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In 1992 EH and English Nature signed a statement of intent which set out practical policies to ensure that the two bodies work effectively in partnership. Specific areas where close liaison is desirable are targeted in an action plan which is agreed on an annual basis. During 1996-97 work with the Countryside Commission has resulted in two significant publications: Conservation Issues in Local Plans, and Ideas into action for Local Agenda 21. EH has worked with the Countryside Commission and English Nature to include a historical dimension into the joint Countryside Commission/Natural Areas Map, published in 1996, and the three agencies continue to collaborate in a joint research project on environmental capital, as well as working together on a number of policy issues including coastal issues (through the Coastal Forum) and liaison with the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food in respect on Environmental Land Management Schemes. Guidelines on bats in churches have been prepared for parishes, church architects, conservators, and bat groups, and joint EH/English Nature guidance on this complex issue is due to be published. English Nature launched its Veteran Trees Project with EH as one of the supporting partners, and has also invited EH representation in its forward policy development Beyond 2000, and in its 1997 staff conference which placed particular emphasis on joint working and partnerships with other organisations.
English Nature continues to notify EH of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and of those areas designated as National or Marine Nature Reserves; similarly EH notifies English Nature of sites which are Scheduled Ancient Monuments, in the care of EH, or registered as historic parks, gardens, or battlefields. The management of land and sites in a way which respects archaeological and nature conservation objectives is a fundamental aim of the Statement of Intent, and these objectives need to be taken into account in the management of EH's and English Nature's own estates, and in the management of other land where grant aid or advice is provided by the two organisations. EH has largely completed the first phase of an ecological audit of its c400 Historic Properties. This has been achieved through systematic collation of SSSI and county Wildlife Sites coincident with Historic Properties, a programme of summer and winter botanical surveys commissioned from ecological consultants, surveys by EH staff, and collation of volunteers' records. Information on bat roosts has been obtained from county bat groups and English Nature (further survey is required and will be built into the action plan for 1997-98). Records of 2,700 species have been entered into a database maintained by our Gardens and Landscape Team, and ecological analysis of the data has now started. The Historic Properties portfolio includes 26 SSSIs (including 6 of international importance), 44 County Wildlife Sites (Sites of Nature Conservation Importance), 73 bat roosts, 6 sites with protected animals or plants, and 88 scarce species not formally protected. A start has also been made on the preparation of Wildlife Statements for those properties of the greatest wildlife importance, which describe, locate, and interpret the key wildlife features at each site.
EH staff are taking increasing account of nature conservation issues when providing advice or grant aid to owners. At Jervaulx Abbey, for example, the diversity of wall flora is protected within the consolidation programme by the use of 'soft topping' where appropriate, ensuring that seed rich soil removed during the works is returned as an integral component of the consolidated masonry. The conservation of bats is probably the most important species-based nature conservation issue which EH has to address at its own properties and through provision of grant aid, and strong links have been established with English Nature species officers. Similarly, English Nature Local Teams have worked very closely with EH staff in improving the management of archaeological features on NNRs and SSSIs. Despite the very close liaison in some parts of the country, nationally, the picture is somewhat uneven, and we intend to increase contact next year. The development of good practice will also be assisted by the circulation of Landscape Advice Notes which will build on the significantly increased liaison between EH and English Nature this year, which has resulted in the development of integrated policy, research, and management.