ACTOR Caroline Quentin has spoken of the challenges that face national parks like Dartmoor.

The TV personality and actor, famous for playing Dorothy in Men Behaving Badly and countless other acting and presenting roles, was speaking at the 80th birthday of the Campaign for National Parks, of which she is president.

Ms Quentin looked back over the formation of national parks in the 1940s and 1950s before turning to the future and looking at upcoming challenges.

These included uncertain funding for farmers and other land managers following the result of the Brexit referendum, as well as a lack of affordable housing. She also talked about inappropriate development, poor public transport, and improving access to the outdoors for children.

Writing in the latest edition of Dartmoor Matters, the magazine of the Dartmoor Preservation Association, director Phil Hutt said: ’Caroline told of her distress upon learning that three quarters of children in the UK spend less time outdoors than prison inmates!

’This was a thoughtful speech, and one which brought out the obvious passion which Caroline has for our national parks. She should be a worthy champion for our cause and, as a resident of Tiverton, we hope to see and hear much more of her on Dartmoor in the coming years.’

When she took over the CNP presidency in May, Ms Quentin said: ’I’m thrilled and excited to be working with this important charity. I think national parks are a valuable national asset and I want to encourage everyone to use them and enjoy them. They need to be protected for future generations.

’They need to remain relevant. I don’t think they should be pickled in aspic. The parks need to change with the times so they meet the needs of our children and our children’s children.

’During my time as president, my mission will be to make the national parks even more beautiful, lived in and loved than they are now.’