Government promises full response to Glover Landscapes Review 'later this year'
The Government finally released a Written Ministerial Statement on the Glover Landscapes Review, saying that the full response would come 'later this year'.
We have been calling for the Government to implement some of the recommendations from the Glover Landscapes Review since it was first published almost two years ago and were hoping for significant news this week, but were left somewhat disappointed again.
The statement included proposals to create two new Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and expand two existing AONBs but included very little mention of National Parks. Read our full statement here.
Have you signed the State of Nature petition yet?
Last month the Environment Secretary promised a major step forward would be taken in law for nature after thousands of you signed the State of Naturepetition asking for action. But instead of the strong new legal deadline to end nature’s decline in England by 2030, we’ve ended up with a weakly worded target that the Government can wriggle its way out of.
Our fight is not over. There is still time for the Government to change the law if we - along with Wildlife and Countryside Link and partners - continue to push for action. Please sign and share our petition today.
With your help England can be the first country in the world to put nature’s recovery in law. Thank you for demanding a better #StateofNature
New National Parks and the Climate Emergency report launched
In the month that world leaders met in Cornwall for the G7 Summit and ahead of COP26 in Glasgow in November, we have released a new National Parks and the Climate Emergency report, which looks at what is currently being done in National Parks in England and Wales and what more is needed.
In compiling the report, we spoke to members and officers at National Park Authorities in England and Wales and looked at what action the Westminster and Welsh Governments were taking to help National Parks play a leading role in a green recovery.
"It is clear that significant changes are needed at both national and local level," said CNP Policy and Research Manager Ruth Bradshaw, who compiled the report, "and the scale of change required in National Parks will have far-reaching implications."
She added: "If it is to be delivered effectively, it is important that there is an opportunity for all those affected to agree the best course of action collectively." Read more from Ruth here.
Viewpoint magazine Spring/Summer 2021 edition out now
Many of you will have received your all-new Viewpoint magazine now (physical copy or digital version) and we hope you are enjoying reading it.
It's a bumper 28-page edition with features on our climate report, Park Protector Awards, planning reforms and more. It includes news from around the Parks and opinion pieces from a range of voices - including two National Park Society Chairs.
If you'd like to receive a copy and support our ongoing work, please join us as a Friend from as little as £3 a month. See website for details.
Reducing the impact of communications infrastructure in National Parks
We submitted responses to the following government consultations/calls for evidence around telecommunications infrastructure and connectivity.
Our submission of evidence on improving connectivity for very hard to reach premises supported the provision of improved connectivity in rural areas, but emphasised that every effort should be made to reduce the visual and landscape impact of this in National Parks.
We also responded to a consultation on changes to permitted development rights for telecommunications infrastructure, in which we raised strong concerns around the relaxation of permitted development rights in order to speed up the roll out of 5G. National Park purposes must continue to be taken into account in the provision of telecoms infrastructure.
Following the brilliant nominations we received for our Volunteer of the Year category in our Park Protector Awards 2021, we wanted to showcase some of the ongoing work carried out by volunteers in National Parks in England and Wales.
This month's Volunteer of the Month is VIcky Pearson who volunteers with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Vicky was shortlisted in our Park Protector Awards for continuing to volunteer her time throughout the global pandemic undertaking weekly beach cleans, in which she collects mostly marine waste. Between lockdowns she led volunteer parties for Friends of Pembrokeshire Coast and also volunteers with the local Wildlife Trust.
Vicky moved to Pembrokeshire Coast after retiring early - a place which she first fell for when holidaying there as a child. She said: "I spent years behind a computer and just love being outdoors. I've learned so much about creating and managing habitats and the smaller details of wildlife - it makes me want to do even more volunteering. I enjoy the social side. I feel so lucky to live here and it's nice to give something back."
P.S. We've moved...
In the midst of launching the climate report, Viewpoint magazine and responding to Glover, we also moved into a new office:
Campaign for National Parks
7 - 14 Great Dover Street
London
SE1 4YR
t: 020 3096 7714
Please note that we continue to work mostly from home, so instead of phoning and leaving a message, it may be quicker to reach us by emailing [email protected]. Thank you!
Have you signed the State of Nature petition yet?
Viewpoint magazine Spring/Summer 2021 edition out now
