Britain’s 15 National Parks (there are 10 in England from tranquil Northumberland to the wide open spaces of the South Downs, three in Wales and two in Scotland, including Britain’s biggest by far) together welcome over 100 million visitors every year and make a major contribution to the rural economy.
Always a great place to go when you want some fresh air and freedom, spring, summer and autumn 2016 sees ever more organised events, things to do and festivals and courses across all of the Parks.
There’s a wealth of resources on offer from our National Parks—available for free to everyone—for enjoying the great outdoors. As well as dramatic scenery and stunning views, visitors to the National Parks can enjoy the best of British food, with over a third of England’s diverse range of protected foods produced within National Parks—including Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese and Lakeland Herdwick lamb.
Over half of the population in England live within an hour of a National Park, and in addition to all the good things on offer, research published recently by Natural England showed that taking part in nature-based activities can contribute to a reduction in anxiety, stress and depression.
Credit – Visit England
Natural England recommended greater use of “green care” to help people suffering from mental ill health, including taking part in environmental conservation.
“Our National Parks are the jewels in the crown of our beautiful countryside and something to be very proud of. They are living, working landscapes that need careful stewardship, for the benefit and enjoyment of all,” said Jim Bailey, Chair of National Parks England.
England’s 10 National Parks
Northumberland National Park is home to Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage site.
Lake District National Park is renowned around the world for its mountaineering and has the highest concentration of outdoor activity centres in the UK.
North York Moors National Park features heather moorlands and exceptional coastal geology.
Peak District National Park was Britain’s first to be given the status and reaches five different counties: Derbyshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
Yorkshire Dales National Park sits just to the north-west of Leeds, famous for its man-made patchwork of dry stone walls and history of livestock farming.
Credit – Visit England
The Broads National Park is famous for its inland waterways, a haven for a quarter of the UK’s rarest species, located on Norwich’s doorstep.
South Downs National Park has inspired the words of Jane Austen, paintings of Turner and music of Elgar.
New Forest National Park was once a royal hunting ground and is believed to have the highest concentration of ancient trees in Western Europe.
Exmoor National Park covers an area of hilly open moorland in west Somerset and north Devon.
Dartmoor National Park is the largest open space in Southern England and sits between Exeter and Plymouth.
Events In Our National Parks in Summer 2016
There’s always something happening in the UK’s 15 National Parks. Here’s just a small selection of the events lined up for the next few months across the country:
26 July, Bogtastic, Exmoor National Park
A fun-packed adventure day for all ages exploring the bogs, wildlife and heritage in and around Simonsbath and Blackpitts, whatever the weather – indeed, “the wetter the better” say the organisers. Activities include guided walks, stream dipping and the infamous Bogstacle Course. exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
19–21 August, Walk In The Park, Peak District National Park
“Walk in the Park” is a new event based at Bakewell Showground that aims to get more people into the great outdoors for a true adventure and a weekend full of fun. It’s also a family-friendly first-ever fundraiser to support the Peak District National Park’s much-loved traffic-free trails with a sponsored walk on the Monsal Trail. The event will also feature abseiling and wildlife-themed guided walks and a cycle skills track among other events. peakwalkinthepark.com
7–16 October, Cowalfest 2016, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
One of Scotland’s largest and most varied walking festivals with more than 80 walks led by expert and knowledgeable leaders, catering for all ages and abilities. Themed walks include wildlife, bird watching, drama, photography, art, history, heritage, folklore, t’ai chi, great gardens and great houses as well as some great hill walks. cowalfest.org
Government Aims To get More Kids In The Parks
The UK government believes that too few children in our country are aware of these natural wonders of our National Parks. Under new plans announced this spring, every schoolchild in England will have the chance to visit our inspiring National Parks at each stage of their education. The new plans were announced by Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss as new figures reveal only 10% of schoolchildren currently have access to outdoor learning.
Credit – Visit England
The new Plan for National Parks aims to encourage 80,000 young people to visit National Parks and put National Parks in the curriculum. At secondary school this includes a target to double the number of youth volunteers in National Parks as part of the National Citizen Service. There’s also to be a new apprenticeship standard and doubling apprenticeships in National Parks by 2020.
Along with work already underway to give schools in England one million native British trees to plant in their communities, National Parks will be a key part of a new government campaign that will launch later this year to connect more children with nature and the environment.
Credit – Visit England
“Just as Yellowstone is known worldwide as one of America’s national treasures, our beautiful lakes and dales, moors and fells are a symbol of this country, part of our British identity – they are also huge public assets that should benefit as many people as possible. By instilling a love of nature in our young people and building thriving communities in every National Park, our plan will allow these unique spaces to flourish for generations to come,” said Elizabeth Truss.
