Town End Farm, holiday accommodation in Yorkshire

A luxurious escape to the North York Moors

Tel: 01751 417960 Email: relax@townendfarm.org.uk

From mass trespass to National Parks; the UK story

by | Apr 21, 2025 | Latest, North York Moors

Track leading through green field into distance
Appleton Le Moors, North Yorkshire
Couple cycling up a hill on North York Moors, with purple heather in foreground.
Cyclists in the North York Moors

The origins of the UK’s National Parks

We’ve enjoyed visiting UK National Parks all our lives, but if we’re honest, we’ve taken them for granted. Since moving to Appleton le Moors and actually living in one, we’ve come to appreciate their unique importance. We love the York York Moors big skies, open spaces, and the sheer variety of countryside. We understand why National Parks are protected and why that protection remains so vital.

The UK’s National Parks are more than just areas of scenic beauty. They represent a rich history of preserving natural landscapes and cultural heritage. The origins of these parks can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the passionate efforts of individuals and the ramblers’ movement. These groups advocated for the protection of Britain’s remarkable countryside in the face of increasing industrialization. They also sought to ensure public access for recreational enjoyment.

From mass trespass to National Parks

The fight for access to roam these landscapes was a long one.

Back in the 1930s, lots of people in Britain started to love the countryside more. They wanted to protect it from new towns and buildings and thought everyone should have more chances to visit. But the people who owned the land often refused to let the public in. Then, in 1931, the government had an idea to create special areas called “national parks” to keep the countryside beautiful. This idea didn’t happen right away. In fact, a key event was the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass of 1932. This was when a group of ramblers defied restrictions to walk on the moorland. This lead to many arrests but also raised awareness of the need for greater public access to the countryside.

After World War Two, the government thought more about how important the countryside was. In 1949, a law was passed that created national parks and made it easier for people to visit the countryside. This law was just the beginning, and since then, we’ve made it much easier for everyone to enjoy and take care of Britain’s amazing countryside.

In 1951, the Peak District National Park became the first National Park in the UK. The Lake District National Park, Snowdonia National Park, and Dartmoor National Park followed.

The UK adopted a different approach compared to some nations that prioritize vast, untouched wilderness areas. The National Parks in this country aim to balance conservation with the needs and traditions of the communities that live and work within their boundaries. This balanced approach has been a defining characteristic of these parks for many years. It emphasizes the preservation of both natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

We think this makes them very special and to be treasured.

Ewe with 3 lambs, one standing, two lying on ground, looking at camera.
Ewe with lambs, Appleton le Moors
View down Northdale over a stream and down valley
Northdale, North York Moors
Man and woman smiling to camera
Ian and Jackie Berry, owners of Long Barn, Town End Farm

North York Moors National Park

Established in 1952, the North York Moors National Park is a wonderful example. You’ll find huge stretches of purple heather moorland and dramatic cliffs along the North Sea coast. As well as ancient woodlands nestled in tranquil valleys. The history of the North York Moors is rich and varied. From prehistoric burial mounds, ruins of medieval monasteries, and the industrial legacy of ironstone mining.

The North York Moors National Park is a special place:

  • It covers an area of 1,436 square kilometres (554 square miles).
  • It has 26 miles of coastline.
  • Over 17,000 people live within the park.
  • There are over 3,000 listed buildings.
  • It has one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in England and Wales covering an area of over 44,000 hectares or around one third of the National Park.

All this comes with the massive challenge to maintain the park for all who live and visit. The North York Moors employs 150 staff, and has over 700 volunteers. Look out for a future blog about the work they do, and how you can help as a visitor to the park.

Today, the North York Moors serves as a vital sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including curlews and lapwings that inhabit the moorland, and seals along the rugged coastline.

Quaint villages and traditional pubs are scattered throughout the park. These features make it an ideal destination for walkers, cyclists, and those seeking to immerse themselves in its beauty.

We are proud to be Champions of the North York Moors. If we’re honest, we’ve been championing this area since moving here. But it’s great to have formal recognition.

And it makes us all the more passionate about this fabulous National Park we now call home.