DNPA
Dartmoor
Dartmoor has just celebrated its 70th anniversary as one of the first National Parks to be designated in the UK.
Dartmoor National Park has welcomed the launch of a Government consultation regarding the future of National Parks and AONBs.
Dr Kevin Bishop, DNPA chief executive, said: ‘We are pleased that the Government has issued its formal response to the independent Landscapes Review.
‘The review led by Julian Glover set out a compelling ambition to make our protected landscapes better for nature, climate and people. It is an ambition that we share and in which we have made a lot of progress.
‘Since the Landscapes Review was published, the world has changed; the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of connecting people with nature for health and wellbeing benefits and a bright light has been shone on the role protected landscapes play in dealing with the climate and ecological crisis we all face.’
He continued: ‘Dartmoor has just celebrated its 70th anniversary as one of the first National Parks to be designated in the UK. It is the beating heart of a nature and habitat recovery network, trialling innovative practices, supporting biodiversity, tackling climate change and making the environment a better place for all.
‘We’re determined to keep this going but are experiencing sustained cuts to core funding with increased demands on our budgets.’
The Dartmoor National Park Authority will review the Government’s response against three key tests:
* An end to austerity with adequate and sustained financial investment so we can build back better and lead the way towards a green recovery
* Recognise the role that National Parks and AONBs are playing in tackling the three crises facing us: climate, ecological and public health and provide us with the tools and support to do even more in these areas.
* Celebrate the fact that our National Parks and AONBs are global models of how to manage living landscapes: integrating conservation, recreation and the needs of our local communities.
‘With the right resources and powers we can continue to welcome people to this amazing landscape for years to come, help our communities flourish and ensure we lead the response to the ecological, climate and public health crises,’ added Dr Bishop.
The Authority is now considering the Government’s response in detail, liaising with partners and local communities and will, in due course, submit a formal response as part of the consultation.
Donate for Dartmoor supports a variety of projects across Dartmoor. Donations of time and money are essential for the DNPA to be able to look after the heritage and wildlife of Dartmoor and to make it a place for everyone to enjoy today, tomorrow and for the future.