England is set to have a new national park as part of the government’s efforts to protect and provide greater access to the countryside. Natural England will consider potential sites, including the Chilterns, the Cotswolds, and Dorset. While some environmentalists cautiously welcomed the news, they expressed concerns about the decrease in government funding for national parks, which has led to service and staff cuts. The government has also announced £15m in funding for existing national parks and protected landscapes. This funding is a response to a 2019 review that criticized the management and funding of protected landscapes.

Julian Glover, the author of the Landscapes Review, which called for the creation of three new national parks, expressed excitement about the progress and additional funding. He emphasized the importance of national parks in uplifting our spirits and supporting both people and nature. However, Dr. Rose O’Neill, the chief executive of the Campaign for National Parks, highlighted the financial challenges faced by existing parks, which have experienced a 40% funding cut since 2010. While the new investment will provide some relief, she expressed concern about future crises.

Kevin Bishop, the chief executive of Dartmoor National Park, welcomed the news of a new national park but raised reservations. He stressed the need for additional funding for the day-to-day running costs of existing national parks, including staff salaries. While the new funding of £15m for larger projects is appreciated, he emphasized the importance of revenue funding to support practical projects for nature and people.

The establishment of a new national park in England was a commitment in the Conservative manifesto, and next year marks the 75th anniversary of the act of Parliament that allowed for their creation. Wales and Scotland are also considering the creation of new national parks. The announcement by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Barclay, marks the beginning of a process that could take up to five years. The government has pledged an additional £5m this year and £10m next year to support national parks and halt the decline of nature.

In addition to the funding for national parks, the government has allocated £2.5m to provide disadvantaged young people with access to the countryside and £750,000 for research on protecting England’s temperate rainforests. Thirty-four new landscape recovery projects will also be created under the ELMs farm payments scheme, benefiting nature and sustainable food production. Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, criticized the Conservatives for the decline of nature in the UK, stating that it has become one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

Original news source: England to get new national park as part of nature plan (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a few minutes to read the article. Then, ask each group to write a summary of the article, highlighting the main points and key information. Afterward, have each group share their summary with the class and facilitate a discussion about the article.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Have the class form pairs or small groups. Ask each group to discuss their opinion on the creation of a new national park in England and the funding issues faced by existing parks. Afterward, conduct an opinion poll by asking each group to share their opinion and reasoning with the class. Encourage respectful and constructive discussion among the students.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group either the task of listing the pros or the cons of creating a new national park in England. Give them a few minutes to brainstorm their ideas. Then, have each group share their lists with the class. Facilitate a discussion where students can compare and contrast the different perspectives and weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Ask the class to individually reflect on and jot down their thoughts about the importance of national parks and the need for funding. Then, pair up the students and ask them to share their thoughts with their partner. Encourage them to discuss their ideas and any potential solutions. Finally, have a few pairs share their conversations with the class and lead a discussion based on their insights.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a few minutes to discuss and make predictions about the future of national parks in England. They can consider aspects such as funding, conservation efforts, public access, and government support. Afterward, ask each group to present their predictions to the class and facilitate a discussion about the potential outcomes and challenges.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the purpose of the new national park in England?
2. What are some potential sites that Natural England will consider for the new national park?
3. What are the concerns expressed by environmentalists about the decrease in government funding for national parks?
4. Who called for the creation of three new national parks in England?
5. What are the financial challenges faced by existing national parks?
6. What is the commitment made in the Conservative manifesto regarding national parks?
7. How long could the process of establishing a new national park in England take?
8. What other initiatives has the government allocated funding for, in addition to national parks?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

England is set to have a new national park as part of the government’s efforts to protect and provide greater access to the (1)______. (2)______ England will consider potential sites, including the Chilterns, the Cotswolds, and Dorset. While some environmentalists cautiously welcomed the news, they expressed concerns about the decrease in government funding for national parks, which has led to (3)______ and staff cuts. The government has also announced £15m in funding for existing national parks and (4)______ landscapes. This funding is a response to a 2019 review that criticized the management and funding of protected landscapes.

Julian Glover, the author of the Landscapes Review, which called for the creation of three new national (5)______, (6)______ excitement about the progress and additional funding. He (7)______ the importance of national parks in uplifting our spirits and supporting both people and nature. However, Dr. Rose O’Neill, the chief executive of the Campaign for National Parks, highlighted the financial challenges faced by existing parks, which have experienced a 40% funding cut since 2010. While the new investment will provide some (8)______, she expressed concern about future crises.

Kevin Bishop, the chief executive of Dartmoor National Park, welcomed the news of a new national park but raised reservations. He stressed the need for additional funding for the day-to-day running costs of existing national parks, (9)______ staff (10)______. While the new funding of £15m for larger projects is appreciated, he emphasized the importance of revenue funding to support practical projects for nature and people.

The establishment of a new national park in England was a commitment in the Conservative (11)______, and next year marks the 75th anniversary of the act of Parliament that allowed for their creation. (12)______ and Scotland are also considering the creation of new national parks. The announcement by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Barclay, marks the beginning of a process that could take up to five years. The government has (13)______ an additional £5m this year and £10m next year to support national parks and halt the decline of nature.

In addition to the funding for national parks, the government has (14)______ £2.5m to provide disadvantaged young people with access to the countryside and £750,000 for (15)______ on protecting England’s temperate rainforests. Thirty-four new landscape recovery projects will also be (16)______ under the ELMs farm payments scheme, benefiting nature and sustainable food production. Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, criticized the Conservatives for the decline of nature in the UK, stating that it has become one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is the purpose of creating new national parks in England?
2. How would you feel if you were an environmentalist and saw a decrease in government funding for national parks?
3. Do you think national parks are important for uplifting our spirits? Why or why not?
4. Why do you think existing national parks have experienced funding cuts since 2010?
5. Do you agree with the chief executive of the Campaign for National Parks that future crises may still be a concern despite the new investment?
6. How do you think additional funding for the day-to-day running costs of existing national parks would benefit them?
7. Do you think it’s important for the government to allocate funding for disadvantaged young people to access the countryside? Why or why not?
8. How would you feel if you were a nature enthusiast and saw that England is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world?
9. What do you think are the benefits of creating landscape recovery projects under the ELMs farm payments scheme?
10. How do you think the creation of new national parks in England could impact tourism?
11. Do you think it’s important for the government to prioritize the protection of England’s temperate rainforests? Why or why not?
12. Why do you think Wales and Scotland are also considering the creation of new national parks?
13. How would you feel if you were a farmer and your land was included in a new national park?
14. Do you think the government’s funding allocation for national parks and protected landscapes is sufficient? Why or why not?
15. How do you think the creation of a new national park in England could benefit both people and nature?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. national parks
2. funding
3. countryside
4. environmentalists
5. existing parks
6. new national park
7. nature
8. government

Meanings:
(a) The governing body or authority in charge
(b) Areas of protected land for public enjoyment
(c) Rural areas outside of cities and towns
(d) Advocates for the protection of the environment
(e) A newly established protected area
(f) Financial support or resources
(g) The natural world and its ecosystems
(h) Parks that already exist
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the purpose of the new national park in England?
(a) To decrease government funding for national parks
(b) To criticize the management and funding of protected landscapes
(c) To create additional revenue funding for practical projects
(d) To protect and provide greater access to the countryside

2. Which areas are being considered as potential sites for the new national park?
(a) Lake District, Peak District, and Yorkshire Dales
(b) Chilterns, Cotswolds, and Dorset
(c) Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons, and Pembrokeshire Coast
(d) Norfolk Broads, New Forest, and South Downs

3. How much funding has the government announced for existing national parks and protected landscapes?
(a) £5m
(b) £10m
(c) £15m
(d) £2.5m

4. Who authored the Landscapes Review that called for the creation of three new national parks?
(a) Rose O’Neill
(b) Julian Glover
(c) Kevin Bishop
(d) Steve Barclay

5. What concerns did Dr. Rose O’Neill express about the funding of existing national parks?
(a) Decrease in government funding for national parks
(b) Lack of access to the countryside for disadvantaged young people
(c) Financial challenges and future crises
(d) Decline of nature in the UK

6. What is Kevin Bishop’s main concern regarding the new national park?
(a) Additional funding for day-to-day running costs of existing national parks
(b) Lack of funding for larger projects
(c) Decrease in government funding for national parks
(d) Decline of nature in the UK

7. What milestone anniversary will be celebrated next year in relation to national parks?
(a) 50th anniversary of the establishment of the first national park
(b) 100th anniversary of the conservation movement in England
(c) 25th anniversary of the Landscapes Review
(d) 75th anniversary of the act of Parliament that allowed for their creation

8. What additional funding has been allocated to provide disadvantaged young people with access to the countryside?
(a) £2.5m
(b) £750,000
(c) £5m
(d) £10m

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Existing national parks in England have experienced a 40% funding cut since 2010, according to Dr. Rose O’Neill, the chief executive of the Campaign for National Parks.
2. England is planning to establish a new national park to protect and provide greater access to the countryside.
3. Environmentalists have expressed concerns about the decrease in government funding for national parks, which has led to service and staff cuts.
4. Natural England will consider potential sites for the new national park, including the Chilterns, the Cotswolds, and Dorset.
5. Julian Glover, the author of the Landscapes Review, is not excited about the progress and additional funding for national parks.
6. The government has not announced £15m in funding for existing national parks and protected landscapes in response to a 2019 review criticizing their management and funding.
7. Kevin Bishop, the chief executive of Dartmoor National Park, does not welcome the news of a new national park and does not emphasize the need for additional funding for the day-to-day running costs of existing parks.
8. Wales and Scotland are not considering the creation of new national parks.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What are the potential sites for the new national park in England?
2. What concerns do environmentalists have about the decrease in government funding for national parks?
3. Who is Julian Glover and what did he call for in the Landscapes Review?
4. What financial challenges do existing national parks face?
5. What additional funding has the government pledged to support national parks and halt the decline of nature?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The purpose of the new national park in England is to protect and provide greater access to the countryside.
2. Some potential sites that Natural England will consider for the new national park are the Chilterns, the Cotswolds, and Dorset.
3. Environmentalists have expressed concerns about the decrease in government funding for national parks, which has led to service and staff cuts.
4. Julian Glover, the author of the Landscapes Review, called for the creation of three new national parks in England.
5. The financial challenges faced by existing national parks include a 40% funding cut since 2010, leading to difficulties in covering day-to-day running costs and staff salaries.
6. The Conservative manifesto made a commitment to the establishment of a new national park in England.
7. The process of establishing a new national park in England could take up to five years.
8. In addition to national parks, the government has allocated funding for providing disadvantaged young people with access to the countryside, research on protecting England’s temperate rainforests, and landscape recovery projects under the ELMs farm payments scheme.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) countryside
(2) Natural
(3) service
(4) protected
(5) parks
(6) expressed
(7) emphasized
(8) relief
(9) including
(10) salaries
(11) manifesto
(12) Wales
(13) pledged
(14) allocated
(15) research
(16) created
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. national parks
Answer: (b) Areas of protected land for public enjoyment

2. funding
Answer: (f) Financial support or resources

3. countryside
Answer: (c) Rural areas outside of cities and towns

4. environmentalists
Answer: (d) Advocates for the protection of the environment

5. existing parks
Answer: (h) Parks that already exist

6. new national park
Answer: (e) A newly established protected area

7. nature
Answer: (g) The natural world and its ecosystems

8. government
Answer: (a) The governing body or authority in charge
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the purpose of the new national park in England?
Answer: (d) To protect and provide greater access to the countryside

2. Which areas are being considered as potential sites for the new national park?
Answer: (b) Chilterns, Cotswolds, and Dorset

3. How much funding has the government announced for existing national parks and protected landscapes?
Answer: (c) £15m

4. Who authored the Landscapes Review that called for the creation of three new national parks?
Answer: (b) Julian Glover

5. What concerns did Dr. Rose O’Neill express about the funding of existing national parks?
Answer: (c) Financial challenges and future crises

6. What is Kevin Bishop’s main concern regarding the new national park?
Answer: (a) Additional funding for day-to-day running costs of existing national parks

7. What milestone anniversary will be celebrated next year in relation to national parks?
Answer: (d) 75th anniversary of the act of Parliament that allowed for their creation

8. What additional funding has been allocated to provide disadvantaged young people with access to the countryside?
Answer: (a) £2.5m
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Existing national parks in England have experienced a 40% funding cut since 2010, according to Dr. Rose O’Neill, the chief executive of the Campaign for National Parks. (Answer: True)
2. England is planning to establish a new national park to protect and provide greater access to the countryside. (Answer: True)
3. Environmentalists have expressed concerns about the decrease in government funding for national parks, which has led to service and staff cuts. (Answer: True)
4. Natural England will consider potential sites for the new national park, including the Chilterns, the Cotswolds, and Dorset. (Answer: True)
5. Julian Glover, the author of the Landscapes Review, is not excited about the progress and additional funding for national parks. (Answer: False)
6. The government has not announced £15m in funding for existing national parks and protected landscapes in response to a 2019 review criticizing their management and funding. (Answer: False)
7. Kevin Bishop, the chief executive of Dartmoor National Park, does not welcome the news of a new national park and does not emphasize the need for additional funding for the day-to-day running costs of existing parks. (Answer: False)
8. Wales and Scotland are not considering the creation of new national parks. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧