WIREDGOV

A formal consultation on four proposed extensions to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks is now underway. The consultation period started on December 18 and the deadline for all responses to be received is 17th March 2010.

To find out more go to: www.lakestodaleslandscapes.org.uk

The consultation seeks views on whether the four proposed extensions, which lie between the current borders of the two National Parks, have the qualities necessary to be in a National Park. Members of the public are also being asked whether they should be given National Park status and if so, where the boundaries should be drawn.

In addition, the consultation seeks views on whether the Orton Fells, if designated, should be included within the Lake District National Park or the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

The results of the consultation will help to inform future decisions made by Natural England on whether to designate any of the new areas for inclusion within the existing National Parks. Confirmation of any new boundaries would then be subject to approval by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

Natural England’s North West Regional Director, Liz Newton comments, “There are lots of ways for you to comment on our proposals and I would urge as many people as possible to please do so. We greatly value the public’s input on this and as the final decision has not yet been made, it’s vital for us to know what your opinions are.”

Ways to Get Involved

There are a number of ways to take part in the consultation.
The project website (www.lakestodaleslandscapes.org.uk) includes the facility for you to respond to the consultation online. It will also host electronic copies of the consultation documents which can be downloaded.

You may also telephone 0161 273 8235 or email nwdesignationproject@naturalengland.org.uk to order a free consultation pack.

A series of events and meetings will be held across the area during January and February 2010, details of which are available on the website. They are intended to help local people to learn more about the consultation and how they can take part.

Consultation packs will also be available in local libraries from 4th January 2010.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Key consultation contact details

Call 0300 060 2178 for all general enquiries (if no one is available please leave a message and contact details and your call will be returned).

Call 0161 273 8235 if you wish to enquire about the series of events and meetings that are being held locally in January and February 2010 and to order a consultation pack.

• Visit the project website at www.lakestodaleslandscapes.org.uk

• E-mail: nwdesignationproject@naturalengland.org.uk

• Write to: Lakes To Dales Landscape Designation Project, Natural England, Bridgewater House, 60 Whitworth Street, Manchester M1 6LT.

Details of proposed 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

Details of local events

Drop-in sessions

At a Drop-In session you will be able to:

• Find out whether you live in a proposed area

• Find out how to make sure your views are recorded

• Pick up a Consultation Pack and find out more about how to respond

Kirkby Lonsdale Library
Thursday 7th January 2010
9.30am-5.00pm

Orton Farmers’ Market
Saturday 9th January 2010
9.30am-2.00pm

Sedbergh Community Offices
Tuesday 12th January 2010
10.00am-4.00pm

Levens Institute
Tuesday 19th January 2010
2.30pm-7.30pm

Kendal Birdcage
Wednesday 20th January 2010
10.00am-4.00pm

Appleby Library
Friday 22nd January 2010
10.00am-5.00pm

Killington Village Hall
Saturday 23rd January 2010
11.00am-4.00pm

Kirkby Stephen Tourist Information Centre
Monday 25th January 2010
10.00am-4.00pm

Crosby Ravensworth Village Hall
Friday 29th January 2010
2.00pm-8.00pm

Asby Village Hall
Monday 4th February 2010
2.00pm-8.00pm

Grayrigg Village Hall “Pub Night”
Thursday 11th February 2010
6.00pm-Close

Newbiggin-on-Lune Village Hall
Saturday 27th February 2010
2pm-5.30pm

Consultation Meetings

At a Consultation Meeting you will be able to:

• Find out more about the proposals

• Discuss the proposals and ask questions

• Meet a member of the Natural England Team

Sedbergh Community Building Monday
25th January 2010
7.30pm-9.30pm

Kirkby Stephen Grammar School
Tuesday 26th January 2010
7.30pm-9.30pm

Orton Market Hall
Thursday 28th January 2010
7.30pm-9.30pm

Kirkby Lonsdale Institute
Tuesday 2nd February 2010
7.30pm-9.30pm

Levens Institute
Monday 8th February 2010
7.30pm-9.30pm

Tebay Sports and Social Club
Wednesday 10th February 2010
7.30pm-9.30pm