Countryside campaigners welcome move towards National Park extensions

5 May 2005

Countryside campaigners are celebrating the decision taken today by the Countryside Agency to seek to extend the boundaries of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks in Cumbria.

Friends of the Lake District2 and the Yorkshire Dales Society3, with the support of the Council for National Parks4, have long advocated that these areas were worthy of national protection.

Following a detailed analysis of the countryside between the two National Parks, undertaken by consultants on behalf of the Countryside Agency, several currently unprotected areas were found to be worthy of designation5. The Lake District extension would include land at Whinash currently the subject of a public inquiry into proposals to build a large wind farm. Extensions to the Yorkshire Dales National Park include parts of the northern Howgills and Mallerstang. The Orton Fells are also identified as being worthy of designation.  

'The value of these landscapes was recognised more than 50 years ago by the founding fathers of the National Parks', said Friends of the Lake District's Director of Policy Ian Brodie, 'We are pleased that the Countryside Agency has finally decided to conclude the unfinished business of protecting these special areas of the country. This is good news for the English countryside and good news for the people of Cumbria.'

The Countryside Agency will also consider extending the boundaries of North Pennines and Arnside and Silverdale Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty as part of the review process. Campaigners are hopeful that the Agency will move quickly with the designation process with a decision on the draft boundaries to the two National Parks likely early next year. Decisions on the extensions to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be made considered alongside information on other proposals for boundary variations for similar areas. 

'These landscapes are some of the finest and most inspirational in the country, said Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy for the Council for National Parks, 'Today's decision is a big step towards securing the highest possible protection for these areas.'

NOTES FOR EDITORS

For more information contact Martin Varley at Friends of the Lake District on (01539 720788).

Friends of the Lake District is a registered charity committed to enhancing and protecting the landscape and natural beauty of Cumbria and cooperating with other bodies with similar objectives or interests. We have nearly 7000 members nationwide. We are also regional representatives for the Council for Protection of Rural England, a national charity that helps people keep their local countryside beautiful, productive and enjoyable for everyone.

The Yorkshire Dales Society is an independent charity which works in partnership to help protect and enhance the unique natural and cultural environment of the Yorkshire Dales.

The Council for National Parks is the national charity that 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.

The areas identified by the Countryside Agency as fulfilling the criteria for designation are:

Mallerstang, Orton Fells, the northern Howgills, parts of the Lune Valley, Middleton Fell, Barbon Fell, Leck Fell and the Cold Cotes area, as a variation to the Yorkshire Dales National Park;

Birkbeck Fells Common, Whinash, Borrowdale, Whinfell and an area near Brigsteer and River Kent, as a variation to the Lake District National Park;

Skirwith, Dufton and Stainmore, as a variation to North Pennines AONB; and

Hutton Roof and Farleton Fell, as a variation to Arnside & Silverdale AONB.

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222