Campaign for National Parks

Campaign for National Parks (CNP) – formerly the Council for National Parks and the Standing Committee on National Parks – is an independent UK registered charity promoting the National Parks of England and Wales for the public benefit.

Campaign for National Parks
AbbreviationCNP
Formation1936
TypeCharity
Registration no.295336
Region
England and Wales
Websitewww.cnp.org.uk
Formerly called
Standing Committee on National Parks, Council for National Parks

Their vision is: Nature-rich National Parks for everyone.

Their mission is: To inspire action for wilder, inclusive National Parks.[1]

Campaign for National Parks brings together a Council of around 40 environment and access groups, indirectly representing over 4 million people with an interest in National Parks.[2]

History

In 1936 a group of individuals and voluntary organisations, including representatives from Ramblers, YHA, CPRE and CPRW, met for the first time to start a campaign for the establishment of National Parks in Britain. Under the name The Standing Committee on National Parks they set out an ambitious agenda, that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the finest countryside, and that these landscapes should be protected permanently.

Following government legislation enabling the designation of National Parks in 1949, the role of the Standing Committee changed. It concentrated on strengthening the powers and funding of National Parks, and being vigilant in monitoring proposals which would undermine their natural beauty and enjoyment by all. In 1977 it became the Council for National Parks, and in June 2008 changed to its current name.

Charitable objectives

The Campaign for National Parks' charitable objectives are;

  • To promote the protection, conservation and enhancement of National Parks for public benefit;
  • To promote the quiet enjoyment of National Parks and the appreciation of their natural beauty by the public in an informed and understanding manner;
  • To advance public education in and understanding of National Parks, through the provision of educational material and by other means;
  • To promote and undertake research into issues affecting the conservation and enjoyment of National Parks and to make public the useful results of any such research.[3]

Activities

Campaign for National Parks brings together a campaigning collective to advocate for protected landscapes in national and devolved governments, and champions people and organisations working to protect National Parks. Their key campaigning focuses are better protections for National Parks, equal access to National Parks and the creation of more National Parks.[1]

Research

Campaign for National Parks sponsors and undertakes research relating to their charitable objectives and campaigning work.

Key reports;

  • National Parks and the Climate Emergency 2021[4]
  • Raising the bar: improving nature in our National Parks 2018[5]
  • National Parks for all: making car free travel easier 2018[6]

Work in Wales

Campaign for National Parks works to influence the Senedd Cymru on devolved National Park and protected landscape policy and legislation. It has a number of ongoing campaigns in Wales and works in partnership with Welsh organizations and NGOs such as the Welsh National Park societies, Welsh Environment Link, Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, RSPB Cymru and particularly the Alliance for Welsh Designated Landscapes.

National Park Societies

There are 12 National Park Societies dedicated to protecting and enhancing National Parks.

There is no independent society representing Northumberland National Park.

Presidents and Vice Presidents

The Campaign has a number of distinguished Vice Presidents: Adrian Phillips, Alan Mattingly, Angus Lunn, Baroness Andrews, Dei Tomos, Fiona Reynolds, Iolo Williams, Lord Inglewood, Lord Norrie, Viscount Addison, Sara Edwards, Ben Fogle, and three Honorary Life Vice Presidents: Brian Blessed, Chris Bonington and Libby Purves.

Previous Presidents and Vice Presidents have been Caroline Quentin, Lord Bridges, Baroness Hamwee, Lord Judd and Lord Walpole.

References
  1. CNP Strategy
  2. "Our Council". Campaign for National Parks. 2013-10-17. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  3. "CAMPAIGN FOR NATIONAL PARKS - Charity 295336". register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
  4. National Parks and the Climate Emergency 2021
  5. Raising the bar: improving nature in our National Parks 2018
  6. National Parks for all: making car free travel easier 2018
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