Working in partnership at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal

The future conservation of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal – have your say

The World Heritage Site on your doorstep, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, is in the final stages of its management plan update which will guide the conservation and care of the estate for the next six years, as well as providing guidance on access. The final plan will be ready to be implemented from the autumn and now is the time to have your say!

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) is the World Heritage Site designating body and recommends that all World Heritage Sites have management plans. The draft version of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal’s new management plan for 2008-13 has been compiled following 12 months of public consultation, during which we asked for your ideas to help us update the plan. We hope the draft has captured all your thoughts and observations so far.

The National Trust and English Heritage would like to invite local people to take part in the final consultation period from July until the end of September 2008. We would like you to read the draft version of the management plan and tell us what you think. Please visit the World Heritage Site page at www.fountainsabbey.org.uk and follow the links to have your say on the content of the new management plan. If you don’t have internet access you can still have your say as copies of the plan and a shorter summary document can be found at various locations including Fountains Abbey, Ripon Library, Harrogate Library, the North Yorkshire County Council mobile library service and the Nidderdale AONB office, during normal opening hours.

General Manager of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Chris Fowler said:
“Over the past year local people have told us why the site is special to them; made it clear that conservation of the historic and natural environment is very important and that maintaining the peace and tranquillity of the site is paramount. We are very excited about entering this new phase of conserving the site and extending opportunities for everyone to join in the conservation of the site and to enjoy its fascinating history”.

The writing of the new management plan has followed guidance set down by UNESCO, and contains four key components; the six year action plan, a statement of significance, which states what people value about the site and why, rolling objectives that are designed to be effective for the next 30 years and the vision for the future conservation and management of the site. The Vision for Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is for it to be a place where all the elements of the World Heritage Site can be enjoyed by everyone whilst maintaining the spirit of place and conserving its peaceful beauty. All the documents will be available for public comment during the final consultation process.

Our review of the 2001 – 2007 action plan has highlighted the many conservation and access projects that have been successfully delivered, such as the restoration of Galand Bridge in the Water Garden and the audio tour of the abbey which is available in several different languages. As a result of this review, and new knowledge and experience that has emerged throughout 2001 – 2007, we have identified a variety of themes for the updated management plan. These include water management, adapting to climate change, the management of the historic parkland and its associated ancient and veteran trees, and the maintenance and improvement of wildlife habitats.

We accept the challenge that the new plan for the site must take account of climate change, be environmentally aware and seek to improve links with the local community and partners. It must also reflect that Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is a special place, loved for generations. It is a place of calm reflection, of delight and exploration for those who come to discover it now and in the future.

Keith Emerick, Inspector of Ancient Monuments at English Heritage said:
"One of the great successes of the first management plan was the role played by the local community. It is just as important for local people to have their say this time around. We know that the local community have a great pride in this site as well as a unique understanding of the needs of the surrounding area. By having your say now, you can help ensure that the management plan recognises the Abbey's local as well as its international importance”.

Taking the Pleasure Gardens of 1781 as its core and inspiration, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal possesses many layers of an extraordinary history that has shaped the abbey, the parkland, the Skell Valley, the rural setting, and extended further afield to other landscapes. Now is the time to voice your opinion on the future of this special place so we hope you can take the time to read the draft version of the management plan and we look forward to receiving your comments.