20 May 2008
European Day of Parks
Europäischer Tag der Parke
Journée Européene des Parcs
24 May 2008
European Day of Parks is Saturday 24 May. This date was chosen by Europarc to mark the designation of the first National Parks in Europe on 24 May 1909, when nine National Parks were established in Sweden. Protected areas have since then become a valuable part of Europe’s natural and cultural heritage.
Come to Dartmoor National Park on 24 May and take part in the Europe wide day of celebration by joining special Dartmoor National Park Authority guided walks to mark the occasion, which will be free of charge.
Explore the ancient past of this special landscape and discover some of its secrets in the company of expert guides. At 10.30 am, join National Park Authority Guide Len Copley for a two hour stroll to discover Archaeology on Dartmoor. The stroll starts from Cadover Bridge, south of Meavy (Ordnance Survey grid reference SX 554 648). Meet at the large car park south of the bridge. Also to celebrate this special day, there is an opportunity to discover the Secrets of Dartmoor with National Park Authority Guide Den Smith on a four hour walk starting from the westernmost car park on the north side of the B3212 at Sharpitor (Ordnance Survey grid reference SX 561 708). Please meet at the bus stop at 10.30 am.
For those who do not wish to don walking boots and head for the hills why not visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s award winning High Moorland Visitor Centre? The Centre contains exciting displays that give a unique insight into Dartmoor. The Centre’s Dartmoor Gallery is currently displaying an exhibition by three talented young regional artists whose refreshingly different styles perfectly capture the essence of Dartmoor.
The National Park Authority’s Information Centre at Postbridge is currently hosting Natural Beauty an exhibition celebrating, with stunning images, the United Kingdom’s National Parks and their links to the European and global family of protected areas.
Dartmoor is a living landscape created over thousands of years by human influence. Today this landscape is enjoyed by many people and is still maintained by farmers whose produce can be enjoyed in numerous pubs, hotels, cafes and shops throughout the National Park. Celebrate the natural beauty of Dartmoor by supporting local producers and businesses.
Look out for the European Day of Parks banners at all four of the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Information Centres (Princetown, Postbridge, Newbridge and Haytor). Information Advisers are based in all National Park Authority Centres and can help you plan your day out in the National Park.
Visit Dartmoor National Park Authority's website at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk or the Europarc website at www.europarc.org (external link, opens new window). Visit Dartmoor National Park by public transport. Call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 for public transport information.
Ends
For Further Information
Claire Partridge, Events and Activities Officer
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site .
You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority .
News Releases from all UK National Parks (external link, opens new window)
For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Online Shop
Notes for Editors
1.European Day of Parks is an initiative of the Europarc Federation. The Europarc Federation is a politically independent, pan-European organisation and has over three hundred and forty member organisations in thirty eight European countries responsible for the management of more than four hundred nationally protected areas. The Europarc Federation is the only pan-European organisation whose prime purpose is to support and encourage co-operation among the complete spectrum of protected areas. The Federation co-operates closely with the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and with the European Commission.
2.Dartmoor National Park Authority is a member of the Atlantic Isles Section of Europarc. The Atlantic Isles Section has a membership of over 60 organisations with a wealth of experience in protected area management, from the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Iceland.
3.The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 paved the way for the creation of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales. Dartmoor became a National Park in 1951.
4.The full programme of Dartmoor National Park Authority guided walks, talks and events is published in the Dartmoor Guide 2008-9, the Authority's free information newspaper, available from National Park Authority Information Centres, Tourist Information Centres and local libraries. It can also be viewed on the Authority's website (www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk).
National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland. They are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 33,400 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
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This page last updated 20 May 2008
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Page updated 19 May 2008
