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National Parks – the Lake District case study - A case study of a UK National Park
 

National Parks
The Lake District National Park
Limited Supply of Property
Traffic Problems
Environmental Problems
 

Think about it

National Parks

There are 15 National Parks in the British Isles and they came into existence in 1951 following an Act of Parliament (The 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act).  The first park created under this act was the Peak District National Park, which is surrounded by large towns and cities such as Liverpool and Manchester.

National Parks have been created to protect Britain’s most spectacular scenery by limiting the amount and type of development that can take place.  In addition, National Parks are there to offer the British people access to the countryside for recreational purposes.


Helvellyn Mountain in England 
The location of the UK's National Parks
Click here for a static version of the Gif above

There are 15 members in the UK National Park family:

  • 10 in England - The Broads, Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Lake District, the New Forest, Northumberland, the North York Moors, the Peak District, the South Downs and the Yorkshire Dales.
  • 2 in Scotland - Cairngorms and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
  • 3 in Wales – the Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire Coast and Snowdonia.

A large amount of land within the National Parks is owned by private landowners. Farmers and organisations like the National Trust are some of the landowners, along with the thousands of people who live in the villages and towns. National Park Authorities sometimes own bits of land, but they work with all landowners in all National Parks to protect the landscape. (Source)

Watch the videos and list the reasons why people would want to go to National Parks

Complete this exercise on the Lake District

National Parks are incredibly popular places, and because of this conflict often arises.  Landowners, farmers, local residents, the Ministry of Defence and Tourists all want slightly different things from the parks and for this reason CONFLICT can result.  The most popular areas of the Parks are called HONEYPOT SITES, because they attract tourists like honey attracts bears!  It is these areas where conflict can often be at its fiercest, and decisions taken by the National Park Authority need to reflect the views of all stakeholders.  Lake Windemere is a good example of conflict.  The 17km length of Windermere makes it England’s longest lake and it has its own rangers and patrol boats in the busy summer months. There is a 10mph speed limit which came into force in 2005 to enable smaller vessels such as sailing boats and kayaks to enjoy the lake safely, unhampered by the jet skis, water skiers and fast motor boats. However this decision was a controversial one; and many local businesses had to diversify in order to continue trading. Tourists in general bring jobs and money into the area but increase traffic congestion and have a significant environmental impact.  (Source)

 

 
     

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