Defra is consulting on a new National Parks and Broads Circular and Vision Statement

The English National Parks and the Broads Circular provides policy guidance for all those whose decisions or actions might affect the English National Parks and the Broads. This includes, amongst others, government departments, government agencies, local authorities and public bodies of various kinds.

The existing Circular on National Parks dates from 1996 so much of the content is out of date. Defra is updating the Circular to reflect both the changes in legislation since 1996 that affects National Parks and to reflect the changed priorities of Government and society.

The revised Circular will cover a wide range of issues but it places particular emphasis on:

• dealing with climate change
• continuing to conserve and enhance the landscape and natural heritage
• securing maximum value for money from the available funding
• fostering biodiversity

ENPAA and the individual National Park Authorities will be responding to the consultation.

The consultation document also contains a vision for the future of the English National Parks which has been developed by ENPAA. We hope that it will form part of the new document and welcome comments on the vision via Defra’s consultation.

The full text of the Circular can be found on Defra’s website. The closing date for responses is Friday, 5 February 2010.