Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) and the Great Ouse Valley Trust are pleased to announce a new partnership to commission a study exploring the potential benefits of establishing a self-designated landscape for the Great Ouse Valley in Huntingdonshire.
This collaborative initiative aims to assess the environmental, community and economic value of a designated landscape, enabling us to value the Valley’s unique character and ensure it is protected and cherished for generations to come.
The partnership is an important step towards delivering the vision set out in Huntingdonshire Futures, with a particular focus on achieving 'Pride in Place' by 2050. It forms part of HDC’s broader commitment to improving quality of life for residents and shaping a better future for Huntingdonshire.
Graham Campbell, Chairman of the Great Ouse Valley Trust, said: "We are delighted to be partnering HDC in this opportunity to put the Great Ouse Valley firmly on the map, so that we can ensure the landscape remains our landscape for life now, and for the generations to come."
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and a thorough selection process, the Council and Trust are pleased to appoint Arkwood Ltd as project consultants. Arkwood will develop a business case outlining the economic, environmental and social benefits of designating the Great Ouse Valley landscape, drawing on their extensive experience of developing and delivering strategy and design for landscapes, public realm and public open space.
Cllr Sarah Conboy, Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, said: "Partnering with the Great Ouse Valley Trust to explore the potential for a self-designated area reflects our commitment to the Huntingdonshire Futures place strategy. This work is about instilling Pride in Place and recognising the significant economic, environmental and health benefits that such a designation could bring. It’s a chance to shine a light on the remarkable natural landscape we have in Huntingdonshire and the opportunities it holds for our communities now and in the future.”
Jon Sheaff, founding director of Arkwood, said: "We are delighted to be able to support the partnership between Great Ouse Valley Trust and Huntingdonshire District Council in the process of developing a business case for the designation of the special Great Ouse Valley landscape. This aspiration is a major opportunity to address a significant regional gap in protected landscape provision in the east of England."
Both HDC and the Great Ouse Valley Trust are committed to ensuring that Huntingdonshire’s residents feel proud to live and work in such a distinctive and special area as the Great Ouse Valley.
Cllr Sarah Conboy and Graham Campbell