A Climate of Change or Conserving the Status Quo? An Investigation of Energy Policies and Design Issues in UK National Parks

This project aims to address conflicting values between conservation and renewable energy provision and energy efficiency in UK National Park landscapes.
Within the UK there are 15 National Parks across England, Wales, and Scotland, covering a whole range of landscape types. National Parks were originally designated in order to protect beautiful areas of the countryside, or 'special places' for the nation to enjoy through open access to the countryside. These designated areas are now protected due to their natural and cultural landscape value.
Conserving National Park landscapes and architectural character within them, whilst also allowing for sustainable development and responding to Climate Change challenges, is a complex task which may lead to conflict and contradiction.
The outcomes of this research will provide clear policy and design guidance across the Welsh and English regulatory frameworks for the integration of renewable energy technologies within National Parks and protected landscapes.
It will have practical applications for the stakeholders (policymakers, designers, engineers and developers) involved in the regulation, design and implementation of renewable energy technologies and design guidance within National Parks and other protected landscapes.