National parks of the United Kingdom are a devolved matter with each of the countries of the United Kingdom having its own policies and arrangements. There are 15 of these managed areas of outstanding landscape where habitation and commercial activities are restricted, with 10 in England, 3 in Wales and 2 in Scotland.
There are currently no national parks in Northern Ireland though there are controversial moves to establish one in the Mourne Mountains. If established, it would stretch from Carlingford Lough to Newcastle and Slieve Croob, creating a tourism boom and up to 2,000 jobs. On the other hand, there are fears that it could drive up house prices making it difficult for young, local couples to set up home in the area.
All 15 National Parks share two statutory purposes; To conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area, and to promote understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public. The Scottish National Parks have two further statutory purposes; To promote sustainable use of the natural resources of the area, and to promote sustainable economic and social development of the area’s communities. The Broads is not a National Park, but is a member of the UK National Parks family, with the same level of landscape protection, and an additional statutory purpose; To protect the interests of navigation.
All 15 National Parks in the UK are members of the UK Association of National Park Authorities (UK ANPA), which works to promote the UK National Parks family and to facilitate training and development between staff and members of all Parks.
For details of the national parks in the constituent countries that have them, see:
- National parks of England and Wales
- National parks of Scotland
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