Government review calls for evidence to inform the future of National Parks – Campaign for National Parks urges solutions to big challenges

22 October 2018

Campaign for National Parks has welcomed the Government’s call for evidence for the review of England’s designated landscapes, which was launched today [Saturday 20 October]. The review, which will report 70 years after the 1949 Act that established National Parks, looks at all aspects of England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB’s).

Julian Glover, who recently addressed Campaign for National Parks’ annual parliamentary reception, is leading the review. In his speech he noted that “we’ve done well but we can do even better” and called for “interesting and bold ideas” in response to the challenges facing National Parks. Click here to read Julian’s speech at Campaign for National Park’s Park Protector Award

Campaign for National Parks urges everyone to participate in the consultation and submit their ideas to the panel. The charity, which was created in the 1930s to campaign for the creation of the Parks, wants to see the Parks become better protected, made even more beautiful and enjoyed by everyone.

Fiona Howie, chief executive of Campaign for National Parks, said: “Around 100 million people visit the National Parks each year to enjoy breath-taking views, nature and adventure. But the Parks are also home to rural communities. At times this inevitably causes tensions.

“We believe the National Parks are a fantastic success story but we welcome the chance to consider how to make them even better. We want to see the review take on the challenge of making the Parks better for wildlife and more accessible for everyone.”

Earlier this year Campaign for National Parks criticised the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy select committee for failing to exclude building nuclear waste facilities in the National Parks, helped successfully campaign against inappropriate zip wires in the Lake District and are currently campaigning against a destructive bypass in the South Downs.

“The National Parks were founded for the benefit of the people of England and Wales and are now famous across the world. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to improve them for everyone to enjoy. We welcome Julian’s call for bold ideas that will make a difference and achieve meaningful change so that England’s best landscapes are fit for the next 70 years.” Concluded Fiona.

The Government’s call for evidence closes 18 December. Click here to take part.

For media enquiries, please contact our campaigns and communications officer Andrew Hall Tel: 0207981 0891 or email andrew@cnp.org.uk