National Parks in the 21st Century Richard Leafe

National Parks in context

• The Lake District National Park is one of 14 National Parks in Great Britain

• It was one of the first to be designated in 1951

• It is the largest National Park in England: 2292 sq. kms.

The Lake District

National Park:

•Area: 2,292 sq. kms.

•Population: 42,400

•8.3 million visitors

A clearer Vision for the

Lake District National Park

The Lake District will be an inspirational example of sustainable development in action.

A place where its prosperous economy, world class visitor experiences and vibrant communities come together to sustain the spectacular landscape, its wildlife and cultural heritage.

Local people, visitors, and the many organisations working in the National Park or have a contribution to make to it, must be united in achieving this.

Our new Vision

The results•A vision statement agreed

•Four key themes:

Prosperous economy

World class visitor experiences

Vibrant communities

Spectacular landscape

•For each theme an outcome and six high level delivery aims have been identified.

The Vision

• A prosperous economy

Businesses will locate in the National Park because they value the quality of opportunity, environment and lifestyle it offers – many will draw on a strong connection to the landscape. Entrepreneurial spirit will be nurtured across all sectors and traditional industries maintained to ensure a diverse economy

The Vision

• World class visitor experiences

High quality and unique experiences for visitors within a stunning and globally significant landscape. Experiences that compete with the best in the international market

Core Strategy:Windermere Waterfront Programme

Regeneration based on lake connectivity and inspirational design

10 year programme

Overseen by Steering Group

Waterhead, Ambleside

The Vision

• Vibrant communities

People successfully living, working and relaxing within upland, valley and lakeside places where distinctive local character is maintained and celebrated

Progress to date

In the first 6 months of 09/10 we

saved another 15 tonnes of

CO2

In 08/09 we saved a

total of 31 tonnes of

CO2

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

1

This totaliser will chart our progress to

reduce CO2 emissions from our operations

by 25% by 2012

The Vision

• A spectacular landscape

A landscape which provides an irreplaceable source of inspiration, whose benefits to people and wildlife are valued and improved. A landscape whose natural and cultural resources are assets to be managed and used wisely for future generations

Winter/summer rainfall 2080s

Climate Change Mitigation

• Controlling and reducing the emissions of greenhouse gasses, the root cause of climate change.

Why Bother ?

A

I

Vision for the English National Parks and the BroadsBy 2030 English National Parks and the Broads will be

places where:•There are thriving, living, working landscapes notable for

their natural beauty and cultural heritage. They inspire visitors and local communities to live within environmental limits and to tackle climate change. The wide-range of services they provide (from clean water to sustainable food) are in good condition and valued by society.

• Sustainable development can be seen in action. The communities of the Parks take an active part in decisions about their future. They are known for having been pivotal in the transformation to a low carbon society and sustainable living. Renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, low carbon transport and travel and healthy, prosperous communities have long been the norm.

By 2030 English National Parks and the Broads will be places where:

• Wildlife flourishes and habitats are maintained, restored and expanded and linked effectively to other ecological networks. Woodland cover has increased and all woodlands are sustainably managed, with the right trees in the right places. Landscapes and habitats are managed to create resilience and enable adaptation.

• Everyone can discover the rich variety of England’s natural and historic environment, and have the chance to value them as places for escape, adventure, enjoyment, inspiration and reflection, and a source of national pride and identity. They will be recognised as fundamental to our prosperity and well-being.