by The search is on for the country’s “most beautiful nature spots” and Natural England has announced it will consider potential sites for a new national park, as promised in the last Tory election manifesto.
Telegraph readers took to the comments section and sent in replies via the Politics newsletter to give their views on which area should be England’s 11th national park, and it deserved the greater protection that comes with the elevated status.
The Cotswolds, the Pennines and Dorset were among the readers’ favourites, although many choices were made. Read on for their picks, and vote in our poll below to let us know what you think.
‘England’s closest thing to wilderness’
Reader James Lalor “He has been of the opinion for many years that there should be a ‘North Downs National Park’, a logical code for the inauguration of the twin, the South Downs.”
He continues: “The beautiful countryside of Surrey and Kent has no such recognition; pathetic overview. Geoffrey Chaucer must be turning in his grave.”
Meanwhile, Jeffrey Hobbs The North Pennines, which is now a National Landscape, formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). “While this area receives some recognition and protection, it should be upgraded to the level of the surrounding Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and Northumberland National Parks.”
“Not only does the North Pennines have stunning hilly landscapes like Cross Fell and High Cup, it’s also home to some of the wildest and emptiest areas in England. It is the closest thing in England to a desert. There are locations with very rare mountain wildflowers. All this is better appreciated,” said Mr Hobbs.
‘Not only wild countryside, but industrial heritage’
The same, John Anderson The South Pennines believe a good case, and that national park status would put pressure on the Dales or Peak District.
“Not only is there wild countryside, but there is a rich industrial heritage that could be developed to a great extent. The Northern Powerhouse could contribute to the provision of transport, heritage or sport and accommodation. Bronte’s house in Thornton has just been saved for the Nation. Plus, we have Gentleman Jack in Halifax, the glory of Salts Mill and a great David Hockney exhibition. We hope he wins,” Mr Anderson wrote.
From a practical point of view, Robert Adams agrees that the South Pennines are his preferred choice, “because it will create a continuous trail, it will also help to level up.”
‘Come and see all the winter birds’
“Above all other areas of England is the Northumberland coast,” Julie and Ian Hawksby states.
“It has great unspoilt natural beauty, as well as plenty of great castles. It is known and loved by the community – recently highlighted by the national and international outcry when the Sycamore Gap was demolished.
Meanwhile, Barry Colgate Recommends Chichester Harbour, including some of the surrounding villages. He explains that “it is already an AONB and would connect very neatly with the South Down National Park. It would also mean that the area would be further protected from unauthorized development.”
He continues: “Locally we are very concerned about over-development in and around Chichester Bay, with all the negative impacts that such developments bring, particularly in relation to sewage leakage.
Therefore, “Chichester Bay becoming a national park would add a significant layer of protection to this stunningly beautiful area of our countryside – come and see all the wintering birds, for example.”
‘I was most taken by the beautiful historic towns’
In the corner of the Cotswolds was John Maithirwhich highlights that the area “already has national and international recognition, is beautiful, and has unique architecture.”
“It would be a large national park in the south Midlands of England – an area without national parks – and is within easy reach of the Birmingham/Black Country and Bristol/Bath areas,” he explains.
It is shared in the mind of John Goodier Tony Aa “having spent half a term near Stroud and visiting the beautiful Cotswold towns, I can see its appeal.”
However, he points out, “some roads are very busy; there are some huge towns, and the attractive beauty is often less dramatic than elsewhere.”
In fact, he was “more impressed by the beautiful historic towns than the landscape – despite walking 8 to 12 miles a day. I will definitely go back, walking in the footsteps of Laurie Lee, but I’m not sure the whole of the Cotswolds will be a national park.”
More Telegraph readers got in touch to share their honest views, including the Lincolnshire Olnshire Wold; the former Borders between Northumberland and Cumberland; Bodmin Moor and West Penwith in Cornwall.
