We are pleased to have published a guest article by Ruth Jones, the Labour MP for Newport West and Shadow Minister at Defra, on the importance of green spaces for people and the planet. Ruth outlines the vital role that National Parks can play in supporting the environment, and we look forward to working with all political parties in taking this mission forward.
You can read the full article by clicking below, or alternatively sign up as a Friend and receive our Viewpoint magazine where the piece originally appeared.
A New Perspective on farming in the Yorkshire Dales
We are pleased to launch the latest film, shot by young film-maker Ruth Garrett, as part of our New Perspectives scheme.
Featuring Yorkshire Dales farmer Anthony Bradley, Ruth's film 'Cultivating Carbon and Cows' explores how one farmer based in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is at the forefront of changing how he farms his land to mitigate the climate breakdown. As Ruth says, film-making is a way "to show the diverse range and the nuance of the people in our National Parks." Ruth hopes her short film will highlight the voice and experience of a farmer who is using the science of farming to protect and preserve the land and environment he farms on in the National Park.
Wild camping on Dartmoor
Like so many of you, we were deeply concerned about the recent High Court judgement on wild camping in Dartmoor, which effectively outlaws wild camping without landowner permission. The decision raises crucial questions about long-established public rights of access and who National Parks are for. At a time when we need to increase access to nature for the sake of national health, this deplorable decision is a major step backwards.
Together with the Friends of Dartmoor (DPA), we have called on Dartmoor National Park Authority to appeal the decision – we believe that there are strong grounds to do so (as set out by our Council member the Open Spaces Society here). We are working closely with parliamentarians to seek changes to the law to ensure that people in the future have a right to wild camp, as so many have had in the past.
Dartmoor Path. Photo credit: Dawn Brown
Campaign for new legislation reaches the House of Lords
With National Parks and AONBs urgently requiring new purposes and powers, we’re taking forward the next big step in our campaign for legislative action that will allow protected landscapes to do more for nature, climate and people.
We are delighted that our amendment to the Levelling Up Bill has now received cross-party support in the Lords, with a number of peers raising the plight of protected landscapes on the floor of the House. This follows on from our letter sent to the Prime Minister in December, co-signed by 46 other organisations, calling on the Government to bring about these much-needed reforms, so protected landscapes can play a full role in restoring nature and tackling climate change. Our Senior Campaigns Officer Nick Hall has written a blog on why these legislative changes are desperately needed.
The next few weeks and months will be crucial as we look to win over even more parliamentary support, and everyone’s voice counts – including yours. You can pledge your support, and sign up for more information here.
Funding boosts at a vital time
Huge thanks to every supporter who donated to our winter appeal and the Big Give Christmas Challenge. Thanks to your generosity, over £9,000 has been raised to continue our fight for National Parks. We would also like to thank all the Friends of National Parks who renew their membership annually or monthly. All your support is ever more vital as we continue to be the strong, independent voice for National Parks.
We are delighted to have been granted five years of funding (£250,000) from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for campaigning for the future of National Parks and ramping up our engagement with young people and under-represented communities.
Winter woodland in the South Downs National Park. Photo credit: CNP
Help protect the Peak District from damaging roadbuilding
Friends of the Peak District (FPD) are seeking a legal challenge of the Government’s hugely disappointing decision to give the go-ahead to the A57 Link Roads scheme right on the edge of the National Park. If built, this new road would increase the pressure for further roadbuilding in this area and result in a huge increase in carbon emissions. The Government’s decision also fails to take account of the requirement to consider the impacts on the National Park. We have published this guest blog setting out the case in more detail and how you can support it.
So, there are strong grounds for challenging it, but that is going to be expensive, so the Friends of the Peak District have launched a crowdfunder to help cover the costs. Please donate what you can without delay, as there are only two weeks left to reach their target.
Welsh Government promotes diversity and inclusion through new appointees to the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority
Four new expert members have been appointed by Welsh Government to the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. With a focus on Black, disability and LGBTQI+ backgrounds, these new appointments are very welcome – echoing our calls for increased diversity on National Park Authority boards. The new members will seek to ensure greater access to the countryside for all, and we hope to see additional appointments made across all National Park Authorities.
Minister Julie James MS and new Members of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. Photo credit: Welsh Government.
Support us while you shop
Remember you can donate to us for free while shopping online through EasyFundraising via this link. You can also help us win from a £2,000 prize fund in the January EasyFundraising Refer to Win giveaway, as we will get a free entry each time a new supporter signs up before 31 January. It only takes a moment and it's completely free, so please get involved if you shop online!
And finally... New Policy and Projects Officer joins Campaign for National Parks
This month, we are very pleased to welcome Gareth Ludkin to the team.
Gareth joins as Policy and Projects Officer based in Cardiff, with a wealth of experience in environmental campaigning, advocacy and project management. He is passionate about tackling the climate and ecological emergencies we face and spends lots of time hiking and trail running in Welsh National Parks and AONBs.
Gareth in Eryri National Park. Photo credit: Gareth Ludkin
