In England and Wales, the purpose of National Parks is to conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, and to promote opportunities for public understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities. National parks are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. The National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000 established National Parks in Scotland which are also designated to promote the sustainable use of the natural resources of the area and the sustainable and economic development of communities.

National Parks are extensive areas, each with their own managing authority, and they provide 120 million annual visitors with the opportunity to explore some of Great Britain'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 14 National Parks in Britain; 9 in England plus the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, which has equivalent status, covering 8% of England's land area; 3 in Wales covering 20%; and 2 in Scotland covering about 7%.

The National Parks are:

Brecon Beacons; The Broads; Caringorms;  Dartmoor; Exmoor; Lake District; Loch Lomond; New Forest; Northumberland; North York Moors; Peak District; Pembrokeshire Coast; Snowdonia; South Downs (pending); Yorkshire Dales.

To find out more about the National Parks of England, Scotland and Wales, go to: www.nationalparks.gov.uk.

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