Somerset countryside charity invites the public to take part in a lively discussion about the future of this special landscape.
Thursday 1st October, 7.30-9.30pm, Glastonbury Town Hall
Booking advised – all welcome
CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, was at the forefront of the campaign to establish our UK National Parks, early in the 20th century. The charity, which also has a branch in every county, has been fighting for better protection of our countryside for 100 years.
To mark CPRE’s centenary, local charity, CPRE Somerset, are thinking big. They think that the Somerset Levels has what it takes to become the UK’s next National Park. Having spent several months talking to local key players about the idea, they now want to hear what the public thinks.
They are hosting a “Question Time” style event looking at the special qualities of the Somerset Levels and exploring what National Park status might mean for our landscapes, people and nature.
CPRE Chair Simon Murray will host the discussion. An inspiring panel of guests will share their opinions on the possible benefits and impacts of the Somerset Levels becoming a National Park – and the public are invited to come with their own questions …… and an open mind!
The panel includes representatives from the farming community, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset Eel Recovery Project, Visit Somerset – and The Somerset Leveller magazine.
Becky Collier, CPRE Somerset Manager said:
“A Somerset Levels National Park is a big idea, but isn’t it about time we did something big to celebrate and protect this unique and wonderful place?
We know it will be a long and complex road to try to get National Park status, and we are just at the very beginning. It’s important that local people have a voice in the process. That’s why we want as many people as possible to come along on the night to ask questions – and to listen to each other’s ideas. We look forward to seeing you there!”
The event is free but advance booking is advised.
There is more information about the idea of a Somerset Levels National Park on CPRE Somerset’s website – www.cpresomerset.org.uk including:
- FAQs
- a survey which you can take part in
- My Somerset Levels stories – a series of personal essays by local people
For further information, please contact:
Becky Collier, CPRE Somerset Manager – admin@cpresomerset.org.uk Tel: 07553 501437
About CPRE Somerset www.cpresomerset.org.uk
CPRE Somerset campaigns to promote, enhance and protect the countryside for everyone’s benefit, wherever they live. We have over 400 members across the county of Somerset and a team of volunteers. Our president is Mariella Frostrup, the broadcaster and journalist, who is a resident of Somerset.
We are part of the national CPRE network. CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England has a local CPRE in every county. We work with communities, businesses and government to find positive and lasting ways to help the countryside thrive – today and for generations to come. Founded in 1926. Patron: His Majesty the King
Some facts about the Somerset Levels
- The Somerset Levels is the LARGEST lowland wetland and grassland in the UK.
- This is a landscape of unique beauty with its wide expanses of grasslands, wetlands, water courses and areas of peatland. It is a globally recognised landscape yet as a “landscape” it has no protection.
- Only 13% of the Somerset Levels is formally protected – and this is via wildlife designation. Even this does not guarantee “protection” as large parts are currently in an unfavourable condition for nature.
- The area has a special natural history, and a unique historical and cultural landscape with Glastonbury Tor at its heart and the ancient Sweet Track and Lake villages, a unique remnant of the neolithic past.
- The Somerset Levels is the UKs second largest peatland area – this is not just nationally significant; it is globally significant.
- The expanse of peatland provides a critical service for carbon capture (yet, shockingly, it is still being commercially dug today).
- There are 15 National Parks in the UK, but the Norfolk Broads is the only lowland/wetland landscape among them.
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