A new partnership was launched today between England’s National Parks, including the Lake District, and Public Health England. Free to access and open 24 hours a day, National Parks are being promoted as the perfect way for people to improve their physical health and mental wellbeing.
The partnership – in the form of a Joint Accord launched today (8 Sept) – follows recent research showing that six million people in the country are not even managing to take a ten-minute brisk walk once a month.
Now boasting World Heritage Site status, the Lake District is uniquely placed to offer some of the country’s best outdoor opportunities for being active and getting fit. A new webpage has been launched by the Lake District National Park to help people find ways to improve their health and wellbeing in this spectacular landscape. Visit the webpage to get inspired.
Currently the Lake District National Park is running an exciting programme of 60 free bike rides, and around 250 walks are on offer, all with experienced guides. It is the perfect place for enjoying stunning scenery while boosting health and wellbeing.
Dave Robinson, Lake District National Park adviser for recreation and sustainable transport, explained this year’s free bike rides had come courtesy of a partnership between British Cycling and HSBC UK Guided Rides.
He added: “They mean all ages and abilities can get out and enjoy everything our amazing national park has to offer – for free.”
Launching the Joint Accord, Public Health Minister Steve Brine,said: “This Accord is a win-win. Not only does it help preserve our beautiful National Parks, but encourages people to get active, adding years to our lives and saving billions of pounds for our NHS.
“Physical activity helps to prevent and manage over 20 chronic conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, mental health problems and musculoskeletal conditions. So I am delighted to help launch this Accord, and I cannot think of a better place to get active than in our National Parks.”
Read the full National Parks England press release.
