Northumberland (the whole county is a National Park!)

Beadnell, Pastel Pine

England has 10 National Parks (which seems a lot, but actually is nothing like many other countries (Turkey has over 60). We also have National Landscapes (the new name for Areas of Outstanding Beauty). The idea is that nobody can come along and build on them, so here’s hoping to protect birds and native wildlife. And provide lovely walking holidays for outdoorsy-people!

When out walking, always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe. At the coast, read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.

Northumberland National Park has one of England’s lowest populations, and covers both a huge forest and beautiful coastline, home to many birds (including puffins) and marine creatures. It’s also mostly free from light pollution.

Interestingly, it has one of England’s largest populations of endangered red squirrels. This is because it houses pine forests (red squirrels need natural habitats for good immunity against Squirrelpox – read more on how to help both red and grey squirrels)