England’s beautiful National Parks threatened as climate changes - press releases
24th May 2007
Climate change means that some of England’s best loved landscapes are set to change. From the uplands of the Lake District and Northumberland, to the lowland heath of the New Forest, and the waterways of the Broads – all the National Parks [1] will be affected from increased risks of fire, flooding or erosion.
The National Park Authorities are working hard to protect these unique areas and have committed to making their own operations carbon neutral by 2012. They are also planning ahead to help these areas adapt to changes that are now inevitable. A stronger collective effort is needed from Government, public agencies and the private sector to reduce carbon emissions, if we are not to lose what makes these places so special.
This is the stark message from a new organisation - ENPAA (the English National Park Authorities Association) [2] which is being launched today, May 24th 2007, on European Day of Parks [3].
The National Parks are home to stunning scenery, nationally important wildlife sites, and rich archeology and cultural traditions. Rural communities live and breathe the National Parks and contribute to their character, while some 75 million visitors enjoy and appreciate these special areas every year. But they remain fragile environments.
ENPAA aims to ensure the National Park Authorities are supported in their task of protecting and enhancing Britain’s most iconic landscapes, and providing opportunities for people to continue to enjoy their special qualities. For the first time, the nine English National Park Authorities will have a single voice to represent them across a range of important policy issues.
Paul Hamblin, ENPAA’s Director, said:
"Because of their location, often in upland or coastal environments, the National Parks are in the front line of witnessing the changes brought about by climate change. But they are also key to ensuring people can enjoy holidays in high quality natural environments without jumping on a plane. Increasingly such ‘lower carbon tourism’ won’t be an option but a necessity."
"Human activity has always had a strong influence on National Park landscapes, yet the pace and scale of change that climate change could bring represents an unprecedented new challenge."
Each National Park will be affected in different ways. Every National Park though will experience multiple changes and pressures. Some changes either occurring already, or expected to take place include:
- coastal erosion and inundation - will affect the Broads;
- greater risks of extensive moorland fires - in Dartmoor, the North York Moors and Northumberland;
- increased erosion by changes in rainfall and tourist activity- in the Peak District and Lake District leading to reduced access;
- changing wildlife habitats - in the New Forest and the Yorkshire Dales that could lead to local loss of wildlife species; and
- changes in crops and livestock - in Exmoor that would lead to different farmed landscapes.
National Park Authorities are taking on the challenge of climate change in numerous ways. These include:
- working with farmers and land owners to maintain healthy peat landscapes and soils. In seven of the nine National Parks, peat soils lock up huge reserves of carbon. Preventing their erosion avoids this carbon being released to the atmosphere and adding to climate change;
- working with remote rural communities, tourism and other rural enterprises on ways to reduce energy use, supporting public transport, and approving small scale renewable energy schemes through planning decisions;
- highlighting through school visits, guided walks and exhibitions how climate change will affect National Parks and what people can do to help;
- identifying what actions are needed to allow the National Park to continue to adapt and evolve in ways that respond to inevitable changes brought about by past emissions, whilst retaining their outstanding character; and
- committing to becoming carbon neutral National Park Authorities by 2012 through reducing emissions in their own operations.
Paul Hamblin concluded:
"National Parks are confronted by many challenges and we are heartened by the messages of support we have received. Thinking of National Parks as isolated islands amongst the countryside will lead to failure – as developments encroach on their boundaries and climate change moves wildlife and habitats. National Parks are used to change. But making sure that change is for the better, that it can be properly managed, and that public benefits are maximised will require all parts of Government to support England’s National Parks."
Note to Editors:
1. England has nine National Parks. They cover 7.6% of England by land area. They are managed by National Park Authorities (NPAs) who have two statutory purposes. These are to: conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of their areas; and promote opportunities for the public understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of their areas. In addition, the Broads Authority has an additional statutory purpose to protect the interests of navigation. In furthering these purposes, the NPAs are to seek to foster the social and economic well-being of their local communities. In implementing these purposes, the NPAs have close links with and act as representatives for remote rural communities.
2. ENPAA (the English National Park Authorities Association) is the body that represents the National Park Authorities in England. It provides a collective voice for the nine National Park Authorities and is governed by the Chairs of the nine National Parks.
3. European Day of Parks is organized by the EUROPARC Federation with the aim of raising the profile of Europe’s protected areas and generating public support for their aim and work. National Parks across Europe are holding special events throughout the week of 24 May 2007. The date was originally chosen to commemorate the creation of Europe’s first nine National Parks in Sweden on 24 May 1909.
Further information and interview
ENPAA
Paul HamblinDirector, ENPAA
(work) 020 7655 4812
(mobile) 0796 8760854
Alison Thompson Campaigner, ENPAA
(work) 020 7655 4812
National Park Authorities
Contact details for each of the nine English National Park Authorities are available upon request.
Messages of support for National Park Authorities and ENPAA
Barry Gardiner, MP (Defra Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs)
"National Parks are a source of inspiration and provide opportunities for facing up to challenges such as climate change, securing vibrant rural communities and adopting more healthy lifestyles. I am encouraged by the Parks' initiative to work collaboratively on common issues. Much will be achieved by presenting a coordinated view to Government and others. I wish you all the very best for your new organisation".
Clive Betts MP (Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on National Parks)
“Growing up on the edge of a national park I recognise their importance to the nation. The creation of the English National Park Authorities Association will provide a strong and coordinated voice for National Parks and as chair of the All Party Group I look forward to working with the Association to ensure that voice is heard in Parliament. Working together we can ensure pressure is maintained on Government so that it responds positively in providing the support which the National Parks require.”
Fiona Reynolds (Director-General, The National Trust)
“We welcome the establishment of the English National Park Authorities Association and greatly look forward to working together on a range of issues, including sustainable land management and tackling climate change. The National Trust's core purpose is to look after special places for ever, for everyone. A significant proportion of the beautiful landscape and heritage coastline that we own and care for on behalf of the nation lies within National Park boundaries. We wish ENPAA every success in their vital work to champion the cause of National Parks in England."
Dr Helen Phillips (Chief Executive, Natural England)
“Natural England warmly welcomes the launch of ENPAA as the collective voice of the nine English National Park Authorities. Our shared interest in ensuring that England’s finest landscapes and wildlife are protected and improved for the benefit of present and future generations provides us with a strong foundation for working together. We look forward to strengthening this partnership in the years to come.”
Ruth Chambers (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, CNP)
“The Council for National Parks (CNP) welcomes the launch of ENPAA, the new organisation that aims to promote and further the needs of the English National Park Authorities (NPAs) at the national level. CNP’s voluntary sector focus is a natural complement to the role of ENPAA. Through active communication and partnership ENPAA and CNP will be able to pursue a joined-up approach to influencing national policy and decision making. We look forward to building a successful working relationship with ENPAA in this context and warmly welcome ENPAA to the English National Parks family.”
Tom Wright (Chief Executive, VisitBritain)
"VisitBritain welcomes the formation of the English National Park Authorities Association. UK adults take 19 million holiday trips and 1.3 billion leisure day trips to the countryside every year, contributing significantly to tourism and the rural economy and the countryside experience is at the heart of Britain's visitor offering and influences many of VisitBritain's domestic and international marketing campaigns. It is fantastic that so much of it is protected for the benefit of both the people who live here and our international visitors. I am sure that ENPAA will do much to continue this good work and I look forward to working together in the future."
