Views sought on plan to help more people get active in Scotland’s first National Park

Active Park, Healthy People sets out the ambitions of the National Park Authority and its partners for getting more people, more active, more often.

The plan is underpinned by shared commitments to inclusion, health and wellbeing and tackling the Global Climate Emergency through a further shift towards active travel and tourism.

A public consultation is now open to gather feedback on the draft plan. This will then be used to inform the final version of the plan before it is considered by the National Park Authority Board next year.

Simon Jones, Director of Conservation and Visitor Operations, said: “Getting outside and active offers a huge range of benefits, whether it’s introducing someone to their first experience of the outdoors, to supporting those who want to try new adventures, to supporting the national efforts to make Scotland a healthier, greener nation.

“The National Park offers a unique opportunity to undertake innovative and ambitious work on these themes. This plan provides a focus for this work to guide the many organisations and groups who share our vision for recreation and active, sustainable lifestyles.

“A major focus of the plan is on inclusion and health by working together to provide opportunities for those who might not otherwise have access to or who would benefit most from getting out into the environment and nature.

“The other key strand of this plan is how we can help address the Global Climate Emergency by making sure there are great active travel opportunities available that provide attractive alternatives to driving in the National Park.

“We want to gather as wide a range a views as possible to help us to shape our work over the next five years.”

The plan sets out 24 proposed initiatives for partners to focus on under six key themes:

• A Park for All
• Active and Vibrant Places
• Happy and Healthy People
• Connecting People
• Exploring Further
• Coasts and Water

You can read the draft plan and complete the survey to share your views on the National Park’s website here.

The consultation will be open until 5pm on 31st January 2020.