As private cash flows into the Dales, Moors and Peaks, a plea: Don't commercialise our national parks

Companies will be asked to sign up for “partnerships” with national parks that could see firms sponsor park rangers’ clothing or paying to help maintain paths.

The UK’s 15 national parks are setting up a new organisation to increase private sector support, arguing the move is needed “to ensure the unique areas survive”.

As part of wider public spending cuts, Government funding for the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Peak District national parks has been cut by more than one third since 2010.

At the same time there is huge pressure on the infrastructure of national parks which together attract 110m visitors a year.

Fiona Howie, chief executive of the Campaign for National Parks, said: “Past funding cuts have meant that novel approaches to public transport have been stopped and local businesses have been closed, as well as less money being invested in conservation work.

“We know there is a need to get more funding for the parks to benefit rural businesses, visitors and wildlife.”

She added: “New income streams must not undermine the quality of these areas or lead to the commercialisation of the Parks.”

National Parks Partnerships has set out initial plans for five commercial tie-ups that it will offer to the private sector.

Examples will include the chance for companies to be an “active parks partner” promoting healthy activities in national parks or a “parks discovery partner” paying for under-privileged children to take part in ‘outdoor classroom’ activities.

Initiatives to improve the local environment or support better transport in national parks could also be sponsored.

Peter Charlesworth, chairman of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “The financial and economic realities of today mean that there can, and should, be a much greater collaboration between business and national parks.

“Done properly, there is an opportunity to ensure that national parks can benefit from business expertise and funding, to ensure a bright future for these wonderful places.”

National Parks Partnerships will be overseen by a board made up of private sector volunteers and national parks representatives.

Board chairman Steve Curl said: “Government and the general public provide important support to the national parks but we need additional commitments to make sure that they are not only sustained but enhanced for future generations.

“Partnership with responsible businesses - without commercialisation - can deliver the support needed to secure benefits for national parks and for the massive number of visitors from the UK and overseas, local communities and the environment.”