Agenda item

To provide information on National matters.

1.    To accept the report and note the observations received.

2.     It was agreed not to adopt the new national title and logo 'National Landscapes' and to continue with the 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and the current logo.

The report was submitted by the Llŷn AONB Officer for Members' information.  Reference was made to the following main points: 

It was mentioned that a letter from the Minister for Climate Change, Julie James MS had reached Local Authorities and National Parks Leaders as well as the Chairs of the Parks and AONB Joint Committees recently. It was detailed that the letter noted that the Government had developed an on-line training package for the relevant bodies to ensure that the organisations' leaders and members had the correct information and skills.

It was explained that there were two training sessions relevant to the Llŷn AONB Joint Committee members, including:

·       Introduction to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

·       Getting to grips with the nature and climate emergencies

It was confirmed that attending the training sessions was not mandatory, but all members were strongly encouraged to attend the sessions. It was explained that the sessions were two hours each and would be held on 2 February and 16 February 2024 between 2-4pm. It was noted that the intention was to arrange a meeting of the Joint Committee in order to host the training.

It was explained that the term 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' derived from the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and that it had been in use since then. Nevertheless, it was acknowledged that discussions regarding the name had been held over the last few years, because it was too descriptive and long and it was considered that the AONBs were not of the same status as the Parks because the name did not include the word 'national'.

It was elaborated that a review of the National Parks and AONBs in England had been undertaken under the guidance of journalist Julian Glover and one of the recommendations was to change the operational name from 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' to 'National Landscapes'. It was noted that many regions in England were in favour of this change and information packages, branding and new logos had been distributed to correspond with this. It was also explained that the National Association for AONBs was also supportive and was going to change its name to the National Landscapes Association.

It was ensured that the matter had also been discussed in Wales. It was explained, generally, that other AONBs seemed to support the proposal and that the Welsh Government was also supportive. It was emphasised that there was no enforcement to use the new title, the branding or the logo that had been developed. It was confirmed that the official name of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty would remain.

Many concerns were shared by Members about changing the name and the current logo to the new versions. It was considered that the current use was clear, appropriate to the purpose and was an opportunity to showcase the Welsh language. It was acknowledged that it was not possible to create a separate association for Wales, because there were only 5 areas in Wales and 37 in England, but it was noted that officers would contact other AONB areas to voice their concerns.

DECISION

1.    To accept the report and note the observations received.

2.    It was agreed not to adopt the new national title and logo 'National Landscapes' and to continue with 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' and the current logo.