The Council of Partners

The North Wessex Downs National Landscape is managed by a Partnership, known as the Council of Partners. The Partnership works to an agreed five-year management plan and oversees the work of the National Landscape team.

The Council of Partners consists of 35 members in total. Natural England, as a member of the Partnership, represents central government. The nine local authorities whose areas make up the North Wessex Downs are represented by elected councillors and officers.

The National Farmers’ Union and the Country Land and Business Association are members, while 12 places are open to nominees from the community representing five interest groups: community and parish, farming and rural business, historic environment, recreation and tourism, and nature conservation.

The Council of Partners meet three times a year and meetings are open to the public. The framework for governance is published in the Partnership Agreement 2019 and signed by the nine constituent local authorities.

image credit: Pyramidal orchid; Letcombe Valley sheep, J Akam; North of Hippenscombe, Ann Shepley