Campaign for National Parks calls for tougher action to protect peatlands in National Parks
Much greater priority should be given to the restoration and rewetting of peatlands of all types in National Parks, with the aim of bringing all this peatland into good condition or restoration management by 2030 at the latest - as outlined in our new peatland policy statement.
It is important to protect existing areas of intact functioning peatland as well as already damaged areas from further degradation. In order to do this, we need to see an end to peatland burning as a land management technique in National Parks, a ban on peat use in horticulture and a ban on disposable BBQs.
Campaign for National Parks Chief Executive Rose O’Neill said: “The climate emergency should be at the forefront of decision making. National Parks as home to important habitats such as peatland have a key role to play but are being held back by ineffective legislation. There are clear steps the Government could take to ensure peatland is in a good condition and able to play its role in meeting net zero targets, which we’ve outlined in our peatlands policy statement.
“We recognise these landscapes have been shaped by traditions that go back centuries, but in the face of the global climate emergency we all need to be prepared to change our lifestyles and ways of working.”
Read our full peatlands policy position statement here.
Sphagnum moss, or peat moss as it's more commonly known, by National Parks UK
National Park Authorities pledge to do more to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises
As world leaders met in Glasgow earlier this month for COP26, National Parks joined together to call for commitments and actions to address the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. For the first time, organisations from around the world responsible for managing National Parks and protected areas came together with a joint declaration.
We called for greater climate leadership in our National Parks and the Climate Emergency report released earlier and very much welcome this important global statement. We're also pleased to see more National Park Authorities (NPAs) reflecting on their role in nature recovery and delivery of the UK’s Net Zero targets.
The Brecon Beacons NPA has published its ‘Future Beacons’ draft management plan, which sets out ambitions to address climate change, and the North York Moors NPA has a vision to be a 'resilient landscape at the forefront of addressing climate change' as part of its latest management plan consultation. It follows on from the Exmoor Vision and similar work in other National Parks.
“The climate and nature emergencies are the most pressing issues of our time," said Rose O’Neill, Chief Executive of Campaign for National Parks,"National Parks should be at the vanguard – going faster and further. It’s now down to Government to support organisations to come together and deliver at the scale needed.”
Defra Minister The Rt Hon Lord Benyon speaks at Campaign for National Parks AGM
A big thank you to everyone who attended our Council and Annual General Meeting on 25 November 2021, which explored 'National Parks for the Future: Visions for the Next 70 Years'.
The online meeting was attended by Council members, observers and other friends, and included some powerful #NationalParksNewPerspectives videos from Defra Minister The Rt Hon Lord Benyon, Chief Executive of Natural England Marian Spain, Chair of Mosaic Outdoors Mohammed Dhalech, and more.
Campaign for National Parks Chief Executive Rose O'Neill said: "We were delighted to be able to host such an important and lively meeting looking at the future for National Parks and designated landscapes in England and Wales, and in Scotland. This is a critical time for National Parks, which can - and should - be at the centre of a green recovery.
"Campaign for National Parks has a strong history and proven track record of bringing people together to protect and improve National Parks. We'd like to thank our council members and Friends for their support, vision and commitment which helps fuel our campaigning work to ensure that National Parks are fit for the future and deliver for People, for Nature and for Climate."
We submitted our response to the Government consultation on the Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) this month.
We are calling for National Park Authorities (NPAs), as the planning authority, to be the responsible authority for the LNRSs covering National Parks. This will allow them to build on the work that they are already doing to develop their Management Plans and ensure that there is a good alignment with the Local Plan for the area.
If NPAs are not to be the responsible authority, then it is absolutely essential that they have a leading role in the governance of relevant LNRSs and that those LNRSs are required to take account of the priorities and actions in the National Park Management Plan.
Get involved with our 'All I want for Christmas...' fundraising appeal this festive season
Peak District National Park by Simon Walkden
As we approach the end of another challenging year, we find ourselves in a much stronger position thanks to your ongoing support. It’s remains a critical time for National Parks and we will continue campaigning to protect and improve these vital landscapes.
Climate change has dominated our work but there is still so much to be done to ensure our National Parks are better protected and able to fully support People, Nature and Climate. Our small dedicated team has been working hard to ensure climate change in National Parks has the visibility it needs through reports, responses to consultations and engagement with politicians; collaboration with other environmental and access charities; and annual schemes such as Park Protector Awards, photography competition and #NationalParkNewPerspectives bursaries.
Campaign for National Parks Chief Executive Rose O’Neill said: “The coming year will be critical to securing real change with the Government in England planning new legislation and plans for a new National Park planned in Wales. Together, we will be working to hold Governments to their commitments, to ensure National Parks have the powers, resources and management needed so that these beautiful and inspirational places are enjoyed and valued by all. We can't do it without you.”
If you’re on social media, please look out for our ‘All I want for Christmas’ campaign where we're sharing some wishes for National Parks and encourage you to share yours with the hashtag #CNPXmas21 and support our appeal.
Friends of Campaign for National Parks should by now have received their copy of the Autumn/Winter 2021 edition of Viewpoint Magazine packed with news, views and features about National Parks in England and Wales - either via post or digitally via an email link.
The latest edition includes a long read on nature recovery, a spread of the winning images from our photography competition and opinion pieces from, among others, Chief Executive of Peak District National Park Authority Sarah Fowler, member of Brecon Beacons National Park Authority James Marsden and CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link Richard Benwell.
With the latest edition now out, we're sharing the previous Spring/Summer 2021 one with you. The newly-revamped edition of Viewpoint magazine released in June saw pagination upped to 28 pages full of news, opinions and in-depth features on the release of our National Parks and the Climate Emergency report, proposals for new National Parks in the UK and more. You can now read it here.
If you'd like to receive copies hot off the press - rather than wait half a year, then join us as a Friend today for just £3 a month.
Volunteer of the Month - Sue Beaumont
This month's Volunteer of the Month is Campaign for National Parks' newest Trustee, Sue Beaumont. Sue - who lives in Snowdonia National Park - already volunteers her time with the Snowdonia Society and is now joining Team Campaign for National Parks to help lead our small charity too.
Sue, who has a background in international cultural relations in the British Council, said: "I am hugely excited about joining the CNP Board at a time of almost universal concern and desire for action in tackling these challenges. I hope to help develop campaigns that inspire support and involvement, especially from young people, working hard to understand what they want from our National Parks now, and in the long term.
"I look forward to further strengthening CNP's relationships in Wales and the further opportunities opened up by the Welsh Government's recent commitment to a new National Park in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, and its declaration of a 'nature emergency.' In both Wales and England there remains work to do to enshrine commitments into legislation."
P.S.
The Campaign for National Parks office will be closed from 23 December 2021 - 3 January 2022. We'll be sharing some posts on our social media channels and sending you the December enews, but our staff will be enjoying a well-earned rest over the festive period. We hope you do too!
