The Education and Ranger teams from the North York Moors National Park Authority are taking steps to instil a positive change in those who are unaware of the damaging impacts of litter.
The Authority has increased the staff and volunteer presence to deal with this issue across the National Park and now members of the Education team will work alongside rangers at visitor hotspots. Staff and volunteers will engage with visitors and help them to enjoy the countryside responsibly to everyone’s benefit.
Mary-Jane Alexander, Youth Engagement Officer for the Authority, said: “Following recent littering, including one scenario where our rangers had to pull 20 bags of rubbish from the water, we just want more people to be aware of the impacts this will have on both our wildlife and the local communities who call the National Park their home. Since social distancing measures were first put in place, many people have revaluated what the countryside means to them. By not being allowed to travel, more people recognise just how important it is to be able to get out and explore nature, but we must understand the importance of protecting such spaces. Therefore, myself and others will be out and about to encourage others to do so.”
The new initiative also includes working alongside the Authority’s Young Rangers, aged between 11 and 17.
Mary-Jane added: “Our Young Rangers have come up with some wonderful ideas and we will be looking to roll some of these out in the weeks to come. These young people are the perfect role models of how to safely and responsibly enjoy the National Park and we would hope for others to look to them for inspiration.”
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Posted On: 15/06/2020