“When the world in which you live in
Gets a bit too much to bear
When you need someone to lean on
When you look, there’s no one there
You’re going to find me out in the country
Come on and find me out in the country”

‘

In The Country’ – The Farmers Boys

After being confined indoors for too long over the last year and with summer almost here, it is time to get out and about. June is Great Outdoors Month and it’s the perfect opportunity to encourage children in the importance of outside play.

Not only is a day outdoors something that can be part of a healthy lifestyle, it is often a free or cheap day out for families. It’s a great way to learn about nature, the environment, history and geography; it can also form the basis of school projects and is, as a bonus, a lot of fun.

“Discover incredible landscapes, wildlife, lifestyles and adventures. Find yourself.”

“Conservation, enhancement, sustainability, enjoyment – four words that sit at the heart of all National Parks.”

“Stunning natural beauty, beautiful wildlife and fascinating cultural heritage make these living and working landscapes truly unique.”

National Parks Website

As well, as stunning countryside in every corner, the UK has 15 National Parks, each one of which has been designated as a protected landscape. There are 10 National Parks in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland, they are:

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

All National Parks in the UK have been designated a protected landscape because of their special qualities. National Parks are administered their own authority and have an incredible diversity of wildlife. They hosted over 330 conservation projects in 2019/20. Added to this there are thousands of kilometres of public rights of way and 1,300km of these have been designated suitable for those with accessibility issues

National Parks are funded by central government and have specific purposes that are enshrined in law. In England and Wales, they are:

• Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.
• Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of national parks by the public.

Take part in Great Outdoors Month and get involved by exercising or taking part in volunteer programmes. Take some time to enjoy the incredible beauty of the countryside in the UK.