Review sets future Park agenda

22nd March 2004

The National Parks' charity the Council for National Parks (CNP) (1) has warmly welcomed the independent review (2) of the three National Parks in Wales (3), which is to be discussed for the first time in public on Wednesday 24th March (4).

Ruth Chambers CNP's Head of Policy says: "CNP welcomes the review which demonstrates without a doubt the importance of our three National Parks to Wales as a whole.  There is a clear recognition of the Parks' importance in a number of areas, including tourism, rural development and social inclusion".

Sylvia Davies, CNP's Senior Policy Officer says: "The work of the three National Park Authorities has been given a big thumbs up by the review, despite their limited resources and the challenges presented by factors outside their control, for example the Common Agricultural Policy.  The review also concludes that the Welsh Assembly Government has not been an effective champion for National Parks, and challenges the government to recognise the National Parks as key environmental and economic assets, through action as well as words.

"The Review rightly challenges other public bodies such as the Welsh Development Agency to work with the National Park Authorities to ensure that the Parks' environment, communities and economy have a sustainable future".

Ruth Chambers concluded: "the review provides a welcome shot in the arm for the three National Parks in Wales.  We see three key challenges which must be met if the review recommendations are to be delivered as fully and as quickly as we would all like:

·         ensuring that the Parks have sufficient resources;

·         the Welsh Assembly Government seizing its role as champion for the Parks;

·         other organisations working in partnership with the Park Authorities to achieve the Parks' statutory purposes (5)".

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.              The Welsh Assembly Government commissioned independent consultants Land Use Consultants to undertake this review.  The consultants' report can be viewed on the Assembly web site at:

 http://www.countryside.wales.gov.uk/fe/master.asp?n1=3&n2=335&n3=457

3.              The 3 National Parks of Wales are Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia and cover 20% of the land area of Wales.

4.              The report will be discussed by the Assembly's Environment, Planning and Countryside Committee at its meeting on Wednesday 24th March.

5.              The Parks' statutory purposes are:

-          to conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, and

-          to promote opportunities for the public understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222