Lakes and Dales set to grow

By Hanna Lindon

Outdoor headlines

17 May 2011 10:41

Natural England has revealed plans to increase the size of Britain’s two northern National Parks

Throughout May and June the government body is inviting people to comment on plans to broaden the boundaries for both the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Parks. 
Yorkshire Dales National Park is now to include the Orton Fells, the Northern Howgill Fells and Mallerstang to the north, plus the fells and River Lune between Firbank Fell and Ireby to the west. Proposals for the Lake District National Park include Birbeck Fells Common to Whinfell Common to the east, and Helsington Barrows to Sizergh Fell including the Lyth Valley to the south. The changes would mean the two parks nestle shoulder to shoulder either side of the M6 at Junction 38, providing increased opportunities for long distance paths within the Parks.
“The significance of these areas being brought into the National Parks is that they would enjoy all the benefits of being governed by a National Park Authority – extra resources and management expertise, plus the bar is set higher for things like planning and development, which must reflect the national importance and natural beauty of these areas,” Project Manager David Vose told Trail.
Wainwright himself certainly considered the Howgill Fells to be worthy of interest – dedicating a pictorial guide to them and describing them as ‘sleeping elephants’. The Orton Fells are also included in his Coast-to-Coast long distance footpath.
Natural England is inviting everyone to respond to the consultation. The proposed boundary maps are in a consultation pack or can be viewed on www.naturalengland.org.uk/lakestodales or at one of 12 informal drop-in sessions being run before the July 1 deadline (see www.naturalengland.org.uk for venue details).
Anyone wishing to respond can obtain a pack by phoning 03000 602178 or via the website; alternatively you can send an email to nwdesignationproject@natural england.org.uk or write to: Lakes to Dales Landscape Designation Project, Natural England, Bridgewater House, 60 Whitworth Street, Manchester, M1 6LT.