A MANAGEMENT Plan has been launched by Northumberland National Park Authority alongside its partners.

The Management Plan, which outlines an ambitious long-term vision for Northumberland National Park, will help secure its future as a key asset to deliver on some of the biggest challenges that face society, which include biodiversity loss, climate change and our health and wellbeing.

Tony Gates, chief executive officer at Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “This Management Plan has been shaped by extensive partner and community consultation, engaging more people in the process than we ever have before.

"Whilst the plan aims to address key national and international challenges, it has at its heart the safeguarding of what is special about the National Park and the sustainability of our local communities.

“Our vision is for Northumberland National Park to be a place where people and nature can thrive, and as a living working landscape, the National Park will lead the way on climate action, with resilient communities, enabling an accessible and welcoming park for all.”

READ MORE: Former headteacher dies aged 102

Some key actions within the Management Plan are:

Restoring key habitats including peatlands, rivers, and loughs with the aim of restoring 5,000 hectares of peatland habitat by 2030, plus enhancing the ecological and hydrological connectivity of existing peatlands.

Broadleaf woodland will increase by 6,000 hectares by 2060. The National Park will work with partners to remove or restructure 2,000 hectares of commercial coniferous forest by 2030 to achieve nature, climate, and landscape enhancements, with a long-term aim to restructure all forestry in Northumberland National Park enhancing landscape and biodiversity.

Improving net-zero infrastructure with a programme of carbon reduction.

Supporting rural business and training opportunities to attract, upskill, and retain a local workforce.

Jean Davidson, chair of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: "With society ever-changing, Northumberland National Park provides a unique opportunity to help shape the future, and support nature, people, climate and place within the National Park and its gateway communities.

"Through the extensive work with our partners, the successful implementation of this Management Plan will deliver more for nature, take meaningful climate action, and support the wellbeing of people who live, work, and visit Northumberland National Park.”