Campaign for National Parks News Release
2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. An act which secured access for everyone to open countryside whilst preserving and enhancing natural beauty; founded on the understanding that connection with nature is essential to the health of people, society and the planet. This truly visionary legislation has had a vast and lasting impact on our relationship with the natural environment across the UK and is an achievement we must celebrate and not take for granted.
The 1949 Act is the result of decades of campaigning and action from groups and individuals who understood the vital importance of enshrining everyone’s ability to access nature in law. At the end of the 19th century attitudes towards mankind’s treatment of the natural world were changing – people were angry about the degrading of the countryside and the lack of access to it. In the early 20th century public appreciation of natural beauty and a growing desire to enjoy the countryside clashed with unchecked development and the denial of freedom to roam, creating an urgent need to protect landscapes for nature and recreation.
Campaign for National Parks (known as the Standing Committee on National Parks in 1936) was born out of this need for accessing the countryside and the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 was our first success. Not only did the Act enable the creation of National Parks but also countryside access, National Trails, National Landscapes (formerly Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty), Sites of Special Scientific Interest and National Nature Reserves – all fundamental in creating and maintaining spaces for nature and people to thrive.
The last 75 years have seen huge changes in the landscape of the UK, some good, some bad. We’ve seen more National Park designations and great protections for Protected Landscapes, and although we’re facing unprecedented challenges from nature loss and climate change, Protected Landscapes are key to tacking these issues head on.
We know there is more to be done and celebrating the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 means we can come together and collaborate for the future of National Parks and all Protected Landscapes in the UK.
We want 2024 to be the biggest year for National Parks since their designation in 1949. We have a whole host of events planned over the year to celebrate, with the aim of bringing people together and making some noise about these incredible places.
These events are an opportunity to look towards the future and engage with the next generation of National Park and countryside protectors.
About Campaign for National Parks
Campaign for National Parks is the only independent charity dedicated to securing the future of National Parks in England and Wales. Our independence from government means we can speak out for Protected Landscapes when no-one else can.
Founded in 1936, we bring together a campaigning collective of organisations and individuals from all walks of life united in common cause. Our first campaigns resulted in the creation of our National Parks. Now, inspired by our past, we fight for the future. We want a world where nature and people are thriving in our National Parks, where wildlife is wild and natural beauty is protected for generations to come. Where everyone, no matter their age or background, can access, feel inspired by and fight to protect the future of these truly amazing landscapes.
With National Parks at the heart of everything we do: we’re here to unite, inspire and empower everyone to take action.
For more information visit www.cnp.org.uk
