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Online Magazine
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Last updated June 2009 New National Park Britain’s newest national park has finally been given the go-ahead more than 60 years after the idea was first suggested. At the end of March environment secretary Hilary Benn approved the plan for the South Downs national park, which will cover an area of 627 square miles across Sussex and Hampshire. Much of the South Downs, an upland area extending roughly from Winchester to the Channel at Eastbourne, was already protected through designation as an AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty), but national park status should extend that protection. “National park status can be a real boost for the local economy, attracting new visitors, businesses and investment,” said Hilary Benn. “But above all, the South Downs’ wonderful countryside will be protected forever for the enjoyment of everyone.” The area will be run by the South Downs National Park Authority, which will have control over areas such as planning, land use and farming practices. Until it starts operating in 2011, the existing South Downs Joint Committee will run things. “We are delighted that a decision has been announced which gives us more certainty now, following a long period of discussion and debate,” said Charles Anson, chairman of the Joint Committee. “This decision will help to ensure the long term security and protection of the South Downs, which is in everyone’s interest.” The South Downs will be England’s ninth national park: others in southern England are Dartmoor, Exmoor and the New Forest (along with the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, which have equivalent status). Make merry in the forest Sherwood Forest sees a week-long celebration of the life and times of the world’s most famous outlaw – Robin Hood – this summer. The 2009 event will be the 25th year of the Robin Hood Festival, organised by staff of Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre. The festival programme features jesters, jousters, music and children’s theatre, strolling players and costumed characters plus – of course – bold outlaws. The event – one of the Midlands’ biggest free festivals – runs from Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th August and takes place in and around the Visitor Centre, located near the historic village of Edwinstowe in North Nottinghamshire. Swansea-Cork ferry could restartTravel to Cork and Kerry in Ireland could become easier this summer if plans to revive the Swansea-Cork ferry service, which last ran in 2006, come to fruition. The loss of the service hit businesses in Cork and nearby areas hard – particularly tourism – and there has been an extraordinary popular campaign in Ireland to get the service resumed. The Bring Back the Swansea Cork Ferry campaign raised £2.9 million itself, and now with backing from West Cork Tourism it has secured funding of £7.8 million to buy the Julia, a 1,400 passenger ferry from the creditors of Stella Naves Russia Line, which operated the 38 year old ferry on the Helsinki-St Petersburg route until last October. The Julia – to be renamed Innisfallen – will be operated by the newly established West Cork Tourism Co-operative. “We are currently preparing the necessary working capital,” said Conor Buckley, Chairman of West Cork Tourism. “We are going to be launching in a difficult economic environment, but there is huge goodwill both here and in Britain for it.” The co-operative has signed an agreement to purchase the vessel, which now awaits the approval of the Finnish courts. If this is granted the service could be running by June, in time for the peak summer tourism period. You can follow the progress of the campaign at Bring-Back-the-Swansea-Cork-Ferry Campaign Fun for freeSometimes on holiday it seems as if every move you make, from parking the car to visiting a monument or museum, involves spending hard-earned cash. But if you’re going on holiday in Britain, there’s a new website you can use to find hundreds of events and attractions you can visit absolutely free. The website, www.dofreestuff.com, provides lists of free events – mostly museums and historic or cultural venues, but also visits to farms, businesses and other organisations – and there are some free tickets to download. The site has sections covering England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Islands of Britain. Simple pleasures beat recession blues Simple pleasures such as spending time in beautiful surroundings are helping people get through the gloom of the recession, says the National Trust. Faced with all the bad news about the economy, and the need to find ways to make their money go further, people feel days out with friends and family are becoming increasingly important. In a survey of 2,000 people, 84 per cent said that this year, days out were as or more important to them than in previous years. Simple pleasures were at the top of people’s priorities, with walks in the park (64 per cent), visiting galleries (36 per cent), historic buildings (34 per cent) and beautiful gardens (30 per cent) all more popular than the quick but more costly thrills offered by theme parks (26 per cent) and sporting events (13 per cent). Fiona Reynolds, Director General of the National Trust, said: “We all need quality time to relax and recharge our batteries, whether in a recession or not. But it seems that having less money to spend on treating ourselves is focusing our minds on what really matters.” Get stoned! If you’re interested in rocks and landscape, there’s a chance to discover more during European Geoparks Week during late May and early June. There are 35 UNESCO Geoparks throughout Europe, in areas with special geological heritage and landscapes. The North Pennines AONB became Britain’s first European Geopark in 2003, and each year the North Pennines AONB Partnership runs Northern Rocks – the North Pennines Festival of Geology and Landscape. This year’s festival, from 23 May to 7 June, is packed with around 40 interesting events, from a classic bus geotour to a dry stone walling training day. Most events are free (although most need to be booked in advance) and many of them are new activities in the programme. There are events for all ages to get involved in, including themed walks, mine tours, children’s activities and craft events. You can download an online copy of the programme at North Pennines or call the AONB Partnership on 01388 528801. For details of other Geoparks and events, go to European Geoparks Network |
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ARTICLES A gem of a cityThink of Cheshire and you might picture lush green pastures and footballers’ bling. Yet it’s the county’s Roman-walled capital city, packed with history and atmosphere, that’s the real sparkler, says Alexandra Pratt Scotland for softiesBeaches, rockpools, swimming, cycling... Paul Kirkwood found there’s no end to the delights of the bit of Scotland that’s easiest to reach from most of England All roads lead to... HarrogateThe elegant spa town of Harrogate is an unbeatable base for an active short break. Gillian Thornton enjoyed a girlie weekend of chic shops, spectacular countryside and the ultimate in self-catering apartments Moor magicThe Exmoor coast between Minehead and Combe Martin has some of the best scenic views in the West Country. Gillian Thornton enjoyed the North Devon countryside and its four-legged residents The walking cureIt looked as if Charlie the dog needed a break. So, naturally, Eve Kerswill and her husband took him on a cottage holiday Devon delightsA thatched cottage with a history, country walks, market shopping and fish and chips by the sea... they all made a perfect weekend for Katherine Rake Top tips for group getawaysHarry Marsland of Brackenrigg Holiday Cottages in the Lake District says organising – and enjoying – a celebration break with friends and family is simple. All you need is a little planning… Our Snowdon adventureClimbing to the top of Mount Snowdon,the highest mountain in England and Wales, was too much of a challenge for Solange Hando, her daughter and ten-year-old grandson to ignore – so up they went Wonderful WoldsPeter Henshaw spends a weekend sampling the many delights of Lincolnshire Walk the Wight WayWith its wonderful countryside and 500 miles of footpaths, the Isle of Wight is ideal for a walking holiday. Harry Glass pulled on his hiking boots… Beauty on the borderCarlingford Lough is a stunning natural boundary between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Jeremy Taylor pays a visit A right song and danceNowhere is the Irish music scene more vibrant than the west coast bars of County Clare. Jeremy Taylor pays a visit to soak up the craic Beyond the scone zonePeter Henshaw goes for a walk in the Cotswolds and finds a gastronomic gem, fierce winds and the ancient sport of shin kicking! Riverside rambles, moorland magicYou’ll find walking trails, wide open spaces, waterfalls, picture-perfect villages, historic towns and fantastic food in Wensleydale and Wharfedale. Gillian Thornton did Peak party peopleWant to go with a large group of friends for a long weekend of walking, cycling and partying? Sarah Merry found just the place in Derbyshire’s Peak District A one-horse town it ain’tTo find out everything you wanted to know about breeding and racing horses but were afraid to ask, go to Newmarket. Gillian Thornton did Pleasing the puntersCambridge makes a great day out if you’re staying in Norfolk or Suffolk. Former student Tom Kerswill takes you on an insider’s tour of arguably Britain’s most famous university city 10 reasons to visit NorfolkLooking forward to a break in Norfolk? Linda Pyke recommends ten attractions for all ages to enjoy – from Bishy-barney-bees to antique teapots and going ape in Thetford Forest A Tamar tonicOn the steep slopes where miners and market gardeners once trod lies a hidden gem created from an old mine. Sounds unlikely? John Kerswill thought so too, until he stayed there and was enchanted by the sights and sounds of the Tamar Valley Ardnamurchan Peninsula - Take a Walk on the Wild SideScotland's Ardnamurchan peninsula – not Cornwall's Land's End – is as far west as the roads in mainland Britain will take you. Angela Dewar enjoyed total seclusion in this unspoilt wilderness 10 Reasons to visit EdinburghA dramatic castle and a royal palace, an award-winning environmental attraction and a world-class literary heritage – if you're renting a cottage in the Scottish lowlands, make sure you visit Edinburgh, says Gillian Thornton Essex pearlsResorts like Southend-on-Sea have helped to give Essex a kiss-me-quick image, but away from the kitsch Alison Thomas finds a county full of wildlife, fantastic food and history Northern Ireland: Causeway CapersIf you haven't ever thought about booking a holiday cottage in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland, Harry Glass has ten good reasons why you should More...Previous articles ...
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