As regular readers of the Oakeley blog will know, we are absolutely thrilled to live and work in Snowdonia National Park. It is one of the finest natural spaces in Britain and it is an absolutely stunning place to live and visit, and earlier this week on the blog, we found out more about the Snowdonia Giving Project, of which we are extremely proud to be part of.

From wiki commons

But just what does it mean to live in or visit a National Park? Well, in England and Wales, a National Park is a region of outstanding beauty that are designated as such in order to protect and preserve them. In other parts of the world, National Parks are remote and wild and without human habitation, however in England and Wales, our National Parks are living and breathing parts of the country – people not only visit them but they live and work in them too.

There are thirteen National Parks across Britain and each one is recognised for different natural qualities. Snowdonia, for example, is renowned for it’s rugged peaks and remote Welsh landscapes, whereas the The Broads in Norfolk are known for the calm scenery and wide watery broads.

The very first National Park was created in April 1951, and was the rugged countryside of the Peak District, and many other regional areas soon followed suit. Snowdonia National Park (or Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri as it is known in Welsh) was designated in October 1951, and is one of the largest National Parks in the country with an area of 827 square miles. There are three National Parks in Wales (Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park), which collectively cover 20% of the total land in Wales, so the parks are a a really important part of life in Wales.

More than 26,000 people live within the boundaries of Snowdonia National Park – which stretches from the northern coast through the Conwy Valley and as far south as the Dyfi Estuary. As well as agriculture, tourism is a vital part of the economy here in the Park, with tourism contributing almost £450 million a year.

But, as we saw earlier in the week, whilst these visitors are hugely welcomed by local businesses in Snowdonia, such huge numbers can have an impact on the local region – in terms of preserving and protecting the precious natural landscapes. Snowdonia National Park Authority governs the running of the park, but several other agencies are also involved – such as local government, charities (like the Snowdonia Society) and private landowners. The Snowdonia Giving project now also plays a huge role in looking after the national park.

And if you’re thinking of visiting us here in Snowdonia, then we guarantee you won’t be bored. As well as countless activities and attractions there are also brilliant days out on the beautiful coastline or the spectacular mountain ranges.

You can find out more information about Snowdonia National Park at www.eryri-npa.gov.uk

We hope to see you here soon!

From wikicommons