This year'sClimate Change theme for our annual photography competition looks at exactly this: images which illustrate either the impact of climate change, or the role that National Parks in England and Wales can, and do, play in a green recovery. We want to use striking images to connect people with how the climate emergency affects National Parks and the work underway to address this.
We have 3 categories for this year’s competition:
National Parks Climate Change Photography Competition main award (21 years+)
Young Photographer of the Year (under 21 years old)
People’s Choice Award: Best phone photograph
The competition, run in partnership with Digital Photographer Magazine, follows the release of ourNational Parks and the Climate Emergency report and comes ahead of COP26, due to take place in Glasgow in November. The winners will see their photos published in Digital Photographer Magazine and our autumn/winter edition of Viewpoint Magazine with possibility of more coverage in the national press.
The deadline for entries is Friday 1 October 2021, with judging/voting taking place in October; judging panel to consist of Chief Executive of CNP, Editor of Digital Camera Magazine and former CNP photo competition winner and established National Park photographer Kieran Metcalfe.
Photo: Peatland in Dartmoor National Park / Dartmoor National Park Authority
The Glover Review two years on: announcement expected soon
We're just a few weeks away from the two-year anniversary of the publication of the Glover Review (21 September). We welcomed the Review and its renewed vision for National Parks and support many of its recommendations. We have been calling for the implementation of these ever since. But we've been left frustrated by holding statements which fail to recognise the importance of investing in the future of National Parks in England.
You may have read recent articles in The Guardian, The Telegraph or Daily Mail which hinted at forthcoming Government announcements around new types of designations - urban National Parks - and the creation of new National Parks in the Chilterns and Cotswolds. Read beyond the headlines and you'll see that it included no new announcement - but rather speculation around what might be coming based on what we already know from the Review.
Our position on the Glover Review remains unchanged and we, not so patiently anymore, await the full government response which we hope will come ahead of the two-year anniversary of the publication of the Review. Watch this space...
State of Nature petition success as Government strengthens Environment Bill
A big thank you to everyone who signed the #StateofNature petition; after a few stops and starts - including delayed hearings - we're delighted to reveal that the Government listened and has taken on board the ask to include legally-binding targets for nature in the Environment Bill. It makes England the first country to take such a step.
The recent Defra announcement reads: "Following work with parliamentarians and wider stakeholders, new amendments tabled this month include strengthening the duty to set a legally-binding target to halt species decline by 2030. This will solidify the Government’s commitment to leave a richer, more biodiverse environment for future generations with a clear need for action."
Anita Konrad, Chief Executive of CNP said: "We backed the State of Nature campaign because of the need for drastic action in our National Parks. The setting of legally-binding targets is an important first step, what must follow is a clear plan and investment into natural landscapes to help meet these targets."
CNP in the press talking about volunteering in National Parks and more
It's been a busy month for us talking to journalists for some interesting articles and columns, including a mention in The Sunday Times in relation to the hedgerow campaign.
Last month, we spoke to National Geographic Traveller as part of their brilliant feature on volunteering in National Parks; they mentioned our Park Protector Awards 2021 and included quotes from last month's Volunteer of the Month and runner-up in our awards, David Bream. The article also urged readers to join their local National Park Society or sign up as a Friend of CNP.
Recently, we spoke with John Craven for his forthcoming BBC Countryfile Magazine column focusing on managing an influx of visitors and the conservation challenges that can present in National Parks. That should hit the news stands in the coming weeks, so do look out for that one too!
Volunteer of the Month - David Bird
This month's Volunteer of the Month is the final runner up from our Park Protector Awards 2021 Volunteer of the Year category - David Bird.
Since first volunteering with the Snowdonia Societya couple of years ago, David has given countless hours to physical, practical conservation of various habitats of Snowdonia National Park. He has planted trees, cleared out drains, maintained footpaths, helped build a stretch of stone-pitched path, collected tree seeds, replaced steps in a woodland, cleared gorse to improve habitat for adders, repaired fences…the list goes on.
David told us the most enjoyable part of his volunteering is being outdoors doing something practical; the chance to meet new people and pick conservation experts' brains. Less enjoyable - working in the rain and snow! The pandemic has also proved challenging, but it hasn't stopped David from volunteering, with him diverting his time and effort into delivering medicines to people for the local hospital and GP surgeries and volunteering at the local mass vaccination centre.
He said: "When the lockdowns were eased last summer, the National Park and Snowdonia Society started their "Welcome Back" initiative across the Park. What an opportunity to be out and about in the Park welcoming visitors as well as trying to keep the place litter-free. This ran over 8 weekends, I attended on 16 days. For 2021 the scheme increased and I've really enjoyed getting back outdoors volunteering again."
David urged others thinking of volunteering to give it a go, saying: "Come and do something practical outdoors to help maintain our natural beauty and to try and reduce the effect of climate change. All this with good company and a laugh. Get fit, it's cheaper than the gym. My motto is " Real happiness is helping others."
Latest guest blog: Kit Collective
There are many barriers to accessing National Parks and we have been working with partners to address this over the years - including with our Mosaic Outdoors projects. As more people turn to National Parks to help them through some challenging times, we've seen some great grass-roots initiatives set up to tackle this too, such as the brilliant Kit Collective.
Kit Collective's Anna Woolman, who also volunteers with CNP, explains more in one of our latest blog posts - you can read the full blog here.
And finally...
We hope you have been able to enjoy some of our great outdoors this summer. When searching for a place for your next UK holiday, why not have a look at the offerings of CNP's corporate supporters in the holiday cottage industry?
As a small independent charity, we rely on support from corporate partners and members to enable us to carry on our important campaigning work. Thank you to every one of our supporters for sticking with us through these challenging times.
Did you know that by joining as our Friend you will receive a £40 discount off holiday cottage bookings at Original Cottages, and lots more member discounts? Sign up from as little as £5 a month here today.
