Farming in Protected Landscapes Grant

We are pleased to announce that we are running a programme of grants for owners of land within the Malvern Hills AONB. For more information, please go to our dedicated Farming in Protected Landscapes page.

Malvern Hills AONB Covid-19 update

Following the Government’s recent review of coronavirus restrictions, we know that many people will want to visit the Malvern Hills. We also know that being outdoors and experiencing nature has become more important than ever. We are always pleased to welcome visitors, but, like many popular visitor destinations, we’re concerned that more visitors than usual to our popular sites could put you, the landscape and those who live and work in the Malverns at risk.

We’re urging people to think twice about visiting the Malverns and to continue to enjoy the outdoors in your local area instead. If you do decide to travel here please be respectful of our local communities and the local services they rely on.

Most car parks are now open, and please be aware that with stock grazing at the moment you will need to keep any dogs under close control. Take a look at the updated Countryside Code for how to use outdoor spaces respectfully and safely during these challenging times.

 

The Malvern Hills Trust’s advice on Covid-19 is on their website.

 

COVID19 – contacting the AONB Unit

Due to new Government guidance, the AONB offices are now closed and team members are working from home. Please contact us by email where possible (see links below). We will be checking our answerphone less frequently than normal so if you do need to contact us by phone, please be aware that it may be a few days before we can reply to you.

AONB Partnership Manager (Paul Esrich) T: 01905 845 057   pesrich@worcestershire.gov.uk

Farming In Protected Landscapes Officer (Sash Warden): T: 01905 844686  swarden@worcestershire.gov.uk

AONB Partnership Assistant Manager (Job Share) (David Armitage) T: 01905 845 055  darmitage@worcestershire.gov.uk

AONB Partnership Assistant Manager (Job Share) (Karen Humphries) T: 01905 845 056  khumphries@worcestershire.gov.uk

 

In these challenging times we want to remind you that the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is still here to be enjoyed. Please follow Government advice but know the Malvern Hills and surrounding area is here for everyone to help support mental and physical well-being.

Welcome to the Malvern Hills AONB

Welcome to the website for the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The area is famed for its dramatic hills and for the pure spring water that flows from them, but it offers so much more besides. A rich cultural heritage of forts, castles and priories stands proudly from this landscape of ancient woodland, rolling pastures and wild, open commons. The geology of the AONB is varied and fascinating and the area is home to a diversity of locally and nationally important wildlife.

The AONB designation signifies that the natural beauty of this area is of national importance. As such, a Partnership of local and national interests works together to conserve and enhance the area through the implementation of a five year AONB Management Plan. The Malvern Hills AONB is one of a family of 46 similarly designated areas across the United Kingdom.

To see some of the area we cover, watch our video which showcases the South of the AONB.

Latest news

Unearthing Mathon’s History: on the 20th October 2021 there’s a talk at Mathon Parish Hall at 6pm on the artefacts that have recently been found around Mathon. For a sneak preview, a leaflet has been produced. Booking essential for the talk: please contact David to reserve a seat.

 

The Malverns through Different Eyes: we grant aided a video from Reaction Theatre that takes a different view point about the outdoors in lockdown: watch and think.

Plant a tree for the Jubilee. The Queen’s Platinum (70yrs) Jubilee is in 2022. The Queen’s Green Canopy  has been launched to plant trees to celebrate the occasion. Take a look at the website and if you’re within the Malvern Hills AONB, get in touch; we maybe able to help.

Need help getting a project off the ground? If you’ve got a project that might benefit the Malvern Hills AONB, do email Karen Humphries or call t: 01905 845056. Click on the following link to see a list of past projects .

To celebrate 60 years of the Malvern Hills AONB, 60 trees were planted with help of local landowners: no trees were harmed in the making of this electronic  leaflet for the 60 Trees for 60 Years project.