THE BLACKDOWN VALE CHARTER
A Declaration of Stewardship and Sustainability
Published by
The Blackdown Vale Society
PART I – THE CHARTER
Preamble
The Blackdown Vale (the Vale) is a distinctive rural landscape shaped over centuries by nature and by the people who have lived and worked within it. Its farms, woodlands, hedgerows, orchards, rivers, villages and market town together form a countryside of enduring character, beauty and value.
The Vale has never stood still. It has adapted through successive generations and will continue to evolve. Change should therefore be welcomed where it strengthens the environmental, social and economic well-being of the Vale while respecting the qualities that give it its distinctive identity.
This Charter sets out the principles that the Blackdown Vale Society believes should guide the stewardship, management and enhancement of the Vale for the benefit of present and future generations.
Article I – Stewardship
Each generation shares responsibility for conserving and enhancing the distinctive character of the Vale for the benefit of future generations.
Article II – Sustainability
Environmental quality, social well-being and economic prosperity should be advanced together, recognising that each depends upon the others.
Article III – Change
Thoughtful change strengthens the Vale. Development, investment and innovation should contribute positively to its long-term character, resilience and prosperity.
Article IV – Landscape
The landscapes, biodiversity, heritage and historic settlements of the Vale are a shared inheritance and should be respected, carefully managed and, wherever practicable, enhanced.
Article V – Communities
A thriving countryside depends upon thriving communities. The Vale should remain a place where people can live, work, farm, establish businesses and participate fully in community life.
Article VI – Good Decision-making
Decisions affecting the Vale should be informed by sound evidence, guided by long-term thinking, and taken openly, fairly and responsibly.
Article VII – Shared Responsibility
The future of the Vale depends upon cooperation between residents, landowners, farmers, businesses, public authorities, voluntary organisations and visitors.
Article VIII – Declaration
The Blackdown Vale Society commends this Charter to all who value the Vale and invites them to uphold its principles through responsible stewardship and constructive action.
PART II – CONSTITUTION OF THE BLACKDOWN VALE SOCIETY
1. Name
The organisation shall be known as The Blackdown Vale Society (the Society).
2. Object
The Object of the Society is to uphold this Charter.
3. Functions of the Society
In furtherance of its Object, the Society may:
- promote understanding of the Charter and its principles;
- encourage constructive dialogue between communities, landowners, businesses and public authorities;
iii. commission or obtain independent professional advice, including planning, legal, environmental, engineering, heritage or other specialist advice where appropriate;
- prepare and publish reports, responses and representations on matters affecting the Vale;
- undertake research and organise meetings, lectures and educational activities;
- work with other organisations whose objectives are consistent with this Charter; and
vii. raise and apply funds in furtherance of its Object.
4. Independence
The Society shall be independent, voluntary and non-party political. In pursuing its Object, the Society shall act through evidence, reasoned argument and constructive engagement.
5. Membership
Membership shall be open to any individual or organisation supporting the Object of the Society. The Committee may establish categories of membership and subscriptions.
6. Governance
The affairs of the Society shall be managed by an elected Committee acting as custodian of this Charter. The Committee shall consist of a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and three to eight additional elected members. The Committee may co-opt non-voting members for specific purposes.
7. Election of Officers
Officers and Committee members shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting and shall be eligible for re-election. Casual vacancies may be filled until the next Annual General Meeting.
8. Meetings
An Annual General Meeting shall be held each year. Extraordinary General Meetings may be convened by the Committee. Each member shall have one vote.
9. Quorum
The quorum for a General Meeting shall be 20 members or 10% of the membership, whichever is the smaller. The quorum for a Committee meeting shall be five members.
10. Conflicts of Interest
Committee members shall declare conflicts of interest and withdraw from discussion or voting where appropriate.
11. Finance
The income and property of the Society shall be applied solely in furtherance of its Object. Proper accounts shall be maintained annually.
12. Amendment
This Charter and Constitution may be amended only by a two-thirds majority at a General Meeting.
13. Dissolution
The Society may be dissolved only by a three-quarters majority at a General Meeting. Remaining assets shall pass to one or more organisations with substantially similar purposes.