New national parks could be created as Michael Gove launches review of England's natural landscape

A series of new national parks could be created to safeguard the English landscape for future generations under new plans announced by Michael Gove.

The environment secretary is launching a review to consider expanding the network of protected areas to “meet our needs in the 21st century”.

It will also explore whether visitor access to the parks can be improved while boosting wildlife and supporting the recovery of natural habitats.

There are currently 10 national parks and 34 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England, ranging from the Lake District to the South Downs.

The first was established in the Peak District in 1951, following the passing of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act two years earlier.

Officials insisted that existing protections would not be weakened, and indicated the review would consider whether there was potential for the current network to be expanded.

“The creation of national parks almost 70 years ago changed the way we view our precious landscapes, helping us all access and enjoy our natural world,” Mr Gove said in a statement released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

“Amid a growing population, changes in technology, and a decline in certain habitats, the time is right for us to look afresh at these landscapes. We want to make sure they are not only conserved, but enhanced for the next generation.”

The review is to be led by Julian Glover, the former Guardian journalist and chief speechwriter to the previous prime minister David Cameron.

“Our protected landscapes are England’s finest gems and we owe a huge debt to past generations who had the wisdom to preserve them,” said Mr Glover.

“The system they created has been a strength, but it faces challenges too. It is an honour to be asked to find ways to secure them for the future. I can’t wait to get started and learn from everyone who shares an interest in making England’s landscapes beautiful, diverse and successful.”

Defra said the review will not consider weakening or undermining the current scope of the National Parks or their existing protections.

“Undertaking a review is one of the key commitments of the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, which outlines our vision for improving the environment over a generation by connecting people with nature and helping wildlife to thrive,” it said.

The review was welcomed by both National Parks England and the National Association of AONBs.

Chair of National Parks England, Margaret Paren, said: “National Parks are iconic and inspirational cultural landscapes. The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan refers to their establishment as among the outstanding environmental achievements of the past 100 years.

“Our National Parks offer so much to the country. And as we approach the 70th anniversary of the founding legislation we look forward to a future where their beauty is enhanced; they are loved and accessible for everyone; and they continue to support thriving communities in these working landscapes.”

Chair of the National Association of AONBs, Philip Hygate, said: “The world has changed significantly since the designation of Gower, the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but our fundamental requirement for beautiful, inspiring places in which to live, work, and relax is probably greater now than ever before.”

The act which established the National Parks system was described at the time as a “recreational gift to Britain’s returning Second World War service men and women”.

Today the protected areas, which cover a quarter of England, attract more than 260 million visitors a year from across the world.

They are also home to over 2.3 million people, generate over £20bn for the rural economy, and support 75,000 jobs.