Discover National Parks Fortnight
Discover National Parks Fortnight invites everyone to join in on an adventure – exploring the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of national parks. This fantastic outdoor-themed event spans two weeks each year.
This period is the ideal opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors and appreciate the environmental treasures within the parks.
History of Discover National Parks Fortnight
To get to Discover National Parks Fortnight’s beginnings, let’s return to the early 19th century. Romantic poets like Byron, Coleridge, and Wordsworth likely influenced the National Parks movement.
Each of these esteemed writers extolled the untamed beauty of the countryside. The late 19th century saw James Bryce MP championing public access to these areas.
While Bryce’s first efforts were unsuccessful, he opened up a national conversation that would start to change hearts and minds. The 20th century marked a turning tide. That tide reached a high mark due to increasing urbanization, which increased the public’s demand for accessible natural spaces.
The 1930s witnessed peak public pressure, culminating in mass trespasses and a growing public hunger for establishing national parks. This advocacy bore fruit in 1949 with the passage of an Act of Parliament, leading to national parks to conserve natural beauty and provide recreational opportunities.
The 1950s heralded the establishment of several national parks in England and Wales. That was eventually followed by the Scottish Parliament’s National Parks Act in 2000, which led to the creation of two Scottish National Parks.
Today, these parks are a source of national pride. They are also breathtaking spaces for environmental conservation and public enjoyment.
How to Celebrate Discover National Parks Fortnight
You might wonder how to celebrate National Parks Fortnight – here are some handy suggestions:
Visit a National Park
The most direct way to participate in Discover National Parks Fortnight to do exactly as the holiday’s name suggests.
Get out there and visit one of the UK’s gorgeous national parks. Whether you prefer a weekend getaway or a day trip, these parks offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Each park offers you a unique landscape and wildlife and provides a different experience. From the Cairngorms’ rugged mountains to the South Downs’ tranquil settings, you’ll find something to love.
Immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the New Forest or the dramatic coastlines of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. These visits refresh the spirit and offer educational insights into the country’s diverse ecosystems and natural history.
Participate in Park Events
Many national parks host special events and activities during this fortnight. These can be anything from guided nature walks and wildlife spotting tours to conservation workshops. Participating in these events enhances your experience.
They also add to your understanding of the parks’ ecological significance. Engage in birdwatching sessions, star-gazing nights, or historical tours. Whatever activity you pick reveals rich stories of the park’s past.
These events are often led by knowledgeable rangers and experts – the perfect tour guides for an enriching and interactive way to connect with nature.
Volunteer
Volunteering in a national park is an incredibly rewarding way to give back. Activities can include trail maintenance, habitat restoration, or visitor center assistance. Volunteering offers hands-on experience in conservation efforts.
Volunteers also have the chance to work alongside like-minded individuals passionate about nature. Learning new skills, from botanical surveying to wildlife monitoring, is an opportunity.
When you roll up your sleeves and volunteer, you’ll directly protect these precious environments for future generations.
Advocate for Green Spaces
Use this fortnight to advocate for more green spaces in your area. Sending emails to local representatives or participating in community planning meetings can help create and maintain these much-needed natural areas.
Organize or join local environmental groups, participate in public forums, and raise awareness about the importance of green spaces in urban settings. Your advocacy can lead to more sustainable urban planning and the preservation of local biodiversity.
Share Your Experience
Document your visits and share them on social media using hashtags like #GreenSpaceStories and #DiscoverNew. Your stories can inspire others to explore and appreciate these natural wonders.
Additionally, sharing your experiences can contribute to a broader conversation about the importance of conserving and enjoying our natural heritage.
Capture the beauty of these landscapes through photography or blogging, and share tips and insights that could help future visitors have a more enjoyable and responsible experience.
Sustainable Travel
Consider sustainable travel options when visiting national parks. Using public transport, cycling, or walking reduces your carbon footprint and helps preserve these areas’ pristine nature.
Many national parks offer resources to help plan your journey sustainably. Look for eco-friendly accommodations, support local businesses that practice sustainability, and always adhere to Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on these delicate ecosystems.
Learn and Educate
Educate yourself and others about the importance of national parks. This can involve reading about the history and role of these parks in environmental conservation or participating in educational programs offered by the parks.
Sharing this knowledge helps build a community that values and protects these natural assets. Encourage schools and community groups to engage in park-based learning experiences.
Finally, use digital platforms to spread excitement about these parks’ critical role in preserving our planet’s biodiversity and combating climate change.
Discover National Parks Fortnight is a call to action for environmental stewardship. It’s also a reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds us. Use these fourteen days to explore, learn, and contribute to preserving these vital green spaces for future generations.
