Public urged to have their say on National Parks and AONBs

The public have days left to have their say on what the future of England’s cherished designated landscapes will look like.

In October, environment secretary Michael Gove and writer Julian Glover invited the public to respond to a Call for Evidence, which forms part of the government’s Designated Landscapes Review.

The Call for Evidence, ending on Tuesday 18 December, gives businesses, visitors, residents and community groups invested in our National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) the opportunity to make their voices heard.

The public can input on whether England’s 10 National Parks and 34 AONBs meet the nation’s needs, and whether there is scope for the current network to expand.

The Call for Evidence also focuses on whether housing and transport in protected landscapes could be improved, the role they play in our cultural heritage, and how these iconic areas can boost habitats for wildlife.

The responses will form part of the ongoing review into protected landscapes – led by Julian Glover – which is ensuring our National Parks and AONBs can be fit for the 21st century.

Lead reviewer Julian Glover said, ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for the public to help shape the very lay of the land when it comes to the future of our National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

‘By sharing your thoughts on what is and isn’t working in these cherished landscapes you are ensuring that they can be best enjoyed by us, and by generations to come.’

AONBs and National Parks are some of our most cherished sites, spanning the country from the shores of Dorset to the rolling hills of Dartmoor.

The nation’s designated landscapes cover a quarter of England’s land and generate over £20 billion for the rural economy, whilst supporting 75,000 jobs.

The designated landscapes review will report back next year with recommendations.