The Future of Our National Parks

COSTING THE EARTH, BBC.CO.UK/PROGRAMMES

As 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the legislation that created the UK’s first National Parks, Tom Heap asks if these cherished landscapes can work better for people and wildlife. We hear from Nigel James from the South Downs National Park Authority, who lists the parks’ core purposes as being “protecting beauty, helping wildlife and providing access.” But how do you ensure sustainability of a habitat that can boost dwindling wildlife numbers while meeting the needs of local agriculture and communities that surround National Parks? Here, we learn more about this delicate balancing act. AM