Yorkshire Dales And Lake District To Be Extended

The Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District are to be extended under a new plan announced by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire will share the largest area of almost continuous National Park land following the extension two of England's most celebrated National Parks.

The announcement by Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss will see the Yorkshire Dales grow by nearly 24% and Lake District by 3%.

This will virtually join up these spaces, boosting rural tourism in the area, supporting rural businesses and potentially adding millions more to the £4 billion already generated by visitors to our stunning National Parks each year.

The announcement was made as the Secretary of State visited Wensleydale Creamery, based in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and home of the protected Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese – one of many successful businesses within National Parks.

Commenting on the decision to extend the Parks Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss, said: "The Dales and the Lakes have some of our country's finest landscapes, beautiful vistas and exciting wildlife. They are part of our national identity.

"I am delighted to be able to announce this extension which will join these two unique National Parks and protect even more space for generations to come.

"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."

(MH/CD)