Sandford Principle
Encyclopedia
The Sandford Principle is a concept in the management of protected landscapes in the United Kingdom
. It is called the Sandford Principle after Lord Sandford
who chaired the National Parks Policy
Review Committee which reviewed national parks of England and Wales
in between 1971 and 1974.
The two purposes of National Parks
are, in short,
(Considering the economic and social well-being of the community is also a duty which was subsequently introduced and applies to more recently-created parks). The purposes were amended by the Environment Act 1995. They are now, firstly, to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area and, secondly, to promote opportunities for the
understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.
Most of the time it is possible to achieve both the original two purposes by good management. Occasionally a situation arises where access for the public is in direct conflict with conservation. Following the Sandford principle, the Environment Act 1995
sets down that in such cases conservation must take priority. Similar provision has been made for Scottish national parks.
The Sandford Principle is often misquoted as "conservation has priority over recreation"; however, importantly, it is better summarised as, "where those two purposes cannot be reconciled by skilful management, conservation should come first".
The Sandford Principle was first used in UK National Park management, and is still most commonly encountered in that context. However, where this dilemma has occurred in the management of other sites where public pressure and wildlife conservation might be in conflict, the principle has been quoted in the discussions about how to proceed. Although its legal force is restricted to National Parks, it seems as though this important principle may have wider uses.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. It is called the Sandford Principle after Lord Sandford
John Edmondson, 2nd Baron Sandford
Commander John Cyril Edmondson, 2nd Baron Sandford, DSC was a decorated Royal Navy officer, Church of England clergyman, conservationist and Conservative politician...
who chaired the National Parks Policy
Review Committee which reviewed national parks of England and Wales
National parks of England and Wales
The national parks of England and Wales are areas of relatively undeveloped and scenic landscape that are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949...
in between 1971 and 1974.
- "National Park Authorities can do much to reconcile public enjoyment with the preservation of natural beauty by good planning and management and the main emphasis must continue to be on this approach wherever possible. But even so, there will be situations where the two purposes are irreconcilable... Where this happens, priority must be given to the conservation of natural beauty." (Lord Sandford, 1974)
The two purposes of National Parks
National parks of England and Wales
The national parks of England and Wales are areas of relatively undeveloped and scenic landscape that are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949...
are, in short,
- conservation of the natural environment and
- access for the public.
(Considering the economic and social well-being of the community is also a duty which was subsequently introduced and applies to more recently-created parks). The purposes were amended by the Environment Act 1995. They are now, firstly, to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area and, secondly, to promote opportunities for the
understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.
Most of the time it is possible to achieve both the original two purposes by good management. Occasionally a situation arises where access for the public is in direct conflict with conservation. Following the Sandford principle, the Environment Act 1995
Environment Act 1995
The Environment Act 1995 is a United Kingdom Act of Parliament which created a number of new agencies and set new standards for environmental management...
sets down that in such cases conservation must take priority. Similar provision has been made for Scottish national parks.
The Sandford Principle is often misquoted as "conservation has priority over recreation"; however, importantly, it is better summarised as, "where those two purposes cannot be reconciled by skilful management, conservation should come first".
The Sandford Principle was first used in UK National Park management, and is still most commonly encountered in that context. However, where this dilemma has occurred in the management of other sites where public pressure and wildlife conservation might be in conflict, the principle has been quoted in the discussions about how to proceed. Although its legal force is restricted to National Parks, it seems as though this important principle may have wider uses.