South Downs National Park Chair named in New Year’s honours

Margaret Paren, Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2012 New Year honours list for services to the environment.

Margaret has been Chair of the South Downs National Park Authority since 20 April 2010. Following a career as a senior civil servant at the Ministry of Defence and Cabinet Office she played an instrumental role in campaigning for the South Downs to receive National Park status as both a member of the South Downs Joint Committee and Vice Chairman of the South Downs Campaign. The Independent on Sunday recently named Margaret as one of the top 50 Great Britons for her ‘expertise and local knowledge’ which were ‘instrumental in making the case for the park’.

Margaret Paren OBE, said:

‘It has been a great privilege to see the South Downs National Park come into being and continue to go from strength to strength. I am proud to have been able to share my passion for the South Downs with the many other people who live in, work in and enjoy England’s newest National Park. It is, of course, an honour to be awarded an OBE and I am delighted. However, I see this as a reflection not just of my efforts, but of those of all the Members and officers of the National Park Authority who have worked so hard to ensure the best possible start for the Park. I also want to pay tribute to all our partners and stakeholders for their support and contribution. I look forward to the year ahead which I hope will be an exciting and productive time for the South Downs.'

Commenting on her appointment, South Downs National Park Authority Chief Executive Richard Shaw said that ‘Margaret has worked tirelessly to bring the South Downs National Park into being. The OBE is a recognition both of her remarkable personal efforts and of the work of so many others dedicated to the sustainable future of the South Downs.’

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For more information please contact the press office on:

Tel: 01730 811785, Mobile: 07557 853277

Email: press@southdowns.gov.uk