How we work

Although the Authority has been given the task of looking after the national park, it does so to an agenda set out by central government. It works in partnership with other organisations and individuals.

Key policy documents – produced with our partners and other stakeholders – guide our work.

The National Park Management Plan sets a vision and lays down objectives for the national park, not just the Authority, and balances social, economic and environmental issues. The documents are the result of significant consultation with local people and organisations, who have an interest in the national park.

However, general policies cannot deal with every situation that arises and sometimes there are conflicts between policies, for example, when conservation clashes with a development proposal.

In all cases, members are advised by officers who draw up reports which contain all the relevant information and include reference to the policies that are laid down in the key documents. These reports are generally available for everyone to read. The only exceptions are those that contain certain financial information and confidential staff matters.