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Wish You Were Here
by Jan Piotorwski
Jun 15, 2009
Positive News Issue 60 |
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A new National Park has been approved by Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 60 years after the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act was first created.
The South Downs National Park will be the fifth largest in the UK, covering an area of 627 square miles. The town of Lewes, Ditchling village and two areas of outstanding natural beauty will also be included. This is a wonderful victory for its campaigners, who include actor Brian Blessed – former President of the Council for National Parks; presenter Ben Fogle – the current President and author Bill Bryson – President of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.
A total of 20,000 postcards were sent to the government and 10,000 supporters signed the Western Weald petition. Bill Bryson also handed over a giant version of the same postcard to Defra’s offices, in London. “The success of the campaign has been down to the widespread support it has had from the public,” Campaign Officer Chris Todd said. “The Park will create a champion for the South Downs, with greater powers better placed to help conserve and enhance this iconic English landscape for future generations.”
The decision to include Lewes in this conservation area further strengthens its commitment to ecological responsibility. Lewes is among a handful of towns in the UK vying to become carbon neutral.
Approximately 39 million people per year visit the South Downs – a number expected to rise due to the area’s new protected status. This boost to the local economy affirms that it is possible for towns to be both sustainable and prosperous, while setting a positive example for the rest of the country.
Contact: www.southdownscampaign.org.uk
Ben Fogle with Brian Blessed calling for the Western Weald to be included in the South Downs National Park
Photo: © South Downs Campaign
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