Beauty Is A Big Idea, As 60 Years Of Special Landscapes Show

30 March 2009

Protecting beautiful landscapes for everyone should be at the heart of future Government thinking. And the lessons of a year of recession and economic uncertainty strongly reinforce this view.

This is the assertive call from the Campaign to Protect Rural England on the 60th anniversary of the Act of Parliament which gave our finest landscapes top priority amid the huge challenges of the post war world.

'The power of beautiful places and beautiful views to lift the human spirit and inspire the best in human nature was recognised by the nation's leaders at a time of austerity and uncertainty. That far-sighted action has provided us with one of our greatest natural assets. We need to secure and extend it in the years ahead,' said Tom Oliver, Head of Rural Policy at CPRE.

'The significance attached by politicians to the places which are now our National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty came at a time of national emergency and huge challenges to society. Led by CPRE at the time, that view was shared by all political parties. The protection of our finest landscapes and the promotion of their public enjoyment was one of the greatest bi-partisan achievements in England's modern history.

'As we face future challenges of a similar scale and unprecedented pressures on our land and natural resources, Government should again give top priority to beautiful landscapes and the qualities and opportunities they offer us all,' Tom Oliver continued.

At this key moment in the development of national policy on the future of our environment, development and climate change, CPRE is calling for a renewal of commitment to the principle of protecting and celebrating the beauty of our surroundings with a Charter for the future for our finest landscapes.

First Class Five:

Securing A Future For Our Finest Landscapes

· A South Downs National Park with the best possible boundary, including the Western Weald and a National Park Authority with the powers and resources it needs to fulfil its responsibilities.

· Continued commitment in the Government's new national policy statements to prevent damaging development in National Parks and AONBs.

· A well-funded, leading role for National Parks and AONBs in developing action to mitigate climate change without trashing the landscape or wildlife habitats.

· The opportunity for all Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to run their own affairs and set up full Management Boards as permitted by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Extension of the role of the larger AONBs such as the North Pennines and the Cotswolds to include support for public enjoyment and understanding, with the funding to match.

· Extensions to existing National Parks, starting with the long-awaited Lake District/Yorkshire Dales 'bridge' and a commitment to consider new AONBs, giving long term protection to beautiful – but vulnerable landscapes such as the English border with Wales and the Forest of Dean.

Every year, millions and millions of people find refreshment, tranquillity and inspiration in our National Parks and AONBs. What's more, the people who live in them benefit from thriving economies greatly supported by the quality of their surroundings. The benefits to people everywhere are profound.

With a welcome revival of home-grown tourism we need to make sure that our beautiful places stay beautiful and are memorable and enjoyable places to visit.

But the very things which make our finest landscapes so special and effective are threatened by short term and ill-conceived pressure for development, from every quarter: poorly located leisure developments; intrusive energy infrastructure, including wind turbines and electricity pylons; damaging road schemes and a lack of adequate investment in upland farming.

'60 years ago, this country was lucky enough to be led by forward-thinking people across the political spectrum, who knew the power for good of beautiful places. Today's leaders need to re-affirm their determination to keep our special places that way, celebrate their value and to extend and improve them for all our sakes,' Tom Oliver concluded.

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