In England, the first stages of our new National Park are underway with Natural England finalising the designation process. Areas vying for consideration include the Chilterns, the Cotswolds, and areas of Dorset and East Devon. 

Scotland’s new National Park got a step closer at the end of February when the deadline for communities to nominate their area for consideration closed. The final list of nominations is Galloway, Lochaber, Loch Awe, Tay Forest and the Scottish Borders. A decision on which area to bring forward as a new National Park is expected to be made later this year. 

Meanwhile in Wales, the boundaries of the new National Park in North East Wales are being finalised. 

At the start of March, Campaign for National Parks were at the Senedd for an event celebrating the history of Welsh National Parks and looking to their future, including what is needed for the new National Park to be an exemplar for nature and communities. Alongside a great line-up of speakers, we gathered our attendees’ hopes for the new National Park via an interactive felt display. 
 
We also launched a 75th anniversary statement in partnership with the Alliance for Welsh Designated Landscapes outlining 10 key asks of Welsh Government for the future of existing and new Welsh National Parks and National Landscapes.