On 19 November 2015, the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (NAAONB) and National Parks England (NPE) signed an Accord which builds on and strengthens the significant joint working and collaboration that already exists at national and local level.
Celebrating the distinctiveness of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks, the Accord acknowledges our differences and recognises the strength that comes from a varied family, which comprise of our finest landscapes and that share much in common.
Through nine focused, pragmatic and solutions-orientated statements, the Accord embodies our working together to ensure these special places remain viable and prosper for the benefit of all.
Paul Jackson, Howardian Hills AONB Manager said: “We’ve worked very closely with the North York Moors National Park Authority on a variety of projects and this new Accord cements the links both locally and nationally. Nothing illustrates our close working relationship better than our recent move to vacant offices at the National Park’s headquarters in Helmsley. This will help us not only reduce our administrative costs but also work even more closely on projects that deliver widespread benefits to these two iconic protected landscapes.”
Following on from the statement made by Jim Bailey, Chairman, National Parks England, and also Chairman of the North York Moors National Park Authority, outlining how the Accord demonstrates a clear commitment to work together, Andy Wilson, Chief Executive, North York Moors National Park added:
“It’s great to be sharing space in Helmsley. We will be able to support each other better, learning from each other’s ups and downs, taking inspiration from our wonderful Yorkshire landscape.”