Читать книгу Short walks in the Yorkshire Dales - Collins Maps - Страница 10

In many other countries, National Parks are wilderness areas, where few people live unless they are connected with running the park. Countries such as the United States of America have even gone to the length of moving residents off land designated as a National Park. In England and Wales, National Parks are areas of outstanding beauty where people still live and work. One of the major functions of a National Park is to preserve the landscape and the livelihoods of the people living within its boundaries. This is achieved by careful planning control. The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949 led to the formation of National Parks in England and Wales.

The word ‘National’ in the title sometimes leads to misunderstanding. National Parks are not nationalised or in any way owned by the government.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park was designated in 1953 and covers an area of approximately 683 square miles (1769 square km). It is administered by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. The Authority is made up of representatives from the local county and district councils as well as members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, (Defra).

Large areas of grouse moorland, mainly in the south of the Park, are held by the Chatsworth Estates Trust for the Duke of Devonshire. Rights of Way cross several of the moors but, most importantly, the estate allows free access to Barden and Simonseat Moors above Bolton Abbey on either side of Wharfedale. This means that walkers have the right to roam freely over the moors on all but publicised days during the shooting season or during periods of high fire risk. This concession is one which must be respected by all users.

One of the statutory functions of a Park Authority is the appointment of full-time and voluntary Park Rangers. These are people with particular knowledge of some aspects of the local environment who are available to give help and advice to visitors.