“The government recognises the vital role that the Colne Valley Regional Park plays in providing access to the countryside for millions of people who live in close proximity… its importance for biodiversity… I share the desire to ensure it is protected for current and future generations.”
What was debated in parliament?
An adjournment debate on the subject Protection of the Colne Valley Regional Park was held at the House of Commons on 11th July 2025, led by Joy Morrissey, MP for Beaconsfield.
She called for stronger protection for the Colne Valley Regional Park, stating that despite its importance for wildlife and people, it lacks the formal protection enjoyed by other natural areas, such as National Parks and the Chilterns. She added this is an apolitical matter that appeals to all parties.
In response, the Minister pledged support for the Colne Valley Regional Park (see his quote at the head of this article) and offered to meet Joy Morrissey and other local MPs to discuss how this precious but fragile landscape on the western edge of London can best be protected, and given the status it needs to achieve this.
It is important that we help and encourage our politicians to follow through on these pledges, so their words become positive action. We have written to the Minister to thank him for his stated support for the Colne Valley, and invited him to visit the regional park so he can see the situation for himself. We are briefing local MPs from all the main political parties on the importance of the Colne Valley Regional Park for people and wildlife.
So, what is special about the Colne Valley Regional Park?
- The Colne Valley is nationally important for biodiversity and provides a wealth of access to green space for an enormous number of people – with all the health and wellbeing benefits this brings with it.
- The Regional Park was established in 1965 to enhance the 110 square km of countryside on the edge of London, Herts, Bucks, Berks, Surrey. It includes more than 70 lakes, 200km of rivers, 200km of paths, country parks, nature reserves, irreplaceable ancient woodlands, farmland and villages.
What is the problem?
- The Colne Valley Regional Park is sandwiched between two of the biggest civil engineering projects in Europe (HS2 and proposed Heathrow expansion) along with many other huge development proposals for data centres, motorway services, film studios, warehouses and housing.
- Changes to National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), including the introduction of so-called Grey Belt, and the failure of the new ‘golden rules’ to apply to anything except housing, means that ‘unprotected landscapes’ such as the Colne Valley are much more vulnerable to development than they were just a year ago.
- Parts of the Regional Park are suffering from declining landscape quality due to illegal misuse and development, and lack of adequate resources for enforcement by local authorities. This issue is compounded by extremely limited funding for managing land outside of country parks, nature reserves and other recognised green spaces.
- The benefits of the Regional Park are rapidly being swept away. This is happening without a masterplan from national government or local councils.
And what is the solution?
- The Colne Valley Regional Park desperately needs protection through a new status similar to that enjoyed by the Chilterns and other protected landscapes.
- Our ambitions to Protect, Enhance and Promote the Regional Park need to be properly funded.
- If the millions of people living in and around the Colne Valley Regional Park are being asked to host so much development, then why can’t government create policies and status for the Park so that some of the proceeds from those highly intrusive commercial projects can be used to create one of the best green corridors round any city in Europe? Something the UK can be proud of, on the edge of our capital city, creating a positive first impression of ‘England’s green and pleasant land’ for international visitors arriving via our international gateway, Heathrow Airport.
‘What can I do to help?’
We can all play our part to remove this existential threat to the Colne Valley Regional Park. If you value its wildlife, countryside and paths please:
- Get out there and explore the countryside on your doorstep. Politicians and decision-makers need to see that green spaces are well loved. Use them or lose them!
- Encourage your employer to join as a corporate supporter to help enhance the green spaces around their offices and the countryside where their employees and customers work, rest or play.
- Write to your local MP and ask them to act to protect the Colne Valley Regional Park and help create one of the best green corridors round any city in Europe. There are nine MPs whose constituencies overlap with the Regional Park and the Mayor of London and MPs who cover West London whose constituents can benefit from access to large areas of countryside a short drive, cycle or train journey away, in Ealing, Harrow, Hounslow, Brent borough MPs, Wycombe, Watford etc. You can email your MP or write to them at House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA or at their constituency address using the contact details below. We’d be very grateful if you did.
Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister for Housing and Planning at the Adjournment Debate.
HS2 construction.
Joy Morrissey MP for Beaconsfield
Use it or Lose it! 15 Amazing Things to do in Colne Valley Regional Park
| Uxbridge & South Ruislip | Danny Beales MP | [email protected] | Pump Lane, Hayes, Middx, UB3 3NB | Colne Valley Park MP |
| Ruislip Northwood & Pinner | David Simmonds MP | [email protected] | 10 Village Way, Pinner, HA5 5AF | Colne Valley Park MP |
| Hayes & Harlington | John McDonnell MP | [email protected] | Pump Lane, Hayes, UB3 3NB | Colne Valley Park MP |
| Windsor | Jack Rankin MP | [email protected] | Colne Valley Park MP | |
| Slough | Tan Dhesi MP | [email protected] | 52 Chalvey High Street, Slough, SL1 2SQ | Colne Valley Park MP |
| Beaconsfield | Joy Morrissey MP | [email protected] | Disraeli House, 12 Aylesbury End, Beaconsfield, HP9 1LW | Colne Valley Park MP |
| Chesham & Amersham | Sarah Green MP | [email protected] | 87 High Street, Chesham HP5 1DE | Colne Valley Park MP |
| SW Hertfordshire | Gagan Mohindra MP | [email protected] | Colne Valley Park MP | |
| Spelthorne | Lincoln Jopp MP | [email protected] | Colne Valley Park MP |
