Inspiring places, inspiring people: Campaign for National Parks uses ‘National Parks Week’ to encourage more people to connect with iconic landscapes

There is nothing to stop you exploring Britain’s glorious National Parks at any time of the year – but if you do need an excuse then why not go during National Parks Week (26th July – 1st August).  The Campaign for National Parks’ (CNP) Mosaic Community Champions are taking the opportunity to encourage individuals, groups and communities from ethnic minority backgrounds, who would not normally visit the Parks, to get out and explore these unique and inspiring landscapes.     

Throughout July and during National Park’s Week CNP’s Community Champions will be organising trips and activities for hundreds of people.  From Taster Trips to the New Forest for Asian Elders and visits for school children to the Yorkshire Dales, to attending Community Festivals in the Lake District, the Mosaic team will be embracing the many opportunities for ensuring that National Parks are as accessible for as many people as possible.  

Now in its 10th year, CNP’s ground-breaking Mosaic project is working with ethnic minority leaders in 20 cities across the UK to build sustainable links with the National Parks.  Over 130 new community champions have helped to facilitate more than a 1,000 visits by new audiences in the last 18 months alone.  The current phase of the project is supported by Natural England through Access to Nature as part of The Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme. 

National Parks Week celebrates some of Britain’s most iconic landscapes and encourages more people to visit, understand and enjoy their special qualities.  It is fitting that this year’s National Parks Week focuses on ‘Inspiring places, inspiring people’ as CNP’s Community Champions demonstrate:

Community Champion, Nurjahan Ali Arobi has just won the 2010 Ken Willson Award for her work encouraging more people from black and minority ethnic (BME) groups to visit the Yorkshire Dales National Park.  “Nurjahan has an infectious enthusiasm for the Yorkshire Dales.   Everyone who hears her speak praises her warmth and ability to put forward her message about the Dales and its links with neighbouring communities.  In organising visits and advising staff on communicating with BME groups, Nurjahan is invaluable to the outreach work of both the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Yorkshire Dales Society.” (Spokesperson from Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority)

Community Champions tend to be influential members of a community who are committed to increasing the profile of the National Parks amongst their peers, are willing to organise visits to the Parks and are motivated to help shape the future protection and promotion of these special landscapes.  Mosaic provides practical support through training such as map reading and group leadership skills, but it’s the inspirational individuals who make things happen!  Earlier this year ten Community Champions took 130 people from their local community to the Peak District for the launch of a walking festival, and between April 2009 and March 2010 CNP’s Community Champions gave over 750 volunteer days to help promote the National Parks. 

To learn more about the events taking place in the Parks throughout National Parks Week visit http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/visiting/nationalparksweek.htm

To learn more about the specific activities being led by CNP’s Community Champions contact the Mosaic Programme Manager, Nina Arwitz: 020 7924 4077 ext. 227 / nina@cnp.org.uk 

Media Enquiries

Jo Hall, jo@cnp.org.uk / 020 7924 4077 ext 224

Notes to editors

1. The Campaign for National Parks (CNP) is a national charity dedicated to protecting and promoting all thirteen National Parks of England and Wales for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  Visit our brand new website to learn more www.cnp.org.uk  

2. Mosaic is a groundbreaking national project lead by the Campaign for National Parks that aims to build sustainable links between ethnic minority communities and the National Parks.  It focuses on those audiences who would not normally visit the Parks and provides them with the knowledge, tools and confidence to explore some of Britain’s most iconic landscapes.  It is a partnership between the Campaign for National Parks, the Youth Hostels Association and the organisations that help look after the National Parks in England: the Broads Authority, Dartmoor National Park Authority (NPA), Exmoor NPA, Lake District NPA, New Forest NPA, North York Moors NPA, Northumberland NPA, Peak District NPA and the Yorkshire Dales NPA.  For more information, please visit: www.mosaicnationalparks.org.uk. 

Location: London
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Outreach Work Earns Dales Award

The 2010 Ken Willson award was presented in Kettlewell on Saturday (10th July) to Nurjahan Ali Arobi by the Yorkshire Dales Society.

The annual award, which was created in 2005, is designed to commemorate the life and work of Ken Willson (1914-2003), a lifelong campaigner for the Yorkshire Dales, the First President of the Yorkshire Dales Society and a Chairman of Craven CPRE.

The Award is presented to a young person under 30 years of age who must live or work either within the Yorkshire Dales National Park or Nidderdale AONB, or in an adjacent community, and have made an important contribution to protecting, sustaining or enhancing the unique Yorkshire dales landscape, natural history or cultural heritage.

Bradford born and bred with Bangladeshi parentage, Nurjahan Ali Arobi from Shipley is this year’s outright winner of the award.

Nurjahan, aged 36, was nominated by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for her involvement in the Dales over the past six years in her role as the Walking for Health coordinator for the NHS. The nomination explained that since her initial involvement through her job, Nurjahan has subsequently become increasingly committed as a volunteer to getting more people from black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME) groups to visit the National Park. She is now a Community Champion for the YDNPA as part of the Mosaic project, a national campaign which aims to build sustainable links between black and minority ethnic communities and the National Parks.

A spokesman from the YDNPA said “Nurjahan has an infectious enthusiasm for the Yorkshire Dales and as an accomplished public speaker she has spoken on behalf of her local community, the National Park Authority and for the Campaign for National Parks to many different groups ranging from YDNPA staff to government ministers and the media. Everyone who hears her speak praises her warmth and ability to put forward her message about the Dales and its links with neighbouring communities concisely and clearly.

In organising visits to the National Park by BAME groups, offering support and advice to YDNPA staff on communicating with BAME groups in encouraging visitors from those groups, Nurjahan is invaluable to the outreach work of both the YDNPA and, in turn, the Yorkshire Dales Society.”

Nurjahan was presented with her award at the Yorkshire Dales Society AGM which was held at The Racehorses Hotel in Kettlewell. By coincidence, the multi-cultural spirit she encapsulated was reflected in a music event hosted by the Society at Buckden the following day, which featured locals Rosie and Tim Boothman playing local Dales dances and songs alongside traditional South Asian music from West Yorkshire musicians. 

http://www.daelnet.co.uk/countrynews/country_news_14072010.cfm

Location: Yorkshire Dales
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Campaign for National Parks launches new website and visual identity to encourage more people to ‘keep beautiful places safe’

In preparation for its 75th anniversary in 2011 the Campaign for National Parks (CNP) (1) has undergone a facelift with a brand new logo and website (http://www.cnp.org.uk) launched today. 

The new logo gives CNP a modern, fresh and bold new look that re-asserts the charity’s objective of campaigning to protect and promote the National Parks of England and Wales.  The logo now incorporates the strap-line, ‘keeping beautiful places safe’ which complements the charity’s more campaign focused name and further highlights the core work of CNP in a direct and emotive way. 

The logo was designed by Burnett Works (3) who also designed and built from scratch CNP’s new website – (http://www.cnp.org.uk).  The website, which goes live today, uses CNP President Ben Fogle to introduce the work of the charity via a short film on the home page.  Throughout, the website plays on the strength of the visual imagery provided by the National Parks, with a backdrop of a stunning landscape on each page.    

Vicki Nice, Head of Digital at Burnett Works explains that:  

‘The revised information architecture is key to the website’s instinctive usability and accessibility, ensuring that both core and new audiences feel at home on the site. Using an Open Source CMS was a cost-effective way for us to deliver an enriched user experience on the site via functionality modules like the image gallery and interactive maps module. The design of the site pushes every aspect of the brand personality, with different sections adopting a different ‘viewpoint’ – transporting the user to beautiful places.’

As CNP looks to the next 75 years it wants to use the website to engage people in understanding and enjoying National Parks, and to highlight the very real threats facing them in the 21st century.  The site deals with some complex issues, but presents them in a way that is clear and engaging and continues to provide a breadth of information on CNP’s campaigns as well as resources on the family of National Parks and the issues affecting them.  

Kathy Moore is the Chief Executive of CNP and explains how important the website is to the charity – ‘The website will appeal to those people who already value the Parks for the recreation and respite that they offer.  It will give them an insight into how CNP is working hard to meet the challenges facing these landscapes and offering solutions to help to safeguard them both now and in the future. At the same time the website is a fantastic tool to help us to introduce new people to the Parks and to demonstrate the threats that they face.  But it’s no substitute for the real thing!  We want the website to inspire people to explore the Parks for themselves and then feel moved to come back to us and learn more about how they can help us to protect them.’  

The new website and logo are part of CNP’s commitment to increasing the number and range of people who know and care about National Parks and comes at an exciting time for the charity.  Having recently helped to secure the South Downs as England’s newest National Park, CNP is now eagerly awaiting the outcome of Natural England’s proposed extensions to the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks.  The team at CNP is also looking forward to rolling out a pilot project to explore how to make National Parks relevant to young people.  CNP will also be launching a brand new Park Protector Award with the first winner announced in 2011.

Ultimately, CNP hopes that the new website and logo will boost the number of people interested in the National Parks, which in turn will help to discover the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts who are passionate about wanting to help to protect and promote these iconic landscapes in the future.

-Ends- 

For more information: 

Joanna Hall, Communications Manager 020 7924 4077 ext 224 / jo@cnp.org.uk or 0781 758 2488

Amy Peters, Website Manager 020 7924 4077 ext 230 / amy@cnp.org.uk 

Notes to editors 

(1) The Campaign for National Parks is a national charity that campaigns to protect and promote the National Parks of England and Wales for the benefit and enjoyment of all.  It is the only charity dedicated to fighting the threats that face all thirteen of the National Parks and is the lead player in finding ways to engage under-represented individuals, groups and communities in National Parks.  

(2) Burnett Works is one of the UK's leading fully integrated agencies to the not-for-profit sector. Current clients include Virgin Unite, Friends of the Earth, CAFOD, RAF Benevolent Fund and The Camphill Family. Visit www.burnett-works.com for more information on the agency’s work.

Location: London
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International Ventures for Devon Young People

A delegation from the Campaign for National Park’s (1) Mosaic Young Champions (2) has just returned from presenting at an international conference in Sweden on the opportunities offered by Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks for developing youth leadership skills. 

Steve Lovell, one of the young people who attended, said:

"When I first arrived at Leksand (in Sweden) I was greeted by a landscape that completely took my breath away but that pales in comparison to how amazed and proud I was to be part of a global movement to change how young people are treated across the world.  The people that I met during the conference were some of the most interesting people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and I am honoured to have had the opportunity to work alongside them and overjoyed for them to be the leaders of tomorrow." 

Apart from running workshops the young people also spent time with the Swedish Minister for Employment  (Sven-Otto Littorin), discussing the necessity of allowing young people to develop entrepreneur and leadership skills, especially in challenging economic conditions.  

Youth Project Officer David Rolls, from Mosaic, said:

”It was brilliant to be part of the UK delegation. The young people really made their voices heard in a very powerful way. Seeing them on the main platform presenting to over 1000- conference delegates was certainly a high point.” 

The Mosaic Young Champions joined young people from six other innovative youth leadership projects in the UK delegation upon the request of the Young Foundation. Mary Abdo from the Foundation highlighted:

“Mosaic brought experience, passion and creativity to our team at the ‘YES - Rework the World’ Conference in Sweden. We were delighted with how well the trip went and particularly the leadership Mosaic Young Champion Steve showed among our group of young participants. We were proud to showcase the innovative youth leadership work of the Campaign for National Parks on an international stage.”

For more information and photos please contact:

Mosaic Programme Manager, Nina Arwitz: 020 7924 4077 ext. 227

Mosaic Project Officer, David Rolls: 07935 099 462

Notes to editors

1.The Campaign for National Parks (CNP) is the national charity that campaigns to protect and promote National Parks for the benefit and quiet enjoyment of all (http://www.cnp.org.uk/). 

2. Mosaic is a national project that aims to build sustainable links between young people, as well as ethnic minorities, and the National Parks. It is a partnership between the Campaign for National Parks, the Youth Hostels Association and the 9 organisations that run the National Parks in England: the Broads Authority, Dartmoor National Park Authority (NPA), Exmoor NPA, Lake District NPA, New Forest NPA, North York Moors NPA, Northumberland NPA, Peak District NPA and the Yorkshire Dales NPA. For more information, please visit: www.mosaicnationalparks.org.uk. 

Photos

Mosaic Young Champion Steve Lovell discussing the necessity of allowing young people to develop entrepreneur and leadership skills, especially in challenging economic conditions, with the Swedish Minister of Employment Sven-Otto Littorin (Photo credit: David Rolls, Mosaic):

Location: Leksand, Sweden
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PRESS RELEASE

Yesterday (Wednesday 21st April), a team of ‘Young Champions’ came together at the ‘X’ Centre in Exeter to celebrate the completion of a year-long youth led project to discover a new generation of supporters for Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks.  The Campaign for National (1) parks led the project, building on its ground-breaking Mosaic (2) model of engaging under-represented groups by empowering individuals to promote the National Parks to others. In south west England Mosaic targeted the 16-25 age group and recruited 18  ‘Young Champions’ from communities in Plymouth, Exeter, Bideford and Barnstaple who are now all active in promoting the National Parks to their peers.  

The event yesterday showcased the work of the project.  From world record attempts at tree planting to murder mystery tours on Dartmoor, young people are exploring in their own unique way how to make these treasured landscapes relevant and important to their generation.  Mosaic allows young people to be themselves, without dictating how and why people should visit the Parks, ensuring that a diverse group of youngsters become enthused by these iconic landscapes for years to come.

For many of the ‘Young Champions’, the introduction to these special landscapes has resulted in a radical attitude change.  One champion, Steve, says ‘the illusion has been broken that [it’s] all about rambling.  I’ve discovered that there’s archery, gorge scrambling and high ropes – all kinds of fun.’

David Rolls is the Mosaic Research Officer and has led the youth project at a grass roots level.  He comments, ‘Young people are brilliant leaders and they make things happen.’ This is certainly true of Mosaic and the facts speak for themselves.  In the last 6 months:

• 200+ days have been volunteered by the young champions

• 76 awards have been achieved by the young champions

• £10,000 of ‘in kind’ support has been received

• 100+ new young people have visited Dartmoor and Exmoor

• 1,000 hours have been spent in the Parks

• 20 events have been championed by the young people

• 6 National Park services have been ‘youth proofed’

• 100% of the young people have developed new skills and confidence 

Young people are benefiting in many different ways. ‘Through Mosaic, I’ve found new volunteers for my conservation project, I’ve made connections with the YHA and I have had help applying for funding.’  Katie’s new found skills have just landed her project £2,000 from a Sustainable Development Fund.  Steve adds, ‘I’ve met so many people and because I want to be a youth worker this project has helped me to develop the leadership skills I need.’  Khalil has learned to read a map and now believes he ‘can go anywhere.’  This is a ringing endorsement for Mosaic, which also aims to build life skills and leadership qualities amongst young people in an outdoors environment.  

The project is also about encouraging organisational change.  Caz, George and Sarah from a youth organisation called Switch have been helping to ‘youth proof’ the Exmoor National Park Authority’s visitor services to help make their materials more appealing to younger audiences.  This has resulted in the National Park Authority asking them to design a pocket guide about Exmoor, targeting young people.    

With many of the ‘Young Champions’ coming from less advantaged urban backgrounds and facing additional challenges such as disability, unemployment or living in sheltered housing, this project is an important step in opening up the countryside to people who would not otherwise get the chance to enjoy its benefits.  It is also part of CNP’s objective to help find a new generation of supporters inspired to protect the National Parks in the future.  The good news is that CNP has recently been awarded additional funding to extend the project in the south west, from the Young Foundation through the Youth of Today programme (3).

Mosaic has been commended by CNP President Ben Fogle.  When interviewed about the project he said, ‘It’s not a good idea, it’s a brilliant idea. For many ‘Young Champions’, Mosaic has given them a sense of belonging. I feel humbled and proud to have met them.’ 

Praise also comes from Bill Hitchins, Chair of Dartmoor National Park Authority, and Andrea Davis, Vice Chair of Exmoor National Park Authority, both of whom attended the event yesterday.  When referring to the future of National Parks, Bill Hitchins said they ‘are in good hands.’   

ENDS

For further information, contact:

Nina Arwitz (Mosaic Programme Manager): 020 7924 4077 ext. 227 / 0773 892 9729; nina@cnp.org.uk   

David Rolls (Mosaic Research Officer): 0793 509 9462; david@cnp.org.uk 

Notes to editors:

(1) In 2011 the Campaign for National Parks (CNP) will be celebrating 75 years of working to protect and promote the National Parks of England and Wales.  CNP was instrumental in bringing about the Act of Parliament that enabled the designation of National Parks in 1949.  Today the charity is made up of about 40 national and local environmental and amenity organisations and takes a lead role in safeguarding some of Britain’s most iconic landscapes.  For more information visit www.cnp.org.uk (registered charity number 295336).

(2) Mosaic is a partnership between the Campaign for National Parks, the Youth Hostels Association and 9 National Park Authorities in England.  Mosaic is funded by Natural England through Access to Nature as a part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme, with match funding from Nationwide Building Society, DEFRA and the partners themselves.  For more information visit www.mosaicnationalparks.org. 

(3) The Youth of Today is a consortium of leading youth organisations working together to increase the quality, quantity and diversity of opportunities for young people as leaders of change in their communities.  It is funded and supported by the Department for Children, Schools and Families and Communities and Local Government and led by The National Youth Agency, British Youth Council, Changemakers, Citizenship Foundation, The Prince's Trust, UK Youth Parliament and the Young Foundation.

Location: Exeter
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