'Crown jewels' UK countryside of the at risk

CAMPAIGNERS have warned that the "crown jewels" of Britain's countryside are threatened by the mass exodus of younger people.

- Steph Spyro

A rise in second homes or holiday lets, a lack of broadband and poor public transport links have "hollowed" out rural communities near the National Parks.

Andrew McCloy, of Campaign For National Parks, said: "Many of the millions of visitors that head to National Parks are probably very happy with what they see and do.

"But behind the weekend trips and Instagram filters, there is a hollowing out of rural communities that threatens the long-term vitality of the parks.