About the South West Protected Landscapes Forum

The South West Protected Landscapes Forum (SWPLF) is the umbrella body for the most prized places of natural beauty in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, the Isles of Scilly, Somerset and Wiltshire.

It began as an informal gathering of landscape managers in the region’s legally-protected landscapes - the National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor, and the 12 complete Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The informal meetings proved so useful that the Countryside Agency agreed to give the Forum national pilot project funding to assess the benefits of developing a stronger network, initially in the South West but, perhaps, for adoption in other regions later.

As a result a full-time co-ordinator is now in post, with a brief to provide a bridge between the separately-run protected landscape areas and to assist and encourage them with:

• Sharing of knowledge and experience
• Promotion of learning
• Development of skills
• Co-ordination and joint working
• Strategic planning and promotion

A Vision Statement has been produced and the Forum organises regular business meetings and topic workshops, to discuss and deliver its objectives.