Campaign Conference takes forward change for the National Parks

27 November 2019

Campaign for National Parks hosted a conference to discuss the future of National Parks in England and Wales following the publication of the Julian Glover’s review of designated landscapes.

Campaign for National Parks brought together its member organisations and others to discuss the future of National Parks in a day-long conference last week [Thursday 21 November 2019] at Southwark Cathedral. Its member bodies jointly represent over 5 million individuals who support and treasure the countryside and its beautiful landscapes.

Speakers at the conference discussed the lessons to be learnt from the 1930s and 1940s campaigns, from the Marsden review in Wales and reactions to the designated landscapes review to a packed room of over 70 delegates.

Attendees heard from Julian Glover who led the review of England’s designated landscapes and questioned him on many proposals, including those to bring AONBs and National Parks into closer alignment. Other speakers included Richard Clarke of the National Association of AONBs and Adrian Phillips.

Campaign for National Parks is leading efforts to give the National Parks a bright future. It will be calling on the new government to take bold steps to bring forward many of the recommendations of the review of designated landscapes and to ensure the momentum for change is maintained.

Corinne Pluchino, Chief Executive of Campaign for National Parks, said: “I have to thank all the speakers who gave up their time at this crucial moment for the National Parks and AONBs.”

“We had a fantastic and thought provoking day. I hope the delegates will agree how important it was that we had the opportunity to have these vital discussions about the future of England and Wales’ beautiful protected landscapes. It was also immensely valuable to hear different perspectives from different organisations and locations.”