Campaign update

South Downs becomes England's 10th National Park
After a 79 year campaign we were delighted when the South Downs became the 10th National Park in England in 2009.

The National Park will be established broadly along the lines proposed by the Countryside Agency seven years ago and will bring greater protection and funding to the area. The boundary includes the hotly contested Western Weald, Ditchling and Lewes, the subject of a recent campaign backed by CPRE President Bill Bryson.

With the demands for new housing and large-scale development in the South East, the National Park Authority will need to be a strong guardian of the South Downs. The pressures don’t stop here but this is an important step towards safeguarding this area for future generations. This decision vindicates the huge amount of work that everyone involved in the campaign has done over the years.

Every year, millions of people find tranquillity and inspiration in our National Parks and AONBs. What’s more, the people who live in them benefit from thriving economies greatly supported by the quality of their surroundings. The benefits to people everywhere are profound.

As we face future challenges and unprecedented pressures on our land and natural resources, Government should again give top priority to beautiful landscapes and the qualities and opportunities they offer us all.

>  See map of the National Park: Defra website (651K PDF)

Securing a future for our finest landscapes:
How can Government commit to protect and celebrate the beauty of our surroundings?

CPRE’s charter for the future:

1. A South Downs National Park with the best possible boundary, including the Western Weald and a National Park Authority with the powers and resources it needs to fulfil its responsibilities.
Now achieved – see latest news.

2. Continued commitment in the Government’s new national policy statements to prevent damaging development in National Parks and AONBs.

3. A well-funded, leading role for National Parks and AONBs in developing action to mitigate climate change without trashing the landscape or wildlife habitats.

4. The opportunity for all Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to run their own affairs and set up full Management Boards as permitted by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

5. Extensions to existing National Parks, starting with the long-awaited Lake District/Yorkshire Dales ‘bridge’.