1. In pairs, think about the best definition for the term «national park».

- What is it about?

- Why «national»?

- Do you know any national parks in Ukraine?

Share your ideas in class and support them with the examples of the national parks you know.

2. Work in small groups. Look at the map of the UK on p. 136 and decide if its geographical position, climate and nature can be a good place for creating national parks.

- In what areas of the UK would you open them? Why?

Exchange your ideas with other groups.

3. Read the descriptions of the national parks located in each of the 4 parts of the UK.

- Pay attention to the meanings of the words in italics which name the things, for which you know different words. Can you guess what they mean?

- In pairs, make a list of issues common for all of the descriptions. What are they?

Share your ideas in class.

SNOWDONIA

Dominated by the impressive Snowdonia mountain range, the area is full of picturesque villages, steep rivers and waterfalls and a coastline of fine sandy beaches. Key areas of interest:

- Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales

- Rich and varied landscapes including wooded valleys, peat lands and moorlands

- Historic castles

- 23 miles of coastline with sand beaches

- The Welsh language, spoken by over half the population

- Just 2 hours from Manchester

LOCH LOMOND & THE TROSSACHS

With 22 large lochs, 21 Munros and about 50 rivers and streams, it is never far from a fantastic view across water. Key areas of interest

- Dramatic mountain landscapes

- Great for hill walking and climbing

- Boat trips, sailing and canoeing

- Less than an hour from Glasgow

LAKE DISTRICT

High fells, deep Ice Age lakes and well off country communities, the Lake District has inspired writers and visitors for centuries.

Key areas of interest:

- Scafell, Englands's highest mountain

- 16 main lakes and many smaller ones

- Boat trips, sailing, canoeing and swimming

- Wainwright's famous 214 fell walks

- Less than 2 hours from Manchester

Northern Ireland does not have national parks at the moment, however, serious moves have been made to create a national park in the breathtaking MOURNE MOUNTAINS.

The mountain range attracts hundreds thousands of visitors each year with its outstanding natural beauty as well as outdoor activities such as hill walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, golf and climbing. The Moume Mountains also include the highest peak in Northern Ireland — Slieve Donard raising 849 metres above sea level.

Adapted from http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk

4. Can you find the parks you have just read about on the map of the UK national parks? How many parks can you count in total? Do you think it is a large or a small number of national parks for such a country? Explain your choice.

Did you know?

Northern Ireland has more young people than anywhere else in the UK. Children under 16 make up nearly a quarter of the population.

5. Look at the pictures of a few different parks on the territory of the UK. In small groups, make up descriptions about them similar to those you have read in ex. 3. Share your descriptions in class.

6. Make up the same description for one of the national parks of Ukraine to present in class. A PowerPoint presentation may be helpful.