Press Release – UK National Parks Education Travel Fund Given a Boost by EPAM Systems

PRESS RELEASE

16 November 2022

UK National Parks today announced that EPAM Systems, a leading global provider of digital platform engineering and development services, has pledged its support for National Parks UK Education Travel Fund to deliver travel grants to schools and community groups, enabling more young people to connect with nature.

As part of the partnership, EPAM will support activity in two of England’s most unspoilt and iconic National Parks—Northumberland and South Downs National Parks—throughout 2021/22, providing funds for young people from across the region to enjoy educational trips to the parks. Research by Natural England, the government’s advisor for the natural environment in England, shows that 90 percent of children report feeling happier and healthier as a result of outdoor learning, and 95 percent say that outdoor learning makes lessons more enjoyable.*

“One of the main barriers to getting school groups into our beautiful landscapes is the cost of travel. This is why the Travel Fund is such a key element of National Parks’ education programme,” said Gordon Watson, Chair of National Parks Partnerships.  “We are really grateful to EPAM for helping us to engage even more young people and connecting them to nature.”

“Engaging with our extended communities through our education and environment programs has always been a big part of our story at EPAM. We are delighted to partner with National Parks UK Education Travel Fund to help more young people access the great outdoors,” said Shamilka Samarasinha, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at EPAM Systems. “The next generation has a key role to play in conserving and protecting our environment and we’re excited to welcome this year’s school groups to Northumberland and South Downs National Parks.”

Following a visit in 2019, Simon Hosking, a teacher at Ysgol Y Cribarth Primary School said “By receiving the travel grant our pupils have been able to access a learning opportunity in the great outdoors. We have loved learning more about the Brecon Beacons National Park and what makes our local area so special.”

* Research – Natural England, Natural Connections Demonstration Project 2012-2016 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/englands-largest-outdoor-learning-project-reveals-children-more-motivated-to-learn-when-outside

For further information please contact Lisa Sensier, National Parks Partnerships, lisa.sensier@nationalparks.co.uk,  07767 885824.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

 About UK National Parks:

• There are 15 National Parks in the UK, spanning the length and breadth of the country. 10 in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland.
• National Parks cover almost 10 percent of England, 20 percent of Wales and 8 percent of Scotland.
• Each National Park is administered by its own authority, but that authority does not own all of the land within the Park. They are independent bodies funded by central government to:
  • Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.
  • Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of national parks by the public.
• In carrying out these aims, National Park Authorities are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the national park.
• National Parks are free to enter and explore and have 104 million visits each year.
• For more information visit nationalparks.uk

ENDS