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Government departments and state agencies

For government agencies concerned with Transport, please see the separate Transport listing.

UK government

  • Directgov www.direct.gov.uk
    Principal internet portal for government departments and services.
    UK Resilience (emergency information) www.ukresilience.info
  • UK Parliament
    House of Commons Information Office: House of Commons, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA, tel 020 7219 4272House of Lords Information Office: House of Lords, London, SW1A 0PW, tel 020 7219 3107
    www.parliament.uk
    See also www.theyworkforyou.com, a useful unofficial site with independent information about MPs.
  • British Library 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB, tel 020 7412 7000
    www.bl.uk
    National library for the UK, custodian of an unrivalled collection of books, periodicals, maps and documents available to bona fide researchers, and galleries and exhibition halls open to the public.
  • British Waterways: see Transport.
  • Department for Transport (DfT) 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR, tel 020 7944 8300
    www.dft.gov.uk
    Transport Direct: see Public transport information
    DPTAC (Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee) tel 020 7944 8011, www.dptac.gov.uk
    DPTAC Door to Door (transport information website for people with disabilities) www.dptac.gov.uk/door-to-door
    Highway Code online (rules and advice for all road users): www.highwaycode.gov.uk
    In Town Without My Car (Car-free day) www.itwmc.gov.uk. See also European Mobility Week.
    Rail Group www.dft.gov.uk/railways
  • Department of Health (DoH) 79 Whitehall, London SW1A 2NL, tel 020 7210 4850, minicom 020 7210 5025
    www.doh.gov.uk
    See also NHS
  • DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H OET, tel 020 7215 5000, minicom 020 7215 6740
    www.dti.gov.uk
  • European Commission: see Outside Great Britain
  • European Parliament: see Outside Great Britain
  • Forestry Commission 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 7AT, tel 0845 367 3787
    England: Great Eastern House, Tenison Road, Cambridge CB1 2DU, tel 01223 314546
    West Midlands: Government Buildings Block B, Whittington Road, Worcester WR5 2FR, tel 01905 362730
    Scotland: 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 7AT, tel 0131 334 0303
    Wales: Victoria Terrace, Aberystwyth SY23 2DQ, tel 01970 625866
    www.forestry.gov.uk
    Protects and expands Britain's forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment, both by managing its own woodlands and making grants to other landowners. Work in England, Scotland and Wales is now devolved.
  • Home Office 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF, tel 0207 035 4848
    www.homeoffice.gov.uk
    Aims to promote active citizenship, reduce crime and promote equal opportunities.
  • HSE (Health and Safety Executive) Information service: Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG, Infoline tel 0870 154 5500
    www.hse.gov.uk
    Responsible for ensuring that risks to people's health and safety from work activities are properly controlled. Has local information offices: see website.
  • Isle of Man: see Outside Great Britain
  • Met Office FitzRoy Road, Exeter EX1 3PB, tel 0870 900 0100
    www.metoffice.gov.uk
    Official weather service with very informative website.
  • Ministry of Defence Old War Office, Whitehall, London SW1A 2EU, tel 0870 607 4455
    www.mod.uk
    Defence Estates (manages MoD lands): Kingston Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 7RL, tel 0121 311 2140
    www.defence-estates.mod.uk
    Information on access to MoD lands and contact telephone numbers for details of firing times.
  • Northern Ireland: see Outside Great Britain
  • NHS (National Health Service) 79 Whitehall, London SW1A 2NS, tel 020 7210 4850
    www.nhs.uk
    NHS Direct (medical advice and information) tel 0845 4647
    www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
    NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence: provides guidance on promoting good health and preventing and treating ill health) 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6NA, tel 020 7067 5800
    www.nice.org.uk
    See also Department of Health
  • Office of National Statistics (ONS) Cardiff Road, Newport NP10 8XG, tel 0845 601 3034, minicom 01633 812399
    www.statistics.gov.uk
    Many statistics are obtainable online. Also includes a useful introduction to UK geography including local authority boundaries.
  • Ordnance Survey Adanac Drive, SOUTHAMPTON, Hants, SO16 0AS, tel 0845 605 0505
    Welsh/Cymraeg tel 0845 605 0504
    www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
    Government mapping agency, with products including large scale maps for walkers.
    Buying OS maps online?     Earn a 10% discount with free postage and help the Ramblers by buying from Aqua3 maps using this link. We receive a 10% donation for every map sold this way.
  • UK Hydrographic Office Admiralty Way, Taunton TA1 2DN, tel 01823 337900
    www.ukho.gov.uk
    Website includes EasyTide tide time predictor

England

  • Highway Authorities: click here
  • Audit Commission 1 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PN, tel 020 7828 1212Wales: 4th Floor, 2-4 Park Grove, Cardiff CF10 3ZZ, tel 029 2026 2550
    www.audit-commission.gov.uk
    Independent public body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently, and effectively in the areas of local government, housing, health and criminal justice services in England and Wales.
  • CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) 11 York Road, London SE1 7NX, tel 020 7960 2400
    www.cabe.org.uk
    CABE Space (Parks and public open spaces): www.cabespace.org.uk
    Non-departmental public body championing the creation of great buildings and public spaces.
  • Communities and Local Government (formerly Office of the Deputy Prime Minister)Eland House, Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DU, tel 0303 444 0000
    www.communities.gov.uk
    Deals with planning, regional and local government
  • DCMS (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) 2-4 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5DH, tel 020 7211 6200
    www.culture.gov.uk
  • DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR, tel 0845 933 5577
    www.defra.gov.uk
    Conservation Walks register: countrywalks.defra.gov.uk
    Lists walks in England on countryside managed under environmental schemes providing public access.
    MAGIC (Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside) Natural England, 4th Floor, 25 Queen Street, Leeds, LS1 2TW
    www.magic.gov.uk
    Project to create a single website for rural and countryside information about England on the web, including mapping boundaries of protected areas.
  • English Heritage PO Box 569, Swindon SN2 2YP, tel 0870 333 1181
    Hadrian's Wall Unit: Abbey Gate House, Market Street, Hexham NE46 3LX, tel 01434 605088
    www.english-heritage.org.uk
    Responsible for protecting many of England's historic buildings, landscapes and archaeological sites, including many properties open to the public.
  • Environment Agency
    Head Office: Rio House, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UD, tel 0870 850 6506
    Midlands Region (for Severn Way information) Hafren House, Welshpool Road, Shelton, Shrewsbury SY3 8BB, tel 0870 850 6506
    www.environment-agency.gov.uk
    Responsible for protecting and enhancing the environment, including maintaining flood defences and rivers.
  • Forestry Commission: see under National Government
  • Highways Agency: see under Transport
  • HMSO (Her Majesty's Stationery Office) 2-16 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BQ, tel 01603 723011
    www.hmso.gov.uk
    Manages copyright and oversees publication of acts and statutory instruments and some other official documents. Most recent documents are available online. Sales are handled by a privatised agency, The Stationery Office (see under Publishers).
  • Local Government Ombudsman (Commission for Local Administration in England) tel 0845 602 1983
    www.lgo.org.uk
    Investigates complaints of injustice arising from maladministration by local authorities and certain other bodies. Three ombudsmen cover different parts of England: for details please telephone or see the website.
  • Natural England, 1 East Parade, Sheffield, S1 2ET, tel 0300 060 6000
    www.naturalengland.org.uk
    Conserving, enhancing and helping everyone to enjoy the countryside, and promoting social equity and economic opportunity for the people who live there. Work includes overseeing National Trails. Incorporates the former English Nature and Countryside Agency as well as some functions that were formerly in DEFRA.
    Open Access Contact Centre: tel 0845 100 3298,
    www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/enjoying/places/openaccess
    Walking for Health initiative: tel 0300 060 2287, www.wfh.naturalengland.org.uk
    National Trails website: www.nationaltrail.co.uk
  • Planning Inspectorate (PINS) 2 The Square, Bristol BS1 6PN, tel 0117 372 6372
    www.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk
    Deals with appeals against local government planning decisions including cases involving footpaths and access.
  • Sport England (English Sports Council) 3rd Floor Victoria House, Bloomsbury Square, London WC1B 4SE, tel 0845 850 8508
    www.sportengland.org
  • Walk England Walk England Ltd, 4 Eastfield Lane, Goring Heath, RG8 7ST
    www.walkengland.org.uk

English regional development agencies and assemblies

  • East Midlands Development Agency Apex Court, City Link, Nottingham NG2 4LA, tel 0115 988 8300
    www.emda.org.uk
    East Midlands Regional Assembly Belvoir Suite, Council Offices, Nottingham Road, Melton Mowbray LE13 0UL, tel 01664 502563
    www.eastmidlandsassembly.org.uk
  • East of England Development Agency The Business Centre, Station Road, Histon, Cambridge CB4 9LQ, tel 01223 713900
    www.eeda.org.uk
    East of England Regional Assembly Flempton House, Flempton, Bury St Edmunds IP28 6EG, tel 01284 729411
    www.eelgc.gov.uk
  • One NorthEast Great North House, Sandyford Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
    NE1 8ND, tel 0191 261 2000
    www.onenortheast.co.uk
    North East Assembly Guildhall, Quayside, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 3AF, tel 0191 261 7388
    www.northeastassembly.gov.uk
  • Northwest Development Agency PO Box 37, Renaissance House, Centre Park, Warrington WA1 1XB, tel 01925 400100
    www.nwda.co.uk
    North West Regional Assembly North West Assembly House, Dorning Street, Wigan WN1 1HJ, tel 01942 737916
    www.nwra.gov.uk
  • SEEDA (South East England Development Agency) Cross Lanes, Guildford GU1 1YA, tel 01483 484200
    www.seeda.co.uk
    South East England Regional Assembly Berkeley House, Cross Lanes, Guildford GU1 1UN, tel 01483 555200
    www.southeast-ra.gov.uk
  • South West of England Regional Development Agency Sterling House,
    Dix’s Field, Exeter EX1 1QA, tel 01392 214747
    www.southwestrda.org.uk
    South West Regional Assembly 11 Middle Street, Taunton TA1 1SH, tel 01823 270101
    www.southwest-ra.gov.uk
  • Advantage West Midlands 3 Priestley Wharf, Holt Street, Aston Science Park, Birmingham B7 4BN, tel 0121 380 3500
    www.advantagewm.co.uk
    West Midlands Regional Assembly 145 Great Charles Street, Birmingham B3 3LS, tel 0121 678 1010
    www.wmra.gov.uk
  • Yorkshire Forward Victoria House, Victoria Place, Leeds LS11 5AE, tel 0113 394 9600
    www.yorkshire-forward.com
    Yorkshire and Humber Assembly 18 King Street, Wakefield WF1 2SQ, tel 01924 331555
    www.rayh.gov.uk

Scotland

  • Scottish Executive
    Office of the First Minister: St Andrew's House, Regent Road, Edinburgh EH1 3DG
    Rural Affairs Department: 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh EH14 1TY
    Development Department: Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ
    tel 0131 556 8400, www.scotland.gov.uk
    Rural Community Gateway website: www.ruralgateway.org.uk
  • Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP, tel 0131 348 5000
    www.scottish.parliament.uk
    The above site has documents online.
  • Planning Authorities: click here
  • Audit Scotland 110 George Street Edinburgh EH2 4LH, tel 0131 477 1234
    www.audit-scotland.gov.uk
    Services the Auditor General and the Accounts Commission in carrying out their work to ensure that public money is spent properly, efficiently and effectively.
  • Forestry Commission: see under National Government
  • Highlands and Islands Enterprise Cowan House, Inverness Retail and Business Park, Inverness IV2 7GF, tel 01463 234171
    www.hie.co.uk
    Business development network covering the Highlands and Islands. For the rest of Scotland see Scottish Enterprise.
  • Historic Scotland Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH, tel 0131 668 8600
    www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Agency of the Scottish Executive that safeguards Scotland's built heritage
  • National Museums of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, tel 0131 225 7534
    www.nms.ac.uk
    Manage six museums in Scotland.
  • Scottish Enterprise (SE) 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow G2 8LU, tel 0141 248 2700www.scottish-enterprise.com
    Central organisation and network of local enterprise agencies aiming to develop business in all of Scotland except the Highlands and Islands. See also Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
  • Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) Erskine Court, Castle Business Park, Stirling FK9 4TR, tel 01786 457700
    www.sepa.org.uk
    Aims to provide an efficient and integrated environmental protection system that will both improve the environment and contribute to sustainable development.
  • Scottish Natural Heritage Great Glen House, Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 8NW Tel: +44 (0)1463 725000 Email: enquiries@snh.gov.uk
    Website www.snh.org.uk
    www.snh.org.uk
    Responsible for the care, improvement and responsible enjoyment of Scotland's natural heritage.
    Outdoor Access Scotland for access information tel 01738 444177
    www.outdooraccess-scotland.com
    Hillphones: www.hillphones.info
    Recorded information on deer stalking between August and October in selected areas to assist those planning walks and climbs. Provided in conjunction with the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.
  • SportScotland (Scottish Sports Council) Caledonia House, South Gyle, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ, tel 0131 317 7200
    www.sportscotland.org.uk
    Outdoor Training Centre: Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore PH22 1QU, tel 01479 861256
    www.glenmorelodge.org.uk
    Scottish Avalanche Information Service www.sais.gov.uk
    Forecasts for five key climbing areas in Scotland during the winter season

Wales

Note that some of the English departments also have partial responsibility for Wales in some areas of their work.

  • National Assembly for Wales - Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF99 1NA, tel 029 2082 5111
    www.wales.gov.uk
  • Highway Authorities: click here
  • Audit Commission: see under England
  • CADW - Welsh Historic Monuments Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ, tel 029 2050 0200
    www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
    Guardian of the built heritage in Wales.
  • Countryside Council for Wales - Cyngor Cefn Gwylad Cymru Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor LL57 2DW, tel 0845 130 6229
    www.ccw.gov.uk
    Countryside Code website www.codcefngwlad.org.uk
    National Trails website www.nationaltrail.co.uk
    Natural Buzz & My Special Place - Swyn Naturiol & Fy Hoff Le www.ccw.gov.uk/myspecialplace
    Wildlife conservation authority and advisor on sustaining natural beauty, wildlife and the opportunity for outdoor enjoyment in Wales and its inshore waters, including overseeing National Trails.
  • Environment Agency: as England
  • Forestry Commission: see under National Government
  • Local Government Ombudsman - Ombwdsman Llywodraeth Leol (Commission for Local Administration in Wales) Derwen House, Court Road, Bridgend CF31 1BN, tel 01656 661325
    www.ombudsman-wales.org
    Investigates complaints of injustice arising from maladministration by local authorities and certain other bodies.
  • HMSO: as England
  • Planning Inspectorate: as England
  • Sports Council for Wales - Cyngor Chwaraeon Cymru and Welsh Institute for Sport, Sophia Gardens, Cardiff CF11 9SW, tel 029 2030 0500
    www.sports-council-wales.co.uk
  • WDA (Welsh Development Agency - Ardudod Datblygu Cymru) Plas Glyndwr, Kingsway, Cardiff CF10 3AH, tel 01443 845500
    www.wda.co.uk
    Encourages the development of businesses in Wales

National parks

  • Council for National Parks 26/7 Barnard Mews, London SW11 1QU , tel 020 7924 4077
    Wales office: Room 3-12 Baltic House, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5FH, tel 029 2045 0433
    www.cnp.org.uk
    Works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales, and areas that merit National Park status and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all
  • Scottish Council for National Parks 2 Glebe Road, Kilbirnie KA25 6HX, tel 01505 682447
    www.scnp.org.uk
    Works to protect and enhance National Parks in Scotland and to promote the case for new National Parks
  • Association of National Park Authorities 126 Bute Street, Cardiff CF10 5LE, tel 029 2049 9966
    www.anpa.gov.uk
  • Brecon Beacons
  • The Broads Broads Authority, 18 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BQ, tel 01603 610734
    Information centres (all seasonal):
    Hoveton: Station Road NR12 8UR, tel 01603 782281
    How Hill: Toad Hole Cottage, Ludham NR29 5PG, tel 01692 678763
    Potter Heigham: The Staithe, Bridge Road NR29 5JD, tel 01692 670779
    Ranworth: The Staithe NR13 6HY, tel 01603 270453
    www.broads-authority.gov.uk
  • Cairngorms National Park Authority, 14 The Square, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3HG, tel 01479 873535
    www.cairngorms.co.uk
  • Dartmoor National Park Authority, Parke, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot TQ13 9JQ, tel 01626 832093
    High Moorland Visitor Centre, Tavistock Road, Princetown, Yelverton PL20 6QF, tel 01822 890414
    www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
    See also Dartmoor Preservation Association
  • Exmoor Exmoor House, Dulverton TA22 9HL, tel 01398 323665
    Dulverton Visitor Centre tel 01398 323841
    www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
    Tourist information: www.visit-exmoor.info
  • Lake District
  • Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Headquarters, The Old Station, Balloch Road, Balloch G83 8BF, tel 01389 722600
    National Park Gateway Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, Ben Lomond Way, Balloch G83 8QL, tel 0845 345 4978
    www.lochlomond-trossachs.org
  • New Forest National Park Authority, 4 High Street, Lyndhurst SO43 7BD, tel 023 8028 6821
    www.newforestnpa.gov.uk
    Lymington Visitor Information Centre, New Street, Lymington SO41 9BH, tel 01590 689000
    www.thenewforest.co.uk
    The New Forest was designated as a national park in June 2004, and the designation came into effect in March 2005. It is expected the park will open officially in 2006.
  • North York Moors National Park Office, The Old Vicarage, Bondgate, Helmsley YO62 5BP, tel 01439 770657
    Moors Information Centre: Lodge Lane, Danby YO21 2NB, tel 01439 772737
    Park Information Centre: Sutton Bank, Thirsk YO7 2EH, tel 01845 597426
    www.moors.uk.net
  • Northumberland National Park Authority, Eastburn, South Park, Hexham NE46 1BS, tel 01434 605555
    Once Brewed Visitor Centre tel 01434 344396
    www.northumberland-national-park.org.uk
  • Peak District.
  • Pembrokeshire Coast - Arfordir Penfro National Park Authority, Llanion Park, Pembroke Dock SA72 6DY, tel 0845 345 7275
    www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
    Visitor Centre: The Grove, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6NW, tel 01437 720392
    stdavids.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
    Information Centre: 2 Bank Cottages, Long Street, Newport SA42 OTN, tel 01239 820912
    NewportTIC@pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk
  • Snowdonia - Eryri National Park Office, Penrhyndeudraeth LL48 6LF, tel 01766 770274
    www.eryri-npa.co.uk
    Information Centre, Royal Oak Stables, Betws y Coed LL24 0AH, tel 01690 710426
    See also Cymdeithas Eryri
  • South Downs
    South Downs Joint Committee, Victorian Barn, Victorian Business Centre, Ford Lane, Ford, Arundel BN18 0EF, tel 01243 558700
    www.vic.org.uk
    Works to protect, conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the South Downs. A public consultation is currently being carried out on government proposals to designate this area as a national park, with a decision expected in 2006.
    See also South Downs Society, South Downs Campaign
  • Yorkshire Dales

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Forest Parks

Community forests

  • National Community Forest Partnership Ayton House, Roberts End, Hanley Swan, Worcester WR8 0DL, tel 01684 311880
    www.communityforest.org.uk
    Umbrella organisation for England's 12 community forests partnerships, regenerating large areas on the urban fringe for forestry, conservation and recreation.
  • Forest of Avon Ashton Court Visitor Centre, Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton
    Bristol BS41 9JN, tel 0117 953 2141
    www.forestofavon.org.uk
  • Central Scotland Forest Hillhouseridge, Shottskirk Road, Shotts, ML7 4JS, tel 01501 822015
    www.csct.co.uk
  • Forest of Marston Vale The Forest Centre, Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Moretaine, Bedford MK43 0PR, tel 01234 767037
    www.marstonvale.org
    Let's Go website promoting walks and sites in the Forest and in the rest of Bedfordshire: www.letsgo.org.uk
  • Forest of Mercia
  • Great Western Community Forest 1st Floor Premier House, Station Road, Swindon SN1 1TZ, tel 01793 466324
    www.forestweb.org.uk
  • The Greenwood Community Forest Partnership Team Office, 1-3 Diamond Avenue, Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 7GN, tel 01623 758231
    www.greenwoodforest.org.uk
  • Mersey Forest Mersey Forest Offices, Risley Moss, Ordnance Avenue, Birchwood, Warrington WA3 6QX, tel 01925 816217
    www.merseyforest.org.uk
  • National Forest
  • Red Rose Forest Dock Office, Trafford Road, Salford Quays, Salford M50 2XB, tel 0161 872 1660
    www.redroseforest.co.uk
  • South Yorkshire Forest Thorncliffe Park, Sheffield S35 2PH, tel 0114 257 1199
    www.syforest.co.uk
    Greensites website: www.greensites.co.uk
    South Yorkshire interactive environmental website with walking information
  • Tees Forest Stewart Park, The Grove, Marton, Middlesbrough TS7 8AR, tel 01642 300716
    www.teesforest.org.uk
  • Thames Chase

  • Watling Chase