THE future role of Britain's national parks was under discussion at a conference being held in Skipton this week.

Representatives from all the nation's national parks heard Environment Minister Chris Mullin outline the Government's aspirations and expectations for parks such as the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.

He told delegates that there were three broad objectives: protecting the environment effectively using natural resources prudently; high and stable levels of economic growth and employment; and social progress to meet the needs of everyone in society.

The Government is shortly expected to produce a White Paper outlining how it intends to improve conservation and recreation in the countryside and Mr Mullin said that national parks would have a key role to play.

He also revealed that a policy review of national parks was likely next year looking at governance, policy, funding and legislation affecting the national parks.

Also speaking at the conference was television conservationist and botanist David Bellamy and Gervaise Phinn, the former North Yorkshire schools inspector who has a written best selling novel about his experiences.