4 September 2007
Dartmoor National Park Authority Needs You!
Would you be interested in working to help preserve the beauty of Dartmoor National Park? Do you have a keen interest in rural issues and England's protected landscapes?
Then Defra would like to hear from you. Environment Secretary Hilary Benn is seeking a new Member to join Dartmoor National Park Authority.
Dartmoor National Park is a unique and varied landscape, with habitats of international importance. It is a cultural landscape, where extensive archaeological remains testify to generations of human activity. The conservation of the fabric of the towns, villages and farmsteads is a high priority as is the protection of the moor from urbanisation. At the same time it is a place where people live work and play, with consequent competing demands for resources. Farming and tourism are encouraged, both to manage the landscape and to enable it to be enjoyed. The vision for the future of Dartmoor National Park therefore is one of balance, with its special qualities preserved for future generations as well as for those who visit and live in the National Park today. As a Member of Dartmoor National Park Authority you will play a vital role in helping to achieve this vision.
You will be expected to provide a voice for both local and national interests on the Authority and should:
- have a good understanding of the issues affecting the National Park and be prepared to work to achieve National Park purposes;
- be able to contribute positively to debate within the National Park Authority;
- be ready to make decisions on many aspects of National Park management including sustainable development, conservation, planning, housing, access, recreation, agriculture, forestry and resource issues; and
- be able to commit a minimum time input of 2 to 3 days per month.
Nigel Hoskin, Chairman, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said:
‘Dartmoor National Park Authority Members meet monthly as an Authority, and also as the Development Control Committee. They also sit on committees and panels focusing on issues such as planning, park management and audit and governance. The role of a Member is, however, not just confined to the committee room and the strength of commitment we enjoy from the current Membership is matched by the interest, job satisfaction and enjoyment they all derive from their work for Dartmoor. The Authority Membership brings together a wealth of diverse talent, knowledge and experience - by pooling these resources and working together we continue to make a significant difference to one of Britain's finest protected landscapes and to the communities and individuals who live and work there, or simply visit to enjoy the Moor's special qualities.’
Membership of National Park Authorities must include the right balance of personal qualities and experience, and candidates from a broad range of backgrounds, representative of the social and cultural mix in the country at large are sought. The Environment Secretary is particularly keen to see more applications from members of ethnic minorities, disabled and young people - groups which are currently under-represented.
The appointment commences in spring 2008 and is usually for three years, with the option of re-appointment for a period of up to ten years.
Expenses and travel to meetings, along with an allowance, are payable to the successful candidate.
Application forms and further details can be obtained from: Rosalia Tramontana, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Block A, Spur 12, Government Buildings, Whittington Road, Worcester, WR5 2LQ; telephone 01905 768822, email rosalia.tramontana@defra.gsi.gov.uk or visit www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/appointments/index.htm
Applications to Defra by Monday 22 October 2007.
Ends
Notes for Editors
National Parks are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. There are 9 National Parks in England, including the Broads.
Dartmoor National Park Authority was set up to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities by the public. Though not nationally owned, Dartmoor is 'national' in recognition of its special value as one of Britain’s breathing spaces – a place of great beauty with a wealth of opportunities for leisure and recreation – and home to a population of 33,500.
Dartmoor National Park Authority comprises 22 Members. Six Members are appointed by Devon County Council and six by the District Councils (three from West Devon Borough Council, two from Teignbridge District Council and one from South Hams District Council. Ten Members are Government appointees, four of whom represent parish council interests. The other six Government appointees are persons, usually local, with specialist knowledge of, or a particular interest in, the National Park. They are usually appointed for a three year period and help provide the balance of local and national interests that is essential to the management of a National Park.
Call for new members for National Park Authorities, The Broads Authority and the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB) Conservation Board (Defra news release -external link, opens new window).
For information from Dartmoor National Park Authority:
Dr Nick Atkinson, Chief Executive (National Park Officer)
John Weir, Head of Education, Information and Communications Service
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
Dartmoor National Park Authority Member Vacancies
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's website. Agendas are placed on the web site 7 days in advance of the meetings.
You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by Dartmoor National Park Authority (see www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and click on In the news).
News Releases from all UK National Parks (external link, opens new window)
Return to General Interest News Releases
This page last updated 4 September 2007
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Send comments, enquiries, etc. to communications@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
Page updated 3 September 2007
