Today, members of the APPG for National Parks and National Landscapes travelled by train from London to the South Downs National Park for a day of discovery and first-hand learning about how Protected Landscapes are helping to address some of the country's biggest challenges.  

Organised by Campaign for National Parks, which serves as the APPG's secretariat, and the South Downs National Park Authority, the visit brought together parliamentarians from across the political spectrum, including APPG Chair Barry Gardiner MP, representatives from the Protected Landscapes Partnership, and South Downs staff for a packed programme of site visits and discussion. 

The group was welcomed in Lewes by Park Authority Chair Vanessa Rowlands, Chief Executive Siôn McGeever and colleagues before heading to the Iford Estate, where participants were driven up into the chalk downs to explore wildflower meadows in what were once arable fields and which now form part of a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) project that has created a substantial supply of BNG credits. The visit showcased how private investment can help deliver landscape-scale nature recovery, creating and connecting habitats while complementing public funding and farming support schemes. Members heard about the National Park Authority's role in helping landowners like Iford develop projects and attract investment, as well as the opportunities and challenges involved in making environmental markets work effectively for local communities and landscapes. 
 

From there, the APPG visited the award-winning Cockshut Stream restoration project, led by Claire Kerr, Head of Nature and Climate at the South Downs National Park Authority. The restored chalk stream provides an impressive example of how nature-based solutions can deliver multiple benefits for Lewes and beyond, including habitat creation, flood resilience, carbon storage, and improved biodiversity.  
 
The final stop was the Rathfinny Wine Estate, where owner Mark Driver provided a tour and discussion over lunch. The visit highlighted another important dimension of Protected Landscapes: supporting thriving rural economies. APPG members heard how the vineyard has become a major employer and visitor destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year while improving public access and contributing to the local area's reputation as a place to live, work and visit. 

Mark reflected on the important role the National Park Authority played in supporting the vineyard as it became established. Members also learned how Rathfinny has expanded its offer to include overnight accommodation, helping encourage visitors to stay longer in the area and generate additional benefits for the local economy.  The discussion explored how successful rural businesses, sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship can work together to support vibrant local communities. 
 

Throughout the day, a recurring theme was the breadth of what National Parks and National Landscapes deliver. From attracting private finance for nature recovery and restoring rivers to supporting local communities, the South Downs demonstrates how Protected Landscapes are helping to address national priorities while conserving some of England's most special places. 

The visit also provided an opportunity to highlight that Protected Landscapes could be delivering even more for people, nature and climate with stronger support from government. Unlocking their full potential will require greater investment, strengthened environmental protections, and a renewed legislative framework. Campaign for National Parks is particularly keen to see the new Andy Burnham government deliver on Labour's commitment to reform the purposes and governance of Protected Landscapes, helping to ensure these iconic national assets are fully equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the coming decades. 

The APPG looks forward to welcoming more MPs and Peers on future visits. For parliamentarians interested in understanding how National Parks and National Landscapes are delivering for nature, climate, people and place, there is no substitute for seeing these projects first-hand. For more information about the work of the APPG and to sign-up, get in touch with Nick Hall from Campaign for National Parks: nickh@cnp.org.uk.