Natural England - National Parks consultation deadline approaches

National Parks consultation deadline approaches

18 February 2010

Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks extension consultation will close on March 17.

There is just over one month to go for people to let Natural England know their views about proposals to extend the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.

Written responses to the national consultation, which will close on Wednesday 17 March, will help Natural England reach its final decision on whether or not the National Parks should be extended and where the boundaries should lie.

So far, hundreds of people have participated, in writing and via the project websiteexternal link. The response from residents living within and around the parks has been extensive, but the consultation also welcomes views from the many people across the country who may have used or visited the parks.

David Vose, Natural England Project Manager said: “The deadline for responses to this consultation is fast approaching, and if you haven’t yet made your comments known, we’d urge you to send us your response in writing or via the website, as soon as you possibly can.

“We are keen to hear the views of anyone who has an interest in these areas – from people who live in one of the parks or the proposed extension areas, to everyone who visits National Parks from around the country or has a view about their importance.

“If you’re in the local area, your last chance to meet members of the project team face-to-face at a drop-in-session is also fast approaching.”

There is one remaining ‘drop-in session,’ where members of the public can find out more about whether they live in a proposed extension area and how to respond to the proposals. It will take place at Newbiggin-on-Lune Village Hall on Saturday 27 February from 14:00 to 17:30.

You can respond to the consultation by phoning 0161 273 8235 to order a free consultation pack, e-mailing nwdesignationproject@naturalengland.org.uk or writing to Lakes to Dales Landscape Designation Project, Natural England, Bridgewater House, 60 Whitworth Street, Manchester M1 6LT.

Responses may also be sent online at the project websiteexternal link, which also contains additional supporting documents, including detailed maps and a list of frequently asked questions.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors:

Natural England
Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We conserve and enhance the natural environment for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people, and the economic prosperity it brings.

Details of proposed National Park extensions

The areas proposed for potential inclusion in the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales National Parks are:

Lake District National Park:

  • Birkbeck Fells to Whinfell

  • Helsington Barrows to Sizergh Fell and the Lyth Valley

Yorkshire Dales National Park:

  • Northern Howgill Fells

  • Mallerstang and Wild Boar Fell

  • Middleton, Barbon and Leck Fells

  • Firbank Fell

  • Lower Lune Valley and adjacent fells to the west

Part of the Lake District National Park or the Yorkshire Dales National Park:

  • Orton Fells

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