Research projects
CNP regularly undertakes research into its main policy areas.
Tackling Traffic
National Parks attract large numbers of visitors every year. 90% of these visitors choose to travel by private car. This could threaten the two statutory purposes of National Parks - to conserve natural beauty and promote enjoyment of their special qualities.
CNP decided to undertake some research to determine what National Park Authorities were doing to promote sustainable transport. It concluded that although all of the authorities were providing differing levels of sustainable transport, constraints on funding was affecting future investment in such projects. The report's main recommendation was for a new, ring-fenced fund for sustainable transport projects. The Government's response on this is awaited.
Copies of the final report Tackling Traffic: Sustainable leisure transport in National Parks - an overview of National Park involvement can be downloaded here or purchased via the publications page.
The results of a questionnaire to National Park Authorities about their action on the ground can be downloaded here.Off road or off limits
In recent years there has been an increased reporting of four wheel drives and trail bikes on National Park land. Having had longstanding concerns about this, CNP consulted National Park Authorities. Many reported that these vehicles were of significant concern to them, especially as they threatened the conservation and enjoyment purposes of the National Parks.
Among its recommendations, CNP suggested that National Park Authorities should be given more power and resources to tackle the problem of these vehicles.
This resulted in a change in law which means that National Park Authorities now have greater powers to control off road use through the use of Traffic Regulation Orders.
Download a copy of the final report Off-road or off-limits? Recreational driving in National Parks or purchase a copy via our publications page
Old quarrying permissions
Planning policy for new mineral developments in National Parks is highly restrictive. However, there are several sites within the Parks where the existence of old permissions threatens the Parks. In some cases development was agreed several decades ago, in some cases even before the Parks were designated.
CNP undertook some research into old permissions, funded by the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund, and in partnership with the Friends of the Peak District. This made various recommendations to address legal, policy and planning issues associated with these old permissions.
