Britain’s national parks ‘risk losing UN nature reserve status’ because wildlife dying out so fast

‘National parks are now places where wildlife goes to die’

Staff Reporter

Monday 25 March 2019 15:45 

The Lake District was home to golden eagles until the last breeding pair died in 2004 ( Getty )

The head of the RSPB has warned Britain’s National Parks are at risk of losing their protected status because human activity is wiping out so many species and areas outside the parks are often in better condition.

Kevin Cox said the UK’s farming policies are driving farmers to work in a way which is increasingly damaging the environment in supposedly protected areas.

“National parks are not delivering for wildlife and are often in worse condition than areas outside the park,” Mr Cox said in an interview with The Sunday Times. “They aren’t being monitored, lack funding and have no clear purpose.

“The biggest driver of the damage is farming. It is down to [government] policy encouraging the use of chemicals and intensification of livestock and crops.”

He suggested even calling them “national parks” was misleading because practices including farming, tourism and grouse shooting were doing so much damage.

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