APPRENTICESHIPS, support for the rural economy, health and learning are the cornerstones of a five-year blueprint unveiled by Northumberland National Park Authority.

The Northumberland National Park management plan, which sets out the priorities and long-term vision for the park, has been launched following an extensive consultation with stakeholders.

The document was launched at the Cheviot Centre, in Wooler, last month by chairman, Coun. Glen Sanderson, and chief executive Tony Gates.

Coun. Sanderson said: “This is the single most important document for the whole park and sets out our ambitions for the next five years.

“It guides the focus of work to secure a prosperous future for the park and the people that live, work and visit this special place. The plan reflects the views and aspirations of the local communities who make Northumberland National Park the unique asset that it is.

“We want to ensure the park is a place to be proud of for generations to come. On behalf of the management plan partnership, I would like to thank all those individuals and organisations that have contributed to the development of this plan.”

The new management plan builds on the highly successful implementation of the park authority’s original plan launched in 2010.

Mr Gates said: “Our new plan aims to build on the success we’ve had in developing a sustainable model by promoting ways of living and working that allow people to enjoy life, businesses to prosper and communities to thrive, whilst protecting and enhancing the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the landscape.

“We also want to create lots of opportunities for people in the region and beyond to visit and enjoy the National Park.”

Since the launch of the original plan, the park authority has met a range of targets.

These include securing support and investment for The Sill, creating a Youth Cabinet, recruiting more young volunteers, achieving International Dark Sky Park Gold tier status, upgrades to cycle routes and ensuring all farm land in the Park is managed under the Environmental Stewardship Scheme.

Key objectives outlined in the next phase of the plan, covering 2016 to 2021, include more apprenticeships for young people, supporting the rural economy, supporting more initiatives to encourage public health and wellbeing and creating more participatory learning and volunteering opportunities.