Viewpoint 84 | Spring / Summer 2024

Viewpoint 84 | Spring/Summer 2024 is a special edition to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act and was first published in April 2024.

Contents

3–5 News from Campaign for National Parks

6–7 A potted history of National Parks in the UK – we look at what drove the Act to fruition and celebrate those who made it possible

8–9 ‘Natural Beauty’ – A term fit for the 21st century – Sally Marsh examines the history of ‘natural beauty’ and how it helped shape our National Parks

10–11 The first steps towards success – Mountain Training’s Nicola Jasieniecka Evans on the origins and outlook of the awarding body network

12–13 Wanted – A long green trail – Andrew McCloy explains how the 1949 Act created an inspirational long-distance trail network

14–15 National Parks Health Check Report – Our flagship report sets out the first assessment of and recommendations for nature recovery in National Parks in England and Wales

16–17 Cairn – Winner of the 2023 Working Class Writers Nature Prize Kirsty Whatley

18–19 Wishing for a future where National Parks are inclusive… – Mohammed Dhalech on the challenges in the sector

20–21 My National Parks journey – Kate Ashbrook examines her campaigning roots and challenges that persist to this day

22–25 Points of view – Opinion pieces from Director of Cymdeithas Eryri/Snowdonia Society Rory Francis, our Policy & Research Manager Ruth Bradshaw and Huw Irranca Davies, Member of the Senedd for Ogmore

26–27 Save our National Parks – Our latest campaign