Budget cuts risk England’s National Landscapes

The government’s advisors on the environment, Natural England, have announced that as a result of government spending cuts they have had to halt work on a new National Landscape¹ in Cheshire and an extension to an existing National Landscape in the Chilterns.

Two other designation projects led by Natural England which are more advanced will continue, with a new National Landscape planned in the Yorkshire Wolds and extensions to the Surrey Hills National Landscape.

Emma Marrington, Landscape Lead at CPRE said:

‘While we welcome the continued commitment to pursue two new designations, we are disappointed that work will be stopped in two places. With its decision to cut support for the environment, the government risks losing sight of the contribution these landscapes make in protecting wildlife, supporting local communities and improving our wellbeing.

‘Surely the government should be supporting initiatives that increase access for people to the countryside and green spaces – and making the nation’s most beautiful landscapes more open for everyone to enjoy.’

Unique landscapes at risk

CPRE’s mapping research for the independent Glover Landscapes Review revealed that around 64% of England’s population lives within 15 miles of a protected landscape, this leaves around 36% of the population outside of the catchment. The mapping has also found that of the 27 million people who live in the largest towns and cities, approximately 10.4 million are outside of the 15 mile catchment of National Parks and National Landscapes. And shockingly, almost half of people in the most deprived areas of the country are outside of the catchment, so are less likely to reap the benefits of landscapes designated for the nation.

Emma continues ‘If even the most magnificent landscapes in England are not seen as important and worth investing in, what will this mean for our Green Belt and wider countryside? The government’s mantra of growth at any cost puts these unique landscapes at risk now and for future generations.’

1. National Landscapes were formerly known as AONBs, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.