Natural England

National Parks are extensive areas each with their own managing authority to conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities. 

National Parks provide their 110 million annual visitors with the opportunity to explore some of England's most dramatic and remote landscapes. The parks are living and working landscapes with an increasing focus on supporting the communities and economic activity which underpin their wild beauty.

There are 8 National Parks in England plus the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, which has equivalent status. These nine areas account for 8 per cent of England’s land area. The process of designating the South Downs as a National Park, started by the Countryside Agency in April 2000, has ended its public inquiry stage.

National Parks Facts & Figures (25kb word)