1. Countryside Agency

The Countryside Agency is the statutory body working:

to conserve and enhance the countryside

to promote social equity and economic opportunity for the people who live there

to help everyone, wherever they live, to enjoy this national asset

They aim to achieve the very best for the English countryside - its people and places. They will:

lead with research and advice

influence others, especially central and local government

demonstrate ways forward through practical projects

See: the Countryside Agency website: www.countryside.gov.uk

2. Forestry Commission

The Forestry Commission of Great Britain is the government department responsible for the protection and expansion of Britain's forests and woodlands.

Their mission is to:

Protect and expand Britain's forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment.

Their objectives are to:

Protect Britain's forests and woodlands

Expand Britain's forest area

Enhance the economic value of our forest resources

Conserve and improve the biodiversity, landscape and cultural heritage of our forests and woodlands

Develop opportunities for woodland recreation

Increase public understanding and community participation in forestry

See: the Forestry Commission website: www.forestry.gov.uk

3. Swindon Borough Council

One of Europe's fastest growing towns. It is led by a council providing a vast range of public services on a cost-effective budget built on the lowest Council Tax in the West of England.

Famed for its railway heritage, Swindon is adding a vibrant present and exciting future to its solid past.

Swindon Borough Council, created as a new unitary authority in 1997, is responsible for setting the pace for Swindon's growth and development. It is a town with the industry, education, infrastructure and environment to have genuine city aspirations.

See: the Swindon Borough Council website: www.swindon.gov.uk

4. Vale of White Horse District Council

The Vale of White Horse District Council is seeking to build and safeguard a fair, open, compassionate community and believes that the health and vitality of the local economy plays a central role in achieving this vision. The Vale is in an area where businesses thrive and people enjoy working, living and visiting. It is their aim to maintain, and where possible improve, the Vale’s attractions to the benefit of all members of the community.

See: the Vale of White Horse District Council website: http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk

5. North Wiltshire District Council

North Wltshire is the region where The Cotswolds meet the Wiltshire Downs. Over half the district is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with rolling hills, wooded valleys and picturesque mellow stone villages.

The six bustling market towns of Calnes, Chippenham, Corsham, Cricklade, Malmesbury and Wootton Bassett offer a choice of shopping and leisure facilities and colourful street markets create a nostalgic atmosphere.

See: the North Wiltshire District Council website: www.northwilts.gov.uk

6. Kennet District Council

Kennet is one of five District Councils in the County of Wiltshire. It covers approximately 375 square miles (96,661 hectares) and about 79,500 people were resident in 1998. The District lies at the eastern edge of the South West Region which is an area renowned for its high quality environment, a feature exemplified within Kennet. Kennet District is mainly rural and agricultural in character and includes some of the finest landscape in southern England. About 66 per cent of the District is included within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a further 20 per cent is designated a Special Landscape Area.

See: the North Wiltshire District Council website: www.kennet.gov.uk

7. Wiltshire County Council

Wiltshire County Council is committed to continually improving the quality of life for local people.

This means planning for and delivering the services they need, when they need them. To find out about the needs of local communities they we consult widely in a variety of ways. They also work in partnership with others to make sure they take a 'joined up' approach to delivering services.

See: the Wiltshire County Council website: www.wiltshire.gov.uk