When he's not trudging across Antarctic ice you're likely to find TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle relaxing in Wales. As a campaigner for landscape protection he's an enthusiast for our National Parks.
I love the National Parks in Wales - they are breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, and within them adventurous spirits can thrive and people seeking peace and tranquillity can find it aplenty.
A personal favourite for me are the windswept beaches of the Pembrokeshire Coast, like Newgale, where surfers and kayakers battle the elements all year round. Pembrokeshire's coast path is at its most beautiful in the spring when an abundance of wild flowers cling to the cliff tops. If you're lucky you might see the first puffins returning to their nesting sites on Skomer Island or a harbour porpoise off Strumble Head.
When I'm in need of a challenging climb I head for the rugged peaks of Snowdonia where I'm spoilt for choice. The classic walks of the Snowdon Massif or the Carneddau are among my favourites, but I am also drawn to quieter hills such as the Rhinogau when I need some time out.
I am also drawn, time after time, to the wide open spaces of The Brecon Beacons. This National Park is a haven for all sorts of wildlife - check the sky for red kites with their distinctive forked tails, and listen out for the summer song of skylarks and pipits filling the air.
But these Parks aren't just pretty places. The National Parks protect some of Wales's most iconic landscapes and help to sustain local livelihoods; whether in tourism, farming or other land-based activity. Did you know that the parks in Wales support nearly 12,000 jobs?
I hope that you will find time to explore the National Parks in Wales during 2010 - I might see you there!
Ben is President of The Campaign for National Parks, the national charity that campaigns to protect and promote National Parks for the benefit and quiet enjoyment of all.
I love the National Parks in Wales - they are breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, and within them adventurous spirits can thrive and people seeking peace and tranquillity can find it aplenty.
A personal favourite for me are the windswept beaches of the Pembrokeshire Coast, like Newgale, where surfers and kayakers battle the elements all year round. Pembrokeshire's coast path is at its most beautiful in the spring when an abundance of wild flowers cling to the cliff tops. If you're lucky you might see the first puffins returning to their nesting sites on Skomer Island or a harbour porpoise off Strumble Head.
When I'm in need of a challenging climb I head for the rugged peaks of Snowdonia where I'm spoilt for choice. The classic walks of the Snowdon Massif or the Carneddau are among my favourites, but I am also drawn to quieter hills such as the Rhinogau when I need some time out.
I am also drawn, time after time, to the wide open spaces of The Brecon Beacons. This National Park is a haven for all sorts of wildlife - check the sky for red kites with their distinctive forked tails, and listen out for the summer song of skylarks and pipits filling the air.
But these Parks aren't just pretty places. The National Parks protect some of Wales's most iconic landscapes and help to sustain local livelihoods; whether in tourism, farming or other land-based activity. Did you know that the parks in Wales support nearly 12,000 jobs?
I hope that you will find time to explore the National Parks in Wales during 2010 - I might see you there!
Ben is President of The Campaign for National Parks, the national charity that campaigns to protect and promote National Parks for the benefit and quiet enjoyment of all.
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