OFTEN described as England's last great wilderness, the North Pennines area of outstanding natural beauty has become the first area in Britain to be awarded the status of European geopark.

Its high, wild landscape covers 2,000 sq km, taking in parts of County Durham, Cumbria and Northumberland, and is the second largest of the 41 AONBs in England and Wales. It is well known for its diversity of wildlife and scenic qualities, but it also has a world-class geological heritage. This, coupled with past and planned effort for its conservation, has led to the geopark designation being conferred.

Geoparks were established in 2000 with support from Unesco, but other areas which have secured geopark status have seen considerable benefit from it through increased nature-based tourism and funding for conservation, say officials. The North Pennines AONB Partnership hopes this will be the case there too.

North Pennines AONB officer, Chris Woodley-Stewart, said: "Becoming a European geopark will allow the partnership ready access to like-minded organisations with complementary areas across the Continent, enabling us to develop joint funding bids for conservation and sustainable tourism projects.

"It will also allow the use of the geopark brand, which we hope will raise the profile of the area. It won't supplant the AONB designation, but it will be something that sits alongside it and helps to send a message about how special the North Pennines really is," he added. "This accolade is good news for the profile of the area. Importantly, it does not come with the restrictions on farming practice that accompany some designations and it should bring economic benefits."

The partnership's work in establishing the area as a geopark has had strong backing from the British Geological Survey.

District geologist Brian Young said: "The North Pennines AONB has a world-class geological heritage that we are very keen to share with visitors.

The geopark designation provides extra impetus to our work to conserve and promote the area's geology and builds on the work we are doing with the partnership to produce the first geo-diversity action plan for a UK protected landscape."

During its initial three-year membership of the geopark network, the partnership will have to show it is worthy of re-selection beyond that period.

The partnership is holding two information meeting for anyone wanting to know more about the award of geopark status. These will be on September 8 from 2.30-4pm at the Dales Centre in Stanhope and from 6.30-8pm at Alston Town Hall.

Those wishing to attend should contact Mr Woodley-Stewart on 01388 528801.