National parks are designated to conserve the natural beauty and cultural heritage of areas of outstanding landscape value, and also to promote opportunities for public understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities. Although they are also subject to the usual structure of local government, each one has its own National Park Authority (NPA) with responsibility for conservation, planning, recreation management and fostering the social and economic well-being of local communities.

The Broads is not a national park designation, but is included in our products and statistics as it is widely considered to be part of the national parks family. The Broads has its own special authority, the Broads Authority, which is similar to the NPAs but with extra powers in relation to navigation.

There are currently 12 national parks in England and Wales, including the Broads. 10 were designated in the 1950s following the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, the Broads was created in 1989, and the New Forest in 2005. The South Downs is currently undergoing national park designation.