Energy and the Parks
Energy is becoming an increasingly important issue for the Parks, as the fight against climate change becomes more urgent. We need to become more energy efficient and reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy sources.
CNP promotes small scale renewable energy developments which are sensibily sited and do not adversely affect the Park's landscape or special qualities.
There are many examples of community renewable energy projects around the Parks. These provide alternative supplies of energy without having an adverse impact on the surrounding area. For example, the North York Moors NPA has a 
Community Renewable Energy project that has supported the development and implementation of community energy projects. The Brecon Beacons has the first community-owned hydro-electric turbine in the UK, at Talybont on Usk.
National Parks are under threat from large scale wind energy developments. These are industrial in nature and would introduce discordant and incongruous features into sensitive areas. CNP recently campaigned against the proposed Whinash wind energy development, which was refused because of the adverse impact it would have had on the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, even though the development was outside their boundaries.
A recent energy conference hosted by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority discussed the key issues surrounding renewable energy in National Parks and looked at the role Park Authorities need to play in this. Park Authorities provide guidance to residents about renewable energy for example, the Brecon Beacons Park Authority has an information sheet for individuals considering installing small scale turbines and the Peak District National Park Authority has published supplementary planning guidance on energy and conservation.
For more information see CNP's energy briefing paper
The English Park Authorities have produced a joint position statement on renewable energy in National Parks.
The following links take you directly to each National Park Authority’s sustainablility/energy pages
| Brecon Beacons | Northumberland |
| The Broads | North York Moors |
| Dartmoor | Peak District |
| Exmoor | Pembrokeshire Coast |
| Lake District | Snowdonia |
| New Forest | Yorkshire Dales |