Understanding and enjoyment - Aim and objectives

Aim

There will be a greater awareness of the National Park and of the opportunities it offers to everyone to appreciate, enjoy and learn from its special qualities. People’s enjoyment will encourage them to find out more, play a part in the National Park’s conservation, and help forge ties between urban and rural communities.

Objectives:

UE1. Provide clear and consistent messages about what is special and what people can do to help conserve the special qualities of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, so that at least 50% of visitors and 70% of residents have an understanding of national park purposes and/or the special qualities of the Yorkshire Dales by 2010.

UE2. Promote awareness of the Yorkshire Dales National Park so that, by 2008, 90% of visitors are aware that they are in a national park.

UE3. Make information about the Yorkshire Dales National Park easily accessible and relevant to a diverse range of groups and individuals, focusing on the urban areas of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Teesside that surround it, including:

a) increase the number of visitors from black and ethnic minority communities from 1% in 2005 to 2% by 2011;

b) increase the percentage of residents in Keighley and Bradford who are aware of the National Park from 25% in 2005 to 30% by 2011.

UE4. Through the Tourism Partnership, strengthen and develop the image of the Yorkshire Dales National Park to incorporate sustainability, inclusion and conservation values, alongside outdoor recreation, excitement and enjoyment.

UE5. Each year, develop and implement at least one new programme of formal or informal education or training to encourage schools and groups to get involved in conserving the special qualities of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

UE6. Carry out research to identify why few young people visit national parks other than as part of educational groups, and by 2008 develop appropriate programmes to encourage an interest in national parks within this age group.

UE7. Provide people from all backgrounds with the opportunity to make a difference to the long-term conservation, enhancement and enjoyment of the National Park and to contribute to personal health and well-being by providing at least 5,000 volunteer days per year by 2009.

UE8. Raise awareness of the Yorkshire Dales so that by 2008 at least 10% of people in England and Wales can name it as being a national park.

UE9. As part of the Tourism Partnership’s programme, develop an annual programme of events, walks and activities that use the special qualities of the Yorkshire Dales National Park to deliver wider benefits, such as health, leadership skills and spiritual well-being.

UE10. Promote environmental awareness amongst tourism businesses and visitors within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, so as to increase the number of businesses offering ‘sustainable tourism products’ from 25% in 2006 to 50% by 2010.