Celebrating the 60th anniversary of National Parks
Environment Secretary Hilary Benn celebrated the 60th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act today with a visit to the Norfolk Broads. In Norwich he opened Dragonfly House, a new building sponsored by Defra which will be occupied bythe Environment Agency, Natural England, and the Broads Authority.
The 1949 Act laid the foundation for how the UK’s landscape is currently protected and managed. It enabled the designation of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the creation of nature reserves, Sites of Scientific Interest and national trails.
It also paved the way for rights of access under the Countryside Rights of Way Act and created a legal framework for the recording and protection of public rights of way.
Opening Dragonfly House, Hilary said he was delighted to be able to launch the 60th anniversary celebrations of the National Parks.
Mr Benn said:
“The 1949 Act ensures that our best landscapes and its features have been protected and enhanced; helped the economic and social well-being of local communities and have given people greater access to go out and enjoy all the healthy benefits of the countryside.
“National Parks are beautiful, spectacular and often dramatic expanses of natural environment– they are indeed the jewels of our countryside.”
Events will be taking place throughout the year in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to mark the anniversary.
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Page last modified: 16 March 2009
Page published: 16 March 2009