HEREFORDSHIRE has what it takes to be the first single county national park in the country to preserve “a way of life facing extinction.”

Dr Sasha Norris, of county conservation group Siren, has put such a plan to National Parks UK.

The basis for the bid, says Dr Norris, is the county’s “uniquely rural” nature, acres of ancient woodland and an undocumented extent of wildlife.

“This is still a traditional rural county with a way of life facing extinction – Herefordshire doesn’t have to be like everywhere else,” she said.

National park designations can take years to process.

Having made an initial pitch to National Parks UK, Dr Norris now wants to rally support and ideas.

“There are 15 National Parks  which are protected areas because of their beautiful countryside, wildlife and cultural heritage.

“People live and work in the National Parks and the farms, villages and towns are protected along with the landscape and wildlife.

“National Parks welcome visitors and provide opportunities for everyone to experience, enjoy and learn about their special qualities,” she said.

There are three national parks in Wales - including the Brecon Beacons - five in the north of England, four in the South and none in the Midlands – a factor Dr Norris says strengthens Herefordshire’s case.

“National Park status will protect the beauty and cultural integrity of Herefordshire while boosting the tourism economy, we have a lot to learn in this regard from over the border,” she says.

According to the UK National Ecosystem Assessment, a broad based research project, Wales gains £1,900 million per year from wildlife based activity - conservation, tourism, consultancy - and £400 million from farming.

“The Welsh government have embraced tourism realising that it is hugely important to their economy and well-being.

“Outdoor activity tourism in Wales is  worth £481 million and supporting 8,243 Welsh jobs, and Wales is promoting itself as an adventure tourism capital.

“Following The Year of Adventure in 2016 will be The Year of Legends in 2017 and The Year of the Sea in 2018,” said Dr Norris.

And a bid could also be written in the stars.

“Herefordshire still has dark skies, a place  where we can still see the stars and experience the wonder of the universe through the study of astronomy,” said Dr Norris.

“The thoughtless development of Herefordshire to be like every other county in the Midlands will destroy what is most precious about us.

“National Park status is a win/win. We keep what is wonderful about our county, while providing a very significant income in terms of economy - we keep the beauty and we get the money,” she said.