The Dorset National Landscape Partnership is working towards a future in which the management of the landscape and designation enables people to live in harmony with nature. The vision is for a stunningly beautiful, well-protected landscape in which:

• Nature thrives, not just in protected areas and reserves but across the whole landscape. There is a well-linked, expanded network of high-quality habitats managed at a scale which allow functioning natural processes. Water is clean in our wetlands, streams, rivers, and sea, supporting all life. Streams and rivers are naturalised and healthy throughout our catchments.
• Woodlands are expanded and well-managed in low-input, close-to-nature systems; many more trees are evident in the landscape, providing timber, fibre, fruit, nuts and forage, as well as carbon storage and spaces for people and nature. They are linked in the farmed landscape by a network of wide, healthy hedges.
• Climate change has stabilised by achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors – energy, buildings, transport and land use. The landscape is resilient against climate shocks by widespread use of nature-based solutions and healthy farmed soils. There is active adaptation to coastal change for nature and people, enabling natural processes to continue.
• Good quality food is produced by resilient and sustainable farming businesses with regenerative practices having a net benefit for climate and nature.
• Heritage assets are well cared for, and our cultural heritage is celebrated; it is easy to experience the time depth of this special place.
• A landscape-based, circular economy provides a range of profitable livelihoods, supporting thriving communities and enhancing the place it relies upon. Jobs in the farming, forestry, nature, heritage, visitor economy and cultural sectors are well-rewarded, well-respected and offer a wealth of opportunities for young people and new entrants. There is enough housing to meet a genuinely local need; new build includes locally grown timber and fibre.
• Everyone can freely experience, access, engage with, learn about and celebrate the area’s outstanding natural beauty and get involved in its enhancement as residents and welcomed visitors. The landscape’s outstanding natural and cultural heritage inspires ongoing engagement, learning, research and artistic endeavour.
• The beautiful natural and cultural landscape underpins a high quality of public health and societal wellbeing.

Protected Landscapes are our most iconic and inspiring places. They were created from 1949, with post-war Britain recognising everyone has a right to access the countryside – from Northumberland’s dark skies to the South Downs’ Seven Sisters. 75 years on, the needs are greater than ever, with nature underpinning our health, economy and climate. That’s why this government will empower Protected Landscapes to become greener, wilder and more accessible.

Covering 25% of England, but half of our priority habitats, Protected Landscapes are essential to nature’s recovery. This government understands that we will not achieve our Environment Act targets or commitment to protect 30% of nature by 2030 without Protected Landscapes.

Recovering this natural capital is essential to ensure sustainable economic growth. Protected Landscapes are fundamental to strengthening the nation’s economic health by looking after the natural resources we depend on. Through nature’s recovery, Protected Landscapes protect communities from flooding, fight climate change, enable sustainable food production and create green jobs. They also have a vital role in connecting diverse communities with nature – underpinning the nation’s mental and physical health and reducing the strain on our NHS.

This incredible potential is beginning to be set out in the Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework. However, it will only become reality through the work of Protected Landscapes teams in collaboration with local communities, land managers, public bodies and other partners. Protected Landscape Management Plans provide the focal point for all partners to agree a local ambition and a pathway to deliver it, shaping the future of our most special places, and therefore the country. It is vital that all partners work together to develop and implement Management Plans. To support this collaboration, we have issued guidance on the Protected Landscapes duty which requires relevant authorities to seek to further the purposes of Protected Landscapes.

In recognising their importance to the nation, this government has committed to reinvigorating Protected Landscapes with new legislation, resources and tools. I look forward to developing this with you and other partners because it is only together that we can protect and enhance these remarkable places for generations to come.

Mary Creagh CBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Nature & Protected Landscapes), June 2015

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