Celebrating 70 Years of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

In 1952, a tumultuous Leap Year that heralded a change of monarch and the abolition of wartime ID cards, the Pembrokeshire Coast became the fifth National Park to be established in the UK on 29 February, following the Peak District, the Lake District, Snowdonia and Dartmoor.

In the evolution of this outstanding landscape, fashioned over millions of years, a period of seven decades barely registers on the timescale – yet for the Pembrokeshire Coast the last 70 years have been of vital importance. 

Initially, there were mixed feelings about the highest level of protection being bestowed on such a large portion of the local landscape (similar conversations are underway today as the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley looks set to receive National Park status – Ed).

In recent years, however, our appreciation of wild and natural places has reached a level unseen since the creation of National Parks and safeguarding the future of this iconic and protected landscape is more important than ever.

As we look towards the future, we hope that the Pembrokeshire coastline, along with its wildlife-rich offshore islands, the Preseli Hills and the upper reaches of the Milford Haven Waterway, will continue to be a place of sanctuary and inspiration for many more years to come.

To celebrate the Pembrokeshire Coast’s remarkable 70-year milestone, members of the public are being encouraged to discover all that the National Park has to offer by joining a series of pop-up walks taking place throughout the year, or by taking on a walking challenge of their own.

With 186 miles of the iconic Pembrokeshire Coast Path to explore, along with inland trails steeped in history and miles of accessible routes suitable for wheelchairs, there are outdoor adventures to be enjoyed by all in this wonder filled coast.  

For more information see here.