Landscape skills essential for implementing National Park Management Plan and nature-led Local Plan, says National Park Authority Chair.
Landscape Institute (LI) President-Elect, Saira Ali FLI, has been appointed to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Board, representing the vital role that landscape architects can play in the stewardship of protected landscapes.
Saira is one of 30 new members to have been appointed to National Park and National Landscape Boards this week by Secretary of State for the Environment.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of 15 National Parks in the UK and is administered by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. Its board is comprised of locally appointed members representing local parishes alongside the national appointees, with three other new members joining alongside Saira from backgrounds in carbon consultancy and local government.
Landscape professionals have a vital role to play in the management of protected landscapes, bringing strategic insight and a joined-up approach to ensure they work for people, place and nature. LI members are in practice across the sector, within both National Parks and National Landscapes. They are now joined by Saira in her governance role at Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, helping to shape a resilient, inclusive, and nature-positive future for the Yorkshire Dales and protected landscapes across the country.
Derek Twine, Chair, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said:
“The skills and experience [the appointees] possess across the key themes of biodiversity, decarbonisation, regenerative tourism, community engagement, landscape design and access to green spaces will be invaluable to us as we prepare to implement the new National Park Management Plan and Local Plan, both of which have nature recovery and climate mitigation at their heart”.
Saira Ali FLI, President-Elect, Landscape Institute, said:
“I am delighted to be joining the Board of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. As a landscape architect, I believe our profession brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, design skills, and environmental understanding that can help shape resilient and thriving landscapes. National Parks are living, working environments where nature, heritage, people, and economy are deeply connected. I am particularly passionate about ensuring that these special places are inclusive and accessible, so that people from all backgrounds and communities can enjoy, value, and feel a sense of belonging in them. I look forward to contributing my experience in heritage conservation, climate resilience, and community placemaking to support the Authority’s purposes. The Yorkshire Dales is a landscape of international significance, and I am excited to play a role in ensuring it continues to inspire, sustain, and be enjoyed by future generations.”