Government urged to boost green access to National Parks

Research published by CNP (3) in the summer of 2006 recommended that the government should introduce a ring-fenced fund for green transport schemes in National Parks.  This research revealed the danger that without proper investment these schemes could start to diminish as quickly as they appeared, as several National Park Authorities (NPAs) are considering cutting their green-transport budgets (4) due to financial pressures.

David Murray, Transport Campaigner at CNP, commented, “National Parks are not only important for nature conservation; they provide a great source of tranquillity and enjoyment for millions of people.  However, most people travel to and around the Parks by private car which causes traffic congestion and air pollution and can mar the experience of peace and quiet and ‘getting away from it all’, which is why most people visit in the first place (5). 

“We are urging the government to invest in green transport schemes for National Parks so that more people can get there without driving, which gives local communities the same travel benefits as the millions of visitors to the Parks.  This will also help in the fight against climate change.  For example, the Moorsbus Network (6) had its best ever year in 2006, saving over one million private car miles and 400 tonnes of carbon dioxide.”

CNP’s call for government support is welcomed by both the National Park Authorities and by the government’s environmental advisors.

Paul Hamblin, Director of the English National Park Authorities Association (ENPAA) (7) said, “It takes sustained time and effort to establish high quality networks for walking, cycling and public transport.  Funding streams that are turned on and off like a tap don’t work.  We need a strong partnership between local authorities, public transport operators, National Park Authorities, and community transport providers if more people are to be able to experience the wonder of the country’s National Parks.  Secure funding is critical to turning such aspirations into real schemes helping people on the ground.”

David Markham, Transport and Leisure Project Manager for Natural England (8) said,
 “Leisure travel needs to become more environmentally sustainable but for this to happen visitors to the National Parks need 'greener' alternatives.  This requires sufficient and longer-term investment in schemes which in reality can only be delivered through a partnership approach".

Examples of these ground-breaking schemes include the award winning Hadrian’s Wall Bus AD122 (9) in the Northumberland National Park, which enables over 6,000 people each year to visit the wall.  In the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the Pembrokeshire Greenways partnership (10) offers a ‘one-stop-shop’ of information on walking, cycling, sustainable holidays and its latest venture to attract more people to hop on a bus through its vibrantly liveried buses.  The New Forest Cycle Events Team (11) has found a perfect way for people to enjoy England’s newest National Park sustainably through a series of organised summer cycling events of different distances and difficulties.  For more information on transport issues in National Parks see http://www.cnp.org.uk/8_National_Park_Issues--Transport.html

Notes to editors
1. The Council for National Parks (CNP) is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and those areas that merit National Park status, and to promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.
2. National Park Authorities are the bodies charged with delivering National Park statutory purposes, which include the promotion of opportunities for the public to understand and enjoy the special qualities of the Parks.
3. Tackling Traffic was published by CNP in 2006. It found that over 90% of visitors arriving in and travel around the Parks by private car. Tackling Traffic can be accessed at http://www.cnp.org.uk/docs/Tackling_Traffic_full_report.pdf
4. Green transport includes buses, trains, walking and cycling.
5. The National Parks Awareness Survey 2007, carried out by GfK NOP Social Research on behalf of the National Parks in the United Kingdom, revealed that one third (33%) of the approximately 150 million visitors to the National Parks in 2006, enjoyed the peace and quiet above all else when visiting the Parks.
6. The Moorsbus Network is a service of the North York Moors National Park Authority and is operated by nine different bus companies. See http://www.moors.uk.net/content.php?nID=244
7. ENPAA (the English National Park Authorities Association) provides a collective voice for the nine National Park Authorities in England.  See www.enpaa.org.uk
8. Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. See http://www.naturalengland.gov.uk/
9. ‘Best Bus in the Countryside’, UK Bus Industry Awards 2006.  See http://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/hadrianswallbus
10. Pembrokeshire Greenways is a project to help and encourage people to access the countryside through walking, cycling, bus and train travel. See http://www.pembrokeshiregreenways.co.uk/content2.asp?page=Home&Language=ENG
11. An initiative set up with support from the New Forest National Park Authority and New Forest District Council.  See www.newforestnpa.gov.uk

Contact:
David Murray, Policy Officer, 020 7924 4077 ext. 232 OR 07769 676 397
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy, 020 7924 4077 ext. 222