National Parks are Beacons for Biodiversity

Friday 17.12.10

England’s National Park Authorities [1] have today (Thursday) published a new report [2] that demonstrates how National Parks are central to efforts to halt biodiversity loss.  The report comes during the International Year of Biodiversity, and follows the setting of a European target to halt biodiversity loss by 2020 [3] and agreements at the international Convention on Biological Diversity Conference held in Nagoya in October of this year [4].

An independent review of England’s wildlife sites published in September [5] recognized the richness of wildlife in National Parks and the potential for National Parks to become exemplars in managing and connecting habitats for ecological and wider benefits. The Government will respond to the recommendations of this review in the Natural Environment White Paper in spring 2011.  

Did you know:

• Although National Parks cover 9.3% of land area in England, they contain 27% of our top wildlife sites (Sites of Special Scientific Interest)
• 91% of all butterfly species identified as meriting special attention in the England Biodiversity Action Plan are found in National Parks
• thanks to conservation efforts otters have now recolonised all river systems in Exmoor National Park
• Fen habitat in the Broads supports over 440 plant species, many of which are not found anywhere else in lowland Britain
• 17,000 people learned about birds and reptiles in the New Forest National Park in 2010 through a dedicated project, with many more following live ‘nest cams’ online

The report makes clear the National Parks’ ambition to see wildlife flourishing and habitats restored, expanded, and linked to other ecological networks.  This will involve close working with farmers, land managers, local communities and wildlife NGOs.  The initiative has been welcomed by leading figures from the RSPB, NFU and Natural England.  

John Riddle, Chair of the English National Park Authorities Association said:

“National Parks are special places.  They are a draw for millions of people every year and contain strong communities who care passionately for these beautiful areas.  National Park Authorities help bring a wide array of people, from local farmers and groups to national NGOs and Agencies, together to support wildlife in some of Britain’s most spectacular landscapes.  And it is through working together that we can ensure National Parks continue to be beacons for biodiversity.”        

Mike Clarke, Chief Executive of the RSPB said:

“The RSPB welcomes the ambition of the National Parks to do more for wildlife. These landscapes are rich in biodiversity and as is made clear in the recent report Making Space for Nature have a central role in the future conservation of England’s wildlife. Climate change is one of the most significant threats facing biodiversity and any strategy to embrace the potential of these special places also needs to help wildlife adapt.The RSPB already has a number of exciting joint projects in England’s National Parks and we look forward to working more closely together in the future.”

Will Cockbain, Uplands Spokesman of the NFU said:

“National Parks provide many benefits to society, from high quality food to countryside rich in wildlife. These working landscapes need farmers and National Park Authorities to work together to ensure that the place of local people in managing such beautiful areas is sustained economically and environmentally.”

Helen Phillips, Chief Executive of Natural England said:

“This report illustrates the significance of National Parks for wildlife. They cover just over 9% of England yet include 27% of our top wildlife sites (SSSIs) and 27% of England Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats. Natural England works very closely with National Park Authorities to deliver agri-environment schemes that not only protect the wildlife we have, but also enhance it. With the Natural Environment White Paper expected in 2011, we believe National Parks have an important role to play in future strategies for looking after biodiversity at a landscape scale.”