Somerset Levels: Britain's Next National Park?

Campaigners are advocating for the Somerset Levels and Moors to achieve national park status, which would establish Britain's largest wetland national park. This designation aims to conserve natural beauty and wildlife, mirroring the objectives of existing national parks established since 1951.

Proponents suggest national park status could bolster the local economy through increased tourism and business growth, while also enhancing the branding of local farm products. It may also offer protection against developments like large solar farms.

However, local residents express apprehension. Concerns include potential difficulties in accessing flood support and pumping equipment, alongside worries about the area becoming a prolonged reservoir. The impact on current flood management strategies remains unclear, with relevant agencies unable to comment at this early stage.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) believes national park status could offer financial support for farmers through schemes like the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, helping to combat issues such as phosphate pollution and soil erosion. Such funding is currently unavailable to the Somerset Levels due to its lack of national designation.