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Despite the relatively high population density and degree of urbanisation, there are still many unspoilt rural and coastal areas. There are ten National Parks*, six forest parks, 36 designated areas of outstanding natural beauty, 22 environmentally sensitive areas, almost 200 country parks approved by the Countryside Commission, 800 km (500 miles) of designated heritage coastline and about 2,000 historic buildings and some 3,600 gardens open to the public.
Britain is also home to a great variety of wildlife, with an estimated 30,000 animal species as well as marine and microscopic life, about 2,800 species of 'higher' plants and many thousands of mosses, fungi and algae.
* Seven in England (Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Lake District, the Peak District, Northumberland, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales) and three in Wales (the Brecon Beacons, the Pembrokeshire Coastline and Snowdonia). Note that the Broads of Norfolk enjoy protection equivalent to that of a National Park. You can use the Map to highlight these and other 'Natural Areas'. |
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