There were no recommendations from the Communications Topic Group for the Board to consider. Although there were recommendations made at the Habitats, Species and Data Topic Group, these had not been formalised and therefore were not raised at the Board.

The Project Officer described the suggested layout and format of the Audit and its accompanying Introduction. The Board agreed that this was acceptable.

The launch of the documents was discussed with particular reference to which organisations and individuals to invite and the structure of the Conference session.

The Board approved the idea that there should be an Open Forum after the morning Conference, so that discussion and debate can take place around the major themes of the day. Suggestions were made about the composition of a panel for the Forum.

The Board briefly discussed the issue of a website, which would contain audits, action plans and other information about the Partnership. The Board agreed that a website would be valuable.

The next meeting is at 2.30 on 18^th January 2000, at English Nature’s London office.