NATIONAL PARK OF THE YEAR
NEW FOREST
This rare and fragile landscape, enclosing the largest area of open heathland in Britain, has been protected by National Park status since 2005. The park offers a tapestry of open heath, deciduous woodland, alder carr, valley bogs, rivers, saltmarshes, mudflats and charming historic villages. Wildlife is abundant and commoners’ livestock roams through the heathland and woodland. The New Forest National Park has also shown innovation in the face of pressure from budget cuts and a massive surrounding population, by encouraging sustainable practices and supporting local producers. Judge Miranda Krestovnikoff says: “I’m impressed by the sustainability of a lot of the transport there. People are encouraged to arrive by public transport, there are discounts if you’ve arrived by train or use your bike. There’s also a real celebration of the local food, with a local mark sticker.” newforestnpa.gov.uk
THE BROADS
One of our newest national parks, with a distinct character – wide open skies, tranquility and water, water everywhere. The peat fens and wet woodland attract a wealth of wildlife, particularly rare wading birds. Britain’s largest protected wetland is a mysterious, marvellous landscape, with a quarter of the country’s rarest wildlife. Judge Fergus Collins says: “It’s a very different landscape, and it’s under pressure with rising sea levels from climate change, so they’ve got a big job there to keep things going. But essentially there’s some very good habitat management here.” Judge John Craven says: “The people that I’ve met who are involved with the administration of the Broads are very passionate about it. They do a very good job of balancing a huge leisure industry with the wildlife and natural landscape.” visitthebroads.co.uk
EXMOOR
With a dramatic coastline, lush woodland, open moorland, deep valleys and attractive fishing village and towns, Exmoor is naturally impressive. The wild, remote national park has improved access for walkers by rebuilding the Two Moors Way, which runs from coast to coast through Exmoor and Dartmoor, and the park is also working thoughtfully in addressing the issue of second homes. Judge Mark Rowe says: “Exmoor has hit the nail on the head with the rebuilding of the Two Moors Way, and the park has been doing some very good work with local planning in a way that gives local people the chance to both live and work in the park.” exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
NORTHUMBERLAND
Ah the peace! This is one of the quietest places in the country, and blessedly so. That doesn’t mean it is dull however – with sparkling dark skies, Hadrian’s Wall, the Whin Sill and the Cheviot Hills, Northumberland National Park is home to some of the most spectacular sights in the country. While admiring the dramatic geology and wandering hay meadows, woodland and wild moorland, spot red squirrels, otters and black grouse. Judge Mark Rowe says: “You have fantastic mountains, the Cheviots, the Simonside Hills… on a clear day, you feel like you can see all of the north of England, and you can certainly see across to the Lake District. It’s just a smashing landscape.” northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk
SNOWDONIA
With nine mountain ranges, multiple peaks over 915m, 23 miles of coastline, majestic waterfalls and deep green valleys, it is no wonder that Snowdonia was designated a national park in 1951. The park is visited by six million people annually, while also playing home to 25,000 people who live and work there. Judge Phoebe Smith says: “Despite budgets going down, Snowdonia has worked hard to keep the Sherpa bus service going so people can access the most popular mountain (Snowdon) by public transport. The park has also been more open-minded about access by looking to allow wild camping at certain times of the year in the mountains. And it has tried to allow projects that boost the local economy, with the inland surf pool Surf Snowdonia and cliff camping.” eryri.llyw.cymru