The Council has a statutory responsibility in respect of Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Local Nature Reserves and Local Wildlife Sites to further their conservation and enhancement. How can this responsibility be fulfilled without the knowledge and technical expertise of the Countryside Management Team ? There will be a substantial impact on sites with no management: statutory sites will fall into decline and degradation, litter and vandalism will grow quickly, sites will become insecure. Green flag and other award-winning sites will fall into non-compliance. The Countryside Strategy’s aim is to “conserve, educate and promote our countryside for the benefit of people and wildlife”. The Countryside remains open at all times and cannot be closed. Many thousands of people will continue to visit, require information, demand events and school services, access to visitor centres and hides. They will require a safe environment in which to walk and not be subjected to anti-social behaviour. Sites cannot be left without management.