23rd October 2015

The Government has confirmed both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks will be extended.

Friends of the Lake District is delighted that the Secretary of State has finally confirmed the designation orders for the extensions to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks and that the wait for the decision is over.

We played a major role in the run up to the Inquiry, and coordinated the Key Supporters Group’s evidence to the Public Inquiry in 2013. This Group represented a wide range of the interests of those who lived and worked in the proposed areas, including Parish and Town Councils, local businesses, farmers and landowners, conservation and recreational organisations and individuals.

A recent widespread media debate at national level  was initiated by Friends of the Lake District’s letter to the Times, written together with the Campaign for National Parks, Campaign for the Protection of Rural England and the Yorkshire Dales Society.

Martin Holdgate, President at Friends of the Lake District,

‘Of course we are delighted that the Secretary of State has finally confirmed the designation orders for the extensions to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks. These are, and always have been, areas of superb scenery that deserved National Park status years ago. Friends of the Lake District has worked for years to achieve this outcome, and we are pleased that our efforts have borne fruit but now everyone must work together to ensure we reap the benefits.’

Douglas Chalmers, Director of Friends of the Lake District,

“This really is a momentous decision, and one that reflects the wishes of many people. And now the real work starts. Everyone has been saying that designating this land will bring additional economic, environmental and community benefits to the area, and we now have to make sure that this happens.

“In the Secretary of State’s announcement, Mrs Truss said, ““National parks are fabulous national assets that welcome over 90 million tourists and contribute to our vibrant rural economy – we are committed to helping them thrive." It is reassuring to have such a positive statement on Government’s support for National Parks going into the future.    

“Let’s savour this moment, but then start working to ensure that those in the areas start to see the benefits”.

Full mapping detailing the new boundaries and extent of the extensions in both parks is available at the following links:
Lake District National Park: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lake-district-national-park-maps-of-confirmed-boundary-changes
Yorkshire Dales National Park: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/yorkshire-dales-national-park-maps-of-confirmed-boundary-changes