Campaigning for well protected National Parks has always been an aim of the Ramblers' Association. Over the last few years we have seen the designation of the first National Parks for Scotland while in England we have been campaigning for the New Forest and South Downs to be designated as National Parks.
South Downs
The South Downs is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that has inspired artists and writers for centuries. The Ramblers' Association campaigning hard for National Park status to come into effect in the Downs.
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How you can help
It is important to keep the pressure up now the public inquiry has finished, to make sure that the importance of a South Downs National Park isn't forgotten. If you see articles in the newspaper that discuss the South Downs, use this as an opportunity to write a letter in support, so that it is kept in the public eye.
New Forest
Following a long campaign to have the New Forest designated as a National Park, the Ramblers' Association was very pleased when the Minister announced on the 28th June 2004 that the New Forest would be designated as a National Park.
While we are pleased that the New Forest will finally be accorded with the highest level of protection afforded to an area of British countryside, we are disappointed that the boundary of the National Park is considerably smaller than the area we campaigned for. In fact it is considerably smaller than the area recommended by the Countryside Agency.
We feel the Government has missed out on this opportunity and many areas will now face threats from undesirable development.
