Press release from National Parks Partnerships:
- AJ Bell Futures Foundation commits £240,000 over two years to support young people’s access to UK National Parks
- New AJ Bell Travel Fund will enable up to 3,700 young people annually to visit National Parks, removing cost barriers
- Partnership supports ambition to engage 150,000 young people each year with nature, skills development and greener futures
National Parks Partnerships (NPP) announces that the AJ Bell Futures Foundation has joined as a new partner of UK National Parks, committing to support programmes that connect young people with nature and expand access to the UK’s 15 National Parks.
As part of the partnership, the AJ Bell Futures Foundation will provide an annual donation of £120,000 in 2026 and 2027 to the UK National Parks Foundation. This funding will support UK National Parks’ ambition to engage around 150,000 young people each year, helping to widen access for those from less advantaged backgrounds.
The partnership will see the launch of the AJ Bell Travel Fund, designed to remove one of the biggest barriers to access: the cost of travel. The fund will enable thousands of young people to visit National Parks and benefit from nature-based experiences and skills development opportunities.
The UK’s National Parks were created 75 years ago to serve both people and place. Today, they remain vital spaces for learning, discovery and inspiration. Through dedicated learning and engagement teams, they provide school visits, community sessions and educational trips that help young people develop a deeper understanding of the natural world while building practical skills for a greener future.
Funding from the AJ Bell Futures Foundation will directly support these learning and development activities, including travel grants across all 15 National Parks. The AJ Bell Travel Fund is expected to support access for up to 3,700 young people each year, particularly those who might otherwise be unable to experience these landscapes.
This new partnership builds on the AJ Bell Futures Foundation’s wider charitable work. Since its launch in 2023, the Foundation has donated £1.5 million to charitable initiatives and supported more than 175,000 people through its principal partner charities. It has also extended partnerships with Smart Works and IntoUniversity, while continuing to work with local organisations such as Stop.Breathe.Think, Empower Youth Zone and Little Green Sock.
AJ Bell employees have also contributed over 2,000 hours of volunteering in support of community initiatives, and this partnership will further strengthen that commitment.
Ryan Hughes, AJ Bell Futures Foundation trustee, said:
‘We’re delighted to be working with UK National Parks in a partnership which will broaden the Foundation’s efforts to open up new opportunities for young people, allowing them to develop useful skills and build the confidence to take on new challenges.
‘UK National Parks engages in an educational programme to support future generations, some of which come from under-represented communities, by giving them access to National Parks, and the Foundation’s donation will enable them to reach more young people through the launch of the AJ Bell Travel Fund.
‘The AJ Bell Futures Foundation and UK National Parks share a commitment to promoting better futures. Our new partnership will complement ongoing work with the Foundation’s other primary partners IntoUniversity and Smart Works in supporting people from less advantaged backgrounds to overcome barriers to success.’
Gordon Watson, Chair of UK National Parks Foundation and CEO of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, added:
‘Too many young people don’t have access to the life-changing experiences our National Parks offer because of the cost of getting there. The AJ Bell Travel Fund is a significant contribution to help expand the work all our National Parks are doing in breaking down that barrier. It will enable thousands more young people, particularly those from less advantaged backgrounds, to access these inspiring spaces and have a real connection with nature.
‘By opening the door to nature, we’re not only helping young people build confidence, skills and wellbeing, but also inspiring the next generation to value and care for these protected landscapes. This partnership is an investment in both people and nature, ensuring our National Parks remain relevant, inclusive and accessible to all.’
Ends
Notes to Editors
To find out more about NPP visit www.nationalparks.co.uk
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For further information, interview and image requests please contact Bec Butler, Senior Partnership Communications Manager
E: bec.butler@nationalparks.co.uk | T: +44 (0)7843 393962
About AJ Bell Futures Foundation
Established in 2023, the AJ Bell Futures Foundation aims to help people who have faced significant life challenges by providing opportunities to build a better future through self-advancement. AJ Bell plc contributes 0.5% of its profits before tax to the Foundation annually as part of its wider ESG strategy.
About UK National Parks
The UK is home to 15 National Parks, spanning almost 10% of the country’s land. These protected landscapes are living, working environments where people and nature thrive together. Each National Park is managed by an independent Authority that promotes public access, understanding and local economic and social wellbeing.
For more information, visit www.nationalparks.uk.
About National Parks Partnerships (NPP)
National Parks Partnerships (NPP) connects business, finance and philanthropy to the UK’s 15 National Parks, unlocking private investment to support nature recovery, climate resilience and rural economies. Through bespoke partnerships and high-quality nature-based solutions, NPP delivers lasting environmental, social and economic value.
About UK National Parks Foundation
The UK National Parks Foundation (Registered Charity Number: 1182566) was established in 2019 to support these landscapes. Its priorities include enhancing National Parks, connecting people and communities with them, and promoting their enjoyment and understanding.