Bassenthwaite Reflections Strategic Plan 2007 – 2010
Introduction:
This document provides a strategic overview of the Bassenthwaite Reflections programme and its aims over the initial three-year period. It has been put together based on the Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme (BLRP) Heritage Lottery Fund Stage Two Application and through discussion with partners. The plan will help to inform the Bassenthwaite Reflections team’s annual action plans and give direction to the programme as a whole.
The partners in the Bassenthwaite Reflections programme are the Environment Agency, Lake District National Park Authority, National Trust, Grampus Heritage and Training Ltd, Cumbria County Council and the Forestry Commission.
Vision:
The vision of the Bassenthwaite Reflections Programme is ‘to promote a working landscape and diversified local economy that fully incorporates the heritage potential of Bassenthwaite Lake and its catchment based on a healthy ecosystem.’
Context:
The Bassenthwaite Reflections Programme was created by a sub-committee of the BLRP to contribute to achieving its aim of ensuring the sustainability of the Bassenthwaite Lake catchment area.
To achieve this, a holistic approach encompassing the environment, the economy and the community is required. Bassenthwaite Reflections, through a programme of 22 projects, will engage and work with the community to ensure a sustainable future for the area.
Strategic Objectives 2007 - 2010:
1. Ensure an effective working partnership between the Bassenthwaite Reflections
partners and link effectively to the Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration
Programme.
2. To meet, and aspire to exceed, the expectations of key stakeholders (Heritage
Lottery Fund, BLRP, Environment Agency, Lake District National Park
Authority, National Trust, Grampus Heritage and Training Ltd, Cumbria County
Council and the Forestry Commission).
3. Engage and motivate communities (local and visiting) so they understand the
landscape issues, make responsible decisions and contribute to sustainable
catchment management.
4. Ensure the success and completion of the 22 projects which have been developed to fit the following four themes:
• Landscape shaped by water
• Community Woodlands
• Access for all
• Cultural Routeways
5. Contribute to the preservation, restoration and protection of the ecology and important natural habitats in the Bassenthwaite Lake catchment area.
6. Encourage people to learn about and celebrate our cultural heritage landscape.
7. Increase and enhance skills, education and attainments for people of all ages thereby improving the employment potential of local people.
8. Support and develop links to European partners to enhance and inform the work of the projects.
9. Ensure an effective communication strategy and sustain a high profile of Bassenthwaite Reflections activity within local communities and those further afield.
10. Ensure involvement of schools/community groups in and around the Bassenthwaite Lake catchment area.
11. To develop and implement the Bassenthwaite Reflections model as a template for landscape management to be adopted by the Water Framework Directive.
12. Develop and implement a long-term strategy to ensure the sustainable future of landscape management in the Bassenthwaite Lake catchment area beyond the life of the projects.
Finances:
The project is funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Leonardo da Vinci Fund, Culture 2000, ‘Youth’ and through contributions of partners organisations. Funds will be sought for any projects not in the business plan.
Strategic Review:
This document will be reviewed annually.
