This Saturday (6 April) marks the start of Discover National Parks Fortnight – a two-week celebration across the UK with events and experiences running throughout the Easter holidays to inspire people of all ages and interests to go outside and explore and learn more about these special places.
The UK’s fifteen National Parks are each unique – some have high mountains others meandering wetlands and dramatic coastline. They offer infinite opportunities to explore, learn, relax, unwind, whether its a gentle family walk with little ones exploring every tree and flower along the way, action adventures to tempt teens away from their phones or cultural events exploring the special history of the National Parks. Find out about the wide range of events and activities at nationalparks.uk/discover.
This year’s celebration mark the 70th Anniversary of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act that paved the way for the establishment of National Parks in the UK.
John Packman, Chief Executive of the Broads Authority which looks after the Broads National Park said:
“The fifteen National Parks were created to protect and care for special landscapes across the UK, and to do this on behalf of everyone in the country. So the 70th Anniversary is a perfect moment for us to encourage people – whether they live in a National Park or in the middle of a city – to discover the extraordinary variety and inspiring stories of the fifteen National Parks.
“The news is full of stories about how important it is for our physical and mental health to spend time in nature, especially with the spiralling effects of social media and digital technology on the pace of life. National Parks offer some of the best places in the country to switch off, to experience and connect with our landscape, our wildlife, and our friends, our families and ourselves.
“Discover National Parks is also about highlighting why the UK National Parks are globally distinctive, and why we need everyone to help us care for them. Unlike many National Parks around the world, ours are living landscapes, full of natural and human life – with many villages, towns and even cities within the National Parks. We do not have gates or entry fees, people live and work here. This means that we are working models for a sustainable future, that other parts of the UK and the world can learn from.”
Join in with #NationalParksFortnight2019 and #DiscoverNationalParks throughout the year.
ENDS