The Protected Landscape Approach - Centre for Mediterranean ...

9. Protected landscapes in the United Kingdom
If these purposes cannot be reconciled, priority is given to conservation, according to a
policy known as “the Sandford principle” (established by The Rt Rev. Lord Sandford, a
Government Minister who undertook a review of national parks in 1974). The park authorities,
in pursuing the two purposes, must foster the economic and social well being of local
communities, but without incurring significant expenditure. The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads
are regarded as part of the National Park family, but the enabling act gave the Broads Authority
somewhat different purposes including one to protect navigation.
AONBs and NSAs have neither an explicit recreation nor a socio-economic purpose. But
where a Conservation Board is established for an AONB, it is required to help increase the
public understanding and enjoyment of the area’s special qualities, apply the Sandford prin -
ciple and pursue a socio-economic duty mirroring that of National Park Authorities.
In 1997, after many years of discussion, the Government sought advice on how National
Parks for Scotland could best operate. There was an extensive programme of fact-finding and
consultation, including many meetings, seminars and conferences, which drew some 450 well
argued responses from individuals, communities and organisations from across the country.
The outcome of the debate was the seizing of an opportunity for rural communities, land
managers and businesses to create a more effective national-local contract in the running of two
new national parks. Loch Lomand and the Trossachs National Park to the north-west of
Glasgow was created in April 2003. The Cairngorms National Park, located in the Highlands,
followed six months later in October 2003.
The four purposes of the newly established Scottish parks are to:
conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage;
promote sustainable use of the natural resources;
promote understanding and enjoyment of the area’s special qualities; and
promote sustainable social and economic development of the area’s communities.
Scottish Park Authorities are required to pursue these aims in a collective and coordinated
way, and have a range of powers to achieve this. If conflict arises between these aims the
legislation gives priority to conservation. Similarly, some of Scotland’s Regional Parks have
developed a social and economic role linked to their recreational function.
These differences between the countries of the UK illustrate a varied approach to the pursuit
of social, economic and environmental aims within its Protected Landscapes. While some
believe that a sustainable development agenda implies that these aims should be met in a
mutually reinforcing manner within these areas, others fear this would compromise the special
status of the Protected Landscapes.
The new Scottish National Parks are therefore of particular interest. Though there is an
over-riding duty to protect the parks and their resources, it remains to be seen if the ‘fourth aim’
puts conservation objectives at risk, or if it helps secure local people’s commitment to the
National Park, and its protection and management.
The Scottish approach will be closely watched throughout the UK, particularly in Northern
Ireland, as those tasked with moving towards designating the Mourne mountains seek a balance
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