Bus services are limited in many of the UK’s National Parks and, despite being one of the most popular days for visiting, Sunday services are particularly scarce. Campaign for National Parks (CNP) believes everyone should be able to access and experience these landscapes, no matter where they live – after all, one of the purposes of National Parks is to promote opportunities for enjoyment by the public. However, the lack of public transport can make them difficult to visit, particularly for the thousands of households without access to a car.
Thanks to funding from The Naturesave Trust, the Green Route to National Parks project led by CNP is gathering evidence and personal stories of the impact that a lack of Sunday bus services has on equal and sustainable visitor access. A digital map will identify areas poorly served by Sunday bus services, and a targeted campaign will push transport authorities for improvements. The project will also produce a guide highlighting National Park locations that are easy to visit car-free on Sundays to encourage use of the bus services currently available.
The project will initially focus on Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks, with support from The Exmoor Society and the Dartmoor Preservation Association. Find out more by visiting the Campaign for National Park website below.
Image: Sarah Hailstone via Exmoor Commons Image Library
