National Parks England has launched Love Your National Parks, a celebration of the country’s National Parks and the health, wealth and happiness they bring.
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Led by National Parks England with support from Defra and a range of partners, the Love Your National Parks celebration will involve a range of events in England’s ten National Parks, particularly during National Parks Week from 29 July to 4 August 2013.
The celebration follows the publication of the Valuing England’s National Parks report on the importance of National Parks not just as iconic landscapes and part of our national identity, but as thriving rural economies contributing to national prosperity and well-being through their special qualities. It aims to increase public understanding and awareness of the importance of national parks for health, well being and local economies, while also helping to boost the economic value of National Parks, particularly through tourism.
Launching the Love Your National Parks celebration
Launching the Love Your National Parks celebration in Northumberland National Park, Environment Minister Richard Benyon MP described the importance of National Parks:
“Our National Parks are some of the most treasured places across the country with 90 million visitors every year*. National Parks play a key role in rural economic growth, as they are home to thousands of businesses and provide benefits to local communities. I fully support this great campaign and hope it encourages people to visit, enjoy and love our National Parks.”
(* in England alone)
Chair of National Parks England and Exmoor National Park Authority, John Dyke outlined the wide range of benefits that National Parks bring:
“England’s National Parks are known for being superb landscapes, rich in heritage and wildlife, but they are also valuable generators of wealth and economic activity. In these difficult economic times it is important that we do what we can to enhance the contribution they can make based on their very special qualities. Love Your National Parks provides an opportunity for people and organisations to do just that by celebrating the wonderful opportunities they provide.”
More information
- Love Your National Parks: further details on how to get involved
