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.