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Vive la Difference
Approximately 80% of France is countryside which
includes 32 Regional Nature Parks. The first Parc Naturel Régional (PNR)
was set up in 1968 in Northern France in response to rural problems such
as mass exodus, urbanisation and large infrastructure projects, all of
which were changing the cultural identity of rural France. |
Representatives of the joint project on a recent field
meeting.
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PNRs often include several different unitary
authorities, and so a partnership is formed and common agreement
established in the form of a 10 year Charter. The aim of a Charter is to
promote, enhance and protect the natural, cultural and economic heritage
of an area. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) such as the Kent
Downs have a similar designation, with a management plan for the area
comparable to a Charter.
Just across that water in northern France is the Parc
Naturel Régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale. This region reaches along
the coast from Calais to Boulogne and inland to St Omer, and has many
similarities to our Kent Downs AONB. The geology and climate are closely
corresponding and this has shaped human activity. Agricultural and other
economic activity within both regions have created land use pressures, and
as the gateway to Europe, both regions are subject to demands for
development at the expense of wildlife and landscape, as well as cultural
heritage.
These similarities have lead to joint projects between
the two regions and since 1994 funding has become available through the
European Inter Regional Development Project (Interreg). The Kentish Stour
Countryside project is now working on its third project funded by Interreg
and this time has joined forces with Kent Downs AONB Unit and the White
Cliffs Countryside Project to form a project with the Parc Naturel
Régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale. The project aims to share
experience, ideas and practical knowledge to enable both regions to
prosper, not only in economic terms but also in the quality of landscape,
wildlife and community.
Facts about PNRs and AONBs:
 | There are 31 PNRs and 41 AONBs |
| The PNR des Caps et Marais d’Opale covers
130,000ha, with the Kent Downs covering 87,800ha |
| 186,000 people live in PNR des Caps et Marais d’Opale,
with the Kent Downs having just 70,000. |
Mary Lovick, Canterbury Greenspace Officer |
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