The North West of England has some of the finest landscapes in the country. Many of these are already protected as National Parks or Areas of Oustanding Natural Beauty (see Figure 1). However, there are other beautiful areas of countryside that are not currently protected.

Figure 1: Map showing the existing landscape designations
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Natural England is the public body responsible for conserving and enhancing the natural environment in England. One of Natural England’s responsibilities is to decide whether an area should be given special status and protection by designating it as a National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

We are currently considering whether certain areas between the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks should be designated in this way. We have carried out studies to investigate which landscapes meet the legal requirements for inclusion in a National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and have prepared proposals to designate specific areas. We would now like to give the public the opportunity to express its views on whether these areas should be designated, so that we can take the process to a conclusion.

We began in 2004 with a study area covering a large part of eastern Cumbria and northern Lancashire and identified eleven areas to consider in more detail. Following thorough analysis we have concluded that nine of these areas have the necessary qualities of natural beauty and opportunities for open-air recreation, and that they should be designated as extensions to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.

Figure 2: Proposed National Park extensions
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We propose two extensions to the Lake District National Park and two extensions to the Yorkshire Dales National Park (these are shown in Figure 2). We are also proposing that the Orton Fells be included in one of those extensions, but have not yet decided which is the most appropriate (we are therefore asking you to comment on the Orton Fells separately as part of this consultation).

The purpose of this consultation is to seek your views on whether these areas have the qualities necessary to be in a National Park and whether they should be given National Park status.

Further information, expressing the detailed analysis which led to these recommendations, is also available as separate Supporting Documents. Copies of the Supporting Documents can be obtained from the Downloads page on this website.

Please note that the consultation is now closed.