In a response to the Glover review of designated landscapes, Defra Secretary of State George Eustice has made a statement outlining the UK Government’s official policy response.
On 24 June, the UK Government responsed to the Glover review of designated landscapes.
The LI welcomes the funding and resources committed to help designated landscapes deliver for people, place and nature. There is more to do, but this is an important first step and a good opportunity to enhance our designated landscapes.
The Glover review’s long journey continues with yesterday’s statement, and much of the original report’s positive and ambitious intent remains. This statement is the first step of a wider response, including further consultation and a full response later this year.
Released in September 2019, the review, led by writer Julian Glover, calls for new powers, more funding and a greater environmental focus for England’s protected landscapes. The LI wrote to Secretary of State George Eustice and worked with partners to encourage a robust response urging the government to act on the recommendations of the report.
Natural England, as the government’s statutory advisor on landscapes in England, and with duties and powers to conserve and enhance landscapes, will take the lead on delivering an important program, including:
- Consideration of AONB status for the Yorkshire Wolds and Cheshire Sandstone Ridge
- Possible extension of the Surrey Hills and Chilterns AONBs
- A new Natural England programme to address inequity of access to the natural environment
- A new strategic map for ‘England in the 21st Century’
- New joint working with National Parks England and the National Association for AONBs
- A new funding programme to support farmers to improve protected landscapes
Natural England will be considering proposals for new National Nature Reserves, and aims to implement a simpler process to designating new National Parks and AONBs. The body also intends to develop new approaches that will drive nature recovery and improve people’s connection with nature, particularly in and around towns and cities. The programme will focus on improving people’s quality of life and addressing unequal access to nature – which COVID-19 has starkly demonstrated. This could include building on the idea of ‘national park cities’, focusing nature restoration next to where people live. The LI has strongly advocated for this, and we will be seeking to work closely with Natural England to bring nature into the city.
Also announced yesterday, a strategic and visionary map for ‘England in the 21st Century’ will reflect the spirit of the ‘Hobhouse Map’ that led to the establishment of the first National Parks 70 years ago. To create this assessment, Natural England will work with stakeholders and communities to identify conservation needs across England.
Nature England is also, through a new delivery agreement, transforming its joint working with National Parks England and the National Association for AONBs. This will deliver a step change in joint delivery of multiple and integrated benefits through England’s finest landscapes.
As with any high-level announcement, the proof will be in the proverbial pudding. The delivery of these measures will necessitate commitment to resourcing and engagement with our sector, driving environmental improvement to bring the landscapes to life with nature. We look forward to working closely with the government to develop a robust strategy to ensure that designated landscapes truly deliver for people, place and nature.
