Looking back over 60 years 
2009 marked the 60th anniversary of the Act of Parliament that enabled the designation of the National Parks. CNP was instrumental in bringing about the Act and, 60 years on, continues to work hard to protect and promote National Parks in England and Wales for the enjoyment of all. However, no single organisation, event or person brought about the Act; it was a combination of many different factors.
The collective spirit of the Kinder Mass Trespass, the individual vision and commitment of individuals such as John Dower and the progressive organisational strength of the voluntary sector (represented through the Standing Committee on National Parks, now known as the Campaign for National Parks) all played their part.
The next 60 years...
Key dates in the history of National Parks
1930s Groups of countryside enthusiasts rally together to lobby the Government for measures to protect the countryside
1936 A voluntary sector Standing Committee on National Parks is set up to put pressure on the Government
1949 The Government passes an Act of Parliament to establish National Parks. The Act is supported by all parties
1977 The Standing Committee becomes the Council for National Parks (now the Campaign for National Parks) and continues to give the voluntary sector a voice on National Park issues
1989 The Broads is given equivalent status to a National Park
1995 The Environment Act revises and strengthens the purposes of National Parks and establishes independent National Park Authorities
2005 The New Forest National Park becomes the first new English National Park for the 21st century
2009 The Government confirms the South Downs as a National Park
Find out more about the history of National Parks here or at www.diamondsinthelandscape.org.uk
The Council for the Protection for Rural England (CPRE) made the film below, which was shown in cinemas during the 1930's.
"This is not just a Bill. It is a people's charter for the open air, for the hikers and ramblers, for everyone who lives to get out into the open air and enjoy the countryside... With it the countryside is theirs to preserve, to cherish, to enjoy and make their own"Lewis Silkin, Minister for Town and Country Planning, 1949 |
"The new Act represents the successful outcome of a public demand for greater knowledge, love and care of the countryside, which demand has been guided and stimulated by a number of voluntary organisations"R.N.Hutchins, Assistant Solicitor for Derbyshire County Council, 1949 |