Glover Review of Protected Landscapes Published

Major review calls for biggest shakeup of the running of England’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty since they were founded 70 years ago.

A major independent review published on Saturday 21 September, led by Julian Glover, has called for bold action for National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). Key recommendations include:

• a new 'National Landscapes Service' to act as a unified body for England’s 44 national landscapes, both National Parks and AONBs;

• New protections, responsibilities, titles and funding for AONBs;

• Active engagement with community groups and children to connect with nature;

• A transformed approach to recover and enhance nature, working with farmers and conservation groups to reverse decline; and

• Backing for a new National Park in the Chilterns and a new National Forest.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which commissioned the review, will now consider the recommendations.