WIREDGOV

The announcement is being made as part of the celebrations that fall during National Parks Week that runs from 27th July – 2nd August 4. The aim is to come together to make tangible progress in three important policy areas:

Landscape – where we aim to see National Parks as exemplars of conserving, enhancing and managing landscape, to demonstrate the benefits that National Parks’ landscape provide to society, and to improve the legislation and policy framework supporting them.

Climate Change – where we aim to improve understanding of the effects of unavoidable climate change on National Parks; contribute to mitigation measures that avoid further emissions, and increase the resilience of National Parks to a changing climate.

Access, Enjoyment and Understanding for all - where we aim to broaden the diversity of visitors and volunteers in National Parks so everyone has an opportunity to access, enjoy and be inspired by what they have to offer.

Poul Christensen, Acting Chair of Natural England, said:

“2009 marks the 60th anniversary of the legislation that set up the National Parks and they have much to celebrate. They also have much to teach 21st century society about tackling the many environmental challenges it faces. Beyond their familiar role as wildlife-rich landscapes, enjoyed by hundreds of millions of people each year, National Parks play a vital role in showcasing sustainable land management practices and delivering environmental services - such as the storage of carbon and the provision of clean water.

“Natural England is delighted to be working with ENPAA in the wide-ranging areas covered by our new shared agreement, which will help consolidate the real environmental leadership role that National Parks have to play.”

Narendra Bajaria CBE, Chairman of the English National Park Authorities Association (ENPAA), said:

“National Parks are loved for their iconic landscapes and the opportunities they provide for recreation and spiritual renewal. They have inspired generations of people; are havens for important wildlife; sites of rich historic and cultural interest and home for thousands of people. But they are also frequently areas where we see real innovation that demonstrates sustainable development in practice.”

Narendra continued:

“We are delighted to be working with Natural England so closely so that we can draw on each others expertise. The challenges facing National Parks like how to adapt to the effects of climate change, enhancing the landscape in the face of development pressures, and provide rewarding experiences for more people from all backgrounds - are those facing the country at large. We hope by working together, National Parks will continue to be a practical treasure-chest of ideas and solutions for addressing these challenges.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

2. The English National Park Authorities Association (ENPAA) is the body that represents the National Park Authorities in England. It is a not for profit company limited by guarantee (company number 6521048, registered in England at First Floor, 2-4 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3NW). ENPAA provides a collective voice for the nine National Park Authorities. More information is available at: www.enpaa.org.uk

3. The Shared Outcomes Agreement between the English National Park Authorities Association and Natural England was signed by ENPAA Director Paul Hamblin and Natural England Chief Executive Dr Helen Phillips and commits both parties to action over a three year period. The Agreement was approved by both ENPAA and Natural England Boards earlier in the summer. The commitment includes a vision that ensures ‘that the landscapes, wildlife, geodiversity and cultural heritage of English National Parks are conserved, enhanced and managed for the benefit, wellbeing and enjoyment of present and future generations. We aspire for National Parks to be exemplars in sustainable development and so contribute to a better quality of life for all’.

4. National Parks Week runs from Monday 27th July – Sunday 2nd August. The Week aims to aims to raise the profile of National Parks and to encourage more people to enjoy them – particularly children and families. The Week is organized by the UK Association of National Park Authorities (UK ANPA). More information on National Parks Week, including a host of activities in each National Park can be found at: www.nationalparks.gov.uk. For media enquiries, contact Clare O’Connor (External Relations Manager Tel: 01392 861931) or Paul Major (PR Assistant Tel: 02920 499 966).

Further Information
Natural England The National Press Office on 0845 603 9953; press@naturalengland.org.uk for out of hours call 07970 098005.
English National Park Authorities Association Paul Hamblin Director, ENPAA (w) 020 7655 4812 (m) 07968 760 854