Published: 16 December 2025
Today, young people from all over the UK have joined with Government, MPs, National Park leaders, charities and businesses in the Houses of Parliament to come together to sign a joint declaration, committing to putting young people at the heart of decisions about the future of these amazing landscapes –
“Our radical future, a declaration:
To enable National Parks to be greener, wilder and more accessible to all, young people must be part of shaping their future.
We declare our commitment to ensuring young people from all backgrounds are heard and valued in all key decisions about National Parks to better drive nature recovery, climate resilience, and social justice.”
Dr Rose O’Neill, Chief Executive at Campaign for National ParksTwo incredible years of working with young people as part of the National Parks: New Perspectives project has had a profound impact on us and the young people involved. It’s offered new ways of thinking about the future of National Parks, which is truly exciting.
Vanessa Rowlands, Chair of National Parks EnglandFor our National Parks to not only thrive but continue to be inspiring places for all of us, it is crucial we see and understand them through the lens of our young people. As individuals and communities, the young people within and surrounding our nation's landscapes hold the passion and perspective we often need to take action, at such a pivotal time for nature, climate and our countryside. Their voices should be welcome and supported around every decision-making table. That's why we're pleased to see the Secretary of State appointing more younger members to boards within our protected landscapes.
The New Perspectives project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has worked with young people from across England and Wales to develop, share and lead ideas for the future of National Parks. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, over the past two years New Perspectives has reshaped the conversation on what National Parks mean to us and who has a say in their governance.
Supported by the grant programme, 30 emerging storytellers from diverse backgrounds have explored science, fairytale and folklore; showcased wildlife stories and landscapes’ hidden wonders; and brought to life experiences of communities who live in and visit our National Parks.
Ten new ambassadors have joined our network, driving forward our organisation as members of our Council and speaking up externally on issues from the natural environment to equity of access and inclusion.
Across three Future Leaders Courses, 56 leaders, professionals and campaigners aged 20–30 joined the most effective change-makers in the sector today to build skills and share ideas for intergenerational leadership for the future of National Parks.
Şeniz Mustafa, Future Leaders Course Participant, Yorkshire Dales 2025I had a lovely time on the Future Leaders Course, particularly during the residential, where I visited the Yorkshire Dales for the first time. It was a welcoming space where, together, we could explore and discover the landscape around us. Creating collages of our own campaign ideas and developing them in groups gave me a keen insight into independent campaign creation. As a young campaigner, the experience has been invaluable, and I look forward to the future where I can apply what I have learned.
The success of the New Perspectives projects wouldn’t be possible without the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and so many organisations, businesses and individuals who lent their support, expertise and time.
Today Campaign for National Parks is pleased to announce that we will be building on the success of New Perspectives, with a new project “National Parks Reimagined”, which has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project will scale up youth leadership to drive landscape recovery. By involving a diverse range of people in our shared national and cultural heritage, and working with a wide range of partners, the project aims to create intergenerational leadership for National Parks that drives radical transformation in ambition, action, management and policy.
Development funding of £247,993.97 has been awarded by the Heritage Fund to help Campaign for National Parks progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant of £751,888at a later date.
Taryn Nixon, Trustee of The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “Our National Parks hold some of our most precious heritage. The Heritage Fund recognises the fundamental importance of investing in and protecting our heritage and ensuring people are connected with it so they can care for it into the future.
“Today marks an important milestone for nature and young people, thanks to National Lottery players. We are celebrating the achievements of the New Perspectives and also announcing our initial support for the Campaign for National Parks project ‘National Parks Reimagined’, that will build on the momentum. The investment will strengthen how young people engage with National Parks, offering meaningful opportunities through training, skills development and hands-on experience, empowering the next generation of heritage leaders and change-makers for the future. ”
The project is premised on the principle that landscape recovery at scale needs bold, inclusive and innovative leadership; that better decision making comes from listening to and learning with young people, citizens and those already showing what’s possible.
Our National Parks New Perspectives project aims to give young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to influence and connect with decision makers to change the narratives on who National Parks are for and who has a say in their future.
As part of our New Perspectives project we have offered grants to young people to share their stories of National Parks
Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund we provided storytelling grants, Future Leader Courses and opportunities for young people to join us as Ambassadors
