Association of National Park Authorities facts for kids

The Association of National Park Authorities (ANPA) is a group that helps the teams managing national parks in England, Wales, and Scotland. It helps them work together and share good ideas. ANPA also trains people who work for the parks.

This group works to help everyone understand why national parks are important in the UK. It also shows how parks can be models for sustainable development. This means using nature's resources wisely so they are still there for future generations. ANPA uses the slogan National Parks – Britain's breathing spaces.

ANPA has a small team in Cardiff. This team is managed by a special committee. This committee is made up of the leaders from all fifteen national park authorities.

What is the ANPA?

The ANPA is like a central hub for all the national parks. It helps them connect and learn from each other. This way, parks can improve how they protect nature and welcome visitors.

How the ANPA Helps National Parks

The ANPA does several important things.

• It helps park teams work together. They share ideas on how to manage the parks best.
• It provides training for the people who lead the parks. This helps them do their jobs well.
• It teaches the public about the main goals of national parks. These goals include protecting wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
• It promotes parks as places that show sustainable development. This means balancing human needs with protecting the environment.

England and Wales also have their own groups. These groups talk to their governments about national park matters. The English National Parks Authority Association helps the ten English parks. National Parks Wales helps the three Welsh parks.

Who are the ANPA Members?

There are fifteen national parks in total. Ten are in England, three in Wales, and two in Scotland. Each park is a member of the ANPA.

England's National Parks

• Dartmoor
• Exmoor
• Lake District
• New Forest
• Northumberland
• North York Moors
• Peak District
• South Downs
• Yorkshire Dales
• The Broads (This area has the same special status as a National Park.)

Wales' National Parks

• Brecon Beacons
• Pembrokeshire Coast
• Snowdonia

Scotland's National Parks

• Cairngorms
• Loch Lomond and the Trossachs