1. Today  Country Park  What they are, what they are trying to do and a local example  National Trust (NGO)  Who they are, what they do and how this helps

2. Country Parks…  Country parks are areas of countryside, usually near urban centres, with recreational facilities for the public.  Many are redeveloped derelict industrial sites or have other uses such as plantations or reservoirs. Ferry Meadows Country Park, Peterborough

3. Why are National Parks Different to Country Parks?  A country park is an area designated for people to visit and enjoy recreation in a countryside environment.  There are over 270 country parks in England most of which are owned and managed by local authorities.  Country Parks are a lasting and popular legacy of the provisions of the Countryside Act 1968.  Country parks receive over 70 million visitors a year and provide a wide range of opportunities for recreation, health, education and improvements to the quality of life particularly for local communities.

4. Country Parks  Natural England is working with partners to encourage a "renaissance" of country parks to ensure they are all in good shape for the future.  In 1999, it was found that although many good country parks were continuing to improve, a significant number of poor parks were in decline and action was needed to ensure that they had a better future.  In 1999, it was found that although many good country parks were continuing to improve, a significant number of poor parks were in decline and action was needed to ensure that they had a better future.

5. The White Paper  In the Rural White Paper (2000), the Countryside Agency was tasked with 'issuing guidance on best practice to revitalise the country parks around towns and cities'.  In the Rural White Paper (2000), the Countryside Agency was tasked with 'issuing guidance on best practice to revitalise the country parks around towns and cities'.  The aim of this White Paper is to give local people and local communities more influence and power to improve their lives.

6. Support your country parks  http://www.countryside.gov.uk/Images/Co untry%20Parks%20Leaflet_tcm2- 29240.PDF http://www.countryside.gov.uk/Images/Co untry%20Parks%20Leaflet_tcm2- 29240.PDF http://www.countryside.gov.uk/Images/Co untry%20Parks%20Leaflet_tcm2- 29240.PDF

7. Holt Country Park  http://www.tournorfolk.co.uk/holt.html http://www.tournorfolk.co.uk/holt.html

9.  Holt Country Park is only a short walk from the historic market town of Holt on the edge of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  It has had a chequered history, from a horseracing course, heath, farmland, forestry, and woodland garden. It has now been developed into a tranquil woodland dominated with Scots Pine and native broadleaves. Its rich ground flora supports an abundant display of wildlife including Goldcrests, Greater Spotted Woodpeckers, Emperor Dragonflies and Deer.

10. What it has to offer…  The Park contains a Visitor Centre with shop, toilets, and way marked walks which include an Easy Access Trail and for the more adventurous countryside walks from 1-18miles. When exploring the park you may stumble upon a viewing tower, pond, sculptures, totem pole and play area. Activities can be organised for groups and are very popular with schools, or families can join in environmental and arts events throughout the year. http://www.northnorfolk.org/news/archive2007_6191.asp

11. Green Flag Award Scheme  The national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.  The national standard for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.  The award scheme began in 1996 as a means of recognising and rewarding the best green spaces in the country. It was also seen as a way of encouraging others to achieve the same high environmental standards.  Winning a Green Flag Awards brings excellent publicity. Each site is judged on its own merits and suitability to the community it serves.  Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status.

12. The National Trust  The National Trust is a charity and is completely independent of Government (Non- Governmental Organisation).  Relies for income on membership fees, donations etc.  Protect and open to the public over 300 historic houses and gardens and 49 industrial monuments and mills.  Also: look after forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, downs, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, castles, nature reserves, villages…

13. Operation Neptune (purchase and protection of coastlines)  The Neptune Coastline Campaign was launched in 1965 in a reaction to a widespread concern at the accelerating rate of loss of coast to pressures from commercial, tourism and housing developments.  The Neptune Coastline Campaign was launched with the ambitious target of protecting 1500 kilometres. In the 37 years since its launch, Neptune has raised over £40 million to purchase and manage coastline.

14. The Story so far…   http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w- trust/w-support/w-donations/w- appeals_and_campaigns/w-donate- neptune_coastline/w-donate-neptune- sofar.htm http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w- trust/w-support/w-donations/w- appeals_and_campaigns/w-donate- neptune_coastline/w-donate-neptune- sofar.htm

15. Attributes of the Neptune Coastline Campaign  It is supported by a financially sound charity independent of Government  The Trust offer “permanent” protection to land  Money goes where donors want it to go: The Neptune Coastline Campaign covers the coasts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland but donors of funds, whether £1 or £1 million, are invited to say where they wish their money to be spent.

16. Ifs and Buts!...  Is the Neptune Coastal Campaign still relevant?  The Campaign continues to receive enormous support. It is on target to raise £1.5 million through donations this year.  Can Protection of Coasts through ownership by Charitable Trusts be Effective?  Protection through ownership by a Charitable Trust combined with effective fiscal and regulatory policies at a national and european level, has proved in the case of the Neptune Coastline Campaign to be remarkably successful.

17. Land Ownership and Management RESEARCH TASK: Details of the activities by the National Trust regarding: Land ownership Land Management