SO YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A HILLS CONSERVATOR.
As a Hills Conservator you will play a key role in the guardianship of the 1200 hectares of the Malvern Hills and Commons. The majority of the land is within the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), much is designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and there are a number of Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAM).
MISCONCEPTIONS
We are often confused in the eyes of the public with being a political party (Conservatives)or being double glazing trade (Conservatories).
WHAT DOES BEING A HILLS CONSERVATOR MEAN?
You would be a trustee of a charity regulated by the Charity Commission and have to act in the interests of the charity
You would be bound by the five Malvern Hills Acts (see layman's guide to the Acts on the web site.)
WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLE DUTIES PLACED ON YOU BY THE MALVERN HILLS ACTS?
- To prevent encroachment. This prevents enclosure of the common land being taken for private gain.
- To keep the Hills and Commons as open space for recreation.
- To conserve the Hills and Commons. (This includes their archaeological and nature conservation importance.)
- Not to do anything or act which will take away or adversely affect the right of any commoner
WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED?
You could be one of 29 Hills Conservators:-- 11 directly elected by the seven wards of Malvern and the parishes of Guarlford, Colwall and Mathon(The areas that pay the levy that is collected on MHC's behalf either by Herefordshire or Malvern Hills District Council
- 8 councillors appointed by MHDC
- 2 appointed by Herefordshire Council
- 2 appointed by Worcestershire County Council
- 3 appointed by Worcestershire County Council to represent the parishes of Castlemorton, Newland and Powick
- 1 appointed by Colwall Parish Council
- 1 appointed by Mathon Parish Council
- 1 appointed by the Church Commissioners
HOW LONG DO I SERVE?
The term of office is 4 years.
WHAT WOULD I BE COMMITTED TO DO?
Attend Board Meetings held bi-monthly at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at the offices of Malvern Hills District Council. Membership of one of the Board's committees is strongly encouraged. This is where the real work is done in running the organisation. Committees also meet bi-monthly.
The other commitment is to listen to the public and bring issues to the attention of the Director and the Board of Conservators through the committee structure, if appropriate. You represent a public body and would need to be approachable by the electorate.
WHAT ELSE?
During the summer, the Director organises a series of "evening strolls" looking at aspects of management of the Hills & Commons and which all Hills Conservators are encouraged to attend. If you are aware of matters of concern when you walk our land it is good practice to report these to the office. Hills Conservators are invited each year to help out at MHC's stand at the Three Counties Show or they can sit on the Wildlife Panels and Grazing Panels. Attending parish council meetings is very much encouraged in order to keep them informed of the work of the MHC
DO I GET ANY PERKS?
The work is voluntary and you are not able to profit from your time as a Hills Conservator. You do however get free parking at all the MHC car parks.. You are richly rewarded in understanding the Management of the Malvern Hills and being able to play a role in protecting them for the future and acting as an ambassador to tell people what the Hills Conservators are all about.
HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?
Much information is on our web site at www.malvernhills.org.uk. The next election will be held on 25 October 2007. If you are interested in becoming a Conservator please contact the Director, Ian Rowat, or Administrative Officer, Val Moore, for an informal chat at Manor House, Grange Road, Worcs. WR14 3EY - tel. 01684 892002
| John Tretheway Chairman | Ray Roberts Vice-chairman |
July 2007
