Brecon Beacons

The impressive ridge of old red sandstone, running from the border to Llandovery, dramatically separates rural mid-Wales from the industrial valleys of the southern coalfield. The set of ridges and valleys which is the Black Mountains in the east contrasts with the tall Beacons at the centre, and the heather-covered Black Mountains at the western end. Limestone ramparts provide a southern edge.

Farming has shaped the landscape over the centuries and, today, Welsh cultural traditions are still strong. People have been living in the Brecon Beacons for more than 5,000 years and there is a powerful sense of history evident in the ancient standing stones, cairns and buildings found across the park. The Offa's Dyke Path runs up the eastern boundary.

Broads

The Broads is Britain's largest protected wetland. Its fens, winding waterways, wet woodlands, grazing marshes, 63 broads (or shallow lakes) and other areas of open water, and six rivers provide unique habitat for a huge range of rare species, like the bittern and the swallowtail butterfly, which is found nowhere else in Britain.

The best way to see this land is by water aboard a boat. Navigation has always been a crucial part of the Broads economy, formerly for the many traders who plied the 125 miles of waterways and today for the visitors who enjoy the relaxation of a holiday afloat.

Cairngorms

On 1st September 2003, Britain's largest National Park was opened. Stretching from Strathspey in the north to the Angus Glens in the south, Dinnet in the east and Laggan in the west, the Cairngorms National Park covers a huge 3,800km2, dominated by the mountains which give it its name.

Within this area are vast swathes of wild land, including 46 Munros (mountains over 3000 feet) and a quarter of Scotland's native woodland. It is a refuge for a host of rare plants and animals and is home to Scottish Crossbill, a bird not found anywhere else in the world.

People have been prominent in the Cairngorms for over 5,000 years, shaping the both the natural and cultural landscape. The new Cairngorms National Park Authority, which has taken on much of the work of its predecessor, the Cairngorms Partnership, will ensure that local communities continue to play a fundamental role in the area's sustainable management. With their the help, and that of everyone with an interest in the Park, the National Park Authority will ensure that the Cairngorms continue to be an attractive place to live, work and visit.

Dartmoor

At 368 square miles (954 square kilometres), Dartmoor is the largest open space in southern England. It has wild open moorland, granite tors and wooded river valleys. At its edge is a landscape of small fields enclosed by stone walls and hedge banks. Dartmoor has been a stock grazing area for at least 4,000 years and it is, in the main, this kind of farming that has made the Dartmoor landscape worthy of National Park status. The open spaces and sheltered valleys give pleasure to millions of people every year and for the Dartmoor farmers it is their place of work.

By virtue of its outstanding natural beauty Dartmoor was one of the first National Parks to be designated in Britain, in 1951.

Dartmoor’s blanket bog, upland oakwood, caves and mines are among habitats of international importance. It is home to buzzards, dormice and a great variety of lichens, mosses, plants and insects. Globally threatened species include the southern damselfly, marsh fritillary butterfly and blue ground beetle.

Exmoor

The tallest sea cliffs in England form the northern boundary of this smallest moorland park. The grass moor of the erstwhile Royal Forest is surrounded by heather-covered hills and wooded combes. The Valley of the upper Exe separates Exmoor proper from the Brendon Hills at the eastern end of the park. Red deer and nightjar at the woodland edge, merlin and ring ousel out on the moor are representatives here of a rich diversity of wildlife.

Bronze-Age burials, Roman fortlets, ironworks and medieval castles bear witness to the work of the predecessors of the present day hill farmers who care for this splendid landscape. The South West Coastal Path - a national trail - runs along the northern edge of the park.

Lake District

More than 2000 square kilometres of mountains, moorland, lakes, valleys and coastline make this the largest of England’s National Parks. The landscape ranges from the moor-like fells north of Keswick to the rocky crags of Central Lakeland, the lush rolling valleys of the south to the tidal estuaries on the West Coast.

Over the centuries the area has inspired many writers and artists. It now attracts 12 million visitors a year and is home to 42,000 people as well as rare wildlife such as red squirrels and ospreys. There are more than 3,500 kilometres of public rights of way for all abilities and outstanding opportunities for anglers, climbers, canoeists, sailors, horse riders and cyclists.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

The National Park encompasses around 720 sq miles (1,865 sq km) of some of the finest scenery in Scotland.

It is an area of contrasts from rolling lowland landscapes in the south to high mountains in the north, and has many lochs and rivers, forests and woodlands. It is also a living, working landscape which has been influenced by mans' activities and is visited and enjoyed by many for its recreational value.

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park became fully operational on 19th July 2002 and was officially opened by Princess Anne on 24th July 2002.