SEM’s CEO, Dr Maxwell Ayamba BEM attended his first Campaign for National Parks (CNP) Council meeting at the University of Westminster in London on Wednesday January 21, 2026. Maxwell said he was delighted to represent SEM on the CNP’s Council and look forward to working with the CNP as part of Defra’s commitment made in 2024 to introduce new legislation to reform the purposes and governance of National Parks.
The CNP is keen to ensure that this legislation is introduced at the earliest opportunity and is used effectively to ensure that National Parks are delivering their full potential for nature, climate and people. The CNP also wants to see a commitment to similar changes being introduced in Wales where Senedd elections are taking place in May 2026. This Council meeting, therefore, provided a timely opportunity to consider our priorities for reforming National Park purposes and governance.
The Minister for Nature Mary Creagh CBE MP, DEFRA, who was not able to attend in her written statement said, the Government recognises the critical importance of England’s Protected Landscapes – that they are vital for nature recovery, tackling climate change and improving the health of the nation. They are a cornerstone of our heritage and essential to our future’.
The recent 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act was a powerful reminder of the vision that created Protected Landscapes. The groundbreaking Act built the foundations for modern nature conservation, paving the way for our iconic network of National Landscapes, Parks and Trails.
Celebrating this milestone was also a reminder that while Protected Landscapes deliver so much, there are significant barriers to them achieving their full potential. The anniversary presented an opportunity to set ambitious goals for the next 75 years – to make Protected Landscapes wilder, more inclusive and resilient to challenges in the future.
That is why, just before Christmas, we renewed our commitment to Protected Landscapes. We announced reforms to empower National Parks to deliver bold solutions, now and for the future. Through strengthened purposes and regulation, alongside a wider package of tools and resourcing, we will empower Protected Landscapes to be greener, wilder and more accessible.
We are committed to putting nature at the heart of Protected Landscapes purposes and ensuring that this translates to delivery. For example, our new guidance will clarify authorities’ duties to support Protected Landscapes and help them achieve better outcomes for people and nature.
We also announced we will revamp governance of these special places. Effective governance is the foundation of Protected Landscapes ability to deliver their purposes and respond to future challenges.
This Government fully recognises the extraordinary work being delivered in Protected Landscapes due to the passion, skills and dedication of those who work within them. Our aim is to ensure that governance creates conditions which help, rather than hinder, this vital activity. By bringing a wider range of voices, skills and perspectives into decision-making, we can ensure that boards reflect the needs of the communities they serve. Building on the Landscapes Review and subsequent engagement with partners, we will codesign a package of measures which is robust enough to reflect the national importance of these places, but flexible enough to account for the unique local circumstances and communities which make them so special.
This is about renewing the social contract between National Parks and the nation. These landscapes belong to everyone, and their underpinning legislation and governance must reflect that. The challenges facing Protected Landscapes are significant. So are our ambitions. By working together, we can ensure these landscapes thrive – enriching our lives and those of generations to come.
Dr Rose O’Neil CEO CNP (pictured with Maxwel) said the CNP was delighted to welcome SEM onto the Council and look forward to working with SEM especially on delivery of the CNP’s New Perspective project.