Authority responds to Defra Landscape (Glover) Review consultation
April 12, 2022
The South Downs National Park Authority has responded to the Government’s Landscapes Review consultation, recommending a strengthened role for National Parks around nature recovery, climate change and health.
It comes after the Government laid out proposals earlier this year following Julian Glover’s independent Landscapes Review, which was published in 2019.
Following approval by Members, the Authority broadly welcomes the ambition of the proposals, particularly around nature recovery and access for all.
However, the Authority believes it is a “huge missed opportunity” that there are no specific proposals, or resources, to help National Parks take the lead on nature recovery and climate change.
Among the National Park Authority’s responses are:
- Strengthen the first statutory purpose of National Parks to become: “Conserve, actively restore and enhance the landscape, its natural beauty, biodiversity, Natural Capital and cultural heritage, and in so doing contribute to tackling climate change and adapting to its impacts.”
- Strengthen the second statutory purpose of National Parks to become: “Enable all of society to be involved with and champion the special qualities of these places through enjoyment, access and education, whilst promoting opportunities for the nation’s health and wellbeing.”
- Welcome the promised greater role for National Park Authorities in the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS). We would like Defra to work with us as it shapes the Nature Recovery element of the new system of agricultural support.
- The National Park Authority already works closely with the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) family through South East and East Protected Landscapes,(SEEPL). We would like to build on this model to further assist our neighbouring AONBs, by making National Parks a central point of Nature Recovery Networks regionally.
A letter to the Government from Ian Phillips, Chair of the Authority, highlights the huge amount of work already undertaken by the Authority around nature recovery, including the “ReNature” campaign.
“SDNPA’s rapid progress in this area merits active support from Defra,” says Ian.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs will now analyse all the consultation responses from across England before considering its next steps.
Link to SDNPA Landscape Review Consultation Response – covering letter