Statement on the publication of the government response and consultation for the Landscapes Review

“As the UK’s first National Park recognised for the nation for over 70 years, we welcomed the broad ambition of the Landscapes Review when initially published and continue to support the latest responses to the review from government.

“Our National Parks are already playing a lead role in delivering for climate, nature and people’s wellbeing.

“The Landscapes Review underlined the value of National Parks to the nation's physical and mental good health, amply demonstrated during the pandemic, and we are looking to build on this so that a younger and more diverse audience can benefit from the restorative powers of nature, landscape and the outdoors. This is already happening through engaging programmes such as Generation Green with our partners.

“As National Parks, we can continue to be a beacon within our protected landscapes, for example by responding to global issues such as climate change; the Peak District has already been at the heart of innovative peatland restoration for many years. Locally we’re taking steps to reverse the decline in nature and delivering for the future of the farmed landscape through the government’s Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme.

“The Peak District stands ready to once again play a pivotal role in this new era for National Parks, but to ensure that the benefits are maximised and long lasting we endorse the Review's call for enhanced powers and sustained central support for all protected landscapes.

“Along with our colleagues across England’s other National Parks we look forward to engaging with the consultation process supporting the response to the review.”

Andrew McCloy, chair of Peak District National Park Authority