National parks future under scrutiny

The national parks rely on agriculture

Delegates from the 11 national parks across England and Wales are meeting to discuss how to revive rural areas.

The Environment Minister, Michael Meacher, will address countryside managers during the conference hosted by the Exmoor National Park Authority in Braunton, Devon.

The theme of the event is "Looking to the Future" and there will be a debate on "key challenges for the future".

One crucial issue on the agenda is farming as the national parks depend on agriculture.

'Ideal opportunity'

Local residents have been invited to speak to the delegates.

Martin Fitton, chief executive of the National Park Authorities, said: "The effect of the foot and mouth crisis is still very much in our minds.

"It is particularly fitting that the conference theme should be the future.

"National Park Authorities are ideally placed to help with the rural revival.

"This will be an ideal opportunity to discuss how we can work together with other agencies to help make this happen."