A landmark anniversary for England’s last great wilderness
Northumberland National Park is marking its 70th anniversary. Tony Henderson reports
A year-long programme of events and activities will celebrate the 70th anniversary of Northumberland National Park.
It was officially designated in 1956 under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949; a pioneering piece of post-war legislation which protected the nation’s most treasured landscapes while guaranteeing public access and enjoyment.
The anniversary will be marked by:
Two special exhibitions at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.
Northumberland National Park Photographer of the Year - showcasing shortlisted public submissions.
Volunteer Voices – an oral history of the park curated and produced by its own volunteers.
Northumberland National Park Walking Festival - a wide-ranging programme of guided walks exploring both iconic and lesser-known locations.
70 Years of Farming – honouring the contribution of farmers and land managers to nature recovery, climate resilience, and heritage stewardship.
A series of Now & Forever short films – sharing personal stories from the people who live, work, and spend time in Northumberland National Park.
Although formally established even decades ago, its 400 square mile landscape of has been shaped by over 10,000 years of human activity.
From early Neolithic farming communities to the construction of Hadrian’s Wall, centuries of medieval conflict, and the turbulent era of the Border Reivers, the National Park represents layers of Britain’s natural and cultural history.
Evidence of ancient agriculture, including distinctive hillside cultivation terraces, can still be seen in places like the Breamish Valley.
Today the National Park is enjoyed by over 1.7 million visitors each year, using over 1,200 kilometres of public rights of way.
In the 1950s, the National Parks Commission recommended the area for designation due to its exceptional natural beauty, rich archaeological heritage, and biodiversity.
Its boundary was deliberately drawn to include the wildest uplands from the Cheviot Hills to Hadrian’s Wall, while keeping larger settlements outside the park to preserve the tranquillity and remoteness that continue to define England’s northernmost National Park, often referred to as England’s last great wilderness.
Over the past 70 years, Northumberland National Park Authority has shaped major environmental, heritage, and regional milestones, including:
NNP Voluntary Warden Service - established in 1960 with a group of 40 participants.
NNP Mountain Rescue Team, set up in 1966, grew out of tragedy when two shepherds lost their lives in a blizzard in the Cheviot Hills.
Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in 1987, and recognised for its outstanding universal value as a defining frontier of the Roman Empire.
International Dark Sky Park designation in 2013, becoming the largest protected Dark Sky Park in Europe, helping to contribute more than £25 million to the North East economy.
Opening of The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre in 2017 – the UK’s first dedicated landscape discovery centre.
Visitor Growth and Economic Impact – Visitors to NNP contributed £132.3 million to the regional economy in 2024.
Denis Mullan, chairman of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “This anniversary is a remarkable milestone. For 70 years, communities, partners, and dedicated custodians of this landscape have worked together to protect its beauty, its heritage, and its sense of tranquillity.
“As we look ahead at a time when national parks are more important to society than they have ever been, our commitment remains the same: to ensure this extraordinary place is cared for, celebrated, and shared with future generations. This year is not only about reflecting on our past, but about inspiring the next chapter of our story.”
Visitors, partners, and residents are invited to celebrate 70 years of Northumberland National Park by sharing their stories, photos, and memories on social media using #NNP70.
For details visit northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk