I work within and am passionate about the British National Park movement. National Parks were set up as part of the social reforms ushered in at the close of the second world war. Their architect John Dower describes the rationale for their creation best 'Few national purposes are more vital or more rich in promise of health and happiness than the provision of large, open and beautiful tracts of country in which holidays can be freely and inexpensively enjoyed. National Parks are not for any privileged or otherwise restricted section of the population, but for all who care to refresh their minds and spirits and to exercise their bodies in a peaceful setting of natural beauty.'
Currently National Parks are focused on climate change mitigation, nature recovery and resilient rural communities whilst providing cultural ecosystem services for the benefit of the health and wellbeing for all who live and visit.