National Parks and Areas of Outstanding National Beauty (AONBs) are highly valuable. Their unique and inspiring landscapes make important contributions to the economy, society and our national identity. But, the independent Glover Review (published in September 2019), included 27 proposals on how these spaces must be improved in order to play a leading role in tackling the nature and climate emergencies.
Today the Government has announced that it agrees with the review and that National Parks and AONBs should be better for nature and people.
Dr Jo Smith at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said, “We’re facing a nature emergency - around half of the UK’s wildlife has decreased since 1970, with 1 in 7 species now at risk of extinction. These landscapes can play a crucial role in tackling the climate and nature emergencies but they are not doing that at the moment.
It’s great to see the Government recognise that these spaces need to be for nature and should be much wilder - but we must be bolder and we need to act faster.
If this Government is serious about its ambition to leave the environment in a better state for the next generation, it must properly fund meaningful action to restore habitats across all our protected landscapes.”
Just over a year ago, the Government made a commitment to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030 – but claimed that National Parks and other similar places currently contribute to the 26% of land that is protected. Unfortunately, National Parks and AONBs have suffered from overgrazing, poor management or intensive agricultural practices in many areas. A recent report puts the real figure of land protected for nature at only 3%.
The Government have announced a consultation will take place. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust have confirmed that they will be responding and urge everyone to do the same. Visit https://www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/government-responds-glover-review for more information.