Data on nature in National Parks shows urgent need for change
The UK Government has released official data on the state of nature in England’s Protected Landscapes, marking a big step forward in understanding how these special places are faring.
The Peak District was the first National Park to be designated in England and Wales in 1951 and remains one of the most popular, receiving up to 14 million annual visitors thanks to its proximity to many nearby towns and cities. Over a third of the Park is protected for wildlife and its three peaks, the Dark Peak, White Peak and South West Peak provide important habitat for many upland species such as White Mountain hares and the Golden Plover. With nearly 90% of the Park being farmland, it is a true living landscape shaped over decades by livestock and agricultural practice.
