New report: Options for modernising National Park Authority governance

Published: 20 April 2026

Today (20 April 2026) we’ve launched our new report ‘Leading National Parks into the Future: Modernising National Park Authority Governance’. It explores how we can modernise the current governance system and unlock the full potential of National Parks. Right now, outdated legislation is holding these places back; restricting innovation, limiting diversity, and reducing their ability to deliver for nature recovery and public health and well-being.  

The proposals in our report are based on what we learnt in the course of detailed interviews with 33 people with a deep level of knowledge and experience of the current governance model which focused both on what really needs to change and what we should be safeguarding as part of any reforms. 

The report also sets out the case for change including the need to ensure that those making decisions about National Parks are more representative of the nation, and have a stronger focus on the issues that really matter for nature, climate and communities in these areas. 

Our recommendations for change include some which could be implemented quickly and some which will require legislation. The quick wins include changes to the recruitment process, induction and training to encourage and support more people from a diverse range of backgrounds to become Board members. This would build on the positive progress that has already been made as part of the recruitment process for national members in 2025. We also want to see greater use of online and hybrid meetings to make attendance at meetings easier; and better remuneration for Board members accompanied by clear expectations about the performance and attendance expected in return. 

The legislative changes we are calling for include: 

• Reducing the size of the Boards to a maximum of 12–15 members.  

• Strengthening democratic accountability by ensuring that NPAs have a clear role in the decision-making of Strategic Authorities thus strengthening the links between local government and National Park Authorities. 

• Increasing the proportion of recruited members through the introduction of a new model where  

• One third are recruited on the basis of having local experience related to the statutory purposes.  

• One third are recruited on the basis of having national experience related to the purposes.  

• One-third are appointed by constituent local authorities taking account of the need for political balance, and a geographical spread as well as appropriate skills and expertise. 

• Open recruitment decisions are made by a panel including the Secretary of State, the NPA Chair and an independent member.  

• Our proposed model would allow people with deep local knowledge of the area to join the Board without needing to become a Parish Councillor. Increasing the proportion of openly recruited members would increase relevant experience and diversity. 

• Strengthening the statutory purposes by placing a much stronger emphasis on nature recovery, climate action and equitable and inclusive access. 

• The introduction of fixed terms for all members. 

• Making it easier to co-opt members. 

• Reducing unnecessary bureaucratic burdens by reducing auditing requirements. 

• Giving a nature and future generations a seat on the Board. 

The current National Park Authority model has been in place for 30 years and has delivered a huge amount since then. But, at a time of nature and climate crisis, we need these areas to play a leading role in halting species extinction, bringing an end to damaging practices such as burning of peatland, cleaning up our waterways and creating places which are wilder and more welcoming for everyone. This level of ambition requires even more courageous leadership, made possible with the right governance framework in place.  

In December 2024, the Westminster Government committed to introducing legislation to reform the purposes and governance of Protected Landscapes. We hope this report helps the Government deliver on that commitment, which is now long overdue, as well as providing a valuable contribution to the wider discussion on how we can ensure National Parks are best equipped to meet current and future needs.