Final Consultation - Have Your Say
The Future Conservation of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal – Have Your Say
The World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, is in the final stages of its management plan update which will guide the conservation and care of the estate for the next six years, as well providing guidance on access. The final plan will be ready to be implemented from the autumn and now is the time to have your say!
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) is
the World Heritage Site designating body and recommends that all World Heritage
Sites have management plans. The draft version of Fountains Abbey and Studley
Royal’s new management plan for 2008-13 has been compiled following 12 months
of public consultation, during which we asked for your ideas to help us update
the plan. We hope the draft has captured all your thoughts and observations so
far.
The National Trust and English Heritage would like to invite people to take part
in the final consultation period from July until the end of September 2008. We
would like you to read the draft version of the management plan and tell us what you think.
If you have friends or family who don’t have internet access they can still have their
say as copies of the plan and a shorter summary document can be found at various
locations including Fountains Abbey, Ripon Library, Harrogate Library, the North
Yorkshire County Council mobile library service and the Nidderdale AONB office,
during normal opening hours.
General Manager of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Chris Fowler said: “Over
the past year local people have told us why the site is special to them; made
it clear that conservation of the historic and natural environment is very important
and that maintaining the peace and tranquillity of the site is paramount. We are
very excited about entering this new phase of conserving the site and extending
opportunities for everyone to join in the conservation of the site and to enjoy
its fascinating history”.
The writing of the new management plan has followed guidance set down by UNESCO,
and contains four key components; the six year action plan, a statement of significance,
which states what people value about the site and why, rolling objectives that
are designed to be effective for the next 30 years and the vision for the future
conservation and management of the site. The Vision for Fountains Abbey and Studley
Royal is for it to be a place where all the elements of the World Heritage Site
can be enjoyed by everyone whilst maintaining the spirit of place and conserving
its peaceful beauty. All the documents will be available for public comment during
the final consultation process.
Our review of the 2001 – 2007 action plan highlighted the many conservation and
access projects that have been successfully delivered within this period, such
as the restoration of Galand Bridge in the Water Garden and the introduction of
an audio tour of the abbey which is available in several different languages. As
a result of this review, and new knowledge and experience that has emerged throughout
2001 – 2007, we have identified a variety of themes for the updated management
plan. These include water management, adapting to climate change, the management
of the historic parkland and its associated ancient and veteran trees, and the
maintenance and improvement of wildlife habitats.
We accept the challenge that the new plan for the site must take account of climate
change, be environmentally aware and seek to improve links with the local community
and our partners. It must also reflect that Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
is a special place, loved for generations. It is a place of calm reflection,
of delight and exploration for those who come to discover it now and in the future.
Keith Emerick, Inspector of Ancient Monuments at English Heritage said: "One
of the great successes of the first management plan was the role played by the local
community. It is just as important for local people to have their say this time
around. We know that the local community have a great pride in this site as well
as a unique understanding of the needs of the surrounding area. By having your
say now, you can help ensure that the management plan recognises the Abbey's local as
well as its international importance”.
Taking the Pleasure Gardens of 1781 as its core and inspiration, Fountains Abbey
and Studley Royal possesses many layers of an extraordinary history that has shaped
the abbey, the parkland, the Skell Valley, the rural setting, and extended further
afield to other landscapes. Now is the time to voice your opinion on the future
of this special place so we hope you can take the time to read the draft version
of the management plan and we look forward to receiving your comments.
- Click here to view the draft version of the management plan.
- Click here to view a site map of the estate.
- Click here to complete a comments form.
