Torridge District Council has announced it is carrying out a feasibility study of Northam Burrows to find out how it can improve the condition of the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). (The review, which is focussing on the ecology of the site, does not include the pebble ridge, sea defence schemes or the infrastructure or amenities).
The findings of the feasibility study will form the basis of an application for funding for the area to help improve biodiversity and continue working towards a ‘favourable’ SSSI status. A successful funding bid to the Rural Payments Agency would see a change from Environmental Stewardship to Countryside Stewardship, providing extra funding for habitat management
The Council will be running consultation events in September to gather views and feedback from local people relating to conservation and land management at Northam Burrows. These will take place on:
Thursday 19 September, 9.30am – 11.30am – Sandymere Car Park.
Thursday 19 September, 12pm – 2pm, Northam Burrows Visitor Centre.
For those unable to attend, there will be the opportunity to complete an online questionnaire or fill in a form at the Northam Burrows visitor centre. Feedback received during this process will help determine and plan a future land management scheme.
For further information and to submit your views, please go to www.torridge.gov.uk/naturerecovery. The consultation period closes on 7 October 2024 to allow time for conclusions to be drawn, and a report will be produced by 1 February 2025.
______________________________________
