The importance of Designated Landscapes
THE IMPORTANCE OF DESIGNATED LANDSCAPES
Our designated landscapes have some of Britain’s best countryside for walking, cycling, wildlife-watching and dark sky sites where you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. There’s also great caving, canoeing, sailing and fishing to be found too. From quiet lanes, ancient woodlands, distinctive and attractive villages, to flower-filled hay meadows, historic parkland, wild moors, dramatic coastlines and more, our Welsh National Parks and Landscapes have got it all.
Tirweddau Cymru Landscapes Wales is a partnership of the designated landscapes in Wales: three National Parks and five National Landscapes, who are working together to address key shared challenges, including action on the climate change and nature emergencies.
National Parks are defined as substantial tracts of land, sometimes remote, with wide open spaces large enough to provide the public with opportunities for outdoor recreation. National Parks are designated because of their landscape quality, wildlife and their values as a recreational resource.
National Parks were created as part of the post-World War II re-establishment process. Spurred on by the increasing desire for everyone to have access to the countryside, National Parks were created to bring long-term protection to areas of beautiful countryside that were highly valued for physical and spiritual refreshment.
National Parks have two purposes:
- To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage.
- To promote opportunities for the public understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Parks.
National Landscapes’ purpose is to conserve and enhance the beauty of the area. They are more than just picturesque places; they’re living communities that feed the nation, protect nature and climate, and provide opportunities for everyone to enjoy.
The Welsh Government’s goals for designated landscapes* are:
- Valued Places - reaching out beyond traditional audiences and engaging a more diverse cross section of Welsh society to feel they have a stake in these national landscapes.
- Resilient Environments - where the value of nature is enhanced and the decline in biodiversity is reversed.
- Resilient Communities - the relationship between people and the environment has shaped these landscapes and their communities. We need to develop and actively support opportunities for employment and provide facilities for outdoor recreation.
- Resilient Ways of Working - where collaborative approaches maximise the benefits and tackle the challenges faced in these landscapes.