Lib Dems calls for creation of new National Parks to expand public access

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats have called for £50 million to be spent yearly on the creation of three new national parks and investment into current parks at the Party’s Autumn Conference in Brighton today (15th September). 

The Liberal Democrats have announced a commitment to expand and protect England’s treasured natural landscapes by creating three new National Parks. This initiative will aim to protect more of the country's most beautiful and ecologically important areas, while enhancing efforts to address the pressing issue of nature loss.

By allocating £50 million in new funding to support these developments, it would ensure they are equipped to conserve wildlife, provide educational opportunities, and manage increased visitor numbers effectively. It would aim to reverse the trend of declining tree planting, decreasing from 30,000 hectares per year in the late 1980s to just 3,000 per year in 2022/23. 

In addition to new parks, existing National Parks will see a significant boost in funding, allowing them to better maintain and develop.

Liberal Democrat Environment spokesperson, Tim Farron MP said:

“Our National Parks are world famous, containing some of the most stunning and cherished landscapes anywhere in the world. They are vital not only for their beauty, but for the role they play in wildlife conservation and protecting nature.

“The last Conservative government repeatedly failed to keep its promises to safeguard our countryside. They allowed sewage to be pumped into our rivers and seas and completely neglected protecting our precious countryside.”

“By creating these new parks, we can ensure that future generations get to enjoy our stunning landscapes just as we have been able to do so and it is up to the new government to rise to this challenge.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Liberal Democrat policy would:

• Create at least three new National Nature Parks to the existing 10 National Parks in England.

• Provide the National Parks budget with an additional £50m a year to support new and existing National Parks to become National Nature Parks.

• Ensure any new National Park has a clear duty to manage protected areas for nature’s restoration.

• Launch a consultation to determine which new areas should become National Nature Parks, giving natural landscapes priority for the shortlist.

And it calls on the government to:

• Establish new walking routes, including routes through National Parks.

• Ensure local authorities can maintain existing walking routes.