Jo Traill Thomson September 2016 North Devon Landscape Pioneer, Dr Jo Traill Thomson M. 07775 704207 jo.traill-thomson@naturalengland.org.uk Jo Traill Thomson September 2016

What are the Pioneer’s for? Primary aim of Pioneers: Test the approaches and new ways of working outlined in the 25 YEP Framework. Test new tools and methods as part of applying a natural capital approach in practice Learn transferable lessons to inform the wider roll out of the full 25 YEP. Demonstrate a joined-up, integrated approach to delivery. Defra are also keen for the projects to test the interface between national and local level initiatives and explore innovative sources of finance. We have the ability to shape DEFRA and other government investment of resource and to use this alongside new funding sources to improve their environment for socio-economic gain;

25 Year Environment Plan Framework: key features We have the ability to shape DEFRA and other government investment of resource and to use this alongside new funding sources to improve their environment for socio-economic gain;

The 4 Pioneers will take place in 5 locations There is one based on a rural landscape setting in North Devon, an urban setting in Greater Manchester, a network of river catchments in Cumbria and a project on the marine environments, expected to be off the coasts of East Anglia and Devon. It is envisaged the Pioneers will have a maximum lifespan of 3-4 years, with major milestones for reporting on progress within 1-2 years so that they can inform the development of the 25YEP and future iterations of it We began scoping the Pioneer in June, and the Pioneers were formally announced at the end of August The Defra 25 Year Environment Plan Framework is anticipated to be published in December/ possibly the New Year Each Pioneer is led by an official from the Defra Group. The Environment Agency leading the Urban and Catchment Pioneers (with support from the EA programme manager), Natural England leading the landscape Pioneer and the leadership for the Marine Pioneer is still to be agreed.

Why North Devon? there’s a lot going on…. Where:The North Devon Pioneer will consider the landscape within the Biosphere  including the Taw and Torridge catchments. The Pioneer offers the opportunity to develop and demonstrate new thinking over a wide and distinctive landscape containing a range of designations, protected areas and wider projects. Existing strong leadership is already demonstrated within the Biosphere and the pioneer may be an opportunity to strengthen governance in particular with communities and the private sector. Fast paced, flexible and creative and building on existing good practice in North Devon.

The kinds of 5, 10 and 25 year outcomes we may want to work towards - A connected landscape (Lawton) – people connected to their landscape, to each other and ecological connectivity across the landscape (enabling private interests to better succeed and the public interest better met); Woodland creation and woodland management (WEZ) Farming and wildlife together again; a clearer relationship between environment and economy Improved biodiversity and access generating economic and social benefits to visitors/tourism economy & local people Better soils/higher fertility of farmland (soils) Improved water catchment avoid flood risk costs Shared delivery by farmers/land managers? Business productivity increased with improved freedoms and flexibilities (innovate planning mechanisms/106/CIL& generate fund Estuary restoration and realignment Communities reconnected with their natural capital, reduced health costs; reduced social isolation; improved local democracy and empowerment Improved water quality in rivers and fresh water ecosystems generates economic benefits to angling, tourism and salt water fisheries By the end of the first year we should have an improved understanding of what natural capital we have, what condition its in, who the beneficiaries are and what role natural capital plays in the economy of North Devon. The next steps will be to use the natural capital accounting framework to identify priority outcomes and develop innovative financing mechanisms (to invest in the natural capital associated with the local economy, businesses, communities and farming and sustainable land management). Coastal erosion management/coastal realignment

What we’re doing Stage 1: Oct 2016 – October 2017 Oct 16 - Dec 16 Building and agreeing the approach, plan of activities and resourcing plan Establishing the collaborative network & core working group Oct 16 – April 17 Developing the natural capital approach and accounting framework Natural capital mapping & drivers and pressures of change Financial mapping exercise April – Oct 17 An economic assessment of the best natural capital investment opportunities building on the mapping, accounting framework and pressures of change Agree baseline and preferred future options Stage 2: October 2017 ++ A shared natural capital investment plan Trial the use of innovative funding mechanisms Outcomes/ destination e.g. devolved delivery with funding from new and existing sources to deliver more efficient, more effective and better outcomes for our natural capital Understanding, commitment and delivery Financial mapping: Analysis of current spend on natural capital in north Devon by all bodies (NE, EA, FC, RPA, Defra, Utilities, NGOs, Local gov etc)

Biosphere task and finish groups and wider collaborative The who of the Pioneer Defra 25 Year Environment Plan Steering Group National Pioneer Board – Defra; 4 x Pioneer leads; Natural Capital Committee; Climate Change committee++ NE Strategy, Reform & Innovation; NE Chief Scientist Directorate; Specialist Services Programmes – Principal Economist; Natural Capital Specialists Defra Environmental Analysis Unit (EAU) & Earth Observation Centre of Excellence (EOCoEx) Pioneer working group: North Devon Biosphere Core Management Group (DCC, TDC, NDDC, Defra (EA), NGOs (DWT) plus AONB Locally working with and through existing groups – not creating anything new in North Devon. Biosphere task and finish groups and wider collaborative network (Biosphere Partnership, Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks, WRT, Woodland Trust, LNP, LEP, HWB, industry, Historic England, Network Rail, Met Office, RSPB, SWW, North Wycke, Exeter University/ SWEEP, Public Health, Community and Voluntary Sector ++)

The benefits of a natural capital approach What natural capital have you got? What does it do and for who? What is the value of the benefits? What are the pressures and drivers of change; how do they affect the state of your natural capital How do we manage it (for healthy functioning ecosystems for the long term and for people aswell as species) Its about conservation and restoration of our natural assets and a way of bringing the environment into decision making

The benefits of a natural capital approach….. demonstrates the need to look after our natural capital recognises natural capital underpins other capitals appeals to different people and sectors enables management for multiple benefits efficient use of limited resources opportunity to consider trade-offs potential new funding natural environment is taken into consideration in decision-making Its about conservation and restoration of our natural assets and a way of bringing the environment into decision making