Take Action to protect National Parks!


Help to stop damaging quarrying activity in the Peak District Backdale Quarry, Peak District National Park

After a two year battle, including a public inquiry victory that was overturned in the High Court and then a successful reversal in the Court of Appeal, the legal door finally shut on illegal quarrying at Backdale when the House of Lords refused to hear a further appeal.  This is an enormous relief and should spell the end of large scale limestone quarrying at Longstone Edge.

However, the only way damage can be prevented in the long term is for the permission to be revoked after the land is bought out.  We have written to the Government to ask for funding to be made available for this.  After that, the site can be restored and a more peaceful future secured for Longstone Edge.

You can help by writing to Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

  • Thanking him for the support that the Government has given to the good work of the Longstone Edge coalition campaign (of which CNP is a member)
  • Expressing your concern about the future of Longstone Edge in the Peak District National Park and its vulnerability to further quarrying damage
  • Showing support for a ‘buy out’ package for Backdale to ensure a permanent solution to save it from future quarrying threat

See here for further information about the campaign

Help to reduce the number of flights over National ParksPlane leaving Bournemouth airport with the New Forest on the horizon (Photo B Wood)

CNP is calling for the Department of Transport to accept a recommendation of the Transport Select Committee to restrict noise levels and the number of flights permitted over National Parks.  An inquiry into the use of UK airspace recognised the importance of protecting National Parks and noted the critical role of tranquillity in defining what makes these areas special. 

You can help by writing to Lord Adonis, Secretary of State for Transport:

  • Welcoming the report of the Transport Select Committee and in particular its recommendation regarding airspace over National Parks
  • Supporting the need for aviation policy to take into account the use of airspace over National Parks and the adverse impact this can have on their setting
  • Emphasising the need for the Department to involve National Park Authorities, communities and all with an interest in protecting the Parks when considering appropriate aircraft and noise limits


Help to achieve speedy progress on the South DownsChanctonbury chalk pits, South Downs (Richard Reed)

In March 2009, following a long campaign by CNP and others, the Government announced its intention to designate the South Downs as a National Park.  This is an extremely welcome commitment but the work does not end there.  CNP is keen for the designation to be confirmed as quickly as possible.  Please write to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Hilary Benn: 

  • Thanking him for Government's commitment to the designation of the South Downs and his personal effort in bringing about this decision
  • Pressing for a speedy confirmation of the designation of the National Park
  • Explaining that the National Park Authority must be properly funded if it is to fulfil its statutory purposes
  • Asking him, once the designation has been confirmed, to write to all local planning authorities that fall within the South Downs National Park reminding them of the special status of the National Park that must be taken fully into account when those authorities prepare their own planning frameworks and policies  

 
Help to secure increased funding for transport  Hadrian's Wall bus (Northumberland NPA)

National Park Authorities work hard to provide good public transport systems in order to encourage the 90% of visitors who travel by car to travel more sustainably.  You can help by asking your MP to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Andrew Adonis:

  • Explaining how more green transport schemes in National Parks will enable more people to visit and encourage others to leave their cars behind
  • Urging the Department for Transport to use its influence to ensure that National Park transport issues are prioritised at regional and local level 

 


Help to save the Snowdon SherpaSnowdon Sherpa bus bus

The Welsh Assembly Government is withdrawing funding for the vital Snowdon Sherpa bus service in the Snowdonia National Park.  You can join the fight to save the service by emailing the Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones making the following points

  • The decision to withdraw funding must be reconsidered
  • The service makes a valuable contribution to the National Park and the economy of North Wales
  • The loss of the service would have a serious impact on local communities and visitors
  • How is the decision to withdraw funding consistent with the Assembly Government's commitment to tackle climate change and encourage more people to use green transport?

 

Support a carbon reduction fund

CNP is supporting a call by a coalition of environment and transport groups for the Government to establish a Carbon Reduction Fund for transport.  This would involve £5 billion from existing budgets being reallocated to low-carbon transport initiatives.  You can find out how to support this campaign on the Friends of the Earth website 

 If you would like to receive CNP's e-newsletter click here 

 

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