NATURAL CAPITAL

The South West that is represented by SWTA is surrounded on the seaward side by the South West Coast Path, one of our greatest assets. Within our region we have two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, and no less than 10 National Landscapes (formerly Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty renamed in November 2023).

We also have the North Devon Biosphere, we have two World Heritage sites, The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape and The Jurassic Coast, plus numerous Marine parks including the UK’s first National Marine Park in Plymouth Sound.

We are aware of the funding pressures that all these organisations are under, and the huge collective value that they represent to not only the Southwest visitor economy, but also to the health, well-being and enjoyment to all that live and work in Southwest England. These organisations need Government support to survive and thrive, and need certainty of funding over the longer term. This has improved of late, no longer annual funding rounds, but still too short term. As we seek to de-carbonize and make better use of our Natural Capital, this is a key area of focus for all of us working together in the Southwest.

As a sector we do recognise these organisations, and this has resulted in the award of ‘Outstanding contribution to Tourism” being awarded to the Protected Landscapes (The AONB’s/National Landscapes, The South West Coast Path, The National Parks, the Geoparks and the World Heritage Sites).  In 2024 at the SW Tourism Excellence Awards Julian Gray, CEO of The South West Coast Path won the Outstanding contribution award.

Alistair Handyside, Chairman of the South West Alliance says that the Protected Landscapes are “the region’s best asset, they’re not only great for visitors, but is equally important to all that live in the wider region”, adding that they are “critical and integral to the visitor economies of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset”.