The Hampshire Landscape - a Strategy for the Future (summary)

Implementing the guidelines

cows in fields Guidelines serve little purpose without effective action. So the strategy sets out ways in which the guidelines can be translated into effective action through policy, advice or change on the ground by all those involved in shaping the landscape.

Farming and the realities of farm economics have, over time, strongly influenced the way much of Hampshire’s countryside looks today. Landowners and farmers are in business and need to make their land profitable. The strategy will need to run in parallel with changes and reform in European and national policy such as the Common Agricultural Policy. It will also be necessary to introduce ways of helping farmers and landowners to bid more successfully for funding support; for example, helping them produce ‘whole-farm’ plans which are helpful in acquiring grants and payments such as the Countryside Stewardship scheme. The guidelines aim to ensure that the quality of the landscape is not an incidental by-product of agriculture, but that land management for environmental benefit is integrated with economic policy. farmyard

The strategy will also be effectively implemented through policy guidance in local plans and land management strategies, for topics as wide ranging as diversification of the rural economy (such as development for tourism and small businesses in the countryside); transport and communication links; and the siting of structures like telecommunication masts. Land management plans such as those for the South Downs, the Forests of Bere and Eversley, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Hampshire will be guided by this county-wide strategy. Finally, it will contribute towards raising awareness among the public to enable them to make an informed contribution to the process and take action themselves.

tourism in the countryside The strategy outlines a framework for action which recognises and builds on the work that is already being done by agencies, organisations, voluntary groups and individuals. It identifies the key players for partnership and long-term collaborative working and sets out mechanisms by which the guidelines can be implemented to achieve the strategy's aims. It also outlines the environmental schemes and grant aid available to help carry out action on the ground.

This page is part of the Hampshire Landscape Strategy (summary) - for specific enquiries about the strategy or to request your own copy, please contact landscape@hants.gov.uk

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