Countryside Commission facts for kids
The Countryside Commission was an important group in England and Wales. Its main job was to help look after the beautiful countryside and National Parks.
It started out as the National Parks Commission in 1949. This happened because of a special law called the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Its first goal was to help manage the amazing National Parks in England and Wales.
In 1968, the group changed its name to the Countryside Commission for England and Wales. This meant its job grew bigger. It started looking after the whole countryside, not just National Parks. There was a separate group for Scotland called the Countryside Commission for Scotland.
Later, in 1991, the part of the group that worked in Wales became a new organisation. It joined with another group called the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) to form the Countryside Council for Wales. The rest of the Countryside Commission continued to work in England.
The Countryside Commission stopped existing in 1999. It joined with another group, the Rural Development Commission. Together, they became the Countryside Agency. Over time, this agency changed again and is now part of Natural England. Natural England continues the important work of looking after England's nature and landscapes.
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What Was the Countryside Commission?
The Countryside Commission was a special organisation set up by the government. Its main aim was to protect and improve the countryside in England and Wales. It helped make sure people could enjoy nature.
Protecting Our Green Spaces
The Countryside Commission worked to keep our green spaces healthy and beautiful. This included famous National Parks like the Peak District or the Lake District. It also looked after other lovely parts of the countryside. The group helped balance protecting nature with letting people visit and enjoy it.
How It All Began: The National Parks Commission
The story of the Countryside Commission started in 1949. Back then, it was called the National Parks Commission. Its job was to help set up and manage the first National Parks. These parks are large areas of land that are protected for their natural beauty. They are also places where people can go hiking, cycling, and enjoy the outdoors.
Growing Its Role: Countryside for Everyone
In 1968, the group's responsibilities grew. It was renamed the Countryside Commission for England and Wales. This meant it now looked after the whole countryside. It worked to make sure everyone could access and enjoy these areas. This included creating walking paths and helping with conservation projects.
Changes Over Time: Splits and Mergers
Like many organisations, the Countryside Commission changed over the years. These changes helped it adapt to new needs.
The Welsh Connection
In 1991, the work in Wales became a separate group. This new group was called the Countryside Council for Wales. It was formed by combining the Welsh part of the Countryside Commission with another nature group. This allowed Wales to have its own dedicated body for its unique landscapes.
Becoming Natural England
The Countryside Commission for England continued its work until 1999. Then, it joined forces with another government group. This new, bigger organisation was called the Countryside Agency. Later, parts of the Countryside Agency became what we know today as Natural England. Natural England now carries on the important work of protecting England's natural environment.
Why Is This Important?
Organisations like the Countryside Commission are very important. They help make sure that beautiful natural places are protected for the future. They also help people learn about and enjoy the outdoors. This means you can visit National Parks and other countryside areas today.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1949: The National Parks Commission is created.
- 1968: The National Parks Commission becomes the Countryside Commission for England and Wales. Its duties expand to cover the whole countryside.
- 1991: The Welsh part of the organisation splits off to form the Countryside Council for Wales. The English part becomes the Countryside Commission for England.
- 1999: The Countryside Commission for England merges with the Rural Development Commission to form the Countryside Agency.
- Later: The Countryside Agency evolves into parts of Natural England.
