We will be investigating the question - Who are Britain's National Parks for?
National Parks are an extremely significant element of both the physical and human geography of the United Kingdom. As well as covering over 7 per cent of the land area and including some of the United Kingdom’s most scenic and wild places, they are also a tangible manifestation of the cultural importance that British society attaches to the outdoors, countryside and open spaces. Investigating why the United Kingdom has National Parks, their special qualities and how they are managed is a relevant and meaningful aspect of geography for young people to be engaging with.
The enquiry begins with pupils identifying the location and distribution of the 15 National Parks in the United Kingdom and understanding the rationale that underpins them – to protect and conserve the country’s most scenic and beautiful landscapes, important wildlife and associated cultural heritage, to actively encourage visits and interaction with people and to ensure, in the long term, the sustainability of the 440 000 people who live and work within them. This involves grappling with some very important concepts such as ‘heritage’, ‘environment’, ‘value’ and ‘economic activity’ through a range of accessible and engaging activities.
