National Parks

What is a National Park?

Some areas of particularly significant and unspoiled natural heritage have been designated as National Parks to preserve their character and ecosystems for public enjoyment.

National Parks in England are designated by Natural England, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

Land use and economic development within National Parks is the responsibility of National Parks Authorities (NPA's). These are required to give far greater weight than under normal planning procedures to conservation of the natural beauty of the countryside, its wildlife and cultural heritage. Major developments are only permitted in 'exceptional' circumstances, according to Planning Policy Guidance 7.

In the event of the NPAs' conservation and recreation goals coming into conflict, the 'Sandford Principle' rules that the former takes precedence.

National Parks are not publicly owned land; for example the National Trust owns 25 per cent of the Lake District and 12 per cent of the Peak District National Parks.

Background

The concept of National Parks was introduced in law by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. This framework lasted for several decades, and was subsequently amended by the Environment Act 1995.

The Peak District, the Lake District, Snowdonia and Dartmoor were the first areas to be designated as National Parks in 1951.

The Pembrokeshire Coast and the North Yorkshire Moors were designated as National Parks in 1952, followed by the Yorkshire Dales and Exmoor in 1954, Northumberland in 1956, the Brecon Beacons in 1957 and the Norfolk Broads in 1989.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs became the first Scottish National Park in 2002, followed by the Cairngorms in 2003.

On March 1st 2005 the New Forest became the first National Park in the south-east. The process of designating the South Downs began in 1999 and was completed on 31st March 2010 making the South Downs the 10th designated National Park in England.

Controversies

The controversies common to all National Parks are generally disputes about initial designation, disputes about boundaries and questions of economic development within National Parks.

A recent contentious proposal for economic development in a National Park was the plan for a Dibden Bay port. Associated British Ports wanted to construct an 800 acre facility on the western bank of Southampton Water, which some regard as part of the New Forest. The environmental impact of the port and its associated transport infrastructure led to a long and ongoing planning inquiry, with strong views on both sides.

Finally in May 2004, Transport Minister Tony McNulty announced that he had decided to refuse permission for the port development stating that "one important factor in the making of this decision was the environmental impact of the proposals on internationally protected sites."

Statistics

There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK and each one is looked after by its own National Park Authority.
The UK's 15 National Parks are part of a global family of over 113,000 protected areas, covering 149 million square kilometres or 6% of the Earth's surface.
We are linked to Europe through the EUROPARC Federation - a network of European protected areas with 360 member organisations in 37 countries.
There are 10 National Parks in England, 3 in Wales and 2 in Scotland.

Source: Association of National Park Authorities - 2010

Quotes

"National Parks bring pleasure to the millions of people who visit them, as well as much needed escapes from the stresses of everyday life. They are havens for many iconic species and a significant part of our cultural heritage."

Campaign for National Parks - 2010

"National Parks are not just beautiful and historic parts of the countryside, but places where people live and work. They are an asset to our country, helping to boost the economy and attract new visitors, businesses and investment."

Natural Environment Minister Richard Benyon - November 2010