National Parks, Nature's Playground

News that a wide ranging survey on Awareness of National Parks recently revealed that virtually everyone questioned (96%) said that every child should experience a National Park first hand has been welcomed by National Park Authorities in the UK.

The UK’s National Parks have plenty on offer to while away the long school holidays with special walks and events taking place all over the country. Details can be found on the National Park Authorities website http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/nationalparksweek where there are also environmental games and features, plus a 360 image of the ancient Glenmore Forest in the Cairngorms.

One of the statutory purposes of National Parks is ‘to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the National Parks’ special qualities by the public’ and National Park Authorities provide an education service which offers assistance to education and community groups to help them access and learn about the National Parks.

Many of these services also provide expert staff to deliver curriculum linked activities both within the National Parks and in schools and colleges plus a wide range of informal learning opportunities for families and adults. The Peak District, Snowdonia, Exmoor and the Lake District have residential centres for outdoor education where groups can stay in a National Park and experience it first hand.

Commenting on the results, Chairman of UK ANPA, John Riddle, said: “We are delighted that so many people feel that National Parks are important places for every child to experience and enjoy first hand. They are nature’s natural playgrounds. We look forward to welcoming many young people and their families to the UK’s National Parks this summer.”