60th Anniversary Of The National Parks And Access To The Countryside Act 1949

EDM number 292 in 2009-10, proposed by Alun Michael on 30/11/2009.
Categorised under the topic of Countryside.

That this House welcomes the 60th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949; notes that this visionary piece of legislation led to the creation of National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Nature Reserves, the Public Rights of Way framework and National Trails; sees the UK's protected landscapes as assets to the nation which enjoy widespread public support and are enjoyed by millions of visitors, as well as being home to farmers and local communities who are vital to sustaining them; celebrates the diversity of the UK's protected landscapes from upland to lowland areas across Great Britain; notes that they provide havens for wildlife, stunning scenery, cultural heritage, opportunities for promoting physical, mental and spiritual well-being, a playground for learning for all ages, and are exemplars in sustainable farming, links between urban and rural communities, demonstrators of sustainable development in practice, stores for carbon and places that promote solutions to the challenges of climate change; welcomes the significant achievements obtained from those working in partnership in these areas; acknowledges that the benefits of protected landscapes are enduring though the challenges they face have changed over time; welcomes the support that successive Governments and all political parties have given to protected landscapes; and urges future administrations to demonstrate continuing support for these special areas.

This motion has been signed by a total of 126 MPs, 2 of these signatures have been withdrawn.