New National Parks: Environmental Organisations Celebrate

29 September 1999

The Government's announcement that two National Parks are planned - for the South Downs and the New Forest - has delighted environmental organisations.

The mountaineer, Sir Chris Bonington, President of the Council for National Parks, said: "this has been a long campaign and the announcement is a wonderful way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Parks legislation. Two new National Parks in the south of England will really be Parks for the people: residents and visitors alike.

" This is a visionary move by the Government which will provide the highest status of protection for these areas and marvellous opportunities for quiet enjoyment of their special qualities.

"We believe National Parks are there for all to enjoy and establishing Parks in the densely populated South of England will make us think about the designation, protection and management of National Parks in a different way. Such a review on the 50th anniversary is very timely".

The South Downs was on the original list of 12 candidate National Parks in 1947 - the only one still not designated. It has more visitors than any of the existing National Parks and was recommended originally "for its intrinsic merits as well as on grounds of its accessibility". Although last year the Countryside Commission took the view that the Downs did not merit National Park status the Government has asked its successor body, the Countryside Agency, to think again.

The New Forest was recommended for National Park designation by the Countryside Commission, and CNP has been working for the area to be designated under existing legislation, which now looks likely, to avoid the pitfall of finding Parliamentary time for a special Bill.

Both areas are under heavy pressure from development and suffer continuing damage to wildlife from inappropriate agricultural practices.

"In 1949 the post war generation was building a new future with legislation that led to the designation of the first ten National Parks. Only one - the Broads - has been set up since then.

"These two new Parks will help to secure the future protection and enjoyment of the British countryside. National Parks are about conservation and enhancement, and the promotion of understanding and quiet enjoyment of the special qualities of the areas. These purposes are supported by a duty to foster the well being of local people at large.

"They are a unique mixture of strong protection, the involvement of local communities and the support, care and enjoyment of the public.

"It is right that the Countryside Agency will now consider how these designations will be taken forward and will look closely at the planning arrangements in the South Downs. Those who have been campaigning for the designation of these areas will be only too happy to provide the expertise and enthusiasm gained from over 60 years work on National Parks and the enthusiasm of the millions of people who support National Parks".

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