UK Wildlife

National Parks and Wildlife Welfare

UK National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty protect landscapes and wildlife habitat, with management policies affecting wildlife welfare across vast areas including upland, coastal, and lowland habitats.

Key Facts

UK has 15 National Parks covering around 10% of the country
National Parks balance recreation, farming, and conservation with variable wildlife outcomes
Upland National Parks support key wildlife including golden eagle, red grouse, and curlew
Dartmoor access rights created tensions between recreation and wildlife welfare
Biodiversity net gain requirements in planning can support wildlife welfare in National Parks

Welfare Considerations

National Park management affects wildlife welfare at scale through decisions about access, farming payments, infrastructure, and conservation programmes. Engaging with National Park management plans and consultations is important for welfare advocacy. Supporting agri-environment schemes within National Parks benefits both wildlife welfare and landscape.

What You Can Do

Engage with National Park management plan consultations in parks you use
Support wildlife conservation programmes within National Parks
Follow access codes within National Parks to protect wildlife welfare