A new report from National Parks UK reveals strong public support for the wider role National Parks can play in people’s lives, alongside shared concerns about mental wellbeing, nature loss, access to nature and the impacts of climate change.

Based on a survey of 3,000 people across England, Scotland and Wales, supported by 30 in-depth interviews, the research found:

90% believe National Parks can help support people’s mental health and wellbeing.
80% agree National Parks are taking action on climate and nature.
75% of people say feeling connected to nature is important.
89% say reducing stress and pressure in daily life is important.
76% care strongly about pollution, litter and damage to natural places.
69% care strongly about flooding and extreme weather.
Large majorities also want better access to nature and stronger local communities.

Across the UK, National Parks are already helping turn these shared priorities into action.

A new report from National Parks UK reveals strong public support for the wider role National Parks can play in people's lives, alongside shared concerns about mental wellbeing, nature loss, access to nature and the impacts of climate change.

placeholder image — A new report from National Parks UK reveals strong public support for the wider role National Parks can play in people's lives, alongside shared concerns about mental wellbeing, nature loss, access to nature and the impacts of climate change.

From supporting people living with dementia to spend time outdoors and connect with others in the Cairngorms, to planting hedgerows, restoring grasslands and creating ponds for wildlife in the North York Moors, providing specialist beach wheelchairs so more people can reach the Pembrokeshire coast, and growing native trees from locally collected seed to restore woodlands in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, people and partners across National Parks are turning these priorities into practical action.

The report highlights how National Parks are more than beautiful landscapes: they are places where action is happening and people and nature can thrive together.

Gordon Watson, chief executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “This report shows that National Parks are more than beautiful landscapes: they are places where people and nature can thrive together, and where significant action is already well underway to help tackle some of society’s biggest challenges.

“The projects we’re highlighting across Scotland, Wales and England are just a snapshot of the work National Parks are delivering, but they clearly demonstrate that, despite the scale of those challenges, we can and should still have hope.

“Positive change is possible, and the public support is there to drive that change forward. Through collective action, connection and innovative solutions, National Parks are helping to make that change happen.”

Across the UK’s National Parks, projects are responding to the issues people say matter to them. Cairngorms National Park is supporting people living with dementia to connect with nature and build social connection through an innovative programme.

One carer attending the Outdoor Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre described it as: “A lovely, welcoming place in amazing surroundings which put us right at the heart of nature.”

North York Moors National Park is restoring habitats to support wildlife and help strengthen the resilience of the landscape through volunteering initiatives.

Bob Dicker, a member of the local community who volunteers at the project said: “This is a great way for a bunch of local people to say, ‘we can do our bit’.”

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is improving opportunities for more people to experience and enjoy the coast, by addressing physical barriers to access.

Angela Robinson, health and wellbeing officer, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority said: “Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy Pembrokeshire’s coast, and this scheme helps make that possible for people who might otherwise be excluded.”

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is supporting a network of tree nurseries to help restore the landscape, creating more opportunities for local people and strengthening the resilience of the community to climate change.

Hamshya Rajkumar, nursery volunteer coordinator for the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust, said: “…the nursery is as much about people as plants. Volunteers and local communities are integral to its success, learning new skills, connecting with nature and helping to restore habitats across the National Park.”

Collectively, National Parks are already making a positive difference to people’s lives.

The research found that 90% of people believe National Parks can help support people's mental health and wellbeing, while 80% agree that National Parks are taking action on climate and nature.

These findings highlight the growing role of National Parks beyond their iconic landscapes. From supporting health and wellbeing and creating opportunities for local communities, to restoring nature and responding to climate change, National Parks are helping address some of the biggest challenges facing society today.

National Parks UK is launching the report alongside its UK-wide initiative, The Answer Is National Parks, which showcases how projects across all 15 UK National Parks are turning these shared priorities into practical action.