The Friends of the North Pennines group has made progress in its first year by establishing a board of 8 members, recruiting nearly 100 individual members and 4 local groups, creating a business plan and publications fund, and holding member events. Events have included a schools logo design competition and member-only walks and talks. A business plan identifies opportunities for woodland and visitor projects and one-time donations. The group contributes to AONB delivery by engaging new stakeholders and audiences, and has potential for long-term income generation and accessing new funding sources, though it is not an immediate solution. Recommendations include establishing a realistic timeline, being selective about project ideas, and maintaining flexibility.

1. Using Trust Vehicles & Friends
Groups to Enhance AONB Delivery
Friends of The North Pennines
Jon Charlton

2. Progress in year 1
• Firm commitment from board members (now
8 members)
• Nearly 100 individual members and 4 local
groups recruited
• Business plan in place
• Publications fund established with three
NPAP publications secured
• Member events
• Schools logo competition and branding
• E - newsletter

3. Events and activities
• Schools’ design
competition
• Member only walks
and talks
• Founders’ reception

4. Business planning
• Members’ suggestions
(groups and indivduals)
• Realistic and deliverable
targets
• Opportunities
• Woodland
• Visitor Payback
• One off donations /legacies

5. Contribution towards AONB Delivery
• Capturing our clients as stakeholders for the
first time
• Higher profile with new audiences
• Medium term income generation
• Ability to access new sources of funding and
to channel existing funds
• Not the immediate solution
• AONB Partnership is already tapping into other funding
sources

6. Three things we would recommend
1. Establish a realistic
timetable with
achievable goals
3. Be choosey about
offers of help and
project ideas and
keep it sociable
5. Retain sufficient
flexibility to be
opportunistic

7. Thank you,
Any questions?
jcharlton@northpenninesaonb.org.uk