CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed plans to extend the region’s national parks, 60 years after they were created.

Natural England has begun a three-month consultation, which could result in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District national parks being extended towards one another.

The consultation marks the 60th anniversary of the legislation that allowed national parks to be created in England.

Natural England chairman Poul Christensen said: “We have a unique opportunity to look at a major expansion of two of England’s most cherished protected areas.

“We are looking to consult as widely as possible on these proposals, to ensure that an extension to the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District national parks can work with the people and businesses of the area and deliver the many public benefits that people are entitled to expect from national park designation.”

Areas in North Yorkshire that will be considered for national park status are Northern Howgill Fells, Mallerstang and Wild Boar Fell, Middleton, Barbon and Leck Fells, Firbank Fell, Lower Lune Valley, and adjacent fells to the west.

Ruth Chambers, a spokeswoman for the Campaign for National Parks (CNP), said: “This step marks major progress in what CNP and many others have long considered to be unfinished business for the two parks.

“Parts of the existing boundaries make little sense in landscape terms, having been drawn under political pressure along former administrative or road boundaries.

“There are some stunning areas immediately abutting both parks which thoroughly deserve to be given national park status, for example the Northern Howgills and areas around Mallerstang, Orton and Whinfell.”

The consultation will end on March 17. Go to lakesto daleslandscapes.org.uk