Major National Parks Conference
10 July 2002
Leading National Park figures are to gather for a major conference (1) in Southampton between 12th and 14th July themed on National Parks in the 21st century.
The conference, organised by the Council for National Parks (CNP) (2),will focus on biodiversity, recreation, planning and local communities and will hear from several key speakers including the Government’s Minister for Rural Affairs the Rt Hon Alun Michael MP and CNP Vice President and mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington (3)
Sir Chris Bonington says: "this is an opportunity to focus on the National Parks including the new ones proposed for the South Downs and New Forest. They are vital for the nation’s well being. We are delighted that the Minister is able to join us and hope that he will address the future of National Parks and what needs to be done to ensure that these beautiful landscapes continue to be strongly protected and enjoyed by millions of people".
Notes to Editors
1 The conference will take place at the University of Southampton on 12-14 July and will be attended by National Park practitioners, policy experts and enthusiasts from all across England and Wales.
2 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 3 National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.
Speech details: Chris Bonington at 9.30am; the Minister at 9.50am; Sir Martin Doughty (Chairman of English Nature) at 10.10am. All on Saturday 13 July at Lecture Theatre B, Avenue Campus, University of Southampton.
4 There will be a photocall and interview opportunity with the Minister and Chris Bonington 11-11.30am on Saturday 13 July at Avenue Campus.
5 The conference is supported by the Nationwide Building Society.
Photocall with the Government’s Minister for Rural Affairs the Rt Hon Alun Michael MP and CNP Vice President and mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington
11 - 11.30am, Saturday 13th July, Avenue Campus, University of Southampton
For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222