A PROPOSED change in the way we view our National Parks could see London granted the status more commonly associated with the likes of the Peak District and New Forest.

Support is growing for a campaign looking to create a new classification of park that would transform the capital into the world's first National Park City.

Campaigners are arguing that London already meets much of the criteria of an existing park - citing that almost 50 per cent of London is green space and it is home to some 13,000 species of wildlife.

So far the idea has garnered support from the likes of TV presenter

Boating Lake (1)

Boating Lake (1)

Image by Eugene Regis

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Those backing the idea claim a Greater London National Park would attract more tourists to visit outer London, help more children to learn outdoors and work to reduce the likelihood of flooding.

This week experts, business leaders and environmental organisations met at the Southbank Centre to further make the case for the capital to become a new National Park City.

The Reimagine London: What if we made London a National Park? event will saw speakers and exhibitors champion the move, which they said would increase the health and wellbeing of inhabitants, boost businesses and bolster prosperity in the capital in general.

There were a range of lectures, talks, panel discussions and exhibitions from the likes of Sir Terry Farrell, the London Wildlife Trust and Queen Mary, University of London.

Daniel Raven-Ellison, founder of the Greater London National Park campaign, said: "London is one of the greenest cities in the world for its size.

"It is home to the world's largest urban forest and its 3.8m gardens cover 24 per cent of the capital, while roads cover just 12 per cent.

"The statutory purpose of national park status is to ‘conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area' and ‘promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the park by the public.'

"There is no reason we can't apply these ideas to the urban environment. London's landscape is very different the countryside, but it is equally as distinctive and inspiring. We are not calling for any new planning powers.

"A National Park City would be about people power.

"The event will see those principles come together - demonstrating how rich London is not just as a collection of buildings but for its great outdoors."

Alison Barnes, CEO of the New Forest National Park, said for the idea to move forward, people need to reconsider their idea of what a national park is.

She said: "The sticking point is people thinking a National Park is exactly the same as a National Park City - they are different concepts.

"We like to sum up the purpose of a National Park as to protect, enjoy and prosper, and that is something that can be brought into the urban environment.

"In some ways the benefits are even enhanced in cities because of the sheer number of people - you have the chance to inspire millions of people to engage with the natural environment.

"Having London as a hub could introduce a whole new range of people to the wider natural world as well as the issues it is facing.

"National Parks are often talked about as being world class. The idea is to use that concept to make world class cities."

The Greater London National Park City in numbers

1,572 km² in area
300 languages spoken
8.3 million people
13,000 species of wildlife
13 species of reptile and amphibian within the M25
850km of streams, rivers and canals
1,000km+ of signed footpaths
3.8 million gardens
2 Special Protection Areas
3 Special Areas of Conservation
4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
2 National Nature Reserves
36 Sites of Special Scientific Interest
850km + of rivers, canals and streams
1,000km+ of signed footpaths
142 Local Nature Reserves
1300 sites are recognised by the GLA as being of value to wildlife
300 farms
30,000 allotments
3000 parks

Quotes:

Peter Massini, urban greening team leader for the Greater London Authority
"Two weeks ago London's population reached its peak, it could be 13 million by 2050. That's something we have to address and deal with. How do we accommodate that growth while retaining and protecting London's vast and beautiful natural environment?"

Judy Ling Wong CBE, honorary president of Black Environment Network
"This room is full of hard working environmental organisations, representatives of communities and young people. This is a big idea because it goes beyond pure nature conservation and to social wellbeing. That is why we're inspired. If London can crack this it will be a tremendous gift to an urbanising world."

Stuart Brooks, chief executive of the John Muir Trust
"It helps everyone to make an immediate positive connection before they discover it. But the badge isn't sufficient. Only when we discover will we connect and truly value. We only protect the things we value."

Shanice Antoine, a student of Langdon Park Secondary School
"I've lived in Tower Hamlets all my life and it is getting more cramped by the minute. The spaces we have are not looked after or respected. In the eyes of the younger generation London's natural environment is scarce. A National Park would make the city healthier for families, encourage outdoor activities and teach people about sustainability,"

Kevin Davis, council leader of Kingston council and Conservative Party member
"Important as preserving biodiversity and green space is, we must make sure the city is fit to live in. Without biodiversity, history and culture London becomes a dry place. A Greater London National Park has to be in place; only then will we have recognition of London as a green city."

@LondonNP #GLNP

 

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