21 Oct Annual Forum a great success

Annual Forum at The Tap House

South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (National Landscape) Partnership and 70 guests welcomed Ewen Cameron – Lord Cameron of Dillington as guest speaker to the Annual Forum held at Stokeley Barton Farm Shop near Kingsbridge. The cross bench peer was part of the Designated Landscapes review panel which reported in September. He spoke about the key recommendations of the report and how they would impact on the work of National Landscape Partnerships.

Lord Cameron – The Landscapes Review report

Ewen Cameron explained how the Review proposes that National Landscapes and National Parks become a positive force for the nation’s wellbeing, with the establishment of a new National Landscapes Service, with them playing a key role in nature recovery and the national response to climate change. They are also set to become priority areas for new environmental land management systems. Planning is dealt with in detail with a recommendation that National Landscapes become statutory consultees and a focus on delivery of affordable housing through a new national landscapes housing association.

National Landscape Manager Roger English commented “The proposed new National Landscapes Service to ensure collaboration between National Landscapes and National Parks is something we look forward to, building on our positive relationships with our near neighbours the Dartmoor National Park as well as other National Parks and other National Landscapes across the country.”

“I am very pleased that the Review specifically recognises the value of National Landscape designation and acknowledges the hard work and achievements of National Landscape staff, representatives and volunteers. I am also heartened that a clear case is made for National Landscapes to expand their purposes and to receive more funding and resources.”

“National Landscapes have the energy, skills, ambition and strong partnerships needed to deliver, and we call on the Government to provide us with the powers and resources to enable us to implement the findings of the Review and ultimately achieve a great deal more for nature and society.”

Mark Brooking

Mark Brooking of Stokeley Farm Shop talked about the challenges of running a successful business in the National Landscape. He outlined their focus on using local producers as far as possible.

Diamond Anniversary

Delegates also heard about current projects and were asked to contribute ideas towards celebrating the National Landscapes 60th anniversary in 2020.