Welcome to the family South Downs
Issued: 31 March 2009
The UK Association of National Park Authorities (UK ANPA) has welcomed the news that the South Downs is to be designated as the 15th member of the National Parks family, in recognition of its special qualities in terms of natural beauty and opportunities for open-air recreation. This morning's announcementl brings the number of the National Parks family in England to 10, with 2 in Scotland and 3 in Wales.
John Riddle, Chairman of UK ANPA said: “We very much welcome the South Downs to the National Parks family and look forward to working with them on joint initiatives such as our annual National Parks' Week in the future.”
The UK’s National Parks family are part of a global family of 6,555 protected areas, covering one million square kilometres or 12% of the Earth’s surface. We are linked to Europe through the EUROPARC Federation – a network of European protected areas with 360 member organisations in 37 countries. National Parks, along with Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are considered to be the nation’s finest landscapes. They form part of a worldwide network of protected landscapes established by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature/World Conservation Union).
Notes:
- There will be 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and the Cairngorms. The Broads is a member of the National Parks ‘family’ although not strictly an official National Park. Our facts and figures page has area, designation year and population
- National Parks have the highest landscape protection for their outstanding beauty and special qualities.
- UK ANPA brings together the 14 National Park Authorities of England, Scotland and Wales to raise their profile of the National Parks and to promote joint working. Country associations for the English and Welsh National Parks represent the National Park Authorities to English and Welsh governements.
Further Information
- South Downs Joint Committe
- Facts and figures about all the National Parks
- Hilary Benn announces South Downs National Park
- Media contacts for more information
- Hi-res editorial images
