Examples of EUROPARC Consulting’s work:

Recognition for the Brecks - Securing a Sustainable Future: A reappraisal of the importance of the Brecks with recommendations for its future management, promotion and governance

At the end of October 2006 , a EUROPARC Consulting team led by Graham Taylor and Wilf Fenten concluded a study which reappraised the importance of this fascinating part of East Anglia . Part of its recommendations was a proposal for a new kind of Regional Park which would seek to integrate the landscape of the Brecks with its major settlements such as Thetford. The report was welcomed by all stakeholders who are actively discussing further details of establishing a Brecks Regional Park .

Looking Outwards: Fresh Ideas and Good Practice in Europe ’s Countryside Towards a stronger identity and greater public commitment for the Kent Downs AONB in the 21 st Century

Earlier in 2006 , a EUROPARC Consulting team, including two of the experts proposed for the project above, worked on this project. It was commissioned by the Kent Downs AONB Unit and the Countryside Agency to assist them in improving the identity, role, funding of and public commitment for the Kent Downs AONB. We were asked to assess what might be learned from the experience of other European protected landscapes. The team reviewed the regional, national and European context for the AONB’s work and sought to identify relevant experiences from UK and mainland European protected landscapes. The project ran from January to March 2006 . A presentation based on the report was given at the AONB

conference in 2006 in Swansea and to the Joint Advisory Committee of the AONB in November 2006 .

Study on potential national parks, Northern Ireland

A study commissioned from EUROPARC Consulting by the Northern Irish Environment and Heritage Service (Department of Environment). The study was researched by a small expert team and looked at the background to national park establishment in Europe, the potential benefits – environmental, social and economic – of national park establishment in Northern Ireland, as well as the administrative and financial implications of designation (July – September 2002 ).

A Clear View: How protected areas work in Ireland and the United Kingdom

EUROPARC Consulting produced this “flagship publication” to illustrate and explain the complex set of protected-area designations in the UK and Republic of Ireland . The publication was funded by grants from the national countryside agencies SNH, CCW, Natural England and the Republic of Ireland National Parks and Wildlife Service. The publication, commissioned by EUROPARC Atlantic Isles, was presented to delegates attending the EUROPARC Federation International Conference in Oxford in September 2006 . EUROPARC Consulting coordinated the work, provided all writing/editing and design services.

Prospectus on the East of England ’s finest landscapes

A project implemented for the Countryside Agency (UK), to research and develop a prospectus presenting the finest landscapes of the East England region, and setting out a framework for closer partnership between regional agencies and protected areas. The tasks of the EUROPARC team included chairing two meetings of the regional partners involved, researching and drafting the prospectus text, graphic design, and consultation with the contracting organisations and partners for final agreement on the resulting document. The project was successfully concluded with printing of a prospectus entitled “Stars of the East” in April 2005 .

Island 2000 Trust review, Isle of Wight ( UK )

EUROPARC Consulting undertook a review commissioned by the Island 2000 Trust, involving an evaluation of the natural, cultural and landscape development on the Isle of Wight, and in particular the results of work undertaken by the Trust in recent years, in order to draw up recommendations for its future activities. February to June 2004 .

Presentation materials for EUROPARC Atlantic Isles

Another branch of the EUROPARC family, EUROPARC Atlantic Isles ( UK , EIRE and Iceland members), commissioned EUROPARC Consulting to complete a range of new materials to present the work and aims of this EUROPARC section, and encourage new members to join.

The materials included a portable exhibition display, leaflet, PowerPoint slide and stage backdrop for seminars. EUROPARC Consulting provided writing, editing and graphic design services. Completion date: March 2006 .

Seminar on Building Design in the Yorkshire Dales National Park , England

EUROPARC Consulting was responsible for the preparation and running of this seminar which brought together architects, local planners, national park staff and Board members, to consider the future approach to building design in the park. The outputs were subsequently presented in a printed report to guide further activities in this field (July 2003 ).

Study on potential World Heritage Sites in Cyprus

A study commissioned by a Cyprus-based foundation, to investigate the potential for designation of one or more Cypriot sites as natural or cultural landscape World Heritage Sites according to UNESCO criteria. Two EUROPARC experts completed a detailed visit of five sites and prepared subsequent recommendations for their future protection and recognition (May – November 2003 ).

Study and Implementation of Visitor Centre Interpretation Project for Lahemma National Park Estonia

The project funded by the German Ministry of Environment involved assembling a multi‑national team of experts: two from the UK , one from the Netherlands and an Italian/German design group co‑ordinated by a Europarc Consulting lead expert. The joint clients were Lahemma National Park Authority and the Estonian National Institute for Nature Conservation. The project, which was well received, was delivered over an eighteen‑month period ( 2004 - 2006 ).

Proposals for implementing the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Parks, Scotland

A study to review the actions necessary for successful implementation of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas in these two national parks, with guidance on the practical steps to take (January to March 2003 ).

Participatory workshops for management planning in British AONBs

Chichester Harbour and Arnside/Silverdale, England

As part of preparations for a new management plan for Chichester Harbour AONB, EUROPARC Consulting ran a series of participatory workshops over several months with varied groups of local stakeholders, and to draw together the results. EUROPARC Consulting involved a range of experts in this work, e.g. on farming and land-use issues, recreation, community, and commercial aspects of harbour management. Following this, we provided a similar service to the Arnside/Silverdale AONB, facilitating and documenting workshops on farming and land-use, community life, recreation, and conservation of built heritage in the AONB (July – October 2002 & February – March 2003 ).

Advice for transboundary protected-area development, Rostozce region, Poland/Ukraine

Advice was provided by two EUROPARC experts on a range of issues relating to development of a biosphere reserve in this cross-border region, as part of a wider EU-funded project. Topics addressed included co-operation with local communities, transboundary co-operation by protected areas, and the development of nature-based holidays (July 2003 ).

Expert mission on landscape management, Rhodope Mountains , Bulgaria

Guidance for the planning of two nature parks in the Rhodope Mountains , as part of the preparations for a wider project in this region. EUROPARC’s consultant provided advice as to how an integrated approach to nature conservation, socio and economic development can be achieved through a landscape management approach within the Rhodope region (May 2002 ).

Expert mission on parks and sustainable development, Basilicata , Italy

An expert mission to the Pollino National Park in Basilicata , Italy , to assist in the development of a park management programme linked to sustainable development in the region. Part of a project funded by the Italian Treasury (March to May 2002 ).