"National Landscapes" Launch the North Wessex Downs National Landscape

The North Wessex Downs, sprawling across three-quarters of West Berkshire District and nearly half of the Royal County, extends into Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire, presenting a complex challenge in coordinating efforts for its safeguarding.

Councillor Tony Vickers portfolio holder for Planning and Community Engagement said:

"We congratulate our partners at North Wessex Downs National Landscape on this milestone. The new name reflects the importance of this special place, and we are eager to continue our collaborative efforts with the team based at their office in Denford, just outside Hungerford."

The geographical scope of the North Wessex Downs, spanning across nine local authority areas and six other Local Planning Authorities, emphasises the need for coordinated planning to ensure its protection for future generations. This is outlined in our Council Strategy which sets as a priority the need to tackle the climate and ecological emergency. This recognises the importance of our landscapes by committing to protecting and enhancing West Berkshire's natural beauty, working collaboratively with the Government and other local authorities and organizations.

The recent Rural Business Forum hosted by the Council brought together landowners and estate managers to share best practices in addressing the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable food production. The Council, inheriting a working environment intertwined with natural beauty, is determined to facilitate change in ways that preserve the area's 'natural capital' for the enjoyment of all.