Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour) on Monday, 4 February 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 7 February 2019 (named day). It was answered by Baroness Coffey (Conservative) on Thursday, 7 February 2019 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

National Parks: Disadvantaged

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of visitors to national parks from deprived areas.

Answer: The Government has commissioned a 21^st Century Review of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), led by Julian Glover, supported by an experienced advisory group. Among its objectives the Review will examine the role of National Parks and AONBs in connecting people from all sections of society with the natural environment. The Review builds on the existing Eight-Point Plan for England’s National Parks 2016-2020, which sets out plans to encourage more visitors to National Parks. The Government has also announced £10 million funding for the Children and Nature Programme which aims to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds to have better access to the natural environment.

Secondary information