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** A year on from the Glover Review, it's time for some action
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Earlier this month (21 September) saw the first anniversary of the publication of Julian Glover's Landscapes Review ([link removed]) . The Review sets out an ambitious vision for the future of designated landscapes in England, arguing that while these areas already provide many benefits, changes are needed to ensure that they are delivering their full potential for nature, climate and people.

The Review made 27 proposals for change, covering everything from the way National Parks are governed and protected to ensuring that more people can visit more easily. We broadly welcomed the findings of the Review and were pleased to see the inclusion of a number of the proposals we called for in our 2018 submission of evidence ([link removed](version%20for%20submission).pdf) . There are some areas ([link removed](FINAL)%20Campaign%20for%20National%20Parks%20Response%20to%20Glover%20Proposals.pdf) where we believe refinements are needed to ensure that any changes introduced deliver their intended aims, but in general we support Glover's ambition for the proposals to be introduced as a package of measures and are keen to see them implemented as quickly as possible.

We are expecting the Government's response to the Review before the end of 2020 and had hoped that they might use the first anniversary as an opportunity to say something about their plans for this, but that didn't happen so we keep waiting. In the meantime, the Government is consulting on major changes to the planning system and we will be using this as an opportunity to highlight the Glover proposals which address weaknesses in the existing planning protections for designated landscapes, and to call for these proposals to be introduced as part of the proposed planning reforms.

To find out more about how National Parks could benefit from the planning reforms, read our latest blog ([link removed]) .

(Photo of the Kinder Downfall in the Peak District National Park by Sam and Ike Walker)



** Remembering Len Clark 1916 – 2019
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This September also marks the first anniversary of the passing away of Len Clark, whose life-long dedication to the countryside is still warmly remembered at organisations such as Campaign for National Parks, the National Trust, the Open Spaces Society and the Youth Hostels Association. Together with Len’s sons Alastair, Stuart and Neil, these organisations (as well as the Guildford Samaritans, where Len too volunteered for over 30 years) are planning an autumn of remembrance at Len’s beloved Polesden Lacey ([link removed]) in Surrey, a National Trust property near the South Downs National Park, and are warmly inviting people who remember Len to visit the site this autumn.


Two panels of information about Len have been placed next to the three benches at Polesden Lacey overlooking what the National Trust now call ‘Len’s View’. The view is of the charming valley in which a copper beech copse was planted in recognition of Len’s contribution to countryside conservation. The view also looks towards Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel – it was the Youth Hostel movement which gave Len his early countryside experiences. ‘Len’s View’ is about 15 minutes’ walk from the main house at Polesden Lacey and shown on a map that can be gained from the main house. The YHA are also enabling the siting of a bench at Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel overlooking Len's Copse.

At the café at Polesden Lacey you can also see a tapestry commissioned in Len’s memory by Sue Cassell, illustrating a walk across Oxfordshire and Wiltshire which Len once described in great detail to Sue.

The display boards and tapestry will be in situ at Polesden Lacey from 25 September until 24 December 2020. The property is currently open 7 days a week, but please do take account of government advice on keeping yourself and others safe while visiting. It is strongly advised to book in advance ([link removed]) . Please note there is an admission fee for those who are not members of the National Trust.

The Godalming and Haslemere Ramblers have also unveiled a plaque in memory or Len on FP193a near Duns Farm, Chiddingfold, looking out towards Black Down. Len had rallied the group to support the fight to have the western Weald, including Black Down, within the designation of the South Downs National Park, and it is thanks to his insistence that the area was included within the boundaries of the National Park in 2009.

Kate Ashbrook's beautiful look on Len's long life here ([link removed]) .

Our film celebrating the 70th anniversary of National Parks, including Len's interview, can be watched on YouTube here ([link removed]) .

(Photo of Len courtesy of Alastair Clark)


** Free online conference at Yorkshire Dales
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Our friends at the Yorkhire Dales Society are organising a free online conference on climate emergency on 3 and 17 October 2020. If you are interested in joining by Zoom, please book via [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
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** Further reading…
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Our Policy and Research Manager Ruth Bradshaw blogs about the Government's planning system reform, which shows a worrying lack of reference to National Parks ([link removed]) .

Itching to visit National Parks soon again? There are many that you can visit car-free, by train, as Alice Mannion from Scenic Rail Britain reminds us ([link removed]) .

The starry autumn night skies are here again, and CPRE's Emma Marrington tells us here where to see the darkest skies in the UK ([link removed]) .

If you wish to write for Campaign for National Parks, do get in touch and email us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

P.S. Do you like our new banner? The photo is 'Towards the End of a Day's Walking in and around Dyffryn Crawnon in the Brecon Beacons' by Andrew Brooks, shortlisted in our 'Inspired by Nature' photo competition earlier this year.

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