2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 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.

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

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. In the early 20th century 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.