Vodafone is first mobile phone company to pledge support for National Parks

15 June 1999

Vodafone has become the first mobile phone company to join the Corporate Forum for National Parks, a group of companies which recognise the unique value of National Parks for conservation and recreation.

The Corporate Forum for National Parks is run by the Council for National Parks (CNP), the national charity that promotes conservation and understanding of the National Parks of England and Wales.  The Forum encourages companies to discuss how to work in the dramatic and beautiful landscapes of National Parks in environmentally sustainable ways.

Vodafone's membership of the Corporate Forum follows the introduction of the company's specialist National Parks Project Group last year, which works in partnership with the National Park authorities.  The aim of the project is to ensure that the visual impact of Vodafone's radio base stations is minimised in these areas, whilst providing mobile phone coverage to rural communities and an increasing number of visitors to these scenic areas.

Sir Chris Bonington, Chairman of the Corporate Forum for National Parks said "We are delighted to welcome our first mobile phone company to the Corporate Forum.  Members of the Forum recognise the importance of safeguarding the special qualities of the National Parks.  It is important for companies to forge links with environmental organisations such as CNP so that we can work together to address difficult issues."

Nick Greer, Vodafone's Environmental and Planning Manager, added: "Joining the Corporate Forum underlines Vodafone's ongoing commitment to developing the network within National Parks, and to the promotion of careful planning and best practice in these sensitive areas.  Vodafone aims to set the standard within the mobile communications industry by working in close consultation with local communities and organisations, who will benefit from the provision of a mobile phone network in their area."

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