In the UK, we’re very lucky to have some gorgeous scenery. From the Highlands to Dartmoor – where a recent court ruling declared it is your right to camp in its grounds – there’s no shortage of natural beauty in this country, much of which can be seen for free. One national park, however, has cautioned that it may need to start charging visitors an entry fee.
The Peak District was the first national park to be designated in the UK, all the way back in 1951. But after reductions to funding, it finds itself struggling for cash. According to the park’s CEO Phil Mulligan, a 9 percent cut in one of its central government grants means that passersby may need to foot the bill.
‘If we had 10p from each visitor, that would more than make up for the cuts governments are making to our core grant’ Mulligan told Metro. He added that ‘if we were to make it £1 per person, then we would not need any core government grant’.
The money goes towards basic upkeep of the landscape, preserving nature and protecting the wildlife, as well as paying for sustainability projects for the wider area and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for visitors by maintaining paths and car parks. There are also occasional costs from disasters such as wildfires or floods. All of this adds up, but, unlike cities like Manchester, it isn’t possible to add a tourist tax.
An increasing number of cities are introducing levies on tourism, which usually come in the form of charging £1-2 per room per night at hotels in the area. Since people generally enjoy national parks as day trips, there’s no real way to emulate this model at the Peak District.
Mulligan also noted that adding a clean air zone would require cameras that would have a ‘visual impact’ on the scenery. So, he believes a small entry fee is the only way forward. He said: ‘The future sustainability and sufficiency of the current funding model is in question so we need to be asking the bigger question of how does the nation want to pay for national parks to remain here for everyone, forever.’
Under current laws, parks are not permitted to charge visitors for entry, so a change in legislation would need to precede this measure. Mulligan’s pretty sure that people wouldn’t mind a small contribution to ensure the future of the park, but he does admit that it is a logistical challenge to ensure that those simply passing through the park, and those there for business, are exempt from the charges.
Because of these constraints, the Peak District National Park will remain free for the time being. While it is, make the most of it and enjoy the best that British nature has to offer.
Get Out with Time Out
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