75 years ago today history was made.  

The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act came into force on 16 December 1949, a truly visionary legislation enshrining everyone’s ability to access nature in law. This Act has had a vast and lasting impact on our relationship with the natural environment and puts our connection with nature at the heart of their design. 

Today we come together with people across the nation to celebrate their past and fight for their future.

THE PATH TO 1949

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, creating an urgent need to protect landscapes for nature and recreation.

Campaign for National Parks 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.

CAMPAIGN WIN FOR NATIONAL PARKS

Today Defra has promised new legislation to modernise National Parks. This means a mandate to drive nature recovery, clean up waterways and commitment to fix broken Governance, something we at Campaign for National Parks have long campaigned for.
 
This announcement is hugely welcome and we look forward to working with Defra in new year to bring in these changes as soon as possible. We also look to Government to set out proper investment in National Park Authorities and for farmers and landowners within Protected Landscapes to deliver the vision set out today.

THE NEXT CHAPTER

In the last 80+ years we've pushed for bigger and better Parks that are for everyone. We've challenged those in powers to do more for our most awe-inspiring landscapes and campaigned for changes that benefit people, nature and planet.

Now we're looking to the future, to address new challenges, inspire the next generation of change-makers and call for a new vision from government.

BECOME PART OF THE NATIONAL PARKS STORY
National Parks are under threat like never before and face challenges campaigners 75 years ago could never have foreseen. Help us tackle those challenges today and make National Parks thrive for the next 75 years and beyond.

CAMPAIGN FOR NATIONAL PARKS IN THE MEDIA

Countryfile - Our Policy & Projects Officer Gareth Ludkin joined the Countryfile team in the Peak District to discuss the anniversary.

BBC Cymru - Our National Marine Parks Lead Ffion Mitchell-Langford on the unique opportunity the new National Park in Wales provides for nature.