The Government has launched a wide-ranging review into the nation’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), including the case for extending or creating new designated areas.
Under the review, led by writer Julian Glover, an independent panel will consider whether there is scope for the current network of 34 AONBs and 10 National Parks to expand.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove has committed to conserve and enhance England’s most cherished landscapes, which attract more than 260 million visitors a year from at home and abroad. Covering a quarter of England’s land and home to over 2.3 million people – with more than 66% of the population living within half an hour of a National Park or AONB - they also generate over £20 billion for the rural economy, and support 75,000 jobs.
Weakening or undermining their existing protections or geographic scope will not be part of the review, which will instead focus on how designated areas can boost wildlife, support the recovery of natural habitats and connect more people with nature.
The Government has emphasised that the review will not do: propose reductions in either the geographic extent or the protections given to England’s designated landscapes.
Undertaking a review is one of the key commitments of the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. Environment Secretary Michael Gove said:
“Amid a growing population, changes in technology, and a decline in certain habitats, the time is right for us to look afresh at these landscapes. We want to make sure they are not only conserved, but enhanced for the next generation.”
Sir Arthur Hobhouse’s landmark report in 1947 paved the way for the creation of England’s network of designated landscapes, with the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act passed in 1949.
Landscapes in Wales and Scotland are under devolved administrations and therefore do not fall under the scope of this review.
In the context of meeting both local and national priorities and wider environmental governance, the review will examine and make recommendations on:
The review will report in 2019 - a more detailed timetable will be developed following commencement of the review.
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