To be designated as a National Park an area of land has to meet certain statutory tests relating to the quality of its landscape, cultural heritage and wildlife; and the opportunities it has for recreation. Friends of the Lake District commissioned leading landscape adviser Alison Farmer to conduct an independent assessment of the area and make recommendations as to where she felt potential boundary lines should be. These are considered in our Executive Summary under the Duddon Estuary section.

Fuller justifications are in the full report – see page 348 onwards. If Natural England decide to take the project further, they will have to consult on potential boundary lines and anyone wishing to make amendments to those lines can comment. The ultimate decision on the final line would be down to Natural England and the Secretary of State.