Lottery money helps National Parks to embrace cultural diversity

15 February 2001

The Council for National Parks ⁽¹⁾ has secured a major award from the Heritage Lottery Fund ⁽²⁾ to develop links between National Parks and ethnic communities.

Over the three-year project CNP aims to create new opportunities for ethnic community groups to visit and enjoy National Parks in England and Wales. It will include a programme of activities ranging from outdoor pursuits to nature conservation.

A development officer will be appointed to involve ethnic community groups and respond to their needs and concerns, as well as to tap into innovative ideas regarding the development of National Parks.

"National Parks are for everyone", said Libby Purves, CNP’s President, "yet there are whole sections of the community who either aren't much aware of them, or feel uncertain about their right to get out and enjoy the open spaces. It's been apparent for a while that there is room to spread the message in particular to people in the ethnic minorities, a lot of whom live in urban areas close to the great National Parks.

"The National Parks movement has been anxious to do something about this for some time; this grant is a great boost. In a much changed, diverse society it is going to enable us to keep faith with the original, far-sighted and humane philosophy that brought about the designation of the National Parks back in the 1950's. The need for open air, contact with nature and quiet recreation is as great today as it ever was."

The Black Environment Network ⁽³⁾ is a key partner in developing the project. "This groundbreaking project recognises the right of ethnic communities to engage fully in the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Parks. The links made between National Parks and ethnic communities will open the way to a significant missing contribution to conservation. We look forward to the development of a programme of activities that addresses issues of equity, and reflects diverse cultural visions of nature" said Judy Ling Wong OBE, BEN’s Director.

Other project funders include the Countryside Agency, the National Park Authorities and the Baring Foundation. The Youth Hostels Association and the Field Studies Council have both pledged resources towards the project, inspired by the exciting prospect of being involved in forging ways of working that embrace diversity.

"When the majority of the Parks were designated society was quite different", said Libby Purves. "Now we in the National Parks movement need to make a special effort to reach out to new audiences, with enormous benefits to National Parks and, we hope, to the communities who are enabled to benefit from them".

Notes to editors

1  The Council for National Parks is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.
2  The Heritage Lottery Fund provides financial support for the protection and enhancement of our heritage, of local, regional or national importance for the benefit of communities throughout the UK. So far, 6,549 grants have been awarded with a combined value of £1.61billion.
3  The Black Environment Network is a UK-wide organisation established to promote full participation by ethnic communities in the preservation, protection and development of the environment. Tel/fax 01286 870715. Email BEN@ben-network.demon.co.uk

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