TV presenter Ben Fogle, president of the Campaign for National Parks (CNP), is appealing for public donations in the wake of spending cuts.

The nature programme presenter is highlighting a fighting fund set up to champion national parks, which include the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors.

“These are unprecedented times for national parks and as the only charity dedicated to protecting and promoting all 13 national parks of England and Wales, we want to remind people of the relevance of these iconic landscapes, and that they really are worth fighting for,” said Mr Fogle.

“With the announcement of funding cuts to the National Parks’ budgets, the CNP is gearing up for a challenging year ahead. We have to step up and be the champion of the national parks as their own funding cuts begin to bite.”

The Fighting Fund appeal will run until the end of March, which coincides with the charity’s 75th anniversary, and aims to raise £25,000.

The real impact of the spending review is yet to be felt, but it is clear that most of the parks will be forced to cut back on vital activities such as visitor services and ranger and education teams to make ends meet.

All funds raised through the appeal will go directly towards CNP’s current campaigns, which include pushing for the expansion of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, safeguarding wildlife, promoting sustainable lifestyles and championing the independence of all 13 parks For details or to make a donation, go to cnp.org.uk/make-a-donation