Natural England

Doing Your Bit for National Parks - 23 August 2000

The Countryside Agency is seeking individuals with a keen interest in England’s finest landscapes, who would like to be actively involved in their care. The Rt. Hon Michael Meacher MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, is looking to appoint a new member to each National Park Authority in England (except the Broads) - a process which is being co-ordinated by the Countryside Agency. These National Park Authorities are key to ensuring that the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the parks is conserved and that all members of the public can understand and enjoy their unique qualities.

Jon Tomlinson, director at the Countryside Agency, said: “Our national parks are not only vital in preserving the quality of England’s most spectacular landscapes but also provide a huge variety of recreational facilities for all members of the public to enjoy. We are now looking for people from all walks of life who would like to help preserve these national treasures and ensure that as many people as possible have access to them.”

Candidates are welcomed from any background and will have to:
    provide a voice for the national interest on the National Park Authorities;
    have a good understanding of issues affecting national parks and work to achieve the park’s purposes;
    be able to contribute positively to debate within the National Park Authority;
    be ready to make decisions on many aspects of national park management including conservation, planning, housing, recreation, agriculture, forestry and resource issues;
    commit a minimum time input of 2-3 days per month.
Nominations are required by 8 September 2000 for April 2001 appointments. Self-nomination is allowed and application forms can be obtained from: Lesley Thomas, The Countryside Agency, John Dower House, Crescent Place, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 3RA. Tel: 01242 533 446. Fax: 01242 584 270. 
Notes to editors

For further information please contact Julia Cropley or Nigel Ellway on 
020 7340 2909/2907 or email: julia.cropley@countryside.gov.uk 

    There are 7 National Park Authorities in England: Dartmoor; Exmoor; the Lake District; Northumberland; the North York Moors; the Peak District; and the Yorkshire Dales. The Broads is a National Park in all but name. Two further national parks have been proposed - the New Forest and South Downs.
         
    The Secretary of State appoints a number of members to each Authority to represent the national interests of the national parks, and, at a local level, parish interests. The remaining Members are appointed by the relevant local authorities. Appointments of national interest Members are for two or three year periods and the current vacancies fall to be filled on 1 April 2000.

    Secretary of State appointed National Park Authority members are not paid but they are eligible for travel and other expenses incurred in the course of their appointments. Members are expected to commit a minimum time input of 2 to 3 days per month, the majority of which are within normal working hours.

The Countryside Agency is responsible for advising government and taking action on issues affecting the social, economic and environmental well-being of the English countryside.