(AGENPARL) – Thu 04 September 2025 New Members for National Park Board
Bainbridge, 4 September 2025
A Carbon Consultant, a Landscape Architect and two local councillors have been appointed to the join the board of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, bringing with them new skills and fresh perspectives to the Authority’s work.
Dan Holmes is a Carbon Consultant and is an Ambassador at Campaign for National Parks. He was formerly a Sustainability Associate at the University of Sussex and will draw on his tourism and business experience, particularly his work on behaviour change, low-carbon travel, and regenerative tourism.
Dr Saira Ali is an award-winning Landscape Architect and President Elect of the Landscape Institute. She also sits on the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee as an Environment Agency appointed independent member. She brings a strong track record in community engagement, particularly those from underrepresented groups, and in her work to connect South Asian women and children to the countryside.
Derek Twine, Chair of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: “I’m delighted to welcome Mr Holmes and Dr Ali to the board of the National Park. Both have a passion for National Parks and protected landscapes, rooted in their personal experiences and reinforced by their professional interests, and an enthusiasm for the work of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and its partners.
“The skills and experience they 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”.
Both Members were appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment following a thorough nationwide recruitment process.
In addition, Richard Ingram, Chair of Buckden Parish Council has been appointed to the board by the Secretary of State as a parish representative and Nigel Swales, who was recently elected as a Lancashire County Councillor has been selected by that council to represent them on the Authority board.
Derek Twine added: “It’s good to see our Board strengthened by two new local representatives in addition to our new national appointments. This is a great combination with the range of experiences and perspectives they will bring.”
About the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority:
The Board of Members of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is comprised of 10 Secretary of State appointed Members. Four represent the parishes within the National Park, the remainder are national appointees. 15 Members are appointed to represent North Yorkshire, Westmorland and Furness and Lancashire Council’s.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of 15 National Parks in the UK. It is administered by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, which has two main purposes: “to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage” and “to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park”. In carrying out these purposes, the Authority has a duty “to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities”. The National Park Authority comprises 25 members, made up of county and district councillors and members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment to represent parishes or in recognition of their specialist skills or knowledge.
All our work is guided by the vision for the future of the National Park set out in the Yorkshire Dales National Park Management Plan: “Through their passion for this special place, local people and businesses will keep the Yorkshire Dales National Park a thriving area. Its unique cultural landscape will be treasured for its stunning scenery, exceptional heritage and wonderful wildlife, and every year millions of people will be inspired to be a part of it.”