Simon Fell, the MP for Barrow and Furness, has welcomed the news that £440,000 in extra funding is being invested into the Lake District National Park to protect and conserve our natural environment and widen access to our scenic beauty spots, supporting tourism and growing the economy.

The Conservative Government has announced that all ten National Park Authorities will benefit from an equal share of the additional £4.4 million funding.

The extra investment will support services for visitors, including education and visitor centres, ranger services, new trails, residential programmes, and provide more opportunities for people to enjoy National Parks.

All ten National Park Authorities are being awarded the additional grant in recognition of the vital role that National Parks play to protect our precious wildlife, our world famous scenery, and support the tourism sector.

The new funding will support access and engagement programmes that are helping to conserve the natural beauty and wildlife of these protected landscapes for future generations to enjoy.

The Conservative Government has also confirmed that the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL) scheme, delivered across 10 National Parks and 34 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 2021, has been extended until March 2025 to continue supporting custodianship of our world renowned natural heritage.

Commenting Simon said:

“The Lake District National Park is a proud part of our community and a tourism destination for day trippers, and holidaymakers from across Furness, as well as attracting international travellers from all over the world.

“That is why I welcome £440,000 as part of £4.4 million in extra funding from the Government to support visitor and education centres, ranger services, and more opportunities for people to enjoy our National Parks.

“By protecting and enhancing our National Parks we can safeguard them for future generations to enjoy, while supporting tourism and helping to grow the economy.”

Commenting, Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:

“Our National Parks are the jewel in our cherished landscapes. They support thriving communities, economies, wildlife and are important places for public health and wellbeing.

“This additional £4.4 million of funding will support the important work that National Park Authorities do across our countryside and allow and allow local people and visitors to enjoy these much loved spaces.”