EVERY schoolchild in England will have the chance to visit our inspiring National Parks at each stage of their education under plans announced by Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss - as new figures reveal only 10 per cent of schoolchildren currently have access to outdoor learning.

The new Plan for National Parks kickstarts a programme of activity to safeguard the future of these iconic landscapes, including by engaging young people throughout their education:

• from primary school, bringing more than 80,000 young people to visit National Parks and putting National Parks in the curriculum

• at secondary school, doubling the number of youth volunteers in National Parks as part of the National Citizen Service

• in their first steps to employment, developing a new apprenticeship standard and doubling apprenticeships in National Parks by 2020

With over half of the population in England living within an hour of a National Park, the plan aims to increase the diversity of visitors from the UK - as well as promoting these world-class cultural attractions to a global audience through the GREAT campaign to drive international tourism.

The Environment Secretary aims to build annual visitor numbers to 100 million, bringing around £440 million more to local businesses, adding to the £4 billion already generated by National Parks.

Speaking as she launched the new plan in the South Downs National Park, Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said: “National Parks already welcome over 90 million visitors every year and make a major contribution to our vibrant rural economy - but too many children in our country are not aware of these natural wonders.

“Just as Yellowstone is known worldwide as one of America’s national treasures, our beautiful lakes and dales, moors and fells are a symbol of this country, part of our British identity - they are also huge public assets that should benefit as many people as possible.

Andrea Davis, chairman of Exmoor National Park Authority said: “We are delighted that, through the new Plan for National Parks, the Government has recognised the important part that National Parks can play in a child’s education and the important role that education can play in inspiring a life-long of and connection with the outdoors.”

The government protected National Parks’ budgets in the last spending review, committing over £350 million for English National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and forests.

The new plan will further secure the future of these iconic protected landscapes, ensuring effective environmental management and growing a strong rural economy.