Red-letter year for National Parks topped by launch of plans to expand them
15 December 2009
The Campaign for National Parks (CNP) is delighted at this week’s planned launch by Natural England of proposals to expand the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, on the 60th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 which created them.
2009 has been a red-letter year for National Parks – the South Downs joined the family, the environment secretary launched a new climate change plan for Parks and the Parks have made involving local communities in their work a top priority.
CNP’s Ruth Chambers said, ‘What better way of celebrating this special National Parks week than by kicking off the consultation to expand them.
‘This step marks major progress in what CNP and many others have long considered to be unfinished business for the two Parks. Parts of the existing boundaries make little sense in landscape terms, having been drawn under political pressure along former administrative or road boundaries at the time of their original designation in the 1950s. There are some stunning areas immediately abutting both Parks which thoroughly deserve to be given National Park status, for example the Northern Howgills and areas around Mallerstang, Orton and Whinfell. We warmly welcome Natural England’s imminent public consultation on expanding the National Parks.’
Up until now and for various reasons, there have been long delays in taking this important work forward. However, the Government’s green light for the South Downs National Park earlier this year provided the certainty and clarity needed for Natural England to press on with the plans to expand the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales with purpose and priority.
Ruth Chambers concluded, ‘CNP is especially excited that the consultation launch is planned for the very same week which, 60 years ago, saw Royal Assent granted to the Bill which became the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 – the legislation that enabled all of the National Parks of England and Wales to be created. 2009 has been a red-letter year for National Parks and we look forward to new boundaries for the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales being agreed as quickly as possible, so that these areas might enjoy the benefits that National Park status brings’.
Notes to editors
1. CNP campaigns to protect and promote National Parks for the benefit and quiet enjoyment of all.
2. The broad criteria for National Park designation are:
(i) Natural beauty (taking into account wildlife and cultural heritage); and
(ii) Opportunities for open-air recreation.
Landscapes that meet both criteria are assessed against a number of factors that influence the overall “desirability” to designate, such as their national significance, special qualities, and whether National Park purposes can be best pursued in a given area through the management, powers and duties that come with National Park status. The criteria and overall judgment as to desirability are explained in full in Natural England’s Guidance for Assessing Landscapes for Designation, available soon at www.naturalengland.org.uk
3. Parts of the boundaries along the eastern side of the Lake District and northern and western areas of the Yorkshire Dales National Parks make little sense in landscape terms. All information on the current consultation, including background, assessment of the relevant areas and maps, will be available on the Lakes to Dales Landscape Designation Project section of Natural England’s website at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/new/northwestdesignationproject/default.aspx
For a map of the proposed extension areas see here
The public consultation is expected to start on 18 December and run until mid March.
4. The South Downs National Park designation was confirmed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 November 2009: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/conservation/designatedareas/new/southdowns/default.aspx
Contact: Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy, t: 020 7924 4077 x222, m: 07971 102 156
For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222