A YEAR spent walking 600 miles of footpaths in the National Parks researching and writing a book about the Lake District has given me time to consider the pressing issues facing our National Parks.

This part of our national culture is grossly underfunded compared with other aspects of life like theatre, opera and ballet.

There has to be an equitable distribution of national resources to ensure the problems facing our National Parks are dealt with. Problems like erosion, pollution, congestion, public transport and the pressure on these jewels in the 'cultural crown' of England and Wales.

National Parks get around 30p per visitor in government support, while the large theatrical companies get around £30 subsidy for each person attending a performance.

Mark Reid,

Leeds Road,

Harrogate.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.