Meet the National Park Pioneers of the Future

Wednesday 21st April (10.15am – 13.30pm) at the ‘X Centre’, Exeter,
Devon EX2 4AD.

60 years after the first pioneers fought for and won the designation of the National Parks of England and Wales the Campaign for National Parks (CNP) is discovering a new generation of supporters for Exmoor and Dartmoor. On Wednesday 21st April you can meet them.

CNP (1) is working with young people aged 16-25 in south west England (2) to gain a greater appreciation of how to make our National Parks relevant, interesting and important to this generation. Building on its groundbreaking Mosaic model of engagement (3) that has been so successful for reaching under-represented groups, CNP has spent the last year looking at how we can engage younger people in understanding, enjoying and protecting the Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks. 

The project has introduced a diverse cross section of youngsters to the Parks, including Katie Hadwin who helps to run the youth-led Plymouth Environmental Action, and Steve Lovell who admits, "I knew that we had National Parks and what they were, but I didn’t know where they were and that I lived so close to one". 

Both have been introduced to Mosaic and are now "Young Champions," raising awareness about Dartmoor and Exmoor amongst their peers.  For many of the "Young Champions," including Steve, the introduction to these special landscapes has resulted in a radical attitude change.  Steve says, "the illusion has been broken that [it’s] all about rambling.  I’ve discovered that there’s archery, gorge scrambling and high ropes – all kinds of fun."

Ben Fogle, president of the Campaign for National Parks, explains: "Through Mosaic, these Young Champions promote the National Parks to their peers and help organise walks, youth festivals and tree planting. For many Young Champions, the project has given them a sense of belonging. I feel humbled and proud to have met them."

You can meet Katie, Steve and many other inspiring "Young Champions" at an event to celebrate and showcase the work of this youth-led project. The event will take place at the ‘X Centre’ in Exeter between 10.15am and 13.30pm on Wednesday April 21st, with a photo opportunity from 12.00 to 12.45pm. On the day you’ll hear from the "Young Champions" themselves and see a film that they have put together explaining how they have been promoting National Parks among their peers. You’ll learn more about the project from the Mosaic team, as well as from Tim Braund from the Exmoor National Park Authority and Orlando Rutter from the Dartmoor National Park Authority. The event will finish with a short presentation to the Young Champions and a buffet lunch.

Contact Details
For further information or if you would like to send a journalist along to the event contact:

Nina Arwitz (Mosaic Programme Manager) 020 7924 4077 ext 227

Joanna Hall (Communications Manager) 020 7924 4077 ext 224

Notes to editors
(1) In 2011 the Campaign for National Parks (CNP) will be celebrating 75 years of working to protect and promote the National Parks of England and Wales. CNP was instrumental in bringing about the Act of Parliament that enabled the designation of National Parks in 1949. Today the charity is made up of approximately 40 national and local environmental and amenity organisations and takes a lead role in safeguarding some of Britain’s most iconic landscapes. More information visit www.cnp.org.uk (registered charity number 295336).

(2) The young people are drawn from Plymouth, Exeter, Bideford and Barnstaple.

(3) The Mosaic model of engagement was originally developed to empower leaders from ethnic minority communities to engage with the National Parks. Mosaic is a partnership between the Campaign for National Parks, the Youth Hostels Association and 9 National Park Authorities in England. Mosaic is funded by Access to Nature, with match funding from Nationwide Building Society, DEFRA and the partners themselves. For more information visit www.mosaicnationalparks.org.