Dozens of beauty spots could become new national parks

dOZENS of areas of outstanding natural beauty could be upgraded to become national parks, Michael Gove has said. The Environment Secretary announced a review of the landscapes as part of a ‘green revolution’.

It will look at extending existing parks and creating new ones, raising the prospect of places such as the Chilterns and South devon becoming national parks.

It comes amid pressure on open spaces as more land is required to tackle the housing shortage. There are currently ten national parks in England, including the Yorkshire dales, Lake district and New Forest, protected by dedicated planning authorities and a special status in law.

Mr Gove’s review, led by former downing Street adviser Julian Glover, will consider how national park status can boost wildlife, improve visitor access and support those who live and work there.

Officials stressed existing protections would not be weakened and indicated the review would consider whether there is scope for the network of ten parks and 34 areas of outstanding natural beauty to expand.

The aONBs include the Chilterns, the Cotswolds and about half of the Isle of Wight. These could possibly be upgraded to national parks, while other areas could become aONBs.

Mr Gove said: ‘The creation of national parks almost 70 years ago changed the way we view our precious landscapes, helping us all access and enjoy our natural world. 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.’

Mr Glover said the parks system ‘faces challenges’, adding: ‘ Our protected landscapes are England’s finest gems and we owe a huge debt to past generations who had the wisdom to preserve them.’

National Parks England’s Margaret Paren welcomed the review, saying: ‘Our national parks offer so much … we look forward to a future where their beauty is enhanced, they are loved and accessible for everyone and they continue to support thriving communities in these working landscapes.’

National parks are legally required to ‘promote opportunities for enjoyment’ for visitors and to ‘provide homes for the farmers’, Mr Gove said.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, he stressed the aim was ‘not to diminish their protection … but to strengthen it in the face of present-day challenges’.