Save Wildlife in British National Parks

This spring, Campaign for National Parks published 'Leading National Parks into the Future', a report setting out how updating governance could unlock the full potential of England’s National Parks.

These protected landscapes play a vital role in conserving nature, supporting communities, and providing public access.

However, governance systems developed over 30 years ago are now limiting their effectiveness, particularly in responding to urgent challenges like biodiversity loss, climate change and public health.

Our findings, based on interviews with 33 experts, highlight the need for more representative and skilled leadership. Decision-makers should better reflect the public and bring expertise aligned with today’s environmental and social priorities.

We recommend a mix of immediate improvements and longer-term reforms. Near-term actions include strengthening recruitment, training, and compensation to attract more diverse board members and expanding flexible participation through online meetings.

Longer-term reforms would restructure boards to improve effectiveness and accountability, increase open recruitment to broaden skills and diversity, and strengthen the legal purpose of National Parks with a greater focus on nature recovery, climate action, and equitable access.

While National Parks have achieved a great deal, their potential is constrained by outdated systems. With the right governance in place, they can play a leading role in tackling the nature and climate crises.

Thank you for your support, which is helping us be the strong and independent voice championing the future of England and Wales' National Parks.

Links:

• Read the Report online

In late September, Campaign for National Parks learned that the Westminster Government was planning to quietly weaken a vital new legal protection for National Parks and National Landscapes in England, a move that would have put nature and our most treasured landscapes at risk.

The change, which was already being discussed by senior Ministers, would have undone years of hard work and reversed the biggest step forward for National Parks in decades.

A Rapid Response

We knew we had to act fast. Within days, Campaign for National Parks mobilised an extraordinary coalition of over 200 organisations and influential voices, including the National Trust, RSBP, Patagonia and The North Face, and National Parks and National Landscapes bodies, to sign an open letter to the Prime Minister urging the Government to keep its promise to protect National Parks and National Landscapes.

The message that #NationalParksMatter spread quickly across social media and through our partner networks, with businesses, charities, and individuals uniting behind one clear call: don’t weaken protections for our most special places.

A Landmark Win

It worked. The Government has now dropped the proposed changes; it never saw the light of day thanks to the strength of our collective action.

We’ve also secured an additional victory. In a formal letter in reply to Campaign for National Parks and the other signatories, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to: “Making our National Parks and National Landscapes greener, wilder and more accessible to all – in recognition that these special places are essential to our health, climate and economy.”

The letter also confirms that new guidance has been published for public bodies operating in these areas, and that further legislation is being developed to strengthen National Parks’ purposes, improve governance, and ensure that every Park can lead on nature recovery and accessibility for all.

The Work Continues

While this is a huge step forward, it’s not over. The plans to weaken the law may have been dropped for now, but they could resurface. Moreover, the Government’s response to us all confirms that we have a significant opportunity to strengthen protections. We’ll need the same determination and partnership that won this battle to make sure the Government delivers on its promises.

A Collective Effort

We couldn’t have done this without the support of donors like you! You helped us gather partners, Council members, funders and campaigners: every person and organisation who stood with us to protect National Parks and National Landscapes. Together, we’ve proved that when nature is under threat, people care and act.

Now, we need to keep the pressure on to ensure the Government delivers the greener, wilder, more accessible National Parks that the UK deserves. Because #NationalParksMatter to all of us.

Links:

• Explore our website