The summary information below is relevant to Questions C1 to C7 in the Response Form.

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Context

Geographically, this area is directly adjacent to the Lake District National Park and is proposed as an extension to it. It shows clear and consistent expression of some of the typical elements of the Cumbria High Fells landscape, especially the pattern of marked contrast between the open moorland and the sheltered dales, which is similar to that found elsewhere in the Lake District National Park.

Extent to which the Natural Beauty criterion is met

The Birkbeck Fells to Whinfell area forms the eastern edge of the Cumbria High Fells. It has much in common with the landscape to the west of the A6 which lies within the Lake District National Park. Overall, the area has great natural beauty. Landscape and scenic quality are high, especially the aesthetically striking, typical Lake District contrast between the open moorland with its rugged scenery, dramatic views and colourful fell vegetation; and the two sheltered dales, with their more intimate and complex patterns and colours. There are some features which could detract from these qualities (like the line of pylons along the A6), but whilst locally dominant, they do not significantly affect the wider landscape of the area.

The fells at the core of the area are relatively wild, due mainly to their apparent sense of remoteness and lack of human settlement, and despite the nearby main roads, M6 and railway. The open character and apparent naturalness of the fells and the generally unspoilt and relatively unpopulated nature of much of the area also contribute to a sense of tranquillity. Natural and cultural features such as small patches of broadleaved woodland, hay meadows, sheepfolds and patterns of enclosure walls in the lower dales contribute to the beauty of the landscape, as do associations with the writings of Wainwright and the land art of Andy Goldsworthy.

Extent to which the Opportunities for Recreation criterion is met

The area has considerable recreation value and can be easily reached by both residents and visitors. It has good road links north and south, and rights of way are easily accessible, particularly those through the dales. There are also extensive tracts of access land on the fells, of a similar scale to that at Bannisdale Fell within the Lake District National Park. There is also a good network of footpaths, bridleways and rural lanes. All of this provides access to a landscape of great natural beauty, to sheltered, tranquil valleys and exhilarating ridge walks with memorable views. These integrate well with the existing recreation provision of the Lake District National Park.

The recreation experience is enhanced by access to features of cultural and natural heritage interest such as Megan’s Sheepfold (at the entrance of Bretherdale), the notable pattern of stone walls and small vernacular settlements, several streams, waterfalls, ancient woodlands and exceptional upland hay meadows and wet pastures. The existing national cycle route N68/70 passes through the area, the Coast to Coast mountain bike route is planned to pass through Borrowdale and there are also proposed improvements for horse riders.

Lune Gorge and Jeffrey’s Mount © Natural England & Simon Warner

Desirability to designate

We consider it is desirable to designate this area as National Park. It should be included as an extension to the Lake District National Park for the reasons outlined below:

Significance

The area occupies a pivotal position between several outstanding upland landscapes. From the two main ridges there are panoramic views to the Howgill Fells, the Lune Gorge, the Lake District fells and south to the Bowland Fells. Within a small area there is an outstanding range of landscape experiences, from upland fell, to enclosed woodlands, to the distinctive dales and shelter of Borrowdale and Bretherdale, all of them offering exceptional tranquillity and wildness. There are substantial opportunities to promote understanding of these special qualities through interpretation and by working with local partners; and to promote enjoyment of the area, without affecting its tranquillity. Much of the area has been recognised as being worthy of national recognition for over 60 years.

Issues affecting the area’s special qualities

The area’s landscape quality, scenic quality, relative wildness and tranquillity are highly vulnerable to inappropriate and large-scale development. Landscape condition is generally good, but locally it is affected by forestry, quarrying, masts and transmission lines, which where possible, would benefit from being addressed in the long term. There is an underlying issue of farm viability which has led to some localised boundary and field barn dereliction. The area is a valuable resource for natural heritage. Access to the area is generally straightforward and there are significant opportunities for unlocking potential for open-air recreation. Parts of Borrowdale are already pro-actively managed for public benefit.

Delivering purposes of designation

Geographically, the area is directly adjacent to the Lake District National Park. There is currently no integrated strategy for the long-term management and enhancement of the area as a whole. If it were designated, the dedicated purpose of the Lake District National Park Management Plan and the assistance the National Park Authority can provide in supporting agri-environment schemes, would be likely to lead to improvements in the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty across the whole of this area, and to greater understanding of the interaction between its natural environment and upland farming, as well as enjoyment of its special qualities. There is also much scope to enhance activities such as walking and mountain biking.

This extension is partly in Eden District and partly in South Lakeland District, both of which already have land in the Lake District National Park.

The proposed boundary

The boundary is drawn to exclude lesser quality land to the north, east and south which is in transition or fragmented by communications and other infrastucture. Features of interest which are included in their entirety include Shap Fells Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Lake District High Fells Special Area for Conservation (SAC), land registered as Common Land, and County Wildlife Sites along wooded valleys.

Bretherdale © Natural England & Simon Warner