The Cheshire Sandstone Ridge is one of four areas that has been proposed for new protected areas across England.
The diverse, distinctive, and celebrated landscape located in the heart of Cheshire, in close proximity to the large populations of NW England, rich in heritage, archaeology, wildlife, and culture.
Along with the Yorkshire Wolds, part of the Chilterns and the Surrey Hills, the announcement also takes forward the recommendations of the major independent review – led by writer Julian Glover – into our protected landscapes.
Natural England welcomed the Review which set out a compelling vision for more beautiful, biodiverse and accessible National Parks and AONBs. It warned that challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and a changing, urban society mean that new approaches are needed to get the most out of England’s most-loved landscapes.
Responding to the Review’s calls for bold action, and in addition to the proposals for two new AONBs and extensions to two existing AONBs, Natural England will be considering proposals for new National Nature Reserves. It will also implement a more collaborative and swifter process to new National Park and AONB designations.
Natural England has also set out its ambition to develop new approaches that will drive nature recovery and improve people’s connection with nature, particularly focusing in and around towns and cities. The programme will focus on improving people’s quality of life, addressing inequalities in access and connection to the natural environment which have been well-evidenced through the Covid pandemic. This could include building on the idea of ‘national park cities’, focusing nature restoration next to where people live.
Chair of Natural England Tony Juniper said:
The benefits of our stunning, protected landscapes go far beyond their visual appeal, from enhancing our wellbeing, providing places for living and working communities, to making an important contribution to nature recovery and combating the climate emergency.
I’m delighted to see the growth and protection of these areas is an increasingly prominent Government priority. I look forward to working closely with Defra, National Parks England and the National Association for AONBs to make these special areas richer in nature, accessible for all to connect with for their well-being and to deliver a green recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Also being announced today, a strategic and visionary map for ‘England in the 21st Century’ will be developed, reflecting the spirit of the ‘Hobhouse Map’ which led to the establishment of the first National Parks 70 years ago.
To create this England-wide assessment, Natural England will work with stakeholders and communities to identify conservation needs across England, including any remaining places suitable for future National Park or AONB designation and those places where alternative forms of action will be more appropriate and are wanted by local communities.
Nature England is also transforming its joint working with National Parks England and the National Association for AONBs, through a new delivery agreement. This will deliver a step change in joint delivery of multiple and integrated benefits for people, nature and climate through England’s finest landscapes.
