Who should be making decisions about our National Parks? 30 day walking festival in the Brecon Beacons, and more.

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** Let’s make sure the right people are making decisions about our National Parks
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Earlier this month, the Government made five new appointments to the boards of the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, Lake District National Park Authorities and The Broads Authority. These are important appointments as these boards are responsible for making decisions on planning and other matters that have huge influence over what happens in National Parks.

It’s essential that the people making these decisions have the right expertise in issues such as nature recovery and diversity which will ensure National Parks deliver their full potential for nature, people and climate.

We’re broadly positive about these new appointments but they account for only two per cent of the National Park Authority members in England. Wider changes are needed to ensure these boards are both more diverse and better equipped to tackle the challenges facing National Parks.

To learn more about the changes we’re calling for read the blog ([link removed]) written jointly by our Policy and Research Manager Ruth Bradshaw and RSPB England campaigner Pooja Kishinani.


** Government bans peat use in horticulture following calls from us and others to do so
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The sale of peat for use in the amateur gardening sector will be banned by 2024 to protect peatlands and the natural environment, the Government has just announced ([link removed]) .

It's a move we called for in our peatlands position statement ([link removed](for%20publication).pdf) last year and we're very pleased to see the Government take clear, decisive action on this. Peatlands are an integral part of many National Parks, hidden heroes of tackling climate change, and we must do more to protect them.

A ban on peat use in horticulture was just one of the measures we were calling for to protect and restore vital peatlands. We also want to see a ban on disposable BBQs, an unacceptable fire hazard, and more investment in peatland restoration.

Environment Minister Richard Benyon, who gave a speech at our Park Protector Awards last month, said: "This Government understands the importance of keeping peat healthy and in the ground, here and around the world - to lock up carbon, strengthen drought resilience and serve as a powerful nature-based solution to climate change."


** Could you donate to make nature a priority in National Parks?
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This summer, we’re running a special appeal to help us raise the profile of nature in National Parks and thank you to our Friends and supporters who have already donated.

The picture is bleak: significant areas of land in our National Parks are lacking in crucial biodiversity and are strikingly nature poor. They’ve lost much of their wildlife since they were first protected and many of the plants and animals that people from previous generations would have seen every day are now entirely missing from the landscape.

But can you imagine National Parks brimming with nature and teeming with life? Can we not only halt, but reverse the decline of the last 70 years? It is possible, but only if we act now.

We need the Government to embed protections into legislation and invest in our National Parks - the lungs of our country. Right now, politicians are considering new legislation. That is why we need your help this summer to campaign for the future of our National Parks and ensure that the Government takes vital action.

Donate now ([link removed])


** Save the Date!
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Join us on 31 October 2022 from 4pm-5.30pm for a free webinar - A 21st Century ‘People’s Charter’ for Nature, Access & Landscape

This online panel debate, run in partnership with the Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas, will explore what new powers are required for our Protected Landscapes enable us to address the overlapping crises of health, nature and climate.

Booking details to follow.


** 30 Day Walking Festival in Brecon Beacons National Park
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To celebrate the 30th birthday of the Brecon Beacons Society – now known as Friends of the Brecon Beacons – there will be a 30 Day Walking Festival.

The Society has organised one walk per day throughout September. Walks are open to members (free of charge) and non-members (£5 cash paid to the leader). Booking is essential.

See the full schedule and book your walk here ([link removed]) .

Brecon Beacons by Laura Williams


** Read our guest blog for Wildlife & Countryside Link
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This summer has shown us that our National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) do not have the powers needed to adequately protect them.

As the country awaits its new Prime Minister, it’s clear that whoever leads the Government in the months ahead, it is absolutely crucial that it prioritises the nature and climate emergencies, and puts National Parks front and centre. We urgently need new legislation and investment.

Read our latest blog ([link removed]) for Wildlife & Countryside Link to find out what we're doing to ensure this happens.


** Park Protector of the Month: AKA Health, Wealth & Oneness
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The winners of our new ‘New Perspectives’ category in the Park Protector Awards this year were AKA Health, Wealth & Oneness. It was a tough category to judge with so much great work going on in National Parks across England & Wales, but this trio of friends stood out for connecting hundreds of people from Nottingham with Peak District National Park.

Kevin Spriggs explains: “In the last year we have introduced hundreds of young people and adults to the National Park, through our monthly guided hikes and bespoke activities for groups. Many of whom are from minority backgrounds or underrepresented groups in National Parks. They would not usually have the means for travel and equipment; or the confidence to access National Parks. We provide equipment such as hiking boots & waterproofs, transport on our minibus, to allow participants accessibility.”

He added: “It is great to be acknowledged for the crucial work we are doing in the community, and the impact acknowledged. Over the last two and half years, we have worked relentlessly, expanded unexpectedly and are keen to continue the work that brings us so much joy. We feel accomplished and seen – which is a great feeling.”

Read more from the AKA team here ([link removed] ) .

IMAGE: Natural England Chief Executive Marian Spain presents Park Protector Award to AKA Health, Wealth & Oneness


** And finally...
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Next week, we say goodbye to our Campaigns and Communications Manager Laura Williams. Laura joined us in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to develop our campaigns and communications.

During her time here, she has launched the National Parks: New Perspectives bursaries, revamped our Viewpoint members’ magazine, delivered our first ever digital fundraising appeal and Crowdfunder and expanded our online reach with new audiences by introducing Instagram and championing multimedia content – including our new map and animation.

Laura’s not going far – she's moving to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust to work on campaigns for people, nature and wildlife with the international charity working under the leadership of former Campaign for National Parks Chief Executive Corinne Pluchino and former Peak District National Park Chief Executive Sarah Fowler.
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