[2] In 1936 a group of individuals and voluntary organisations, including representatives from Ramblers, YHA, CPRE and CPRW, met for the first time to start a campaign for the establishment of National Parks in Britain.

Under the name The Standing Committee on National Parks they set out an ambitious agenda, that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the finest countryside, and that these landscapes should be protected permanently.

Following government legislation enabling the designation of National Parks in 1949, the role of the Standing Committee changed.

It concentrated on strengthening the powers and funding of National Parks, and being vigilant in monitoring proposals which would undermine their natural beauty and enjoyment by all.

The Campaign has a number of distinguished Vice Presidents: Adrian Phillips, Alan Mattingly, Angus Lunn, Baroness Andrews, Dei Tomos, Fiona Reynolds, Iolo Williams, Lord Inglewood, Lord Norrie, Viscount Addison, Sara Edwards, Ben Fogle, and three Honorary Life Vice Presidents: Brian Blessed, Chris Bonington and Libby Purves.