THE Yorkshire Dales National Park is part of a new drive to give every schoolchild in England the chance to visit the country's inspiring national parks at each stage of their education.

As new figures reveal that only 10 per cent of schoolchildren currently have access to outdoor learning, a new Plan for National Parks will kickstart a programme of activity to safeguard the future of these iconic landscapes.

Included is a move to engage young people throughout their education. Among the proposals are putting national parks in the primary school curriculum, doubling the number of youth volunteers as part of the National Citizen Service and doubling apprenticeships in national parks by 2020.

Peter Charlesworth, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “The authority has always actively encouraged young people to learn about this fantastic landscape and the wildlife and communities in it.

“There are already plenty of ways to get involved in learning about and caring for it through activities like our popular Wild Wednesdays and by joining our Young Rangers group and the Young Archaeologists Club, which meets at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes and is celebrating its tenth birthday this year.

“So we welcome this initiative from Defra and National Parks England and wholeheartedly support the Plan for National Parks.

“We have large centres of population around the Yorkshire Dales National Park and we would like as many people as possible to appreciate this fantastic place on their doorstep where they can relax, unwind and enjoy the stunning landscape and the hospitality of local businesses.

“We are particularly keen for young people from schools and colleges to come and experience the many activities on offer as an essential part of their education.”

With over half of the population in England living within an hour of a national park, the plan aims to increase the diversity of visitors from the UK - as well as promoting these world-class cultural attractions to a global audience through the national ‘GREAT’ campaign to drive international tourism.

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss aims to build annual visitor numbers to 100 million, bringing around £440 million more to local businesses, adding to the £4 billion already generated by National Parks.

Speaking as she launched the new plan in the South Downs National Park last Wednesday, she said: “National parks already welcome over 90 million visitors every year and make a major contribution to our vibrant rural economy - but too many children in our country are not aware of these natural wonders. I want to celebrate our inspiring natural environment.

“Just as Yellowstone is known worldwide as one of America's national treasures, our beautiful lakes and dales, moors and fells are a symbol of this country, part of our British identity - they are also huge public assets that should benefit as many people as possible.

“By instilling a love of nature in our young people and building thriving communities in every national park, our plan will allow these unique spaces to flourish for generations to come.”

The Government protected national parks’ budgets in the last spending review, committing more than £350 million for English National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and forests. The new plan will further secure the future of these iconic protected landscapes, ensuring effective environmental management and growing a strong rural economy.

Along with work already under way to give schools in England one million native British trees to plant in their communities, national parks will be a key part of a new Government campaign later this year to connect children with nature and the environment.

The plan also aims to harness the power of the natural environment to improve national wellbeing, after research published earlier this month by Natural England showed taking part in nature-based activities can contribute to a reduction in anxiety, stress, and depression.

It recommended greater use of ‘green care’ to help people suffering from mental ill health, including taking part in environmental conservation - for example, through innovative schemes in national parks.

Jim Bailey, Chair of National Parks England said: “Our National Parks are the jewels in the crown of our beautiful countryside and something to be very proud of. They are living, working landscapes that need careful stewardship, for the benefit and enjoyment by all. I look forward to working with the Government on delivering this exciting Plan for England’s National Parks.”

The Government recently committed a package of support for the Lake District National Park after it was hit by recent floods, including £2m to repair rights of way and a new £1m campaign to show that the North of England is open for business and entice tourists back to the area. Tourism is the biggest sector in the UK’s rural economy, supporting three million jobs and generating £11bn every year for local communities.

As well as dramatic scenery and stunning views, visitors to the National Parks can enjoy the best of British food, with over a third of England’s diverse range of protected foods produced within National Parks - including Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese and Lakeland Herdwick Lamb. Promoting these foods and encouraging more producers to apply for this coveted status also forms part of the strategy to ensure our National Parks continue to thrive in the future.