[N]ational and Cumbrian environmental issues were discussed with the MP for Workington and shadow secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs Sue Hayman during a visit to the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus.
During her visit (Fri 26 Jan) the shadow environment secretary heard how the Science, Natural Resources and Outdoor Studies Department, which includes forestry, conservation, outdoor and geography, currently operates.
The visit was timely with the publication earlier this month of the government’s 25 year environmental plan, A Green Future.
The MP also heard how the newly created Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas (CNPPA) is building on fourteen years of world class research in wildlife conservation around the globe and undertakes work examining all aspects of National Park and protected area sustainability and leadership.
“The department is doing some interesting research around the environment and different scientific aspects of the environment and community as well,” Mrs Hayman said. “It’s really interesting and I look forward to keeping in touch and learning more about what the university can bring to the National Parks and policy in future.”
As well as conservation and animal behaviour/management issues the centre also focuses on conservation and protected area management including issues such as climate change, sustainable development and food security. Students benefit from access to ‘real-world scenarios’ with opportunities for placements, applied field work and dissertation research.
“The CNPPA is now up and running and we’re listening to understand how best we can make use of the wealth of experience that exists here,” Vice Chancellor Prof Julie Mennell said.
