Deep disappointment at cancellation of the Chilterns Boundary Review

Today, we express our deep disappointment at Natural England’s announcement that it is cancelling the review of the Chilterns National Landscape boundary. This decision was made after Defra cut funding for Natural England’s landscape designations programme. 

National Landscapes and National Parks deliver essential benefits for nature, people and the economy. Long-term management of their beautiful scenery and unique geological, ecological and cultural features supports tourism and farming, enhances people’s physical and mental health and provides a stable foundation for nature recovery.  

Designating new areas to extend the Chilterns National Landscape would secure more of these unique natural and cultural areas, contributing directly to key government commitments including to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030, and to ensure more people, particularly from disadvantaged urban backgrounds, can experience nature. 

Over the past three years, hundreds of hours of work have been invested by Natural England teams, their consultants, Chilterns National Landscape staff, local authorities, partner organisations, and members of the public in anticipation of the public consultation stage, which was due to begin this month.  

Abandoning important projects like this, as well as a new National Landscape for the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge, sends a troubling signal about the government’s commitment to protected landscapes. If this well-advanced, widely supported initiative can simply be dropped, it leads us to question whether any new National Landscapes, or National Parks, will ever be designated again. 

Dr Elaine King, Chief Executive of the Chilterns National Landscape, said: “This is a devastating decision. We were on the cusp of supporting Natural England with its public consultation on an extended boundary, with all landscape assessments completed and strong support across our local authorities, partner organisations and local residents. The time, effort, and hope invested by so many people has simply been swept away.  

The Chilterns is in a strong position to connect its growing local communities with the joys of this special landscape – this is not just a missed opportunity, it’s a step backwards.” 

John Watkins, Chief Executive of the National Landscapes Association said: “We are very disappointed with the decision to cancel both the boundary review of the Chilterns National Landscape, and the consideration of Cheshire Sandstone Ridge for designation as a National Landscape. 

 These cancellations deny both landscapes the recognition they deserve. Both reviews were well supported by local communities, and people will rightly feel let down by this decision. At a time when green spaces are under increased threat, it’s ever more important that people from all walks of life are able to enjoy these iconic places with the security of knowing they have been designated by the nation for us all to share.”

 The Chilterns National Landscape team has also acknowledged, and valued hugely, the dedication and professionalism of the local Natural England teams involved.  

 “We will be working closely with Natural England’s local teams to ensure the evidence collected during the project is used to better protect and inform decisions about the Chilterns,” said Dr King. “We are also determined to continue the rich conversations this project started – with partners, experts, and communities – to explore how we can continue to enhance and care for this special landscape.” 

 It is encouraging that Natural England has suggested that, if resources become available in the future, it may be able to complete the project, but it has also emphasised that this is by no means guaranteed. 

 “This decision is deeply disappointing, but we will not give up. We will hold Natural England and Defra to their commitments and urge Ministers to identify funding to complete this work,” Dr King concluded.