Liz Rooney

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park was designated in 1952 following the implementation of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. It is one of three National Parks in Wales – the others being Snowdonia (1951) and the Brecon Beacons (1957) - and one of 15 National Parks in the whole of Britain. This beautiful area of Pembrokeshire needs special care to conserve it for future generations and, as a result of the Environment Act 1995, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority was created in 1996 to do just that. Aims and Purposes The first ten National Parks in England and Wales were set up between 1951 and 1957, after the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act. They were created to protect spectacular landscapes and provide recreation opportunities for the public. National Parks are not in public ownership. Most of the land - more than 95% in the case of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - is privately owned. In managing the National Park, the Authority has two statutory purposes: • to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park, and • to promote opportunities for public enjoyment and understanding of its special qualities. In pursuing these two purposes the Authority also has a duty to foster the economic and social well-being of communities living within the Park. The Park is managed by the Park Authority, which has around 150 staff and a committee of 18 Members.