Right to Discover

A Youth Declaration for National Parks

Everyone has the Right to Discover our amazing National Parks

But for many of us accessing and enjoying National Parks can be difficult. As young people, we are faced with barriers such as limited public transport and few opportunities to connect with and have our voices heard for wild, nature-rich spaces. National Parks were created for everyone but right now… 

  • Only 6% of visitors to National Parks in England are under the age of 25 
  • Children and teenagers grow up less connected to nature than other age groups 
  • Young people are suffering through a mental health crisis without adequate support 
  • National Park communities are facing a lack of rural jobs and training opportunities 
  • There are no consistent ways for young people to speak up and be heard on issues that affect them in National Parks 

Experiences in National Parks can be life changing for young people, but we are excluded from valuable opportunities to connect with them. If National Parks are to survive and thrive, these opportunities must be provided to inspire the next generation to become future custodians of the countryside. 

As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of National Parks in the UK, we’re coming together to create a brighter future— a future where all young people have equal opportunity to discover, feel connected to and enjoy our National Parks.

On this page

Add your voice to our declaration
Race to National Parks

We want to see: 

  1. Public transport getting young people to National Parks easily and affordably 
  2. A visit to a National Park for every school and college student 
  3. NHS services connecting young people with the benefits of National Parks 
  4. High-quality work and training opportunities in all National Parks 
  5. A stronger voice for young people in how National Parks are run 

And we are determined to achieve this 

Speak up for the future of National Parks 

If you share our vision, why not add your voice to our declaration? 

Together, we’ll be taking direct action – highlighting the issues facing young people, challenging decision-makers to be bold, and sharing our stories about why National Parks are so special. 

Join us – and together we can ensure National Parks belong to everyone, now and for the future. 

It’s incredibly important for a diverse range of voices to be heard in the National Parks because how else can you enact change for future generations and those who should have the right to access our National Parks, without having a diverse range of voices represented?

Ruth Garrett

Race to National Parks

We’ve pushed public transport – and ourselves – to the limit to highlight the challenges in accessing wild places without a car. We set out to test how well the bus and rail networks could get us out into National Parks and highlight the barriers their shortfalls can present young people, amongst the most likely to rely on public transport.

Watch the full film

Discover more

Future Leaders Course Dartmoor 2024

Youth Voice

Our work with young people to connect them with decision makers and champion them as the next generation of National Park campaigners

New Perspectives

New Perspectives

We offer grants to young people who want to develop their communication and storytelling skills and share their stories of National Parks. Check out their stories.