National Parks 75th anniversary report launches - A celebration and a look forward
Wednesday 15 July 2026
The Peak District is one of four National Parks marking its 75th birthday with the launch of a report which celebrates National Park landscapes.
The Peak District National Park was established in 1951 alongside Eryri, Dartmoor, and the Lake District.
The four National Parks jointly launched the report written by independent author Andrew McCloy, who describes them as 'vital' for the nation's connection with nature.
The report covers the history and creation of national parks, celebrates many of the successes achieved in the four national parks in question and sets out some recommendations for the future.
Andrew adds: “Above all, National Parks allow people to experience nature first hand”.
Chief executives of the four National Parks were joined at a launch event in Bakewell, by Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh MP on Wednesday, 15 July 2026.
Photo credit: National Parks England/Tom Marshall
She said: "The UK has committed to protect and conserve 30% of our land and seas for nature by 2030. That is why, on Monday, we published the 30by30 Delivery Plan for England, turning ambition into action and setting out a clear path to protect more land for nature. But plans alone are not enough. We must back them with investment.
"In May, we launched the £30 million Wildlife Rich Habitat Fund. And on Monday, we announced an additional £37 million a year for the next three years for our National Parks and National Landscapes. We are already seeing what this approach can achieve.
"By protecting our natural landscapes we protect and preserve the feelings of joy, calm and wonder that come from being in them. It is not just nature, but the wellbeing of current and future generations that are held here. The National Parks must be the places where many not yet born, can enjoy the green, wild, natural beauty of the most incredible landscapes in our country.”
Phil Mulligan, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: "It is hard to capture 75 years of achievements in one report as there are so many highlights from our time as the first national park set up in a different era to how we operate now, with modern pressures and new concerns.
"What our report does highlight is how versatile and adaptive the national park has been over the decades and we are now just as relevant as when we were set up. I’m so proud of the work this national park does to help deliver national infrastructure benefits for the nation such as nature recover, climate mitigation, health and wellbeing outcomes, reducing flood risk, providing cleaner drinking water and helping reduce the impacts of wildfires.
"My message to partners, government and the public is keep investing in us as national parks are critical places for the nation and great value for money."
Each National Park in the UK, of which there are 15, is designated for its own set of 'special qualities'.
When founded, all National Parks were given two statutory purposes; Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage; Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of National Parks by the public. You can read more about the history of the Peak District National Park on www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/75.
Read the full report: