Country and a major draw to visitors and residents alike. I am confident Peter has the expertise to lead the Partnership as National Landscapes await the Government’s response to The Glover Landscapes Review consultation and are shortly to be rebranded as National Landscapes”

Architect and Community Engagement Consultant Peter from South Pool,  will lead the National Landscape Partnership which oversees the management of the National Landscape. It is an independent organisation made up of key stakeholders with a direct management role or interest in the National Landscape.

He said ”The National Landscape is important to both the environment and the economy of South Devon. I am hoping that in this role I will be able to raise the profile of the National Landscape and increase the strength of the designation through implementation of the current and next Management Plan. The staff unit is engaged in several important projects bringing additional funds into the area, influencing land use and helping to recover nature, including restoring populations of rare species.”

Retiring Chair John Green was thanked for his four years of dedication and presented with a framed picture of handmade glass bugs created by staff member Nicky Bailey. He said

“Peter has many years of relevant experience and the enthusiasm that will enable him to guide the Partnership, engage with local communities and raise the profile of the South Devon National Landscape.”

The Partnership meets three times a year and the next meeting is in June.