THE man tasked with reviewing designating landscapes as National Parks visited the Isle of Wight yesterday (Monday).

Julian Glover has been appointed by the government to review the work of the National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England.

Mr Glover met with Island MP Bob Seely, and local representatives from the Island's AONB, the council, farming community and Visit Isle of Wight.

The visit came on the 70th anniversary of legislation designating land as national parks and AONBs and is part of a fact-finding tour. He will produce a report later this year for the government's Designated Landscape Review of both National Parks and AONBs.

During the visit Mr Glover was given a tour of the Island, including stops at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight Pearl, the Garlic Farm, Newchurch and Newtown.

He said: "I was very impressed to see first-hand how the Island community is clearly prepared to play a full part in enhancing and shaping its special and unique landscape."

Just over half the Island is designated an AONB.

Isle of Wight cabinet member for environment and heritage, John Hobart, said: “The meeting with Julian Glover was an informal and relaxed opportunity for a broad spectrum of Islanders to discuss the future of the AONB on our Island.

"We were yet again able to take the opportunity to press home to government the fact that our beautiful Island does not always fit the standard packaging."

MP Bob Seely called for more protection of the Island, in the form of a new designation — an Island Park.

He said: "This would adequately preserve the beauty of our landscape and coastline yet does not preclude appropriate and sustainable development.

"The Island’s natural beauty is vital to its visitor economy, quality of life, many businesses, ecology, culture and we need to protect it for future generations."