international boost for uk landscapes

The Council for National Parks (CNP) (1) is delighted by today's announcement by the Minister for Rural Affairs, Landscape and Biodiversity, the Rt. Hon. Jim Knight MP, that the UK government has signed the European Landscape Convention (2) which gives proper recognition to UK landscapes.

Donna O'Brien, CNP's policy officer, said: "This welcome move follows many years of campaigning by lovers of landscape all over the UK. It means, at last, that landscape should get more recognition in day-to-day decision making in the UK. We all know that the landscape, be it the one outside our windows or our most celebrated and iconic scenery like National Parks, is something which affects us all, which helps give us a local and national identity, and which ultimately needs special care and recognition."

Donna continued: "National Parks have the highest possible protection in national policy terms but even they are constantly under threat from developments such as major roads or pylons. The Convention is a good reminder to decision makers that these landscapes are globally important and that they have an international responsibility towards them. The UK was one of only a few remaining EU countries which had not signed the Convention until now. The Convention reinforces what an important place landscape has in the British psyche and for our quality of life.

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 European Landscape Convention signatories agree to implement four general measures. The first is to recognise landscapes in law, as an essential component of people's heritage, identity and surroundings. The second is to establish and implement landscape policies aimed at landscape protection, management and planning. The third is to establish procedures for public participation in the definition and implementation of landscape policies. The fourth is to integrate landscape into its regional and town planning policies and in its cultural, environmental, agricultural, social and economic policies as well as in any other policies with possible direct or indirect impact on landscape.
• 3. For full details of the European Landscape Convention, see the Council of Europe, European Landscape Convention website

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