Agenda Item 12 Report NPA19/20-29 Appendix 5
Delivering ‘Net Zero with Nature’ – Responding to the challenge of Climate Change with nature based solutions
Objective Potential Actions Lead Partner/Partnership Resources Target Date
Support the rapid transition to a
low-carbon economy for the
land-based sectors.
Work closely with sector partners who have also declared net zero
ambitions, particularly the NFU (2040), National Trust (2030) and
Environment Agency (2030).
Promote uptake of high precision or low-input farming techniques
so that the application of nitrate fertilisers does not result in excess
nutrients passing into the aquifers at key times of recharge
(Autumn/Winter)
Support for farmers in terms of diversification to new crops and
livestock breeds that may be more resilient to changing climatic
conditions.
Encourage sustainable land management that protect the
environmental assets and ecosystem services of the South Downs
while maintaining the profitability of farming.
Encourage adaptation responses and land use practices that support
or benefit the special qualities of the National Park.
Encourage conservation measures such as contour ploughing, buffer
strips, improving soil structure or changes in land management such
as transition from arable to long-term grass lays or cover crops.
In high risk areas promote shift from arable to long-term grass lays.
Encourage measures that retain soils in situ such as contour
ploughing, minimum or ‘no tillage’. Promote the use of green
manures and cover crops.
SDNPA, NFU, CLA, Farm Clusters
and FC Facilitators, Research
Bodies (NERC, CEH), Statutory
Agencies.
Some of this will be achievable through our current
involvement with the Farm Clusters and through the delivery
of WEPS. However the work with sector partners to help drive
rapid transition is not currently being covered.
This would require additional staff time from CPM directorate
and Area Teams to achieve an increased level of support.
Follow up work required with CPM to define additional
resource requirements.
2020-2025
Carry Forward into next
Management Plan cycle
2024-2030
Research and monitoring of climate change impacts and trends.
Develop research agenda and links with national level research
bodies.
Research the impact of land use change such as shift away from
Arable to other crop types. Viability of different farming systems.
National Research Bodies:
LWEC, NERC and CEH.
SDNPA Research Hub and
Universities.
(Development of case studies
based in the South Downs)
Work required to define the research priorities – especially
where there are known gaps such as the impacts upon the
Historic Environment.
Additional time/resource required from the Research &
Evidence Team (CPM) to take this forward.
Current Management
Plan and Local Plan
cycle.
Carry Forward into next
Management Plan cycle
2024-2030
Environmental Land
Management Scheme (ELMS)
Encourage land management practices that maintain the structural
and microbial condition of soils and maximise its ability to store
water and nutrients.
Promote soil conservation measures especially in areas that are
prone to erosion or may be more susceptible to drought conditions.
SDNPA, NFU, CLA, Farm Clusters
and FC Facilitators, Research
Bodies (NERC, CEH), Natural
England and the Statutory
Agencies.
SDNPAs current involvement in the NELMS test and trials will
help us deliver on this element of the Action Plan.
Phase 2 of the CHAMP Project will also target these kinds of
interventions with Farmers and Land Managers in the
Western Area.
Current Management
Plan and Local Plan
cycle.
Carry Forward into next
Management Plan cycle
2024-2030
Climate Change Action Plan – 5 year programme (Comms Draft)
Agenda Item 12 Report NPA19/20-29 Appendix 5
Work at a Landscape and Catchment scale to deliver effective
environmental outcomes, allow for climate change adaptation and
improve ecosystem service function.
Work to establish more natural rates of flow and channel
morphologies to make them more resilient to climate change
impacts.
Encourage land management practices that support pollinators. Use
of natural pest controls or pest resistant crop species to reduce the
need for pesticide use.
Soils project being developed in the Western Area with the
Winchester Farm Cluster group, opportunity to apply any
learning from this project more widely.
Work with Catchment Projects is delivered through L&B
strategy leads (Water). May need additional time to achieve
this.
Work on influencing and delivering NELMS currently sits with
CPM directorate and Area Teams.
Nature Recovery Network (NRN)
Increase habitat connectivity and the permeability of the landscape
to wildlife.
Target project funding and environmental grant funding towards
measures that increase resilience to a changing climate, support
biodiversity and provide wider Ecosystem Service benefits.
Undertake adaptive management and ensure that areas of valuable
habitat are bigger, better managed and joined up. SDNPA to
promote delivery at landscape scale.
Increase the quality and habitat diversity of wildlife sites. Deliver
large scale habitat creation where opportunities exist, create buffer
zones for vulnerable or fragmented habitats
To increase understanding of climate change, and its impacts on the
priority habitat and species within the South Downs National Park.
Demonstrate how nature-based solutions can help develop
resilience to climate change at a landscape scale.
Develop pilot projects that show how Nature Recovery might be
financed through the development of carbon off-setting schemes
Promote the benefits of hedgerows and encourage best practice in
terms of their management. Improve habitat connectivity, help
retain soils, manage surface run-off and increase the permeability of
the landscape to wildlife.
Seek to influence flood management schemes so that they facilitate
Natural Flood management techniques have potential to deliver
enhanced flood storage and create new wetland habitat.
Encourage naturally functioning floodplains and sustainable urban
drainage schemes that plan for the potential changes in flooding as a
result of climate change.
SDNPA, Natural England,
Environment Agency, Wildlife &
Woodland Trusts, Local Nature
Partnerships, Farmers and
Landowners, Local Planning
Authorities.
In November 2019 the SDNPA recently ran a joint conference
with Natural England and the Local Nature Partnerships to
start to develop ideas on co-designing and delivering a Nature
Recovery Network.
The session worked on:-
What are the essential elements/components of a
coherent and effective Nature Recovery Network?
How do we achieve the necessary joined-up
approach?
Are there some shared principles for how the NRN
might be planned, targeted and delivered?
Are there other organisations that may be potential
delivery partners?
We have subsequently been following up on this work with
the LNP and ensuring the key delivery partners are sufficiently
joined-up.
The plan is to run a follow-up session in May to start to
produce a spatial plan of the NRN – this will define the priority
habitats for each area and where we think investment is
needed to deliver a coherent network.
At present this work sits within the CPM directorate and is a
major work strand for the Landscape & Biodiversity
Programme Board. This is currently involving staff time from
the L&B Strategy Leads.
This is achievable within the limits of our existing staff
structure/resource though it may need more allocated time.
Current Management
Plan and Local Plan
cycle.
Carry Forward into next
Management Plan cycle
2024-2030
Climate Change Action Plan – 5 year programme (Comms Draft)
Agenda Item 12 Report NPA19/20-29 Appendix 5
Encourage the creation of new habitat and wet woodland along
streams and rivers to enhance connectivity, flood storage, help
reduce run-off and diffuse pollution
Undertake adaptive management and increase the genetic diversity
and heterogeneity of key species on wildlife sites. Promote the
collection and use of appropriate seed stock in habitat restoration or
the creation of new habitat.
Develop a strategy for tackling invasive and non-native species.
Work to reduce their impact and spread within the National Park.
Additional time/resource required from the Research &
Evidence Team (CPM) to take this forward.
New woodland planting
Research on which tree species may be most impacted by changes in
climatic conditions. Plan ahead in terms of planting species that may
be more resilient to prevailing climatic conditions in the
medium/long term.
Better communicate how changes in land-use as a result of Climate
action might affect the landscape character/ visual appearance of
National Parks
Identify the best carbon storage options for the National Park that
provide the widest range of ecosystem service benefits. Enhance the
capacity for carbon storage and sequestration at landscape scale.
Encourage woodland management that provides the best range of
ecosystem service benefits including enhancing biodiversity, natural
flood management, air quality, carbon sequestration and renewable
energy potential.
Promote the benefits of wood pasture, in-field and boundary trees.
Support tree planting in appropriate locations to help to store
carbon and provide wider ecosystem service benefits for people and
nature.
Create new wet woodland habitat along streams and rivers to
enhance connectivity, flood storage, help reduce run-off and diffuse
pollution
Produce guidance on the ‘right tree in the right place’ to help inform
the design of good planting schemes that meet carbon targets and
enhance the landscape quality of the National Park.
Encourage an increase in urban trees to provide ecosystem service
benefits within towns and villages. Promote the value of trees, parks
and other Green Infrastructure.
SDNPA, Natural England,
Environment Agency, Wildlife &
Woodland Trusts, Local Nature
Partnerships, Farmers and
Landowners, South Downs
Woodland Partnership, Local
Planning Authorities.
External partners have organised a ‘Woodland Summit’
scheduled for March. This is focussed on the Eastern Area of
the National Park, but it is an issue that applies Park-wide.
Our staff are experiencing a significant increase in enquiries
around tree-planting and the suitability of sites and species
for addressing the climate challenge.
Local Area Team staff, Strategy Leads and our Woodlands
Officer are under increasing pressure to respond, and there
are concerns that we may see poorly designed or planned
schemes coming forward without adequate guidance or input
from the SDNPA.
A piece of work is need to ensure the SDNPA is on the front-
foot. We are currently updating the Landscape Character
Assessment for the National Park. This is helpful, but further
guidelines are needed to support the principle of ‘right tree,
right place’.
We would propose to work with sector partners to produce
guidance that we can share that would apply to tree and
woodland planting across the National Park. This will support
tree planting and ensure it happens in the most appropriate
locations and delivers the maximum benefit for society.
Additional time and resource will be required within CPM and
from the Strategy Lead (Woodland) to achieve this.
2020-2021
Climate Change Action Plan – 5 year programme (Comms Draft)
Agenda Item 12 Report NPA19/20-29 Appendix 5
Meeting a 2030 ‘Net-Zero’ target for the National Park Authority
Objective Potential Actions Lead Partner/Partnership Resources Target Date
Sustainable Solutions Group
Identify ‘quick wins and opportunities’ through a staff survey
Undertake a carbon audit in line with other UK NPA by June 2020
Undertake a full sustainability audit by September 2020.
SDNPA SMT, Sustainable Solutions Group, All Staff 2019-2020
Improve our sustainable performance and become carbon neutral as
an organisation by 2025
Set targets for carbon reduction and monitor progress
Develop a strategy for sustainability for the SDNPA
Produce an annual action plan to address issues of highest
priority
Oversee all activity to deliver the action plan.
SDNPA SMT, Sustainable Solutions Group, All Staff 2025
Working with other National Parks – Climate Change & Energy Group
Objective Potential Actions Lead Partner/Partnership Resources Target Date
Joint Delivery Plan
NPAs to establish themselves as:-
Leaders in meeting the challenge presented by Climate Change.
Lead a rapid change in effort to tackle the climate emergency.
Demonstrate how rapid response and transition to low-carbon living
can be achieved.
Work collectively towards becoming ‘Net Zero’ National Parks by
2040.
Achieve ‘Net Zero’ as National Parks Authorities by 2030.
Promote the principle of achieving ‘Net Zero with Nature’.
National Parks England, SDNPA,
UK National Parks and
protected landscapes network.
National Parks England have issued a revised statement
(2019) which set NPA wide targets for achieving Net Zero.
Along with the SDNPA and Climate Change & Energy Group
they have update their Climate Change Delivery Plan. This sets
out planned actions for the NPAs collectively and is a step up
in terms of delivery.
The SDNPA currently assist with convening the Climate
Change and Energy Group, which is covered by existing staff
time/resource. This will need to be extended to cover the
additional activity of the group.
2020-2025
Joint Advocacy Use NPE to advocate for policy change in Government to provide us
with the tools locally to deliver net zero.
Support the Committee on Climate Change in doing the same and
provide practical examples of good local action and barriers to
progress that they can help in removing
National Parks England, SDNPA,
UK National Parks and
protected landscapes network.
National Parks England will also be setting up a NPA Chairs
Task & Finish group – which the SDNPA will represent the
Lowland NPAs.
The SDNPA may need to support the work to develop a
presence for NPAs at COP26 in November. This will require
2020-2021
Ongoing Programme
Climate Change Action Plan – 5 year programme (Comms Draft)
Agenda Item 12 Report NPA19/20-29 Appendix 5
Consider the opportunities with UK National Parks to promote our
work through our National communications programme. Work
together to plan a fringe event at CoP26.
Work with National Park Partnerships to secure funding for the Net
Zero with Nature proposal.
Help to implement the recommendations of the Glover Review and
promote collaboration at strategic level between NPA/AONB’s
additional staff time to support and is over and above the
current allocation.
Setting Carbon Budgets
Work to ensure each park has a production and consumption based
Carbon Budget that is consistent across all Parks
Develop scenarios to reach net zero by the fastest time possible
A monitoring framework to report, ideally annually on progress
toward net zero
National Parks England, SDNPA,
UK National Parks and
protected landscapes network.
Work is currently being commissioned jointly with other NPAs
to develop a standard approach to baseline and metrics for
achieving Net Zero. This will include scenarios for each NP to
reach the target as efficiently as possible, and the areas where
we would need to concentrate to make the most impact.
2020-21
Ongoing Programme
Research & Evidence
Better data on carbon storage by land use or habitat type, to make
more informed choices on land use change
Understanding of how to maximise carbon through biodiversity
projects. Develop case studies of nature based and adaptation
solutions
National Parks England, SDNPA,
UK National Parks and
protected landscapes network.
Natural England have recently expanded their Climate Change
Team. They are looking to update their research work on the
comparative ability of habitats to lock up carbon. This will
include new mapping for the UK.
The SDNPA will need to support this work to a limited extent,
and use the results to develop guidance for the South Downs
to highlight current carbon sinks, and where the greatest
potential is for carbon sequestration is across the Park.
2020-2022
Ongoing Programme
Meeting a ‘Net-Zero’ Carbon target for the National Park by 2040
Objective Potential Actions Lead Partner/Partnership Resources Target Date
Establishing a baseline for our
Carbon Targets
Commission a piece of joint work with the UK National Parks to
establish a common approach to data and metrics.
Establish a baseline from which we can monitor the effectiveness of
our actions to cut emissions.
Produce options that allow us to demonstrate different trajectories
to achieving the 2040 target, and how it might achieved. This should
include a rapid-transition scenario so we can understand the scope
for cutting emissions as rapidly as possible.
Supplement this with some additional work to align us with the
modelling and approach being used by our constituent LPAs. Obtain
the BEIS data-set in a form that supports our work and is useable at
National Park level.
National Parks England, BEIS,
SDNPA, UK National Parks and
protected landscapes network.
This contract is in the process of being let, but we should have
an updated set of emissions figures during 2020, and the
contract will also include annual updates. By achieving a cost-
benefit of this being a joint piece of work, it will cost us
around £6-7K per annum to monitor progress.
2020-2021
Ongoing monitoring.
Climate Change Action Plan – 5 year programme (Comms Draft)
Agenda Item 12 Report NPA19/20-29 Appendix 5
Working with our constituent
Local Authorities
Work more closely with our Local Authority partners on Climate
Change actions. Help support and add value to their work through
the delivery of our own Climate Change Action Plan.
Establish links and working arrangements with Climate Change leads
within Local Authorities and with important sector groups such as
South East Climate Action (SECA). Work to co-ordinate climate
action with key delivery partners.
Work with our LA partners to establish common metrics and targets
so we can make a clear contribution to delivering national and
locally based targets.
Promote the principle of achieving ‘Net Zero with Nature’ and the
role that the National Park and nature-based solutions can play in
helping them achieve their net-zero targets.
Target project funding and environmental grant funding towards
measures that increase resilience to a changing climate, support
biodiversity and provide wider Ecosystem Service benefits.
SDNPA, Local Planning
Authorities, Sector Partners
such as South East Climate
Action (SECA).
This is a new area of work for us, previously we have focussed
on Adaptation Planning. The need to establish a ‘Net Zero’
target and trajectory requires us to work more closely with
our constituent LPAs more closely on this.
We are starting to engage and develop our networks in
relation to this element of the Action Plan.
CPM and Planning Team will need to secure additional staff
time to ensure we can adequately cover this work. At present
this represents a gap.
CPM and Planning to do further work to establish the staff
time and resourcing requirements around this work. OMT to
assist with the resource planning.
2020-2022
The role of the South Downs
NPAs Planning Function
Embed the principle of both Biodiversity and Environmental ‘net
gain’ within the planning System through our Local Plan strategic
policies.
Make use of the SDNPA Green Infrastructure framework. Highlight
areas for GI investment in and around the National Park.
Promote Sustainable Drainage Schemes (SuDS) to enhance the
resilience of urban areas.
Use our existing Local Plan policies to influence positive impact on
landscape character and ecosystem function (Strategic Policy SD2).
Encourage an increase in urban trees to provide ecosystem service
benefits within towns and villages. Promote the value of trees, parks
and other Green Infrastructure.
Promote green corridors, high quality green spaces and street trees
within the urban environment to improve capacity for regulating air
quality, providing shade and helping to manage the ‘urban heat
island’ effect at a local level.
SDNPA, Local Authority
Partners, Natural England,
Environment Agency,
Developers and Planning
Agents.
Much of this work will be delivered through our existing
planning policies and Development Management processes.
Some additional work required to embed the GI Framework
effectively.
Net-gain is likely to be mandated, and is supported by our
Local Plan policies. Additional work needed between lead
officers in planning and CPM/Strategy Leads to ensure join-up
with the Nature Recovery Network.
Possible to revise or strengthen Local Plan policies when it
comes up for review.
Current Management
Plan and Local Plan
cycle.
Carry Forward into next
Management Plan cycle
2024-2030
Sustainable Construction –
Supplementary Planning
Document (SPD)
Promote energy efficiency and sustainable building standards in
terms of design, materials and site layout.
Raise the bar in terms of design and build standards via the use of
incentives i.e. CIL or other mechanism.
SDNPA, MHCLG, Local Authority
Partners, Natural England,
Environment Agency,
Developers and Planning
Agents.
Currently being developed and will shortly return to Planning
Committee for approval. Then it will be a case of applying it.
Work may be required to update this work when the
opportunity arises – especially if Government moves to revise
or strengthen building standards in the interim.
2020-2021
Revisit in 2022-2023
Climate Change Action Plan – 5 year programme (Comms Draft)
Agenda Item 12 Report NPA19/20-29 Appendix 5
Development briefs for specific
sites.
Develop design codes that result in more sustainable building and
schemes, with the best design, layout and materials to make them
resilient to climate change. Incorporate passive solar gain, PV,
landscaping, grey water storage and other features.
Call for sites – Carbon
Sequestration
Initiate a National Park wide call for recipient sites’ that looks to
deliver carbon off-setting schemes that are ‘nature-based’.
Map and assess sites and habitat areas in terms of their capacity to
lock up carbon – as a component of a Nature Recovery Network.
Identify areas that may be suitable for new tree planting, could
protect important carbon sinks or create or link priority habitats.
Consider the sites strategically across the National Park. Develop a
means to assess and screen sites where they might have an
unacceptable impact on the landscape, priority habitats or
scheduled historic monuments.
SDNPA, Natural England,
Environment Agency, Wildlife &
Woodland Trusts, Local Nature
Partnerships, Farmers and
Landowners, South Downs
Woodland Partnership, Local
Planning Authorities.
Work from CPM and Planning Policy to design and deliver on a
‘call for sites’.
This would need to be developed alongside work with our LNP
partners so it supports the Natural Capital Investments
Strategies.
This could be progressed through the Landscape &
Biodiversity Programme Board as it would support ‘Nature
Recovery’ as well as Climate Change work.
Additional staff time would be required from CPM and
Planning to develop a way to screen the sites for their
potential and any unintended impacts.
2020-2022
Community Infrastructure Levy
(CIL)
Develop the potential to use CIL funding to fund projects that
directly address Climate Change mitigation or adaptation.
Explore the possibility to use CIL as an incentive within the existing
Planning System and whether this is possible under the current CIL
regulations.
SDNPA, MHCLG, Local Authority
Partners, Developers and
Planning Agents, Parish
Councils.
The SDNPA could offer a CIL discount to homes, provided they
were built to a recognised ‘carbon standard’. This would be a
way to incentivise developers to raise the bar in terms of
sustainable building and design.
2021-2022
Working with our local communities.
Objective Potential Actions Lead Partner/Partnership Resources Target Date
Helping to develop resilient
communities
Extend the scope of volunteer capacity within Parishes and local
groups to enhance community resilience to potential climate change
impacts.
Make use of our existing grant-in-aid schemes, such as the
Sustainable Communities Fund (SCF) to help support Climate Change
action at a local community level.
Support Town and Parish Councils to become central point for
sharing best practice / advice with local residents on making a
positive contribution to climate change action.
Increase resilience of local communities through greater use of
green infrastructure within urban settlements.
Analyse and review current community action to identify
opportunities for adding value to existing projects to deliver climate
change outcome and tackle the CC emergency
SDNPA, Worthing Climate
Action Network, South East
Climate Alliance, Winchester
Action on Climate Change
(WinACC), Greater Brighton
Energy Group, Community Land
Trusts and Transition Town
Groups.
This represents a significant amount of new work for the
SDNPA. There is a lot of action at a local level and an
opportunity to support local groups to deliver on wider
climate actions.
At present our community engagement work is delivered
through the Planning Team. Some elements of this work could
be delivered through existing staff resource – but not all of it.
We can apply learning from other outreach work from current
spatial projects such as He-Re and Truleigh Hill.
This represents a significant opportunity – but also a gap in
terms of our resourcing.
To support this additional level of community engagement –
specifically on Climate Action, we will need to secure an
additional resource.
2020-2025
Ongoing Programme
Climate Change Action Plan – 5 year programme (Comms Draft)
Agenda Item 12 Report NPA19/20-29 Appendix 5
Promote best practice locally to encourage others to take up
projects that can contribute to tackling climate change
Work with partners such as the associations of local councils to
provide training to support councils to become more active in
tackling climate change.
Share Best Practice – run annual events to promote what local
Climate Change Action is happening.
Run an annual event for Local Councils, Community Groups, and
other organisations to share best practice with other community
groups.
Work with all town and parish councils to establish a database of
local projects and share information and best practice.
CPM and Planning to do further work to establish the staff
time and resourcing requirements around this work. OMT to
assist with the resource planning.
Neighbourhood Planning
Promote the development of “Net zero” Neighbourhood Plans.
Support Neighbourhood plan groups during the review cycle and
focus on ‘zero-carbon’ plans, community energy and other climate
action.
Encourage land allocations and designations which can tackle
climate change, this could include tree planting on local green
spaces, community facilities and renewable energy schemes.
Produce planning guidance to demonstrate how small scale
improvements could be such as sustainable urban drainage, rain
gardens, habitat creation and enhancements.
Encourage local action within parishes and other community groups
that supports the delivery of wider Climate Change targets
Develop this approach within a couple of pilot areas, either clusters
of Parishes or community groups who are keen to deliver an
exemplar scheme.
SDNPA, Parish Councils, Local
Planning Authority Partners,
Developers and Planning
Agents, Parish Councils.
At present the Neighbourhood Planning element of our work
is delivered through the Planning Team. This may be
achievable through the existing staff structure, though
additional work would be needed to develop a template for
‘Net Zero’ plans at this local level.
CPM and Planning to do further work to establish the staff
time and resourcing requirements around this work. OMT to
assist with the resource planning.
2020-2025
‘Net Zero’ carbon targets at a
Parish and local community level.
Work with town and parish councils to audit their own buildings /
operations to identify opportunities for improved performance.
Encourage land allocations and designations which can tackle
climate change, this could include tree planting on local green
spaces, community facilities and renewable energy schemes.
Working with a small number of pilot communities to establish the
CO2 emissions of their own operations. Establish action plans to
improve energy performance.
SDNPA, Worthing Climate
Action Network, South East
Climate Alliance, Winchester
Action on Climate Change
(WinACC), Greater Brighton
Energy Group, Community Land
Trusts and Transition Town
Groups.
This represents a significant amount of new work for the
SDNPA. There is a lot of action at a local level and an
opportunity to support local groups to deliver on wider
climate actions.
This represents a significant opportunity – but also a gap in
terms of our resourcing. We will need to secure an additional
resource to achieve this element of the Action Plan.
2020-2025
Climate Change Action Plan – 5 year programme (Comms Draft)
Agenda Item 12 Report NPA19/20-29 Appendix 5
Encourage communities to use their CIL receipt and other sources of
funding to improve their own environmental performance and
contribute to their wider parish CO2 reductions.
Promote best practice locally to encourage others to making a
positive contribution to climate change action.
Help support communities that are ready and willing to make a fast
transition to ‘Net Zero’. Use these communities as exemplars for
others to learn from and follow.
Engage effectively with Local Climate Action Groups and citizens
assemblies where they exist across the National Park.
CPM and Planning to do further work to establish the staff
time and resourcing requirements around this work. OMT to
assist with the resource planning.
Developing Community Energy
schemes within the National
Park.
Development a network of Climate Change ‘Champions’ to promote
best practice and deliver local training and support.
Establish a Community Energy programme and encourage local
action via the allocation of CIL money.
Focus on communities that are ready to move fast – and keen to
make rapid transition to a low-carbon future i.e./ in terms of shifting
away from oil fired heating to local scale renewable.
Ensure local communities and businesses can access benefits from
delivering carbon storage, renewable energy generation and other
low carbon activity.
Encourage uptake of micro-generation and community based
renewable projects that minimises the impact on the South Downs
Landscape.
SDNPA, Ovesco, Community
Energy groups, Local Authority
Partners, Renewable Energy
Companies, Winchester Action
on Climate Change (WinACC),
Greater Brighton Energy Group,
Community Land Trusts and
Transition Town Groups, Parish
Councils and Landowners.
This represents a significant amount of new work for the
SDNPA. There is a lot of action at a local level and an
opportunity to support local groups to deliver on wider
climate actions.
This represents a significant opportunity – but also a gap in
terms of our resourcing. We will need to secure an additional
resource to achieve this element of the Action Plan.
CPM and Planning to do further work to establish the staff
time and resourcing requirements around this work. OMT to
assist with the resource planning.
2020-2025
Carry Forward into next
Management Plan cycle
2024-2030
Community Lottery - Climate
Action Fund Bid
Work with Community Groups and Local Authority partners to
Submit a successful bid to the Action Fund.
Bring together community projects and organisations to take climate
Action, over five years, focus on people least engaged at present.
Support those community groups and organisations to:-
Take practical action now;
Maintain and increase ecological resilience;
Accommodate change - Integrate across all sectors;
Develop knowledge and plan strategically.
Apply learning from the project to inform our community
Engagement efforts across other areas of the National Park.
SDNPA, South Downs Trust,
Ovesco, Community Energy
groups, Local Authority
Partners, Greater Brighton
Energy Group, Community Land
Trusts and Transition Town
Groups, Parish Councils and
Landowners.
Proposal submitted to the Climate Action Fund with support
from the External Funding Team. Going for development
phase funding.
The development funding ask will be for c£100k-£150k over
12 months.
Will include a project officer to add capacity. This is needed to
support further work and ensure a robust and deliverable
project
2020-2025
Climate Change Action Plan – 5 year programme (Comms Draft)
Agenda Item 12 Report NPA19/20-29 Appendix 5
Historic Environment & Archaeology
Objective Potential Actions Lead Partner/Partnership Resources Target Date
Improve data and evidence on the climate change impacts upon
designated heritage assets across the National Park. Use this data to
develop solutions that enhance the resilience of historic assets and
help protect them for the future.
Support for historic environment research into climate change
impacts within the National Park.
Engage with sector leaders around dialogues linked to “curated
loss”, linking with communications and engagement.
Support socially engaged arts projects that seek to engage the public
with climate change, adaptation and individual action.
Public engagement with positive approaches to building adaptation
(where appropriate), and value of natural / historic materials in built
structures, by signposting to specialist guidance.
SDNPA, Historic England, HERs
and Heritage Groups
This would need to be delivered through the work of CPM and
the relevant Strategy Lead. Further work required by CPM
Managers to assess the time/resource requirements of this
element of the Action Plan.
Potentially deliverable with our existing level of resources.
2020-2025
Engagement and Outreach
Objective Potential Actions Lead Partner/Partnership Resources Target Date
SDNP Learning Network Extend the scope of volunteer capacity within Parishes and local
groups to enhance community resilience to potential climate change
impacts.
Focus on climate change as a key area for collaboration across the
education sector.
Develop new ways to frame our communication with young
audiences that are sensitive to the need to minimise the potential
for eco-anxiety in young people.
Collaborate on a workshop for learning providers in supporting
learning about climate change.
SDNPA, Learning Network,
Schools and Education sector
partners, Sustainability Centre,
Three events are planned or have been delivered within or
close to the SDNP this year: Ditcham Park School have run a
Hopeful Earth Conference for students, The Sustainability
Centre are planning an Earth Protectors conference for
teachers with Ann Finlayson, SEED, giving the keynote, and
Brighton and Hove Environmental Education (BHEE) are
running a Climate Change Teachers Twilight.
The SDNP Learning Network has asked for a workshop for
learning providers in supporting learning about climate
change and the SDNPA will look to convene a workshop for
this network in summer 2020.
2020-2021
Ongoing Programme.
Transport & Sustainable Access
Objective Potential Actions Lead Partner/Partnership Resources Target Date
Work alongside local Highways
Authorities to develop
sustainable travel schemes and
deliver the best ’low-carbon’
options for connecting into the
National Park.
Working with our sector partners to encourage provision of
facilities, opportunities and incentives to allow for reduced
carbon travel.
Working with partners to identify clear carbon budgets and
actions and timescale needed to get to net zero in line with
government deadline.
SDNPA, Highways Authorities,
Highways England, Public
Transport Providers, Access and
Amenity Groups, Local Access
Forum
This would need to be delivered through the work of CPM and
the relevant Strategy Lead. Further work required by CPM
Managers to assess the time/resource requirements of this
element of the Action Plan.
Potentially deliverable with our existing level of resources –
though NSIPs may require additional resources to be drawn in
at times. This is especially the case if a PPA is agreed with
Highways England or its agents.
2020-2025
Ongoing Programme
Climate Change Action Plan – 5 year programme (Comms Draft)
Agenda Item 12 Report NPA19/20-29 Appendix 5
Change attitudes to transport and support the shift to low-
carbon travel, support and encourage people to go ‘car free’
during their visit to the National Parks.
Build and promote off road cycle infrastructure and electric
public transport networks.
Rural Economy & Tourism
Objective Potential Actions Lead Partner/Partnership Resources Target Date
Support rural businesses to adapt
their business operations,
improve their sustainability, and
boost their contribution to the
SDNP local economy.
Create an enterprise network as the vehicle to allow
communication between SDNPA and the NP businesses. The
network will facilitate the delivery of our climate change
aspirations.
Deliver a business engagement strategy that helps
businesses to decrease their carbon footprint, and improve
their operational sustainability.
Help to promote the SDNPA as a ‘Low carbon’ destination
and work with businesses who can help us deliver on this.
Work with the Responsible Travel partnership to promote
places to stay which can demonstrate their environmental
sustainability.
Broaden the membership of Green Tourism and other
accreditation schemes.
SDNPA, Responsible Travel
Partnership, Tourism Providers,
National Parks England and the
Tourism Officers Group.
This would need to be delivered through the work of CPM and
the relevant Strategy Lead. Further work required by CPM
Managers to assess the time/resource requirements of this
element of the Action Plan.
Potentially deliverable with our existing level of resources
2020-2025
Ongoing Programme
Climate Change Action Plan – 5 year programme (Comms Draft)
