The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Thursday 19 November 2020

The Chilterns Conservation Board has welcomed the Government’s announcement yesterday (Wednesday 18 November) of a 10 Point Plan to deliver a green recovery.

The wide-ranging measures include Point 9: Protecting Our Environment, which will create 10 new Landscape Recovery projects to restore and improve access to nature and employ nature-based solutions to tackle flooding. An additional £40m will be made available for the Green Recovery Challenge Fund, a Government fund designed to kick-start environmental renewal and create and retain jobs in the conservation sector across England.

The 10 Point Plan also confirms that more of England’s beautiful and iconic landscapes will be designated as National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, safeguarding these areas for future generations and bringing more people within closer reach of our natural environment and heritage.

Dr Elaine King, Chief Executive of the Chilterns Conservation Board, said: 

“These measures are an exciting step forward for nature, landscapes and for people, and provide a platform on which to address the huge challenges facing nature and society in this country.

Significant and sustained investment in the natural environment will be needed if we are to reverse declines in biodiversity and deal with the climate crisis. I hope that this 10 Point Plan is the start of more to come and that its delivery connects closely with the Government’s new Environmental Land Management scheme and the Planning White Paper.”

“The Covid-19 pandemic has made clear the vital importance of nature, landscapes and green spaces for people’s health and wellbeing. 70 years after National Parks were created as places for people to heal and seek solace after World War II, now feels the right time to ensure that more people than ever have access to and can benefit from our special landscapes.” 

The Chilterns Conservation Board is looking forward to working closely with the Government, its Agencies, local authorities, farmers, landowners and other partners to identify how we can best work together to deliver the Government’s 10 Point Plan and build resilience for the environment, businesses and communities both in the Chilterns and beyond our boundaries.

 

Notes to Editors

1. The Government’s 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution was published on Wednesday 18 November 2020, with Defra publishing further details on Point 9: Protecting Our Natural Environment. Natural England also published a blog by its Chair, Tony Juniper.
2. The Chilterns Conservation Board (CCB) is a public body, established following the passing of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000. Its statutory purposes are to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Chilterns AONB and to increase understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities. It also has a duty, to seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities.
3. The Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) was designated in 1965 and covers 833 sq kms (326 sq miles) stretching from Goring, in Oxfordshire, to near Hitchin, in Hertfordshire. A home and workplace for over 80,000 people, the Chilterns AONB is the third largest AONB in England and is designated as one of the finest landscapes in the country.
4. Natural England’s research Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment found that, of 2,000 people polled in April 2020, when Covid-19 restrictions were in place, the large majority of adults (89%) agreed or strongly agreed that green and natural spaces should be good places for mental health and wellbeing. In addition, 87% of adults agreed that ‘being in nature makes me happy’.
5. The Green Recovery Challenge Fund (GRCF) is a £40m short-term competitive fund to kick start environmental renewal whilst creating and retaining a range of jobs in England. The GRCF is open to environmental charities and their partners. This Government funding is being distributed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Defra. The first phase was launched in September 2020 and the 10 Point Plan announced yesterday includes a commitment to make a further £40m available.

Further information

For further information, images and interviews please contact Vicki Pearce, Communications Officer at the Chilterns Conservation Board at vpearce@chilternsaonb.org.