Changes to National Parks

[Adam Cheeseman]

Natural England Board recommends new National Park Boundaries
The expansion of two of England’s finest National Parks reached a major milestone today as Natural England’s Board agreed to proceed with recommendations to significantly expand the boundaries of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, increasing their combined area by nearly 500km2.
If confirmed by the Secretary of State, the new areas would join the ranks of some of the country’s most highly protected landscapes and would amount to the most significant addition to England’s National Parks since the confirmation of the South Downs in 2009.

Changes agreed for North York Moors National Park Authority
Members of the North York Moors National Park Authority today agreed to a number of changes to the organisation’s staffing and services to meet a real term reduction of 35% in its funding. The decision comes after extensive consultation with staff, residents, visitors and stakeholders.
The changes will take place between now and 2014 and will see six full-time and six part-time staff made redundant including one of the Authority’s directors. A number of staff will also be placed on a lower graded post or will see a reduction in their working hours. The changes agreed today will bring savings of £1 million and are in addition to considerable savings and efficiencies already implemented.

[ChrisJB]

I'm glad to see the expansion of the Lakes and the Dales. I'm especially curious to see the new tracts of land earmarked for the Dales as there are some great landscapes adjacent to the current boundaries that fully deserve National Park status. It's my favourite National Park too.
Shame about what's happening in the North York Moors though.

Chris