Glover Review full steam ahead

Much of life has changed dramatically in the last six weeks and it now seems a long time since Julian Glover published his review of Designated Landscapes last September. The spread of Covid-19 has been deeply disruptive and traumatic; however, it does provide the Government with a huge opportunity to reshape our society and economy.

Our National Parks were first created shortly after the Second World War, and now as then, they have a hugely important role to play in supporting the nation’s recovery.

We welcomed the majority of the Glover Review’s proposals, many of which are in line with what we’ve been calling for ourselves, such as ensuring National Parks play a stronger role in tackling the nature and climate emergencies. We also agree that much more needs to be done to increase opportunities for people from all parts of society to visit our National Parks.

Despite the outbreak of Covid-19, Campaign for National Parks continues to play a crucial role in ensuring these recommendations are implemented. We are now part of a working group established by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This group is meeting (remotely) to discuss various recommendations ahead of the Government’s expected response later this year.
 

Please stay away from National Parks (for now)

Winter is finished for another year and all we want to do is explore our magnificent National Parks, stretch our legs and enjoy their wonder and beauty.
 
However, this year we are all having to stay at home and help stop the spread of Covid-19. We must all do our bit as part of the national effort to stop the spread of this virus and give our NHS the crucial breathing space it needs. 

Many National Park Authorities are pleading with people to not visit the Parks during the Covid-19 crisis. Spring has brought unseasonably fine weather and many people will naturally be tempted to get out into the countryside.

Whilst most National Park enthusiasts have heeded advice and stayed home, there have been continued reports of people travelling to National Parks to escape the lockdown. Malham in the Yorkshire Dales witnessed an influx of visitors, diverting police resource to disperse crowds.
 
At Campaign for National Parks we kindly ask our supporters to follow advice and stay at home. Soon enough we will be able to enjoy our lovely National Parks again.

Now is the time we need to stay connected to National Parks, and here are some great tips!

Due to the lockdown some of us may be feeling disconnected from nature. However, here are some great ways to feel as close as possible to our National Parks.
 
Fight for It Now: John Dower and the Struggle for National Parks in Britain was published last October by author David Wilkinson. This is the first biography to be written about John Dower, the architect of the campaign to create National Parks in the 1930s and 1940s. John Dower sadly died in 1947 before the passage of the 1949 Act. He is survived by his son Michael Dower, who contributed to our oral history project. Fight for It Now: John Dower and the Struggle for National Parks is available to order online.
 
 Our former President Caroline Quentin brilliantly tells the story of the campaigners that made the dream of National Parks a reality. Have a look at her YouTube video here
 
And Northumberland National Park have launched a fantastic new campaign #OutdoorsIndoors to help people escape to nature without leaving home. Check it out on www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk

Further reading…