Our statement about the Landscapes Review of National Parks and AONBs

Our statement about the Landscapes Review of National Parks and AONBs

A Landscapes Review was published today with 27 recommendations to Government. The Report considers the next steps for National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).

Here’s our response:

New Forest National Park Authority Chairman Oliver Crosthwaite Eyre said: ‘We welcome the publication of the Review of Designated Landscapes and are grateful to everyone who contributed to the work of the review panel.

‘It is encouraging to know that our protected landscapes are supported and appreciated by so many people. The Review asked “what does the nation need from our protected landscapes?”; we will consider its findings and reflect them in our National Park Partnership Plan which is being revised later this year.

‘The Review emphasises the role of National Parks in leading nature recovery and the response to climate change; the huge potential of National Parks to improve the physical and mental health of the population; and it highlights the challenges facing communities living in National Parks, especially the issue of affordable housing.

‘We are pleased it has highlighted the importance of commoning in maintaining the extensive wildlife-rich landscape in the New Forest and that our affordable housing scheme at Bransgore, innovative health and wellbeing and volunteering programmes were recognised in the report.

‘Alongside the global climate crisis the National Park faces specific challenges:
•an additional 10,000 homes are being built beyond the National Park boundary
•the ancient practice of commoning, which sustains the landscape at the core of the National Park, needs support to survive
•the average house price is around 15 times average earnings.

‘We aim to meet these challenges by working together with the energy illustrated by the founders of the National Park movement, with the National Park Partnership Plan playing a key role in developing a bold strategy for the New Forest.’

Find out more about the New Forest National Park Partnership Plan.

Find out more about the work of the New Forest National Park Authority in our annual report.