New national TV ad urges people to respect the New Forest National Park
The first ever national campaign launched to protect the UK's National Parks
Last updated 21st May 2021
The New Forest National Park is expected to see a huge influx in visitor numbers as more people choose a staycation this year again.
The UK National Parks has launched it's first ever national ad campaign to encourage people particularly the younger generation to #LoveYourNationalParks when visiting one of the 15 sites.
John Packman, who is lead CEO for National Parks UK Communications, explains:
"The nation is embracing the healing properties of nature as the lockdown comes to an end, and National Parks see this as a chance to help whole new sections of society fall in love with the outdoors and a great opportunity for us to make a connection with younger visitors that might not have been to a National Park before. Research shows connecting with nature has a powerful positive impact on our physical and mental health."
The campaign encourages visitors to 'plan ahead' and make sure they park in one of the designated car parks and not on the verge which can cause damage to the area.
The other big focus is to encourage people to take their litter home with them, every year a number of New Forest ponies have to be put down because they've eaten or injured themselves on rubbish
Packman explains:
"If you've not been to a National Park before it's difficult to know what to expect and the access to facilities will vary hugely. No one plans to drop litter, but if you plan to take your litter home then you'll know to pack a bag you can store it in. Caring and taking action for nature is so important, and by helping to look out for nature you feel good in return - it's a virtuous circle."
NATIONAL PARKS POPULAR IN LOCKDOWN
Around 9 in 10 people surveyed by Natural England in May 2020 agreed that natural spaces are good for mental health and wellbeing.
More than 40% noticed that nature, wildlife, and visiting local green and natural spaces have been even more important to their wellbeing since the coronavirus restrictions began.
Tom Hind, CEO of North York Moors National Park and head of the joint Visitor Management Group says getting the message to respect parks like the New Forest to a wider audience is important.
"It's the 70th anniversary of the first National Parks in the UK and we see over 100 million visits in a quiet year. We learned a lot last year about how to help people make the most of their National Parks when visitor numbers are twice and three times the usual. We anticipate 2021 is going to be just that busy. "
"Our key message is that to have the best, safest time, people should do a little planning ahead. Being flexible is important. So if you get to your destination and it's too crowded to park, you should already know what plan B and C is - or at least how to make those plans, even without wifi or a mobile signal. The best place to start is nationalparks.uk/love __or the website of the National Park you are visiting which will have the latest advice and tips for planning the visit that fits your bill."