The future of our National Parks @ Radio 4's Costing the Earth

What do our National Parks and AONB areas do?
Futures Forum: Review of National Parks and AONBs > call for evidence

And do we want to go from AONB to National Park in these parts?
Futures Forum: Support growing for a Jurassic National Park > although County Council not convinced

Tom Heap at Costing the Earth today looks at what these landscapes do for us now and what they could do for us in the future:

The Future of Our National Parks

Costing the Earth

2019 is the 70th anniversary of the legislation that created the first National Parks in the UK. 

At this crucial moment for the future of our countryside, Tom Heap asks how our best-loved landscapes can work better for people and wildlife. 

There are now 15 National Parks – all are protected areas because of their beautiful countryside, wildlife and cultural heritage. 

However, much has changed since the original legislation and many of these landscapes face significant challenges, including declining wildlife, a need for housing and poor public access. 

Tom visits two very different parks, the Cairngorms and the South Downs, to ask communities how they think National Parks should be improved to meet the needs of the 21st century. 

He considers some of the key issues; such as how to balance agriculture with enhancing and connecting habitats and how to deliver rural development and housing in protected landscapes.

Producer: Sophie Anton

BBC Radio 4 - Costing the Earth, The Future of Our National Parks
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