The government has earmarked an extra £9.6m for national parks in England over the next three years.

Rural affairs minister Jonathan Shaw announced that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEfRA) would increase its annual grant to the nine national park authorities from the current £44.4m to £48.9m by 2011.

The increase will see funding increase by 4.2 per cent in 2008/09 and by 2.9 per cent and 2.75 per cent in each of the two following years, giving the overall figure of £9.6m

The Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA), which receives the largest single allowance, will see its annual funding increase from £7.92m in 2007 to £8.7m in 20011.

On the other end of the scale, the Northumberland National Park Authority, which receives the least, will see its funding rise from £3.15m to £3.48m.

“These increases in funding will enable our national parks to continue protecting and improving the landscape, our heritage and wildlife,” said Shaw.

“National parks are not just beautiful and historic parts of the countryside, but places where people want to live and work.

”With the government’s support, they can continue to help build sustainable communities and give all of us a better environment.”

Narendra Bajaria, chair of (PDNPA), said: “We welcome this news which shows how seriously the government recognizes the important work we are carrying out in the national park on a wide range of rural issues.

“This announcement lets us plan with confidence ways of protecting and enhancing the unique qualities of the Peak District for current and future generations.”