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National ParksNational Parks

Are we talking about NCP – National car

parks – where we put the car when we go to

town?

How any one

person be so dumb?

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No! No! We will begin to look in particular at National Parks (great places to visit in protected countryside – Geoff!) This will bring out – the benefits – the problems– the solutions

of National parksAnd will also lead into looking at problems and issues for tourism in a more general sense

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Why were National Parks Why were National Parks formed?formed?

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History of National ParksHistory of National ParksThe idea of National Parks dates back to 19th century America where the new country was rapidly being developed and settled.  It was realised that some areas were so beautiful that they deserved protection. In 1872, Yellowstone became the first National Park and others soon followed.  These early National Parks were large, uninhabited areas of natural scenery that were owned by the government so that they could be protected. Britain had few natural, uninhabited areas but from the late 1800s a number of groups, such as the National Trust, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Council for the Preservation of Rural England, had formed to protect our heritage.

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History of National ParksHistory of National ParksIn the 1940s, several government reports were written which showed that there was a need for National Parks in England and Wales to allow the millions of people in the towns and cities to enjoy open countryside and fresh air.  The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act was passed in 1949 and the Peak District became the first National Park in 1951.  During the 1950s, ten National Parks were established in England and Wales.  The Norfolk Broads was given National Park Status in 1989 and similar protection has been given to the New Forest along with the South Downs. More recently the first National Parks have been designated in Scotland - the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs

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Where are the National Where are the National Parks?Parks?

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The The National National

ParksParks

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What were the main ideas What were the main ideas behind the National Parksbehind the National Parks

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The National parksThe National parks

The Environment Act of 1995 defined the purposes of National Parks as: – conserving and enhancing the natural

beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage – promoting opportunities for the

understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities

The National Park must also foster the economic and social well-being of the local communities.

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Why do people visit?Why do people visit?

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They visit because ….They visit because ….

… the physical attractions

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They visit because ….They visit because ….

… the Human Attractions

Hilltop, where Beatrix Potter wrote many of her stories

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They visit because ….They visit because ….

… the activities

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What to be people say is What to be people say is important to them?important to them?

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Why do people enjoy the Why do people enjoy the landscape?landscape?

About 8.5 million people visit the Lake District every year spending over 15 million days thereThe table shows their answers. Each answer is given as a percentage, e.g. 70% of all the people asked felt that having lots of things to do was important.

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Why do people come – 2009 Why do people come – 2009 visitors survey?visitors survey?

How can you tell most people come for more How can you tell most people come for more than one reason?than one reason?

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As you can see, people visit because of the scenery, walking and the peace and quiet and the wildlife. The local people like this tooSo protecting what people value while allowing tourism to keep the area prosperous can be a bit of a problem.

What are the good points What are the good points about living in the Lake about living in the Lake District National park?District National park?

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Advantages of tourismAdvantages of tourism

Generates employment, though seasonal.Employment brings skills in the tourist industry.Multiplier effect.– Many people and businesses benefit from the

multiplier effect, the way that the original sums of money spent by visitors are worth more than their face value.

– For example, a visitor staying in a small guest house pays their host who then goes out and spends some of that money in local shops, so local shop owners and workers indirectly benefit from the visitor even if they never see them. This is the multiplier effect.

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Advantages of tourism to the Advantages of tourism to the Peak District.Peak District.

Additional income for diversifying farmers.Entrance fees, for historical and culturally important monuments and buildings, such as Hill Top, help maintain them.Visitors and those that relocate to the area, help sustain local services and traditions.Rural communities within the area are sustained.

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EmploymentEmployment42,239 people live in the National Park. Not all these people work but the area does provide jobs for many people.The pie chart shows how people living in the Park were employed in different types of jobs in 1991.Many of these people live in scattered settlements and isolated farms in the valleys but most live in the major settlements. Keswick, with a population of 4,821 is the largest settlement. Others include Windermere, Ambleside, Coniston, Hawkshead and Gosforth.

It is not easy to see which jobs in tourism and which are not.However, inside the National park it is estimated that about 50% of jobs are tied to tourism

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In conclusionIn conclusion

Approximately 50% of the workforce, in both the Windermere and Keswick areas, is employed in hotels, catering and the distribution trade (compared to about 6% nationally). In addition to direct employment, tourism supports local services, for example, the bus and rail network, village shops and public houses (which probably would not have survived if the tourists were not there)

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What are the problems What are the problems with the Lake District with the Lake District being a National Park?being a National Park?

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Disadvantages of tourism: Disadvantages of tourism: HumanHumanEmployment is seasonal, low skill and minimum wage.Towns have become dominated by tourist shops, at the expense of local needs, for example Ambleside at the northern end of Lake Windermere is well known as ‘the anorak capital of the world’ with what locals say is too many outdoor shops, the choice just goes on and on. Increased visitor numbers, increases, wear and tear on buildings and monuments.The popularity of the area, has encouraged the development of second homes.House prices rise, local young are forced to move elsewhere.Formation of Dormitory settlements.Loss of public services.Decline in community spirit.Many people visit by car causing congestion and pollution.

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Car pollution and noise.LitterFootpath erosion. Destruction of dry stone walls.Disturbance of animals during mating season.Gates left open, causing livestock to escape and graze sensitive areas.Dogs scare or attack livestock.

Disadvantages of tourism: Disadvantages of tourism: EnvironmentalEnvironmental

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Some Problems Some Problems and their Solutionsand their Solutions

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Erosion: The ProblemErosion: The ProblemThe ascent or descent of Gamlin End on the east face of High Crag is the only safe route on or off the popular Buttermere Ridge walk. The serious erosion scar presented major problemsLack of suitable stone nearby to use for repairThe width of the scarHeavy use from both sheep and people

This is a path still to be done

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Erosion: The SolutionErosion: The SolutionSpring 1995 - Digging out of the trench and filling 300 bags of stone.July 1995 - 300 bags of stone flown approximately 1km by helicopter and lowered into trench.December 1995 – Path finished being laidSpring 1996 - Landscaping workJuly 1996 - Re-seeding and temporary fencing.September - high profile launch.

Taken in 2004

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Problem: Local HousingProblem: Local HousingThe popularity of the Lake District as a holiday and retirement area can lead to problems for local people in finding accommodation to rent or buy. There is a high demand for housing within the National Park but little room left for further development without damaging the character of settlements and the landscape. Nearly one in five houses are second or holiday homes and the demand for these, together with the demand for retirement homes, has contributed to higher than average house prices. It has been estimated, for example, that one quarter of the households in the District of South Lakeland, part of which lies within the National Park, will never be able to buy their own home.

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A A solution: solution: Housing Housing for local for local people people

that uses that uses local local

materialsmaterials

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The Problem: TrafficThe Problem: Traffic

See how it has increased

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Traffic IssuesTraffic IssuesLarge volumes of traffic can lead to a number of issues, especially in an area like the Lake District where roads are often narrow.POLLUTION: Motor vehicles emit various pollutants which may reach high levels in certain weather conditions, especially within towns.NOISE: ‘Peace and Quiet’ is often given as a reason for visiting, so this is an issue, especially when considering development.VISUAL INTRUSION: Lines of parked cars can detract from the natural beauty of the National Park.

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Traffic IssuesTraffic IssuesCONGESTION: Congestion can be a problem in certain areas and towns at peak times of day and the year.REDUCING VISITOR TRAFFIC: Traffic Management aims to minimise the impact of traffic and encourage visitors to use public transport rather than private cars.PARKING: A balance needs to be found between provision of parking for visitors and locals and impact on the landscape.HAZARDS TO VULNERABLE ROAD USERS: Walkers, cyclists and horse riders should be at ease on the roads in the Lake District. Actual and perceived hazards to these road users should be minimised.

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The way forwardThe way forward

The authorities will plan the future of transport by trying to– Minimise its impact on the landscape– Improve the quality of life for local

residents– Improve the quality of enjoyment for

visitors– Encourage use of sustainable means of

travel

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Some of the things they Some of the things they have donehave done

Improving cycleway from Keswick to KendalIncreasing public transport optionsInvestigating opening up a closed railwayModifying parking facilities to reduce roadside parkingMonitoring speed restrictions, to take account of narrow winding roadsInvestigating park and ride

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HomeworkHomeworkLooking at another National Park, the Peak District, there is a proposal to build a new visitors centre. As with all new ideas, some people like it and some do not!You will read about what different people think and why. You will be asked to briefly summarise their opinions and reasons.Then using this information and your own thoughts, decide whether you think the visitors’ centre should go ahead or not, explain why you have formed that opinion.