The Malvern Hills National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee was scheduled to discuss plans for enhancing access for all within the National Landscape, review local planning matters affecting the area, and consider the budget and work programme for the upcoming year. The meeting also included updates on various information items related to conservation and enhancement projects.

Access for All in the Malvern Hills National Landscape

A report was scheduled to be presented by David Armitage, NL Partnership Assistant Manager, concerning efforts to improve access for everyone in the Malvern Hills National Landscape. This initiative aligns with the vision outlined in the Malvern Hills National Landscape Management Plan 2025-2030, which aims to ensure the area is welcoming and accessible to all, challenging discrimination and removing barriers to participation. The report was expected to highlight the importance of this goal, referencing the government's recognition of unequal access to nature, particularly for those in deprived areas, ethnic minorities, and younger people, as stated in the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025.

Past efforts, supported by over £210,000 in dedicated Access for All funding from Defra, have included the purchase of a disabled buggy, improvements to footpath surfaces and disabled parking, the replacement of stiles with gates, and the provision of equipment for visually impaired walking groups. While this specific funding programme concluded on 31 March 2026, further funding of £89,248 is anticipated for 2026/27. The report was also set to address challenges faced by ethnic communities in accessing green spaces, noting that some of these issues, such as the provision of toilets and public transport, mirror concerns raised by other groups. The report was expected to touch upon recent negative press coverage regarding efforts to make the countryside more inclusive, which had led to some public backlash. The committee was recommended to note the report, discuss arising issues, and contact David Armitage with ideas for the use of access funds for 2026/27.

Planning Matters

Catherine Laidlaw, NL Planning Officer, was scheduled to provide an update on local planning matters affecting the Malvern Hills National Landscape. This included a review of the Forest of Dean District Draft Local Plan consultation, to which the Malvern Hills National Landscape (MHNL) team had submitted a response. A key concern raised was the proposed allocation of Glynchbrook Garden Village, a development of approximately 3,500 houses situated adjacent to the National Landscape's southern boundary. The MHNL team's response, supported by a review from consultants One Creative Environment, argued that the evidence base for this allocation was not proportionate or robust enough, citing potential harm to the National Landscape's character, setting, and views, as well as increased traffic, lighting, and noise. Concerns were also raised about the lack of comprehensive assessments for landscape and visual effects, cumulative change, and the potential for increased recreational pressure on the Malvern Hills SSSI¹.

The report was also to cover the ongoing development of the Herefordshire Local Plan, with Ledbury identified as a focus for growth, potentially impacting the setting of the National Landscape. Additionally, the recently adopted South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR) was to be discussed, noting that an upcoming review would likely be necessary to address increased national housing requirements, potentially intensifying pressure on the National Landscape. The report was expected to highlight the context of national planning reforms, increased housing targets, and local government reorganisation, which are creating uncertainty but also a clear direction towards accelerated development. The MHNL team's engagement with local planning authorities and Natural England to address cross-boundary issues and impacts on the Malvern Hills SSSI was also to be mentioned. The committee was recommended to note the report and discuss any arising issues.

National Landscape Budget and Outline Work Programme 2026/27

Paul Esrich, NL Partnership Manager, was scheduled to present the proposed budget and work programme for 2026/27. The core budget was expected to remain at £217,620, with £173,490 anticipated from Defra and £44,130 in match funding from local authorities including Herefordshire Council, Worcestershire County Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Forest of Dean District Council, and Gloucestershire County Council. Voluntary contributions from Parish and Town Councils were also to be detailed, with a total of £2,050 noted for 2025/26.

The work programme for 2026/27 was to focus on implementing the NL Management Plan, with key priorities including work towards meeting 30by30 targets (conserving 30% of the country for biodiversity by 2030), particularly in woodlands; implementing the Climate Change Adaptation Plan, with a focus on Natural Flood Management; delivering Defra's Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme; and continuing Access for All improvements. The programme also included providing advice and support to landowners, assisting Natural England with a Protected Sites Strategy for the Malvern Hills SSSI, raising awareness and increasing participation, contributing to Local Development Plan reviews, and providing training to Local Planning Authority officers. Additional funding pots were expected from Defra for the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme (£326,058), Access for All (£89,248), and capital grants (£123,079) for 30x30 work and investments. The committee was recommended to note the budget and comment on the work priorities for the year ahead.

Information Items

The meeting was also scheduled to cover various information items, providing updates on completed and ongoing projects. These included the conclusion of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) budget for 2025/26, with a summary of completed projects to be published. Capital funding had supported management works in six woodlands and the purchase of a robocut machine for the Malvern Hills SSSI. A project to reintroduce the Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterfly, supported by the MHNL, was ongoing, with a grant provided for habitat management.

New woodland planting in Suckley, funded by the Forestry Commission, and farm advisory work to support farmers into Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) schemes were also to be reported. Water sampling on Whippets and Careys Brooks to inform management for endangered White-Clawed Crayfish had commenced. Natural Flood Management work, including the installation of 'leaky' dams on Swinyard Hill, was underway. A Parkland Management Plan for Old Colwall was completed, with hopes for a future Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier application. Deer management efforts included supporting local land managers with Deer Safety Certification. Volunteer work by the Hereford & Worcester Earth Heritage Trust to manage geological heritage sites was ongoing, and new mist nets were purchased for bird surveyors on Castlemorton Common.

Regarding planning, the refusal of the Chapel Hill / Monksfield Farm Solar Farm application (M/24/01781/FUL) by Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) due to landscape and highways impacts was noted, with no appeal lodged. Discussions were ongoing regarding a reserved matters application for Cales Farm by Barratt Homes (M/25/01235/FUL), with MHDC officers and the MHNL team pushing for better integration of green infrastructure to mitigate visual and landscape impacts.