About us

Small but mighty, the Cornwall National Landscape has a core team of five members of staff, and 11 members of staff who work across our fixed-term projects and programmes. Within the team there is a Leadership and Management board who head up; Landscape and Planning, Project Delivery, Project Development, Farm Engagement and Business and sit under the Partnership Manager. The team also work with dedicated volunteers, to whom they are very grateful.

20 Year Vision

This is the Cornwall AONB Partnership’s vision statement which captures the essence of where we aspire to be in 20 years (2016 -2036).

The Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a national asset, critical to Cornwall’s economy and the wellbeing of communities. The special qualities of the Cornwall AONB are conserved, enhanced and appreciated by all who live, work and visit, inspiring those people to be connected with the landscape.

What is Natural Beauty?

Natural beauty goes well beyond scenic or aesthetic value. The natural beauty of an AONB is to do with the relationship between people and place. It encompasses everything – ‘natural’ and cultural – that makes an area distinctive.

It includes the area’s geology and landform, its climate and soils, its wildlife and ecology. It includes the rich history of human settlement and land use over the centuries, its archaeology and buildings, its cultural associations, and the people who live in it, past and present.

Cornwall AONB was designated in 1959 and is unique because it’s made up of 12 separate geographical sections but is still one single designation.

Our Purpose

Our Primary Purpose is to conserve and enhance Natural Beauty.

The Management Plan is a shared strategy for those who live, work and visit the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It provides guidance to help Government, statutory organisations and any public body to ensure they are fulfilling their Section 85* duty to ‘have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty’ of AONB.

Landscape-led development

‘Landscape-led’ is not the same thing as ‘landscapeconsidered’. In a landscapeconsidered scenario, landscape issues (including the purpose of designation) are just one of many competing considerations. In a landscape-led scenario, on the other hand, the objective of conserving and enhancing natural beauty underpins all stages of the development process from initial thinking through to implementation. In adopting this approach, the outcome should be an enhancement of – or ‘netgain’ for – the natural beauty of the Cornwall AONB and one which supports both the statutory purpose of the designation, and the statutory duty imposed by S85 of the CROW Act.

Our Purpose — Sunset at Crown Houses, Botallack – James Reed

All part of the plan

A shared strategy for those who live, work and visit the Cornwall National Landscape. It provides guidance to help Government, statutory organisations and any public body to ensure they are fulfilling their Section 85* duty to ‘have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty’ of the protected landscape.

Download the plan

Meet our team

The Cornwall National Landscape team are a small team of proactive officers and volunteers. The team enables and coordinates the delivery of the Management Plan. We seek to deliver the aims, policies and objectives and monitors and reports on Defra is the key majority funder for the Cornwall National Landscape team which is hosted by Cornwall Council, who also part-fund the protected landscape along with the National Trust. We are subject to additional delivery programmes as directed by government.

Emma Browning-Fitch

Team and Partnership Manager

Emma brings extensive experience to her role as Partnership Manager. With a background in UK Environment Management for Scottish Power Renewables, she has overseen environmental compliance for major onshore and offshore projects as well as a passion for geography.
Melodie Manners

Business Development Officer

Melodie leads the Business Team in her role for Cornwall National Landscape raising the profile of the protected landscape. Her role leverages her communication skills and background in marketing alongside income generation, and innovative business development. Melodie also supports the Cornwall National Landscape Trust.
Coralie Barrow

Project Development Officer

Coralie leads the Project Development Team developing opportunities and managing the project pipeline for Cornwall National Landscape. She overseas the development from concept to delivery, aligning with the management plan and encompassing diverse themes like art, heritage, health, and ecology.
Amy McElhinney

Project Manager

Amy leads the Project Delivery Team and manages the delivery of external projects for Cornwall National Landscape. With a background in heritage and law Amy brings a diverse range of skills to her role.
Louise Barattini

Planning Officer

Louise leads the Landscape and Planning Team. She is a Chartered Town Planner with background and expertise in Nationally Protected Landscapes. She guides development proposals, planning policy and landscape matters to ensure the best outcome for the natural beauty of the Cornwall National Landscape.
Seán O’Hea

Farm Engagement Officer – Farming in Protected Landscapes

Seán leads the Farm Engagement Team. He has a background in nature reserve management and experience in farming. He champions agroecological farming for a sustainable future. He’s committed to community involvement and enjoys spending his free time in the seas of Cornwall National Landscape.
Karen Johns

Office & Finance Manager

Karen is an integral part of Cornwall National Landscape, joining the team in 2003 when the the organisation was created. With a range of administrative and financial experience across multiple sectors including planning, countryside and economic development Karen works within the Business Team and supports the whole organisation.
Iain Rowe

Activities Officer – Delivery Team

Iain, born on the doorstop of our Section 12 (Bodmin Moor), has spent a lifetime being fascinated by, researching and sharing information about the Moor as well the archaeological and historical heritage of Cornwall in general.
Linus Firth

Project Officer Archaeologist

Linus joined the team as an Apprentice Archaeological Technician in 2021 embarking on a new career path following roles in retail management. He quickly progressed and is now supporting project delivery and providing technical expertise for all things archaeological.
James Richards

Communications Assistant

Starting as an apprentice, James leads on project and programme communications as well as supporting with wider Cornwall National Landscape messaging through social media, newsletters, outreach and via our website.
Lizzy Masterton

Project Support Co-ordinator

Lizzy is Project Support Co-ordinator for the Project Development Team, helping to deliver projects from concept to completion. She has a background in art and graphic design and uses her visual and creative skills to help the team deliver engaging, accessible and innovative projects.
Claire Brooks

Farm Adviser

Claire works in the Farming in Protected Landscapes team. She studied environmental geography and international development, and has a background in cartography, scuba diving, farming and the environment sector.
Iwona Brooks

Project Support Coordinator

Iwona supports FiPL project delivery, coordination, and finances. Her strong organisation, reliability and attention to detail helps the team work smoothly and meet deadlines. She brings commitment, problem‑solving skills, and a positive, collaborative approach that strengthens project efficiency. Passionate about nature and the outdoors, she brings genuine enthusiasm to supporting environmentally focused projects.
Ginnette Sutherland

Project Support Coordinator

Ginnette, who has lived, studied, and worked along the Cornwall–Devon border, brings a strong connection to the local landscape. After an internship with the Tamar Valley National Landscape, she now supports the Management Plan review, helping ensure partners, stakeholders, and communities shape Cornwall National Landscape’s future.
Megan Hickmore

GIS Technician

Megan grew up between Sections 02 and 03, spending most of her life in and around the river and woodlands. Those landscapes encouraged her interest in understanding and protecting the natural environment, and they’ve shaped her connection to Cornwall’s wider identity. She works as a Project Support Coordinator in the Project Development team.
Emma Jeffery

Administration Officer – Farming in Protected Landscapes

Emma works in the Farm Engagement team. She lives in North Cornwall, near sections 01 and 02 and enjoys exploring the coast path and countryside with her dogs.