THE future boss of England's new countryside super-quango visited the Yorkshire Dales National Park HQ yesterday - and said that the national parks would become "hugely influential" in reducing bureaucracy for farmers and landowners.

Sir Martin Doughty, formerly Chairman of English Nature, said Natural England - to be created in October 2006 subject to Royal Assent- will bring together the current roles of English Nature, parts of the Countryside Agency and the environment activities of the Rural Development Service.

It will have more than 2,300 staff and a budget in the region of £500 million and its aim will be to champion the protection and enhancement of the England's landscapes and wildlife and to promote countryside access and recreation for all.

Speaking at a YDNPA staff meeting, he said: "National park authorities will be in a hugely influential position to potentially reduce the bureaucratic load on farmers and landowners by acting as a 'first-stop shop' for advice which is currently provided by a lot of different organisations.

"I think, in terms of park authorities, that there are some huge benefits to be derived from a good, strong relationship with Natural England."