National Parks 75th anniversary report calls Lake District ‘vital’ for wellbeing
The Lake District is one of four National Parks marking its 75th birthday with the launch of a report which celebrates National Park landscapes.
The Lake District National Park was established in 1951 alongside Eryri, Dartmoor, and the Peak District.
Yesterday, the four National Parks jointly launched an independent report written by Andrew McCloy, who describes them as ‘vital’ for the nation’s connection with nature.
The report states due to its popularity and reach, as well as size and location, the Lake District provides a “vital interface between people and nature” and “offer[s] a chance for connectivity with the natural world, encourage[s] understanding and stimulate[s] action through local projects, partnerships and volunteering opportunities”.
Andrew adds “above all, National Parks allow people to experience nature first hand”.
Chief executives of the four National Parks were joined at a launch event in Bakewell, Peak District, by Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh MP.
She said: “The UK has committed to protect and conserve 30% of our land and seas for nature by 2030. That is why, on Monday, we published the 30by30 Delivery Plan for England, turning ambition into action and setting out a clear path to protect more land for nature. But plans alone are not enough. We must back them with investment.
“In May, we launched the £30 million Wildlife Rich Habitat Fund. And on Monday, we announced an additional £37 million a year for the next three years for our National Parks and National Landscapes. We are already seeing what this approach can achieve.
“By protecting our natural landscapes we protect and preserve the feelings of joy, calm and wonder that come from being in them. It is not just nature, but the wellbeing of current and future generations that are held here. The National Parks must be the places where many not yet born, can enjoy the green, wild, natural beauty of the most incredible landscapes in our country.”
Gavin Capstick, Chief Executive of the Lake District National Park Authority, said:
“We welcome this report, which reiterates the importance of National Parks now more than ever, when habitats are under threat from a changing climate and the UK is experiencing a rise in mental health difficulties, particularly among young people.
“The Lake District plays a key role in enriching the nation’s health and wellbeing through preventative healthcare and access to nature in a unique landscape. It is not only an iconic backdrop, but a living, thriving place with a rich cultural heritage and vibrant communities.
“We encourage people to explore this landscape, connect with its communities and help protect it by leaving no trace.”
Throughout the coming months the Lake District National Park Authority will also be celebrating its 75th birthday with a series of free guided walks and by sharing stories of the people who help protect and shape its special landscape. Sign up for one of the free walks at https://lakedistrict.gov.uk/guidedwalks.
Each National Park in the UK, of which there are 15, is designated for its own set of ‘special qualities’.
The Lake District National Park has 13 special qualities, which include; a world class cultural landscape, rich archaeology and historic landscape, unique farming heritage and concentration of common land, the high fells, wealth of habitats and wildlife, mosaic of lakes, tarns, rivers and coast and a source of artistic inspiration.
In 2017, the Lake District was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the cultural landscape category. The world-class designation recognised the National Park as a dramatic farmed landscape, inspiring people to love and appreciate the place which led to the birth of the global conservation movement.
When founded, all National Parks were given two statutory purposes; Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage; Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of National Parks by the public. You can read more about the history of the Lake District National Park on www.lakedistrict.gov.uk.
Read the full report ‘75 years of National Parks: A Celebration and a Look Forward’: 75 years of National Parks: A celebration and a look forward
