A recent event in the Yorkshire Dales brought together 18 passionate young people aged 18–30, as part of the New Perspectives programme − a Heritage Lottery funded initiative run by Campaign for National Parks.
This three-day residential in Malham, North Yorkshire, aimed to empower the next generation of national park leaders by focusing on leadership development, social justice, and campaigning skills.
🌄 Nature Walks, Talks, and Wild Inspiration
The event opened with a ‘walk and talk’ led by former Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) Chair and Malham farmer, Neil Heseltine, and his friendly Belted Galloway cow, Bella. The opening set the tone for a week of inspiration, reflection and action.
Participants enjoyed a variety of immersive experiences:
- A scenic hike to the top of Malham Cove in glorious sunshine.
- A sunrise silent stroll to Malham Cove
- A twilight walk to Janet’s Foss, with lyrical observations from Dr Amy-Jane Beer, naturalist, author, and Friends of the Dales President
🎙 Expert Voices & Skill Building Sessions
The middle of the programme was packed with inspiring talks and guided workshops from leaders across conservation and environmental sectors, including:
- Kate Ashbrook, CEO of Open Spaces Society
- Dr Rose O’Neill, CEO of Campaign for National Parks
- Kate Jennings, Head of Site Conservation Species Policy at RSPB
- Kiri Wood, YDNPA Wellbeing & Engagement Manager
- Saskia Luqmani, EDI Lead for Protected Landscapes Partnership
- Ann Shadrake, Executive Director, Friends of the Dales
- Victoria Benn, Membership & Events Officer, Friends of the Dales
- Friends of the Dales trustees Mohammed Dhalech FRSA and Dr Jane Smart OBE
🌍 A Focus on Equity & Social Justice
A core theme throughout the residential was the urgent need to address inequality and lack of diversity in national parks. Today, just 6% of visitors to UK national parks are aged 16–24, and only 1% come from ethnic minority backgrounds.
As YDNPA Chair Derek Twine noted during the event:
“We need regenerative farming and regenerative communities — not just sustainable ones. The difference is that we need to leave things better than we find them.”
📢 Future Leaders Present Bold Campaigns
To close the event, attendees formed subgroups to work on campaigns to influence the changes they want to see. Their pitches were well-researched, bold, and deeply rooted in purpose:
- Stop Bombing National Parks – a campaign to remove Ministry of Defence activity from protected landscapes
- Investing in Our Future – calling for youth and diverse representation in national park governance
- New Purposes for National Parks – proposing legislative reforms to protect nature and ensure access for all
- Improving Public Transport – advocating for better connections to and around national parks
🌱 A Movement Begins
The week in Malham was more than just a leadership course − it was a launching point. With powerful ideas, fresh perspectives, and shared passion, these young leaders of tomorrow are already making a difference.
We are proud to have supported this event and are excited to see how these new voices shape the future of our national parks.
Photo: The Future Leaders event at Malham by Victoria Benn