National Park funding ‘will benefit society’
Seven-fold return to taxpayer revealed
EVERY POUND invested by the Government in one of Yorkshire’s treasured National Parks generates a seven-fold return in health and well-being benefits for visitors and volunteers, according to pioneering research published today.
The study commissioned by the North York Moors National Park Authority is the first to estimate a value to society of the activities associated with the 550 square mile protected landscape.
University of York academics estimate that for every pound of the £4.2m a year received in central government grant funding, approximately £7.21 of health and well-being benefits are generated for visitors and volunteers.
It comes as the Government carries out a far-reaching review of the country’s National Parks which could see some of them expanded. The local authorities that administer them are being forced to look for alternative sources of funding after recent cuts to central government grants.
And most are wrestling with the challenges posed by Brexit and climate change as well as the need to protect the interests of those who live and work within their boundaries.
Jim Bailey, chairman of the North York Moors National Park Authority, said the research “demonstrates the value of what we are contributing towards people’s health and wellbeing, as well as encouraging visitors from all backgrounds to create thriving natural environments.
“I think in our hearts we know that visiting or volunteering in a National Park feels good, and this piece of great work condenses that into a figure we can build upon. As always there are challenges that lie ahead, and we look forward to furthering our duties and goals as part of the Government’s current review of national parks.”
The study’s authors say the £7.21 figure is likely to be an underestimation as it doesn’t take into account other groups who might experience benefits, such as school children.
“But it prompted calls for Ministers to recognise the importance of National Parks by giving them more funding “so they can continue to benefit as many people as possible”.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs said: “National Parks are some of our most precious environments, which is why we have launched a review to ensure these vital landscapes are meeting our needs in the 21st century.
“We recognise the role National Parks play in improving health and wellbeing, and while we can’t pre-empt the outcomes of the review, we will continue to work closely with National Park authorities to ensure we effectively conserve and enhance these landscapes for future generations.”