The history of National Parks
For over 70 years, National Parks have been breath-takingly beautiful areas for the nation.
The fascinating story of their creation, spanning two centuries, is one of romance, rebellion, and a growing appreciation for the great outdoors. Ultimately, a way to connect with nature and gain physical and spiritual renewal from open-air recreation.
A brief history
Our journey through time begins in the early 19th century, with romantic poets such as Byron, Coleridge and Wordsworth writing about the inspirational beauty of the ‘untamed’ countryside. Wordsworth famously claims the Lake District as “a sort of national property, in which every man has a right and interest who has an eye to perceive and a heart to enjoy”.
By the late 19th century James Bryce MP starts a campaign for public access to the countryside by introducing the first “freedom to roam” bill to parliament in 1884. The bill fails but the campaign had begun.
By the early 20th century, the demands for public access to the countryside are growing – fuelled by widespread industrialisation and growing towns and cities.
By the 1930s, public pressure is at breaking point amid conflicts between landowners and people demanding greater access to the countryside. By 1932, the famous “mass trespasses” on Kinder Scout in the Peak District were taking place, leading to five men being imprisoned.
The seeds of change have been planted, however.
By 1936, groups of leisure activity enthusiasts and nature conservationists form a voluntary sector Standing Committee on National Parks which argues the case for national parks and urges the government to act.
Ongoing pressure culminates in the 1945 White Paper on National Parks, produced as part of the post-war reconstruction. The government sets up a committee, under Sir Arthur Hobhouse, to prepare for National Park legislation.
1949 is the landmark year. The government passes an Act of Parliament to establish National Parks to conserve and enhance their natural beauty and provide recreational opportunities for the public. Lewis Silkin, Minister for Town and Country Planning, describes it as “… the most exciting Act of the post-war Parliament”.
The 1950s marks a decade of new National Parks for England & Wales – and several more follow in subsequent decades.
The Scottish Parliament passed the National Parks (Scotland) Act in the year 2000 which resulted in two Scottish National Parks being established – Loch Lomond and The Trossachs in 2002 and the Cairngorms in 2003.
Did you know?
Connected through Nature
Campaigning for National Parks , Learn more (opens in a new tab)
Campaign For National Parks (CNP) is a charity dedicated to protecting, improving and promoting all of the National Parks of England and Wales. The Scottish Campaign for National Parks (SCNP) is the national charity that campaigns to protect and promote the cause of and case for National Parks in Scotland.
Discover the history of Ramblers , Learn more (opens in a new tab)
Find out more around the history of Ramblers, where the charity began and its work to protect and enjoy landscapes today.
How unity across the three nations aims to protect the historic environment , Learn more (opens in a new tab)
Find out how National Parks across the UK work with leading heritage and environmental bodies to explain and protect the UK's historic environment.
In North York Moors National Park a project that champions both the community and insects is thriving. GrubsUp! has already planted native hedgerows, restored grasslands, created ponds and improved roadside verges so insects can move more easily between isolated pockets of habitat.
Working with farmers, landowners and local volunteers, the project shows the possibilities for nature when a local community comes together.
Read more and discover more nature recovery stories on our website 🔗🌿 #NatureRecovery #NationalParks
Our research shows we care about our natural environment and are looking for ways to protect it. National Parks are places where nature recovery takes place within local communities, every day.
Programmes range from reintroducing endangered species through to conservation work to to protect and restore land.
Discover how National Parks are recovering nature by clicking the link in our bio🔗 💚
#NationalParksUK #NatureRecovery
National Parks could hold the answer to nature recovery 🌿
Every day, our National Parks are actively restoring damaged habitats, reintroducing lost species, and linking green spaces across local and landscape scales.
With work spanning the breadth of the nations, we`re an integral part of the solution to the challenges we face surrounding degraded natural environments across Great Britain.
#NationalParksUK #NatureRecovery
For people living with dementia, time outdoors can offer routine, companionship and a welcome connection to the world around them.
Developed in partnership with @Alzscot and located at @badaguish_, the centre is leading the way in supporting patients to experience the benefits of nature.
Read more about the programme and discover more health and wellbeing stories on our website💚
#NationalParksUK #Wellbeing
We know that nature helps us feel better, and even a little time outdoors can make a big difference.
From specialist programmes and guided walks to simply catching up with friends over a coffee, our National Parks offer many ways to unwind, connect and enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.
Click the link in our bio to discover how National Parks are supporting our wellbeing 🔗💚
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💚Better health and wellbeing? National Parks could hold the answer.
Every day, our 15 National Parks across the UK help people unwind, connect with others and experience the benefits of spending time in nature.
#NationalParksUK #Wellbeing
Our new research has revealed what we`re currently concerned about the most.
We want better wellbeing. To feel part of a local community. To help nature recover, and feel prepared for what`s coming next in our changing climate.
Our new report reveals what our priorities are and how the 15 National Parks are putting solutions into action.
Read the report on our website by clicking the link in our bio 🔗
#NationalParksUK #Research
What if the solutions to some of our biggest challenges are already taking shape?
From improving our health and wellbeing and helping communities thrive to restoring nature and building climate resilience for the future, National Parks are places where answers are being found, tested and brought to life every single day.
Click the link in our bio to discover how 💚
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