In 2021, we celebrated the 70th anniversary of the creation of the first UK National Park – right here in the Peak District.

Since April 1951, a further nine National Parks and 34 National Landscapes (formerly Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or AONBs) have been designated in England, covering over 12,604, and 16,624 square kilometres respectively; just over 22% of the country.

Our Protected Landscapes cover our most iconic landscapes and special wildlife, but even here nature hasn’t been immune to declines. Sir John Lawton in his ‘Making space for nature’ report argues that

“…National Parks and AONBs should become exemplars of coherent and resilient ecological networks.”

By working together, not only can Protected Landscapes be at the heart of the nature recovery network, but can provide ‘stepping stones’ for nature to move between these areas. This will be particularly important in the face of climate change, and is the main recommendation in the Landscapes Review (opens new window).

For nature

• Focus on recovering nature in Protected Landscapes.
• Wildlife-rich areas can provide areas for mobile species to move between.
• Species have nature-friendly managed areas to move into if climate change makes their current home unsuitable.
• Shared knowledge and understanding of ecology and management in Protected Landscapes.
• Wildlife-rich areas to study and gain a better understanding of species and the impacts of climate change.
• A louder, more unified voice to influence and support nature recovery.

What else can Protected Landscapes working together deliver?

• Shared resources and efficiencies.
• Shared knowledge and understanding.
• A collective positive force for the nation’s wellbeing.
• Engagement of the public in other issues such as climate change.
• A multi-disciplinary and holistic approach, sharing best practice and innovative solutions.

In practice

• Share positive stories for what farmers, land managers and owners are doing in Protected Landscapes to help recover nature, including the successful Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
• Learn from other Protected Landscapes regarding ecology, engagement and practical action.
• Identify and implement projects and campaigns with common themes which would benefit from a national approach between Protected Landscapes.