English National Park Authorites Association launched
ENPAA (the English National Park Authorities Association) officially launched on 24th May 2007, the European Day of Parks. The organisation is based in London and exists to promote and further the needs of the nine English National Park Authorities.
For the first time, English NPAs will have a single voice to represent them. Through highlighting the work of the Authorities and inspiring decision makers, ENPAA aims to ensure that the National Park Authorities are supported in their task of protecting and enhancing Britain’s top landscapes, and providing opportunities for millions of visitors to continue to enjoy them every year.
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."
