National Park campaigners salute boost for Cumbria’s forgotten landscapes

The Friends of the Lake District and the Campaign for National Parks have joined together to welcome today’s decision by Natural England to make the formal orders that are required to extend the boundaries of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.

Jack Ellerby from the Friends of the Lake District responded to the news by saying "the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks are huge assets for Cumbria's economy, national well-being and future prosperity. We want everyone to recognise this bigger picture and grasp the opportunities that the National Park extensions create and get behind Natural England's recommendations."

Ruth Chambers from the Campaign for National Parks added “this is fantastic news and means that wonderful landscapes like the Northern Howgills and the Orton Fells are a step closer to receiving the national protection that they deserve. The government has recently announced changes to the way that National Parks are run to ensure that local people have a greater say in their management - we encourage people from these areas to get more involved in their National Parks.”

Contact details
Ruth Chambers (Campaign for National Parks) 07971 102 156
Jack Ellerby or Dawn Groundsell (Friends of the Lake District) 01539 720 788

Notes to editors

1. Natural England today agreed to proceed with recommendations to expand significantly the boundaries of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. See Natural England’s press release for more information.
2. The Campaign for National Parks is the independent charity that inspires people to look after and enjoy National Parks. 2011 is the charity’s 75th anniversary. www.cnp.org.uk
3. Friends of the Lake District is the only charity wholly dedicated to protecting the landscape of Cumbria and the Lake District for the future. Friends of the Lake District represents CPRE (the Campaign to Protect Rural England) in Cumbria. www.fld.org.uk