National Parks unite across three nations to protect the historic environment

UK National Parks across England, Scotland and Wales have joined forces with leading heritage and environmental bodies to protect, explain and bring to life the UK’s historic environment.

The joint approach recognises that National Parks are living, working landscapes where nature and culture are deeply connected, and where protecting the past helps shape a more resilient future.

An updated Joint Statement, signed by National Park Authorities and national partners, commits signatories to manage the historic environment sustainably and to help more people connect with the stories, landscapes and cultural heritage that shape National Parks.

From ancient settlements and industrial heritage to traditions, skills and cultural landscapes, the UK’s National Parks hold thousands of years of human history. This new collaboration will help these places continue to inspire people, support wellbeing and play a vital role in restoring nature and tackling climate change.

A shared vision for people, nature and heritage

The joint approach recognises that National Parks are living, working landscapes where nature and culture are deeply connected, and where protecting the past helps shape a more resilient future.

The statement brings together all 15 National Park Authorities with organisations including Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, Cadw, NatureScot and the Forestry Commission, reflecting a shared commitment across all three nations.

By working together at a national level, partners will strengthen advocacy, improve access to data and expertise, and support better coordinated action to conserve and celebrate the historic environment.

This work will help unlock the benefits of heritage for communities, supporting wellbeing, fostering curiosity and wonder, and strengthening connections between people and our unique National Park landscapes.

Phil Mulligan, CEO of Peak District National Park and National Parks UK representative “National Parks are places where nature and culture come together. This shared commitment shows how, working together, we can protect our past while helping people connect with it in meaningful ways today and into the future.”

Liberty Lux News