THE Government is being urged to review the value of all distinctive landscapes in England - whether they are currently designated or not.

Pennine Prospects, the rural regeneration agency for the South Pennines – the only upland landscape in England not protected as a national park or area of outstanding natural beauty – was responding to Environment Secretary Michael Gove’s announcement that a panel led by writer Julian Glover would undertake a review of all designated landscapes in the country.

Pam Warhurst CBE, Pennine Prospects Chair, said: “The South Pennines was listed as a landscape worthy of designation in the Dower and Hobhouse reports of the 1940s. That’s why we want to see an inclusive approach to the review and one that is mindful of those distinctive landscapes that have not been afforded the highest level of protection.”