Park life at its majestic finest

T'S hard to believe that 75 years ago we didn't have any national parks, yet here we are in the middle of Discover National Parks Fortnight celebrating public access to 15 of the most beautiful areas in England, Wales and Scotland, as well as counting down to the inaugural UK National Parks Day on May 24.

- Edited by DEBORAH STONE

The first was established in the Peak District thanks to the Campaign for National Parks, set up 90 years ago, and now there are 15, including two each in Wales and Scotland.

Campaign for National Parks members are still working to protect them from things like pollution and inappropriate development.

Recently, it has successfully lobbied against the Government's attempt to loosen planning laws in national parks, backed by many who live in the small towns and villages that punctuate these areas of unspoilt countryside.

That doesn't mean new developments are entirely forbidden or, if done well, are not welcomed - for instance the restoration and regeneration of King Edward VII Estate in the South Downs National Park.