DEFRA is carrying out a review into whether the protections for National Parks and AONBs are still fit for purpose. In particular, what might be done better, what changes will help and if the definitions and systems in place are still valid.
Weakening or undermining their existing protections or geographic scope will not be part of the review, which will instead focus on how designated areas can boost wildlife, support the recovery of natural habitats and connect more people with nature.
The review’s terms of reference are here. The review will be led by Julian Glover, associate editor at the London Evening Standard and author of the biography Man of Iron: Thomas Telford and the Building of Britain. He will be supported by an advisory panel bringing a vast breadth of experience in landscape, biodiversity, heritage, farming and rural issues. Further detail on this will be announced in due course. The review is expected to begin in June 2018 and will report in 2019.