South Devon National Landscape
Follaton House, Plymouth Road,
Totnes TQ9 5NE

 

Tel: 01803 229330

 

South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty unit participates in Landscapes For Life week

South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty unit participates in Landscapes For Life week

South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is taking part taking part in Landscapes for Life week which takes place 21-29 September 2019.

 

Each year Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty across the UK organise special events during Landscapes for Life week, but this year is special – as it celebrates the 70th anniversary of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act which paved the way for the legislation to create the UK’s 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The theme is ‘Natural Health Service’. It will encourage everyone to come along to an event or enjoy a walk or cycle ride in their local National Landscape, and celebrate the pioneering post-war vision that protected these treasured areas for everyone to enjoy.

 

The week commences with a ‘National Moment’ at on Saturday 21 September when poet Laureate Simon Armitage will premiere a specially commissioned poem, and readings will take place at events nationwide.

 

The 1949 Act that paved the way for the creation of National Landscapes was part of the post-World War Two democratic settlement efforts which saw the government rebuilding a sense of national identity and thanking citizens for their sacrifices during the war. The Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks that were designated as a result of the act were envisioned as partner organisations to the NHS which was created in 1948. Giving people access to the countryside for exercise, enjoyment and mental health benefits was considered a preventative measure; while the NHS was designed to help people if they became sick.

 

Other events in South Devon National Landscape will include a Beach Clean at Scoble Point on 22nd September, Guided Gara Rock walk on 24th September and Mobile Planetarium on 25th September. Further details: Landscapes for Life week events.