National Parks Advice to Ministers - February 2023 - Annex E

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Published: 2023

1.         Overview and summary of recommendations

This annex summarises the range of outputs from the work conducted specifically with young people, people with disabilities and people from ethnic minority backgrounds as part of the consultation on National Parks.  This work built on past efforts to engage with these stakeholders.  NatureScot is committed to a nature-rich future for all and we recognise that engaging with these groups of people in discussions on policy development and implementation is needed to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs considered more fully.

The work included bespoke events and surveys carried out by YoungScot and Disability Equality Scotland, as well as feedback gathered from informal conversations of the Stakeholder Advisory Group.  Overall, it resulted in the following recommendations:

• Proactively engage with a range of Disability Organisations, Access Panels and Ethnic Minority (EM) networks throughout the process of designating new National Parks.  Plain English versions and a wide range of formats will be required for future consultations especially during the statutory phases
• At future stages of National Park development, consider the following aspects of accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities: pathways, seating, buildings, toilets, transport, information and signage.
• Create opportunities for young people to have influence over the way National Parks are designated and managed, e.g. through the use of Youth Committees or Youth Boards.
• Prioritise the accessibility of National Parks in terms of affordable physical access to the site, physical accessibility within the site, and making visitors feel welcome to visit that place.
• A National Park has to take a holistic view, accounting for its contributions to net zero, biodiversity, the circular economy, employment opportunities, and access to nature for all of Scotland’s people.
• Communicating the need for new National Parks is essential.  There are very real concerns that National Parks could be seen as an unnecessary expense.  People are facing very severe impacts as a result of the current cost of living crisis, which are most likely to affect ethnic minorities and people with disabilities, as they often bear the burden of a higher cost of living.  This is particularly the case for families with severely disabled children.

2.         Young people

Decisions made now around the role of National Parks have the potential to affect the state of the climate and biodiversity that young people will inherit.  Thus, it is essential to consider young people’s views on the future of National Parks in Scotland and communicate this process clearly with them.

2.1       YoungScot bespoke engagement - summary of findings

YoungScot organised an engagement event for NatureScot on the 8^th September 2022 with 25 young people aged between 11-25, from a variety of different backgrounds and knowledge of National Parks, participating.  The event also included consultation on the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy and 30x30.  More information on YoungScot can be found on their website and the full results can be found at the end of this annex in Table 1.

The young people were asked to identify issues and challenges they face in relation to National Parks.

• The most frequent issue raised was the matter of access and accessibility, both in terms of transport and disability.
• Another major theme raised was the costs of designating National Parks, and the equipment needed to enjoy activities in outdoor spaces.
• Other issues included having little influence on how National Parks are managed; vandalism; lacking navigational and first aid skills; the discouraging effect of having too many visitors; unpredictable access to fresh drinking water; feeling bored during visits to National Parks; and the lack of National Parks with coastal areas.

The question “does this make protecting nature easier or more difficult?” was raised in regard to what a National Park designation means in Scotland.  What National Parks are and what they do needs to be communicated more clearly with young people.

The young people were then asked what they felt a successful National Park for young people would look like.

• The most prevalent answer was that the National Park should be accessible.  A successful National Park has to be accessible in general and specifically for people with disabilities.
• Another major theme was around facilities and their availability.  This included: toilets and water fountains; and information facilities that inform visitors of the wildlife in the Park.

The young people also expressed the need for a balanced approach to providing access for people to explore nature and work in the Park and protect areas for wildlife.  Some young people made a specific reference to a National Park needing to prioritise biodiversity.  There was an articulated need for the National Parks to take a “holistic approach”, raising the question of: “can a circular economy be built into a new Park? How would any waste be managed?”

The marine theme was mentioned repeatedly and positively throughout event, concerning the potential for coastal and marine National Parks, and collaborating with Marine Protected Areas and restorative initiatives.  Marine concerns were raised: “people can’t see how degraded our seas are too, there are Marine Protected Areas but trawling can still occur in them.”

The young people also raised the importance of effective management in National Parks with a successful National Park needing “policies [that are] enforced to ensure the area is protected and respected.”

Other features of successful National Parks included: good signage; access to basic skills needed to engage with the area (navigation and identification skills were given as examples); the provision of engaging activities; an increased number of visitors to the National Park; youth-based opportunities, such as “the Loch Lomond youth committee and junior rangers”; and a National Park that feels welcoming for young people.

2.2       Stakeholder Advisory Group meetings

Engagement with young people was discussed in the Stakeholder Advisory Group meetings.

It was recognised that National Parks are key spaces to engage young people with physical exercise and with culture and heritage which contributes to their wellbeing.  National Parks are also useful spaces to engage young people with nature and issues around biodiversity and the environment. 

The work on National Parks has covered a range of policy issues, including planning and land-use.  Young people are traditionally often not engaged in discussing these issues; but this will be necessary in the future.  It was agreed that further consideration is needed on how best to do this in practice while also avoiding consultation fatigue.

3.         People with disabilities

People with disabilities are more likely to be disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change than able-bodied people are.  If the impacts are going to disproportionately affect people with disabilities, their needs must be at the forefront of considerations that attempt to address climate change.

3.1       Disability Equality Scotland summary of findings

To gather the views of people with disabilities on the development of a new National Park in Scotland, Disability Equality Scotland (DES) carried out a poll of its members.  More information on DES can be found on their website and the findings of the survey can be found at the end of this annex in Table 2.

Out of 99 respondents, the majority (88%) answered ‘yes’ to the question “Do you support proposals to establish a new National Park in Scotland by 2026?”.  

When reflecting on their answers, respondents identified benefits to the environment, economy, health and wellbeing.  For example, “Scotland has so many beautiful spaces, and further work that will take place to preserve this is very welcome.  I also think it will benefit the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities if designed and delivered correctly.”

Concerns raised focused on the financial implications of creating a new National Park and whether this was considered a priority during the current cost of living crisis.

Respondents identified key factors required to ensure the accessibility and inclusion of a new National Park for people with disabilities.  These include pathways, seating, buildings, toilets, transport, information and signage.  One example from each is given below. 

• Paths: respondents noted the importance of ensuring that areas of a new National Park feature level access paths.  It was also noted that a network of usable paths should be available.
• Seating: people with reduced mobility may require benches and shelters at regular intervals.  When placing these benches and shelters, care must be taken to not arrange them in ways that may create barriers for people with vision loss.
• Buildings: buildings must be accessible.  This includes step-free access to the entrance, wide enough doorways and corridors, suitable lighting and acoustics, and hearing loops.
• Toilets: adequate toilet facilities are needed, including Changing Places Toilets, which provide sufficient space and equipment, including a height adjustable changing- bench and a hoist for people who are not able to use the toilet independently.
• Transport: strong transport links are essential for increasing accessibility for people with disabilities.  To achieve this there must be sufficient Blue Badge spaces and accessible modes of public transport.
• Information and signage: Information about the National Park, including how to navigate and access services must be produced in a variety of accessible formats including audio, Braille, British Sign Language (BSL), Easy Read, large print, and plain text.  It is also important to embed accessible information principles such as concise messaging that avoids jargon, using a clear, plain font, and ensuring there is sufficient contrast between the text and background colours.

In terms of engaging people with disabilities in the process of developing a National Park, the report noted “an inclusive design approach ensures that disabled people are involved in the development of a new National Park from the very beginning”.  This includes proactive engagement with Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and Access Panels across Scotland.  Access Panels are groups of disabled volunteers who work together to improve physical access and wider social inclusion in their local communities.

3.2 Stakeholder Advisory Group meetings

The Stakeholder Advisory Group discussed engagement with people with disabilities, including the work of the current Parks such as the Cairngorms Equality Advisory Panel.

The group discussed the importance of proactively engaging with people with disabilities, DPOs and access panels early in the process of establishing the National Park. Sight Scotland, Enable Scotland, Inclusion Scotland, Capability Scotland and Health and Social Care Alliance are organisations were recommended to engage with for this process.

4.         Ethnic minorities

The majority of people from ethnic minority backgrounds in Scotland and the UK more generally live in urban areas and are likely to have more limited access to greenspaces, garden-space and countryside-spaces than the general population.  They are also less likely to visit outdoors for a range of reasons including: cultural; fear of racial discrimination; lack of confidence in their ability to go outside and engage with nature.  This lack of access can contribute to race-based health inequalities.  The environmental sector itself suffers from a significant lack of ethnic diversity.

Engagement with ethnic minority people could not be conducted at this stage due to scheduling conflicts.  However, as they are a key group who have historically, and are currently, affected by inequalities of access and lack of representation, conducting bespoke engagements with ethnic minority groups during future consultation is essential.

4.1       Stakeholder Advisory Group meetings

CEMVO (Council of Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations) is a member of the Stakeholder Advisory Group.  More information about CEMVO can be found on their website. The perspectives below were gathered during several meetings of the group.

CEMVO raised an issue regarding clarity of the term ‘cultural heritage’, noting that they had been limited discussion of this term in any of the Stakeholder Advisory Group papers.  However, it would be important to have a clear definition to set the starting point and end goal of the National Park aim to conserve and enhance the cultural heritage of the area.  CEMVO recommended that NatureScot consider what is meant by cultural heritage, whether it is the restoration of communities and community and social interests back into nature; the re-integration/imagination of Gaelic; or the inclusion of newer communities that now inhabit Scotland.

CEMVO also raised the issue that there was not enough consultation regarding the restoration of community systems, access to land for new growers and smaller farmers, reintegration of farmers into communities or a wider sense of collective ownership and responsibility to land.

These are all huge topics which are difficult to summarise but this strategy will start to feel more tangible to people when a picture has been painted of how this could happen.  It also needs to be consider whether these issues will actually be addressed or whether this just tokenistic discussions on accessing land and making links between housing, food, energy and nature-based solutions.  Other consultations on Just Transition and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy could relate to thinking on this, and cultural heritage, in broader terms.

Other discussions during the Stakeholder Advisory Group meetings included the importance of exploring other options than National Park designation to increase access to (national) Parks and greenspaces in more urban areas, where ethnic minority groups are more likely to live.  This would help in terms of familiarising people with the outdoors and increasing access to local spaces.

The lack of ethnic diversity within the environmental sector, and high-level discussions such as this Stakeholder Advisory Group, was also acknowledged.  Thus, it is necessary to collaborate with minority groups in relation to engaging with National Park spaces.  Black Scottish Adventurers, Bonnie Boots, and Boots and Beards are organisations that work with ethnic minority communities to get them into the outdoors whether that be National Park space or local countryside space. 

YoungScot bespoke engagement – full results  

What are the issues or challenges for young people in relation to National Parks?

• Access by public transport
• Accessibility - can we get the bus or other forms of transport to the park?
• Current national parks don't include coastal areas
• Disability - is the place accessible? Particularly in woodland areas
• Fresh drinking water
• Mental health - interactive element helps in this area also
• Might not be cheap to declare somewhere a national park
• National parks can be boring - maybe something more interactive?
• Not being close enough to access a National Park.
• Number of people that visit - too many people can cause reluctance.
• Skills - navigation and first aid if exploring/hiking.
• The equipment needed to enjoy activities in spaces (hillwalking, etc.) can be very expensive.
• Vandalism.
• We have little influence on how they are managed.
• What does being a national park actually mean in Scotland? Does this make protecting nature easier or more difficult?

What would a successful National Park look like for young people?

• A balance of access for people and protected areas for wildlife.
• Accessibility for those with disabilities.
• Accessible toilets.
• Also - sorry might be too difficult of a question - but has there been any plans to create marine protected areas in collaboration with projects like restoration forth?
• And access to kit (i.e. waterproofs, walking boots which can be expensive!)
• Can we have a marine national park?
• Easily accessible by public transport.
• Facilities.
• Good signage for navigation.
• Having a holistic approach - can a circular economy be built into a new park? How would any waste be managed?
• Having access to the basic skills needed to be in the space (i.e. navigation, ID skills).
• I would agree - camping on beaches in the last couple of summers has been a really important reminder that beaches need to be protected too.
• Including things like games for young people to play when they come.
• Information around the wildlife using the space.
• Information facilities.
• Learning facilities for younger people to take school trips.
• Lots of different plants and animals.
• More people would be visiting the area.
• One that could easily be reached by public transport.
• One where they feel welcome.
• Ones that support an abundance of wildlife and opportunities to give work to people who live locally.
• Opportunities such as the Loch Lomond Youth Committee and Junior Rangers.
• People can’t see how degraded our seas are too, there are Marine Protected Areas but trawling can still occur in them.
• Policies enforced to ensure the area is protected and respected.
• Protect species more than give people a good time - biodiversity first!
• Water fountains.
• What protection would National Park status provide around places like Scottish Islands etc.?
• Work opportunities.

Note: During the event, 15 young people answered the first question and 25 answered the second question.

Disability Equality Scotland bespoke engagement – full results

Comments The majority of respondents (88%) agreed with proposals to establish a new National Park in Scotland by 2026. When reflecting on their stance, respondents recognised the benefits to the environment, economy, health and wellbeing.

• “Conserving more natural places is essential, including protecting the habitat from erosion.”
• “It will help disabled people to stay mentally and physically happier and healthy.”
• “Any protected area for the benefit of wildlife will be supported by me. I am a firm believer in getting nature looked after.”
• “A new National Park will give even more people access to the countryside and help with mental health issues.”
• “National Parks conserve the area and also bring tourists creating jobs and boosting economy.”
• “Scotland has so many beautiful spaces and further work that will take place to preserve this is very welcome. I also think it will benefit the health and wellbeing of disabled people if designed and delivered correctly.”

Some concerns were raised on the financial implications of creating a new National Park and whether this was considered a priority during the current cost of living crisis.

• “Who is going to pay for this, there are other problems that need to be tackled in this country like NHS, schools, housing, unemployment, crime etc. The National Trust can’t even run the properties that they have already, adding additional parks to their portfolio will make it worse, they already waste money on non-essentials, and no this is not a necessity. Money could be spent on what is really necessary.”

“While I support the idea of a new National Park in Scotland by 2026, I think that we need to remember that we are in a major cost of living crisis and money needs to be available and spent elsewhere. So, if they push the date of the National Park back by a year or so I would not be too concerned or disappointed.”

Comments Paths - Respondents commented on the importance of ensuring that areas of a new National Park feature level access paths and routes that are suitable for mobility scooters, wheelchairs, adaptive bikes and prams.

• “Far too often parks of all kinds don’t have a proper path, so trying to either walk or use a wheelchair is near impossible. I respect the fact that they are parks and should be “wild” as possible, but there still should be at least one pathway for not just disabled but people with prams and anything else that needs a good flat surface.”
• “Paths need to be made for all levels of accessibility so that those with walking aids and wheelchairs can get around. I also feel a separate path for disabled people is essential so that cyclists and scooters are not whizzing past.”
• “As a wheelchair user, I would appreciate if some of the footpaths are wheelchair accessible, i.e., wide enough for a wheelchair and hard surfaced for easy access with no excessive inclines and no obstacles in the way.”
• “Having a network of usable paths which will be available to those who require steadier underfoot or wheeled access would be important.”

Seating - It is beneficial for people with reduced mobility to have benches and shelters available at regular interval stops. Consideration must also be taken on the placing of benches and shelters, which may create a barrier for people with vision loss.

• “Seating is a must. I personally have struggled to go in a park of any kind because of lack of seating. I want to keep my independence as much as possible but when we know there is no seating, I usually have to forgo going to that area or use my wheelchair, which again is hard because of uneven surfaces.”
• “Path passing places, benches and perch stools should be provided at intervals.”
• “Areas for shelter in case of bad weather, as well as to be used for taking photos. I'm not asking for a bothy, but somewhere safe with seating and enough space for wheelchairs in a suitable space.”
• “Benches are a must, but also need to be careful that this does not create too much path clutter which then becomes unwieldy for disabled people.”

Buildings - Buildings that are located in the National Park must be accessible. This includes step-free access to the entrance, wide enough doorways and corridors, suitable lighting and acoustics.

• “Public buildings whether old or new need to be fully accessible. I have hearing loss so hearing loops are essential.”
• “Visitor centres / restaurants should be fully accessible and inclusive.”
• “Any visitor centres need to be wheelchair accessible.”

Toilets - Respondents highlighted the importance of ensuring that there are adequate accessible toilet facilities for people with disabilities. This includes Changing Places Toilets, which provides sufficient space and equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist for people who are not able to use the toilet independently.

• “Ensure disabled toilets are available - the inability to toilet properly prevents many disabled people getting out.”
• “Please ensure there are adequate (and several) disabled access toilet facilities and that they are checked and regularly cleaned!”
• “Any increase in toilet/changing facilities will be very welcome as councils have cut facilities due to funding and staffing practicalities.”
• “Changing Places Toilets are prevalent in leisure centres, town halls etc. There needs to be this facility in any new National Park - as well as existing ones.”

Transport - There must also be strong transport links that are accessible for disabled people. Respondents noted that to achieve this there must be sufficient Blue Badge spaces and accessible modes of public transport.

• “The most important factor is that all motorists should be banned except for electric cars and holders of disabled parking permits. Parking should be available just outside the National Park and it should have electric charging points.”
• “Ensure sufficient disabled parking is available, possibly at more frequent spaces. Limiting more remote areas to disabled only parking would limit the amount of traffic in an area but still allow disabled people access.”
• “One point that needs to be considered now when looking at Blue Badge parking spots is the additional factor of it having a charging point for electric vehicles.”
• “There must be good connections to different modes of public transport that would assist disabled people who are unable to drive. This could be accessible shuttle buses. Ideally the new park would also have close links to rail.”
• “Taxi access and maybe hire facilities for mobility scooters etc.”
• “Reasonable 'accessible' trails including the opportunity to be escorted and transported up and down steep hills, preferably on 'green' transport, of sorts. Be this adapted wheelchair, adapted trailer or covered bus type transport.”
• “If it’s a rugged area then assisted access should be available with possibly transport to various parts, similar to Culzean Castle and ground who have transport around various locations within the grounds.”

Information and Signage - Information about the National Park, including how to navigate and access services must be produced in a variety of accessible formats. Examples of accessible formats include audio, Braille, British Sign Language (BSL), Easy Read, large print, and plaint text. It is also important to embed accessible information principles such as concise messaging that avoids jargon, using a clear, plain font, and ensuring there is sufficient contrast between the text and background colours.

• “Ensuring that information about the park is available to people during walks is accessible. Too many signs are cluttered and not accessible for the majority of people.”
• “I'd like to hear audio descriptions and highlights of my travels and perhaps BSL video giving the same information. My list is not meant to be exhaustive, simply, what came to mind on reading requirements.”

“If there is information anywhere in the park for it to be available in braille, Gaelic and BSL.”

Respondents views on the key factors that are required to ensure that a new National Park is accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities.

Comments

Paths - Respondents commented on the importance of ensuring that areas of a new National Park feature level access paths and routes that are suitable for mobility scooters, wheelchairs, adaptive bikes and prams.

• “Far too often parks of all kinds don’t have a proper path, so trying to either walk or use a wheelchair is near impossible. I respect the fact that they are parks and should be “wild” as possible, but there still should be at least one pathway for not just disabled but people with prams and anything else that needs a good flat surface.”
• “Paths need to be made for all levels of accessibility so that those with walking aids and wheelchairs can get around. I also feel a separate path for disabled people is essential so that cyclists and scooters are not whizzing past.”
• “As a wheelchair user, I would appreciate if some of the footpaths are wheelchair accessible, i.e., wide enough for a wheelchair and hard surfaced for easy access with no excessive inclines and no obstacles in the way.”
• “Having a network of usable paths which will be available to those who require steadier underfoot or wheeled access would be important.”

Seating - It is beneficial for people with reduced mobility to have benches and shelters available at regular interval stops. Consideration must also be taken on the placing of benches and shelters, which may create a barrier for people with vision loss.

• “Seating is a must. I personally have struggled to go in a park of any kind because of lack of seating. I want to keep my independence as much as possible but when we know there is no seating, I usually have to forgo going to that area or use my wheelchair, which again is hard because of uneven surfaces.”
• “Path passing places, benches and perch stools should be provided at intervals.”
• “Areas for shelter in case of bad weather, as well as to be used for taking photos. I'm not asking for a bothy, but somewhere safe with seating and enough space for wheelchairs in a suitable space.”
• “Benches are a must, but also need to be careful that this does not create too much path clutter which then becomes unwieldy for disabled people.”

Buildings - Buildings that are located in the National Park must be accessible. This includes step-free access to the entrance, wide enough doorways and corridors, suitable lighting and acoustics.

• “Public buildings whether old or new need to be fully accessible. I have hearing loss so hearing loops are essential.”
• “Visitor centres / restaurants should be fully accessible and inclusive.”
• “Any visitor centres need to be wheelchair accessible.”

Toilets - Respondents highlighted the importance of ensuring that there are adequate accessible toilet facilities for people with disabilities. This includes Changing Places Toilets, which provides sufficient space and equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist for people who are not able to use the toilet independently.

• “Ensure disabled toilets are available - the inability to toilet properly prevents many disabled people getting out.”
• “Please ensure there are adequate (and several) disabled access toilet facilities and that they are checked and regularly cleaned!”
• “Any increase in toilet/changing facilities will be very welcome as councils have cut facilities due to funding and staffing practicalities.”
• “Changing Places Toilets are prevalent in leisure centres, town halls etc. There needs to be this facility in any new National Park - as well as existing ones.”

Transport - There must also be strong transport links that are accessible for disabled people. Respondents noted that to achieve this there must be sufficient Blue Badge spaces and accessible modes of public transport.

• “The most important factor is that all motorists should be banned except for electric cars and holders of disabled parking permits. Parking should be available just outside the National Park and it should have electric charging points.”
• “Ensure sufficient disabled parking is available, possibly at more frequent spaces. Limiting more remote areas to disabled only parking would limit the amount of traffic in an area but still allow disabled people access.”
• “One point that needs to be considered now when looking at Blue Badge parking spots is the additional factor of it having a charging point for electric vehicles.”
• “There must be good connections to different modes of public transport that would assist disabled people who are unable to drive. This could be accessible shuttle buses. Ideally the new park would also have close links to rail.”
• “Taxi access and maybe hire facilities for mobility scooters etc.”
• “Reasonable 'accessible' trails including the opportunity to be escorted and transported up and down steep hills, preferably on 'green' transport, of sorts. Be this adapted wheelchair, adapted trailer or covered bus type transport.”
• “If it’s a rugged area then assisted access should be available with possibly transport to various parts, similar to Culzean Castle and ground who have transport around various locations within the grounds.”

Information and Signage - Information about the National Park, including how to navigate and access services must be produced in a variety of accessible formats. Examples of accessible formats include audio, Braille, British Sign Language (BSL), Easy Read, large print, and plaint text. It is also important to embed accessible information principles such as concise messaging that avoids jargon, using a clear, plain font, and ensuring there is sufficient contrast between the text and background colours.

• “Ensuring that information about the park is available to people during walks is accessible. Too many signs are cluttered and not accessible for the majority of people.”
• “I'd like to hear audio descriptions and highlights of my travels and perhaps BSL video giving the same information. My list is not meant to be exhaustive, simply, what came to mind on reading requirements.”

“If there is information anywhere in the park for it to be available in braille, Gaelic and BSL.”

Respondents views on the future engagement with people with disabilities

An inclusive design approach ensures that people with disabilities are involved in the development of a new National Park from the very beginning. This includes proactive engagement with Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) and Access Panels across Scotland. Access Panels are groups of disabled volunteers who work together to improve physical access and wider social inclusion in their local communities. More information can be found on the Access Panel Network website.

• “Don't leave disabled people behind - we want to get out there too! It's really just a case of incorporating inclusive design right from the start - meaningful consultation with the right people at the right time saves time and trouble later on.”
• “What should be considered for the existing National Parks and others is for them to have their own Access Panel made up of people who have experience in access to the countryside and open space and are also knowledgeable about SOAC.”
• “I do support the idea of a National Park in Scotland and I would hope that the government and other organisations would work with a range of disability organisations to make sure that they get access right for disabled people.”
• “I think a steering party should be set up with people from all types of disabilities to ensure all types of access are considered not just the obvious ones. e.g. - if blind - tactile paths with speaking signs.”
• “Ask people for ideas. Don't be afraid to challenge embedded elitist structures. This land is our land, not for the few but the many.” “Local Access Panels should be consulted / involved at the earliest stage.