The Government is
calling for the public to contribute ideas on ways to improve the
way we care for one of England’s biggest assets – our National Parks.
Local people and communities are being given the opportunity to
share concerns and suggestions with their National Park Authority,
or Broads Authority, as part of a consultation launched today.
Natural Environment Minister Richard Benyon said:
‘National Parks are not just beautiful and historic parts of the
countryside, but places where people live and work. They are an
asset to our country, helping to boost the economy and attract new
visitors, businesses and investment.
‘This is a real chance for local communities to have a say in how
we should look after our National Parks for everyone to enjoy for
years to come.’
John Riddle, Chair of the English National Park Authorities
Association, said:
‘National Park Authorities have a long history of working closely
with the people who live in and near them. These beautiful places
are loved by millions, and local communities, land owners and a
wide range of partners make a huge contribution to making them so
special. Our aim is to support thriving rural communities. We
welcome this consultation and are keen to hear everyone’s ideas
for how we can further enhance our accountability to all those who
value and benefit from national parks.’
The consultation is part of a review that will:
look for ways to improve the areas that are cared for by the
National Park Authorities (NPAs); look for ways to make the NPAs
more responsive to the concerns of their local communities, whilst
continuing to operate within the existing statutory purposes and
their budgets; andconsider the extent to which different
arrangements are appropriate for different NPAs.
Defra will consider proposals for individual parks, together with
suggestions that will affect all parks, and publish a response in
Spring 2011.
Notes to Editors
Responses to the consultation will be collected by Defra. The
consultation closes on 1st February 2011 and can be found on our
consultation pages at
www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/nationalpark-governance/index.htm
National Parks in England were designated under section 5 of the
National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. National
Park Authorities were established under section 63 of the
Environment Act 1995 to deliver the statutory National Park
purposes. The Broads Authority was designated under the Norfolk
and Suffolk Broads Act 1988. There are ten National Parks
including the Norfolk Broads.
National Parks are owned by a wide range of organisations.
National Park Authorities work with private landowners, local
communities, businesses, local authorities, tourism organisations,
statutory environmental agencies and third sector bodies.
200/10
Contacts:
Defra Press Office
Phone: 020 7238 6600
NDS.DEFRA@coi.gsi.gov.uk
Laura Hunter
Phone: 020 7238 6299
laura.hunter@defra.gsi.gov.uk