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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.

Accordingly, the Government decided in 1949 to provide legislation to protect these areas as something precious - a beautiful countryside to be passed on to future generations. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act was enacted and the wilder, more dramatic landscapes became National Parks.

National Park Authorities

The Environment Act 1995 led to the creation of the National Park Authorities (NPAs): local authorities in their own right which have forward planning, development control functions and other executive powers.  Their statutory purposes (as defined by the Environment Act 1995) are:

  • to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;
  • to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Parks by the public.    

If there is a conflict between these two purposes greater weight is given to conservation than to recreational needs, this is known as the 'Sandford Principle'.  In pursuing these purposes, NPAs also have a duty to foster the social and economic wellbeing of their local communities.

The government now allocates 100 per cent of the NPAs budget direct to the individual NPA.  In 2005/06, this amounted to £42.13 million (this includes a notional figure of £3,517,297 for the New Forest which illustrates what it can expect to receive when it is fully operational).

National Park Authority membership is split into three sections: a half plus one of the seats are taken by county and district councillors, a quarter plus one by parish council nominations with the remainder filled by the Secretary of State to represent the national interest.

Each NPA is required to produce a National Park Management Plan, which sets out the vision for the management of the National Park and guides the allocation of its resources.  Working in partnership is an important aspect of ensuring successful policies are developed in National Parks and the management plans ensure this happens and that benefits are delivered to the park's environment, residents and visitors in a balanced and sustainable way. CA216 -  National Parks Management Plans -  guidance on the production and review of these plans can be downloaded here.