Government publish new Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework

National Parks England welcomes the publication today of the Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework.

National Park Authorities play an important role in conserving and enhancing our National Parks for the benefit of the nation and we welcome the clarity and direction that this Framework gives to the role of Protected Landscapes in delivering three goals in the Environmental Improvement Plan.

The publication of these targets, alongside the strengthened duty in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act requiring relevant authorities to ‘seek to further’ the purposes of National Parks will be important levers in helping National Parks to play an even bigger role in restoring nature, tackling climate change and enabling access for all.

But success will also be contingent on proper financial resources being made available and ensuring that essential policy tools, particularly ELMS are rolled out in a way that encourages farmers and land managers to help achieve these targets. Through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, where local advisors work alongside farmers in developing projects we’ve demonstrated what can be achieved.

It is vital to build on the success of this.