National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949

The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 is a law in the UK that aimed to protect and promote outdoor recreation and natural beauty. It established the framework for designating national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty, ensuring their conservation while allowing people to enjoy these landscapes responsibly. The Act also created the National Parks Commission (now the National Park Authority) to oversee these areas, manage land use, and promote public access. Overall, it sought to balance environmental preservation with the public’s right to enjoy the countryside.