PARKS NOT JUST FOR TOURISTS
Plea to protect rural life and thriving communities
SINCE THEIR inception in the 1950s, they have become a magnet for visitors from across the globe.
Yet leading custodians of the countryside yesterday warned that National Parks must be “more than just museums for tourists” as they highlighted the need to ensure the cherished landscapes can support rural communities for generations to come.
The Government launched a review earlier this year on how designated landscapes are managed and the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) yesterday called for a renewed emphasis on the viability of National Parks if they are to remain relevant to the people who live and work within their boundaries.
Tim Breitmeyer, inset, the president of the CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, said: “These cherished landscapes are quite rightly recognised and valued for providing myriad benefits for recreation and wildlife.
“However, those who live and work within them often feel disregarded and unrepresented.”
Mr Breitmeyer insisted that the bodies who manage designated landscapes should support and advise, not hinder, residents or those whose livelihoods depend on the land, but that this was not always the case.
He added: “Too much focus is put on the needs and views of visitors, while opportunities for sustainable rural economic growth are restricted.
“Rural businesses and communities must have the opportunity to thrive and not only cater for tourists. Land use must be allowed to evolve.”
Land use is a topical issue in Yorkshire’s own National Parks.
As reported in The Yorkshire Post yesterday, developers and landowners want a “more flexible approach” from the North York Moors National Park Authority to allow building in order to stabilise the populations of towns and villages.
In the Yorkshire Dales, an ongoing affordable housing crisis has been forcing many young families to leave villages, bringing the future sustainability of communities and schools into question. However, figures from the umbrella body, National Parks England, suggest that business growth is being supported in national parks, despite the CLA’s concerns.
In total, across the UK’s 15 National Parks the number of businesses rose by 10 per cent between 2012 and 2016, creating more than 21,000 jobs.
Paul Hamblin, the executive director of National Parks England, said local communities are “essential” for the future of national parks.
He added: “There are many examples of National Park authorities working closely with local communities, businesses, farmers and land managers. To suggest we disregard those who live and work within our national parks is simply not accurate.”
Land use must be allowed to evolve.
Tim Breitmeyer, president of the Country Land and Business Association