Natural England - National Parks
National Parks
National Parks are extensive tracts of country that are protected by law for future generations because of their natural beauty and for the opportunities they offer for open air recreation.
The parks are living and working landscapes, with an increasing focus on supporting the communities and economic activity that underpin their wild beauty.
National Parks provide more than 70 million visitors each year (State of the Natural Environment, 2008) with the opportunity to experience and explore some of England's most dramatic and remote landscapes.
How many National Parks are there?
There are nine National Parks in England plus the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, which has equivalent status. These ten areas account for eight per cent of England’s land area.
Our newest National Park, the South Downs was confirmed by Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12th November 2009.
For more information and to see the Secretary of State's confirmed South Downs National Park boundary.
How are National Parks protected?
They are designated by Natural England under the provisions of The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949, and have two statutory purposes:
To conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.
To promote opportunities for the public understanding and enjoyment of these special qualities.
Policies and decisions that could have an impact upon National Parks have to take these two purposes into consideration. If there is conflict between the two purposes, the first must take precedence (known as the Sandford Principle). National Park Authorities also have a duty to foster the economic and social wellbeing of communities in pursuit of these purposes.
The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads
The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads was designated through its own act of Parliament in 1988, but is normally regarded as a member of the family of National Parks. As well as the two statutory purposes of National Parks listed above, the Broads has a third purpose: to protect the interests of navigation. The Broads is not bound by the Sandford Principle.
How are National Parks managed?
National parks have their own managing authority, which works to conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities. Natural England’s role is to work in partnership with the national park managing authorities.
National Parks
- 1. The Broads
- 2. Dartmoor
- 3. Exmoor
- 4. Lake District
- 5. New Forest
- 6. Northumberland
- 7. North York Moors
- 8. Peak District
- 9. South Downs
- 10. Yorkshire Dales
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Our involvement in National Parks
Natural England's involvement in English National Parks can be summarised under two main headings: delivery of our statutory duties and non statutory work
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Background to the formation of England's National Parks
The countryside of England contains extensive areas that are outstandingly beautiful. The hills, valleys, woods and water combine to form a rich diversity of scenery that is of great value to the nation.
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In addition to its statutory powers to designate National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England, Natural England may also vary a National Park boundary using powers granted under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and an AONB Designation Order under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Any boundary change made through these powers will be set out in a (Boundary) Variation Order.
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Links to other useful websites
A number of other key organisations are involved in protected landscape policy:
