New National Parks: 2003 target vital

7 February 2002

The broadcaster and writer Libby Purves, supporting the Council for National Parks ⁽¹⁾ as a former President, is to give Parliamentarians three clear messages about new National Parks in England ⁽²⁾ . She is speaking as a Vice President of the Council for National Parks at a reception in Parliament on February 12th. Libby Purves will say that:

•  Proposed new National Parks in the South Downs and New Forest are vital to protect these areas ^{(3, 4)} ;
• There must be no delay in setting up the new National Parks: the end of 2003 is a target Ministers should grasp;
• These new National Parks provide real opportunities to put sustainable development into practice across extensive areas in the pressurised south of England.

Libby Purves will say "National Parks are hugely important to our modern way of life. National Parks in the 21st century are ever more vital, offering the highest level of protection whilst staying accessible. We need the new South Downs and New Forest National Parks as soon as possible to help ensure that these areas are protected from further damaging developments."

"The National Park designation also offers a great opportunity to support farmers and landowners in conserving and enhancing the landscape and habitats and developing local markets for high quality local produce."

The Reception will also include speeches from the DEFRA Minister Rt Hon Alun Michael MP, Lord Judd ⁽⁵⁾ and Lord Clark of Windermere ⁽⁶⁾ .

Notes to editors

1  The Council for National Parks is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.
2  There are currently 11 National Parks in England and Wales: Dartmoor, Exmoor, The Broads, Peak District, Lake District, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland, Pembrokeshire Coast, Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, with new National Parks in the New Forest and South Downs on the way.
3  Public consultations on the boundary and administrative arrangements for the New Forest National Park have taken place. The proposed draft boundary includes many of the areas suggested by CNP and local partner organisations. The designation order will be submitted by the countryside Agency to the Secretary of State at the end of February. A public inquiry into the boundary is likely to be held later this year if there are any objections by local authorities.
4  Progress on the South Downs designation has been steady but relatively slow – the process is a year behind the New Forest. The Countryside Agency (CA) has agreed a draft boundary for consultation. A 3 month public consultation on the draft boundary has started. The CA is confident that it will be able to submit the designation order to the Secretary of State in September 2002. During the winter 2002/3 the Secretary of State will decide if a public inquiry should be held or whether to confirm the designation order. If a public inquiry is to be held, the South Downs National Park Authority may not come into being before 2006. If the designation order is confirmed it could come into being by the end of 2003.
5  CNP Vice President
6  All Party Group on National Parks Vice Chair

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