National Parks Matter – But they are under threat……
England’s National Parks began life after the Second World War as part of a drive to improve the lives of the population and an understanding that access to nature must be available to everybody, no matter where they lived. The EOCA, along with these parks, focuses on conserving and enhancing natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, and promoting opportunities for public enjoyment.
They are enjoyed by 245 million visitors per year, generating at least £36bn and play an essential in the UK’s international 30by30 obligations.
But they are under threat……
The UK Government wants to remove the duty of public bodies to ‘seek to further’ the purposes of Protected Landscapes “section 245 (Protected Landscapes) of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023” as part of its planning and infrastructure bill, in order to promote “growth”. This duty was introduced in 2023 in the greatest increase to National Park protection in a generation, and its full implementation would be transformational for both the environment and access to nature. To axe it before its full effect can be felt is both damaging and short-sighted.
“This decision would be absolutely devastating for National Parks, National Landscapes. This duty is the only real power they have to secure action for nature, and help meet the UK’s international 30by30 obligations. Without it, they are little more than paper parks.”
Dr Rose O’Neill, Chief Executive CNP“National Parks and Protected Landscapes play a key role in protecting both our environment, but also people’s access to enjoy that environment. Any watering down of their protections would have a direct impact on the Outdoor Community and the sector that serves it”
Dan Yates – Executive Director EOCA
Together with Campaign for National Parks, National Trust, Open Space Society, Rewilding Britain, BMC and many others, EOCA is calling for the Government to rethink this highly damaging move.
We are co-signing a letter to share our concerns with the Prime Minister before this is debated by the cabinet next week, the text can be found here
But we need your help:
To have your organisation/company sign the letter, and show your commitment to nature and wild places please email [email protected] and [email protected] by midday Tuesday 7th October with a signatory name, organisation name and ideally a logo.
(We are currently only seeking business and organisation signatories)
For further information on the issue and what the implications are likely to be, please read the following:
TIMES ARTICLE – September 23rd
DEFEND THE DUTY – Campaign for National Parks campaign page.
THE REST IS POLITICS – Discussion starts at 27mins
