Case Study: The Peak District National Park

Question 1

Facts and figures (4)

Answer 1

• Central England
• First national park in UK built in 1951
• Covers an area of 1,440 km2
• the world’s second most visited National Park after Mount Fuji National Park in Japan

Question 2

Benefits of national park (7)

Answer 2

• Job creation (it is estimated tourism creates 14,200 jobs in the Peak District
• Income (it is estimated tourism generates over $600 million in income)
• Improved infrastructure (roads, electricity)
• Improved facilities e.g. restaurants, golf courses, etc.
• Protection of historical landmarks e.g. Peveril Castle
• Protection of natural beauty
• Improved reputation and image

Question 3

Problems (8)

Answer 3

• The Peak District’s roads are small and have become heavily congested.
• Some tourists drop littering which is unsightly and can harm animals
• Many tourists do not stay on the footpaths causing erosion either side of the path and damaging crops
• Some tourists leave farm gates open allowing animals to escape.
• A lot of the employment is only seasonal
• Many tourists have purchased second homes. This means many houses are vacant for long periods leading to rural depopulation and service decline.
• Tourists create air, noise and water pollution
• The large demand from tourists has caused local inflation (increase in prices)

Question 4

Solutions (6)

Answer 4

• A charge to be placed on people entering the national park (entrance fee)
• A quota on the number of people visiting the national park e.g. 10,000 a day.
• Improved footpaths and improved footpath signs
• Increased fines for people littering and more bins.
• Improved public transport, especially park and rides so people leave their cars outside the national park
• A redistribution of tourists. Advertise different sites with in the park better so people are spread out more evenly.