2009 marked the 60th anniversary of the Act of Parliament which
enabled the designation of the National Parks. The good news is
that the family is expanding following the announcement by the
Government of its intention to confirm the South Downs as the 15th
National Park. These spectacular settings cover 8,862 sq miles, and
are easy to explore from over 50 Club Sites. Visit
the National Parks website for details of guided walks and
special events.
Keeping beautiful places safe
Despite their protected status, serious threats and challenges
still face the National Parks, with climate change, quarrying,
military training, intrusive road and building developments and
other destructive activities all taking their toll. The Campaign
for National Parks (CNP) is an independent charity dedicated to
protecting all of the National Parks of England and Wales. It
fights the major threats and co-ordinates the efforts and concerns
of many people and organisations to give the voluntary sector a
shared vision and voice. For more information
visit the Campaign for National Parks website.
Sites in National Parks
The Brecon Beacons
Home to Pen y Fan, the highest Old Red Sandstone summit in
Britain.
The Broads
Britain's largest protected wetland, the Broads are home to some of
the rarest plants and animals in the UK.
Cairngorms
Cairngorms National park has the largest area of arctic mountain
landscape in the UK.
Dartmoor
Dartmoor National Park is the largest and wildest area of open
country in southern England.
Exmoor
Wild red deer and the native Exmoor Pony are just some of the
delights that make Exmoor special.
The Lake District
England's largest National Park includes Scafell Pike - England's
highest mountain, Wastwater - it's deepest lake.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs
The magnificent landscapes here have fired the imagination of
writers and artists for centuries.
The New Forest
The New Forest National Park was created in March 2005, the
first in the south-east of England.
Northumberland
From Hadrian's Wall, to the prehistoric landscapes of the
Cheviot Hills, see the reminders of our turbulent past.
The North Yorkshire Moors
Miles of stunning heather, towering sea cliffs, secluded beaches
and grassy dales give it a character all of its own.
The Peak District National Park
Britain's first national park, established in 1951, offers some of
England's finest climbing, caving, walking and cycling.
The Pembrokeshire Coast
Britain's only truly coastal National Park offers rugged cliffs,
sandy beaches, wooded estuaries and wild inland hills.
Snowdonia
Snowdonia National Park covers 823 square miles of the most
beautiful and unspoilt countryside in North Wales.
The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales has outstanding scenery, a range of wildlife
habitats and a rich cultural heritage.
To find out more about National Parks, visit the National
Parks website - opens in a new window.