Whilst rooted deeply in the natural and cultural heritage of an area, National Parks are now becoming incredibly forward-thinking in their approach to balancing conservation and income generation, creating immersive visitor experiences, widely accessible to a diverse range of audiences. Find out more about our work in National Parks.
Planning Solutions Consulting has worked on a number of projects for National Park Authorities including:
- Brecon Beacons National Park Authority – remodelling of the National Park visitor centre
- Broads National Park – feasibility study for a new visitor centre
- Peak District National Park – advice on visitor facing properties as part of a wider study
- Peak District National Park – operational review of the four visitor centres and bike hire operations
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – Carew Castle and Tidal Mill Business Plan
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – Castell Henllys Business Plan
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park – Oriel y Parc Visitor Centre Business Plan
- South Downs National Park – business planning
- South Downs National Park – assessing requirements for volunteer facilities
- South Downs National Park – interpretation audit and recommendations
Extensive work with conservation and not-for-profit organisations has given our team a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the National Parks. We enjoy working closely with teams to help them enhance their sites and wider landscapes for people (visitors and residents) and wildlife, whilst helping plan for generations of visitors and residents. Our research-led approach uses a variety of techniques to produce data ranging from primary research to wider market appraisals and future trend analysis.
The varied landscapes and resources of the National Parks offer scope for a variety of options, and the bespoke services of PSC can help site teams make the right decisions to achieve their priorities and create a sustainable future.
Our statutory system of protected landscapes was first established in 1949 and since then, our society and the challenges it faces has changed hugely. National Park Authorities are addressing new challenges – climate change, biodiversity loss and increasing public health issues such as mental health and obesity. At the same time, our understanding of the value of the natural environment has vastly improved, particularly the public services it provides. National Park Authorities are also having to contend with: regenerative tourism and managing visitor pressures through to Net Zero targets and low carbon transport, green recovery, green social prescribing, green finance and economic and social well-being of local communities. All this is set in a context of falling core National Park Authorities grant support from DEFRA and pressures on other public body budgets.
How can we help?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss our National Parks consultancy projects please don’t hesitate to call or email Richard Linington on 07866 742628 or email richard@pslplan.co.uk