PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday 20th September 2022

UK National Parks look to the future at Exmoor gathering 

View as Webpage

Leaders from all fifteen of the United Kingdom’s National Parks are gathering on Exmoor next week. Alongside representatives from government and partner organisations they will consider ‘What does the nation need from National Parks today?’.  

The UK National Parks’ Conference, sponsored by Dextra Group plc, will be the first face-to-face summit since the pandemic. Key items on the agenda include nature recovery, responding to climate change, ensuring that landscapes are accessible to all, and, how local communities and rural economies can be supported whilst delivering for the nation.  

Among external guest speakers at the three-day event are: 

• Julian Glover OBE - Journalist and Chair of the recent Landscape Review commissioned by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) 
• Soraya Abdel-Hadi - Adventurer, sustainable business champion and founder of All The Elements 
• Two of Exmoor’s very own Young Rangers 
• Nick Giles - Managing Director, OS Consumer 
• Stanley Johnson - Environmentalist and writer 
• Daniel Raven-Ellison - Guerrilla geographer & founder of Slow Ways 
• Sarah Mukherjee MBE - Chief Executive IMEA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment 
• Minette Batters - President of the National Farmers Union 
• Dr. Tony Juniper Environmentalist and Chair of Natural England. 

Robin Milton, Chair of Exmoor National Park Authority said: “It is a privilege to be hosting such a gathering here on Exmoor. Our aim is that all participants leave with a refreshed sense of mission and ambition for what National Parks can offer the nation considering current challenges and opportunities. Many of the challenges we face cannot be solved in isolation. But together, working with communities, government, businesses and charities there are some great opportunities as we look to the years ahead.” 

Hosted by the Exmoor National Park Authority for the first time in over 20 years the conference will also provide an opportunity to shine a light on some of the many varied initiatives and projects that are being delivered across Exmoor. A series of study tours, sponsored by the Ordnance Survey, and spread across the whole of the National Park, will showcase the variety of landscapes and opportunities offered in one of the smaller UK National Parks. 

Sarah Bryan, Chief Executive of Exmoor National Park Authority said: “We are proud of what Exmoor and all the National Parks across the country have achieved. But we believe there is more to do. We are united in our passion to see a healthy and beautiful environment, thriving communities and enjoyment for all. I hope the conference will further profile the great work being done on Exmoor by many different stakeholders, including local communities, businesses, landowners, farmers and conservationists, for the benefit of everyone from near and far who cherish this very special place.” 

The first National Parks in the UK were founded more than 70 years ago in response to a time of great national need following two world wars. The conference theme offers key policy and decision makers an opportunity to address the vital role that National Parks, as national assets, should play in continuing to support the health and wellbeing of the nation. In particular the Exmoor conference will consider the role National Parks can play following the devastating impact of the pandemic and the current cost of living squeeze, along with the urgent need to address the climate and nature crises. 

ENDS

For media enquiries & Interview requests contact:

Jonathan Ray, UK National Parks Communications Director  

jonathan.ray@nationalparks.uk / 07748 302608 

Or  

Dan James, Rural Enterprise Manager (conference co-ordinator)  

DTJames@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk / 01398 322334. 

Notes to editors

The Conference takes place in Dunster, Somerset from the 27 to 29 September and is sponsored by Dextra Group plc, with additional sponsorship for the study tours from Ordnance Survey. 

Follow the conference using #NPUKConf 

Further photos available on request.

About UK National Parks: 

There are 15 National Parks in the UK, spanning the length and breadth of the country. 10 in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland. 

National Parks cover almost 10 percent of England, 20 percent of Wales and 8 percent of Scotland. 

Each National Park is administered by its own authority, but that authority does not own all of the land within the Park. They are independent bodies funded by central government to: 

• Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. 
• Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of national parks by the public. 
• In carrying out these aims, National Park Authorities are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the national park. 

National Parks are free to enter and explore and have 104 million visits each year. 

For more information visit nationalparks.uk 

About Exmoor National Park Authority

First designated in 1954, Exmoor National Park has an amazing variety of landscapes within its 267 square miles – stunning coast, moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland and more than 800 miles of rights of way to enjoy. It is one of 15 National Parks in the United Kingdom and in 2011 was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. Find out more at exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk.

Exmoor National Park Authority works in partnership with the community, local councils, businesses and other organisations to look after the National Park and promote its conservation and enjoyment. Donations to CareMoor for Exmoor are gratefully received towards the upkeep of the National Park and its special qualities.