Who looks after National Parks?
National Parks are vast spaces.
Farmland, towns, villages, nature reserves, rivers, lakes, valleys, beaches and mountains. Lots of people and organisations help to look after them. While National Parks are “protected landscapes”, they are also managed landscapes – and a network of custodians each play their part in making them special.
Did you Know?
Custodians of the land
Farmers, foresters, and local communities are integral to National Parks.
The land within the boundaries of National Parks is owned by a variety of people and organisations. Each plays a vital role in the conservation and enhancement of these treasured landscapes.
National Park Authorities
Each National Park is looked after by an organisation called a National Park Authority, which includes members, staff and volunteers.
Each National Park authority employs between 50 to 200 members of paid staff. The roles are incredibly varied, with a mix of those out in the field such as rangers and guides, and those working in offices on duties such as planning and administration.
Members
National Park authorities have between 10 and 30 Board members and one chairman (called a Convenor in Scotland) who represents them. The members take advice from staff and make decisions about what the National Park authority should do. Members do not work for the National Park authority full time.
Most of the members come from local and parish councils in the National Park. Some members are appointed by government because they have specialist knowledge and experience in areas like the environment or rural communities.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the lifeblood of National Parks and so much is achieved because of their dedication and commitment.
People like to volunteer for National Parks because they get to be outside in beautiful countryside, mix with other people, keep fit and know that they are helping to look after these precious landscapes.
Our volunteers do lots of different jobs, such as leading guided walks, fixing fences, dry stone walling, planting trees, checking historic sites and surveying wildlife.
Partners
There are lots of organisations that work to protect natural and cultural heritage and many of them own land within National Parks.
The National Trust and the Forestry Commission own large areas of moorlands and woodlands. Other organisations like the RSPB, the Wildlife Trusts, the Woodland Trust, English Heritage and NatureScot own nature reserves and historic sites within National Parks.
National Parks UK
National Parks UK brings together the 15 National Park Authorities in the UK to raise the profile of the National Parks and to promote joint working.
Find out more
What is a National Park? , Find out more
Some of the basics about what makes a National Park special.
Our work in National Parks , Find out more
More about our work in National Parks.
History of National Parks , Find out more
The story of the creation of the UK's National Parks.
National Parks mean something different to all of us, but for many, they`re part of the answer to some of our biggest challenges or top priorities at the moment.
If you want to tell us about how National Parks impact your lifestyle, tell us in the comments or click the link in our bio to complete our anonymous survey. 💚
#NationalParksUK
In North York Moors National Park a project that champions both the community and insects is thriving. GrubsUp! has already planted native hedgerows, restored grasslands, created ponds and improved roadside verges so insects can move more easily between isolated pockets of habitat.
Working with farmers, landowners and local volunteers, the project shows the possibilities for nature when a local community comes together.
Read more and discover more nature recovery stories on our website 🔗🌿 #NatureRecovery #NationalParks
Our research shows we care about our natural environment and are looking for ways to protect it. National Parks are places where nature recovery takes place within local communities, every day.
Programmes range from reintroducing endangered species through to conservation work to to protect and restore land.
Discover how National Parks are recovering nature by clicking the link in our bio🔗 💚
#NationalParksUK #NatureRecovery
National Parks could hold the answer to nature recovery 🌿
Every day, our National Parks are actively restoring damaged habitats, reintroducing lost species, and linking green spaces across local and landscape scales.
With work spanning the breadth of the nations, we`re an integral part of the solution to the challenges we face surrounding degraded natural environments across Great Britain.
#NationalParksUK #NatureRecovery
For people living with dementia, time outdoors can offer routine, companionship and a welcome connection to the world around them.
Developed in partnership with @Alzscot and located at @badaguish_, the centre is leading the way in supporting patients to experience the benefits of nature.
Read more about the programme and discover more health and wellbeing stories on our website💚
#NationalParksUK #Wellbeing
We know that nature helps us feel better, and even a little time outdoors can make a big difference.
From specialist programmes and guided walks to simply catching up with friends over a coffee, our National Parks offer many ways to unwind, connect and enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.
Click the link in our bio to discover how National Parks are supporting our wellbeing 🔗💚
#Wellbeing #NationalParks
💚Better health and wellbeing? National Parks could hold the answer.
Every day, our 15 National Parks across the UK help people unwind, connect with others and experience the benefits of spending time in nature.
#NationalParksUK #Wellbeing
Our new research has revealed what we`re currently concerned about the most.
We want better wellbeing. To feel part of a local community. To help nature recover, and feel prepared for what`s coming next in our changing climate.
Our new report reveals what our priorities are and how the 15 National Parks are putting solutions into action.
Read the report on our website by clicking the link in our bio 🔗
#NationalParksUK #Research
