New research finds what matters to people on nature, climate and wellbeing is strongly reflected in the work of National Parks

Newly commissioned national research from National Parks UK shows that what people value and care about, from their wellbeing to nature and climate, is strongly reflected in the work already being delivered by National Parks across Scotland, England and Wales.

In Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the ‘Growing Our Future’ programme is an example of action underway. The programme aims to build a network of local plant nurseries to provide a sustainable supply of native plants and trees, as well as becoming a hub for community engagement, nature connection and supporting the skills and jobs needed to help Scotland’s woodlands regenerate at scale.

National Parks UK is launching the report alongside its national initiative, ‘The Answer Is National Parks’, which showcases how projects across all 15 National Parks are already responding to what people really care about, and delivering practical action.

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

• 75% of people say feeling connected to nature is important.
• 89% say reducing stress and pressure in daily life is important.
• 73% care strongly about protecting and restoring natural habitats.
• 69% care strongly about flooding and extreme weather.
• 90% believe National Parks can help support people’s mental health and wellbeing.
• 80% agree 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.

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 and deliver on what people really value.

“The projects we’re highlighting here in Scotland, and across England and Wales 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 by testing innovative solutions, National Parks are helping to make that change happen.”

National Parks in Scotland, England and Wales are working alongside partners and local communities on a wide range of projects for people, nature and climate, from helping people affected by dementia reconnect with nature in the Cairngorms, to planting hedgerows, restoring grasslands and creating ponds for wildlife in the North York Moors, and providing specialist beach wheelchairs so more people can reach the Pembrokeshire coast.

In Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the ‘Growing Our Future’ programme aims to create a financially viable network of nurseries and growers, and the knowledge and skills to support them. Two nurseries are already up and running, reflecting different operating models. The Glenfalloch nursery, run by a private estate, has produced over 160,000 cell-grown trees since opening in 2023, supported by hundreds of local volunteers. The newly opened Lomond Plant Nursery on the banks of Loch Lomond is a non-profit run by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust and supported by RSPB Scotland. It is currently trialling operations to understand the growing requirements of different local species before expanding production. It also aims to be a hub for learning, engagement and volunteering, supporting the Countryside Trust’s wider community work, bolstered by RSPB’s ‘Nature’s Future Workforce’ programme to develop green skills and training for nature restoration across the National Park.

‘Growing Our Future’ is one of eleven programmes of the ‘Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Landscape Connections’ initiative, a new partnership between the National Park Authority, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust and RSPB Scotland, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The large-scale, long-term project aims to restore and connect some of Scotland’s rarest woodland habitat across an area twice the size of Glasgow. It will also create new skills and job opportunities for local communities, support rural economies, provide clean air and water, and help reduce flood and wildfire risk by increasing climate adaptation and resilience.

Hamshya Rajkumar, Nursery Volunteer Coordinator for the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust said: “The Lomond Plant Nursery grows trees and plants from seed collected here in the National Park. Growing local seed for local landscapes protects and enhances the unique genetic diversity of our local species, while reducing the risk of pests and diseases.

“But 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. National Parks UK’s report shows strong public support for protecting and restoring our habitats. The new nursery, and the wider network of growers supported through Growing Our Future, will show how connected local action can deliver landscape-scale change for people and nature, now and for future generations.”

The full research report, The Answer Is National Parks, including findings and National Park case studies, is available to read at: www.nationalparks.uk/answer-is . To explore and learn more about work underway at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, visit www.lochlomond-trossachs.org