The Uplands Policy Review, which was launched last week by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Caroline Spelman, sets out a wide range of commitments by Government to enable the English uplands to become more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

The measures outlined in the Review include £6m to help hill farmers undertake environmental management schemes, and a Rural Community Broadband Fund of up to £20m which aims to give an economic boost to upland areas currently experiencing poor internet provision. DEFRA is also considering a change to National Parks to place a bigger emphasis on sustainable development.

At the launch of the Review, organisations were generally supportive of the vision and there was much interest in how land managers might be rewarded for providing ‘ecosystem services’, the details of which still remain unclear. The Natural Environment White Paper which will be launched in May is expected to contain more information on this.

Amongst those organisations who welcome the vision for the English uplands, is the Campaign for National Parks who are pleased that the document restates the Government’s commitment to National Parks and sets out how it will ensure the future sustainability of the uplands.

Ruth Chambers, Deputy Chief Executive at the Campaign for National Parks, said:

‘We warmly welcome the government’s continued commitment to the role of the National Parks, including their work to maintain vibrant, living and working communities and on tackling climate change.

‘The government has also recognised that sustainable development is inherent in the work of the National Parks. As we approach the twenty year anniversary of the Rio Declaration, which first brought sustainable development into the international spotlight, we believe that it is timely to review whether any changes need to be made to reflect the importance of sustainable development in the management of National Parks.’

Christine Reid, uplands specialist at the Campaign for National Parks, added:

‘The ‘big idea’ in the government’s policy statement is to move towards a system of paying farmers for work that they do to improve the uplands for the benefit of society – we strongly support this principle and believe that it will benefit communities and economies as well as the environment.

‘The importance of the upland National Parks cannot be over-stated. The Government has rightly recognised that this is a resource worthy of protection, particularly from complex challenges like climate change; we hope that their positive words will be matched by supportive action and adequate funding.

‘We need to see public money targeted towards these exceptional areas now, to ensure landscapes and people are resilient to the climate challenge. The neat idea of combining potential new private funds with existing agri-environment payments could provide more support for farmers.

‘For example, United Utilities and other water companies are already paying farmers for tree planting, peatland restoration and appropriate grazing, where this will reduce soil erosion that clogs up reservoirs. The Government must help other schemes like this to get off the ground’.

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