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The symbol of the @northyorkmoors visitor centre is dominated by a sheep, a grouse and a salmon – livestock and game. Culturally and practically, the old power relations still dominate, raising the question of what a "national" park means. 
The moors are swarming with grouse here: unsurprising, as they are managed (ie burnt) to maximise grouse numbers, eliminating many other species. The valleys are stocked with pheasants at plague proportions. Why do we put up with this? Why does the park valorise and celebrate it?
Like most of our national parks, the @northyorkmoors is in a shocking state. Mostly sheep ranches, Sitka spruce plantations, and a playground for wealthy blood sports enthusiasts.
Power relations in the countryside should be interrogated as thoroughly as in the cities. Especially in *our* national parks. It's time to abandon the culture of deference that prevails in the countryside, and demand better. theguardian.com/commentisfree/…
