National Parks Deliver Public Values on Nature, Climate, and Wellbeing
New research highlights how projects in Scotland, England, and Wales align with public priorities for nature connection and climate action.
By Kirsty Lennox
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a Scottish National Park landscape with a nursery building.
New research from National Parks UK reveals that public priorities for wellbeing, nature, and climate are strongly reflected in the work undertaken by National Parks across Scotland, England, and Wales.
The report, titled ‘The Answer Is National Parks’, showcases how projects within all 15 National Parks are actively addressing public concerns. Findings from a summer survey of 3,000 people indicate that 75% value feeling connected to nature, 89% prioritise reducing stress, and 73% care deeply about protecting natural habitats. Furthermore, 69% are concerned about flooding and extreme weather, while 90% believe National Parks contribute positively to mental health and wellbeing, with 80% agreeing they are taking action on climate and nature.
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, stated that National Parks are more than just scenic landscapes; they are vital spaces for people and nature to thrive. He emphasised that significant action is already underway to tackle major societal challenges and deliver on public values, offering hope for positive change driven by public support and innovative solutions.
“
"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."
In Scotland, the ‘Growing Our Future’ programme within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park aims to establish a sustainable network of local plant nurseries. This initiative seeks to provide native plants and trees, foster community engagement, promote nature connection, and support the skills and jobs necessary for woodland regeneration. Two nurseries are currently operational: Glenfalloch nursery, run by a private estate, has produced over 160,000 trees since 2023 with volunteer support, and the non-profit Lomond Plant Nursery, operated by the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust with RSPB Scotland support, is trialling operations to understand local species needs before expansion.
Hamshya Rajkumar, Nursery Volunteer Coordinator for the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust, highlighted the importance of growing plants from locally collected seed to protect genetic diversity and reduce disease risk. She also stressed the nursery's role in community engagement, with volunteers learning skills and connecting with nature. Rajkumar noted that the new nursery and the wider network will demonstrate how local action can drive landscape-scale change for people and nature.
“
"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."
The ‘Growing Our Future’ programme is part of the ‘Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Landscape Connections’ initiative, a partnership supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This long-term project aims to restore rare woodland habitats, create new skills and job opportunities, support rural economies, and enhance climate adaptation and resilience.
