Review calls for change in managing National Parks

A major independent review of the UK's national parks has called for action to make them greener, more beautiful and open to everyone.

The review published led by writer Julian Glover warns that new challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and a changing, urban society mean that new approaches are needed to get the most out of England’s landscapes, including National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

Key recommendations include a new National Landscapes Service to act as a unified body for England’s 44 national landscapes, including 10 National Parks and 34 AONBs

The reviews calls for the creation of a 1,000 strong ranger service to be the “friendly face” of the national parks and help engage schools and communities.

It also wants to give every school pupil the opportunity to spend a night “under the stars” in these landscapes to help more children to connect with nature, as well as new protections, responsibilities, titles and funding for AONBs to help them be greener, more beautiful and more welcoming to the public.

A transformed approach to recover and enhance nature, working with farmers and conservation groups to reverse years of decline and bring landscapes alive, is called for, as well as a backing for a new National Park in the Chilterns and a new National Forest, taking in areas such as Sherwood Forest, as part of a drive to increase woodland spaces to fight climate change.

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which commissioned the review, will now consider the recommendations.