South Downs National Park Designation is winner for people and environment
25 July 2001
Designating a South Downs National Park will bring practical benefits to both people and nature reveals a new expert report by three leading environmental organisations today [1,2,3, 4].
The report, South Downs National Park: Opportunities for Enhancement, shows there would be
- increased Government and other funding to help enhance the landscape and natural heritage of the area
- better opportunities for working with and supporting farmers in their role as stewards of the countryside and
- more staff dedicated to conservation, restoration of the landscape, and fundraising.
Overall, designation will also enhance the status of the South Downs locally, nationally and globally.
"We hope this report will stimulate and develop ideas about how best to conserve and enhance this beautiful and popular area," said Brian Blessed, the new President of the Council for National Parks (CNP) who launched the report today at Mount Caburn, a National Nature Reserve on the South Downs. [5]
The report’s conclusions are based on the experience of other National Parks. Its recommendations for farming and land management in a South Downs National Park include a "Made in the South Downs" campaign for local produce. It also argues for schemes which would reward farmers and other landowners for managing their land for environmental gain.
"The report’s recommendations would all contribute to a brighter future for the South Downs’ wildlife, landscape, cultural heritage and local people who make a living from the land," said Libby Purves, CNP’s out going President "The South Downs has been seriously degraded over the years, with much habitat lost, and this is a big opportunity to turn the tide."
The South Downs is threatened by intensification and changes in farming practices and pressures from development.
"A National Park Authority will be legally bound to foster the economic and social well-being of the local communities while conserving and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area," said Rebecca May, WWF Wildlife Campaigner. "This long term approach would mean more support to farmers and land managers and a greater security for the South Downs and its people." [6]
The South Downs is characterised by chalk grassland, woodland, heathland, wetlands and rivers. Species which are likely to benefit from National Park designation include otters, dormice, nightingales, orchids and chalkhill blue butterflies.
Editor’s notes
1 The report South Downs National Park: Opportunities for Enhancement has many recommendations for a brighter future for the area. The report is available on line by clicking on the above link.
Digital photographs of today’s event will be available for download off the internet free of charge via the WWF site on Picselect, the Press Association's publicity image service. Please go to the WWF folder situated within the Corporate section of the Picselect either @ www.papicselect.com or through PA bulletin board. If you don't not have access to Picselect you can register free of charge at www.papicselect.com. Any queries concerning access to Picselect, please contact Martin Pittaway or Tiffinni Field at the PA on 0207 963 7526.
The Council for National Parks (CNP) 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 WWF is now known simply by its initials and the panda logo, in line with the whole international network. WWF, the global environment network, takes action to conserve endangered species, protect endangered spaces and address global environmental threats, by seeking long-term solutions.
3 English Nature is the Government agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and natural features throughout England. Among the National Nature Reserves which it manages five are within the proposed boundary of the National Park
4 Libby Purves today handed over to Brian Blessed as President of the Council for National Parks, as well as launching the report on the future of the South Downs.
Libby Purves is a writer, journalist and broadcaster. She currently hosts Midweek on BBC Radio 4. Libby will continue as a CNP Vice-President. Brian Blessed is an actor, writer and climber. He is currently appearing at the National Theatre. He has appeared on the stage, TV and in film and has published four books about his adventures including his ascent of Everest in 1991.
5 The South Downs is currently being considered for designation as a National Park. The Countryside Agency agreed to proceed with the designation in April 2000. Public consultation on the boundary and administrative arrangements for the National Park will be starting in November 2001. Further information is available on CNP's web site at http://www.cnp.org.uk/south_downs1.htm
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