Consultation open on the next Management Plan for the North Pennines

14 January 2026

Organisations, community groups and individuals are being asked for their views on the consultation draft of a five-year plan to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the North Pennines.

Every five years the North Pennines National Landscape partnership produces a management plan, on behalf of the area’s four local authorities, which sets out how the National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark will be looked after to benefit nature, people and climate.

The draft plan covers 2026 to 2031 and is available online along with a survey to gather views and feedback.

The plan sets out a Vision for the North Pennines in 2040, where the National Landscape is the most wildlife-rich area in England’s uplands and demonstrates the full potential of Protected Landscapes to support nature, people and place. The Vision ends with the commitment that the North Pennines is fit to face the future and can be handed on to the next generation in ever-improving condition.

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director of the North Pennines National Landscape team, said: “This is a plan for the area, not a work plan for the National Landscape team, and many organisations, individuals and communities have a role in helping to deliver it. For this iteration of the Management Plan, there is a robust focus on nature recovery, with priority species identified for the different habitats within the National Landscape. There are extensive suggested outcomes and measures for the National Landscape and Geopark that will provide positive benefits for nature and landscape.

“There is a firm commitment to continue working with farmers and land managers, supporting their efforts to manage the land in harmony with nature. And crucially there is a section on how people can access and enjoy this protected landscape and gain multiple benefits for their own wellbeing.”

The draft plan can be found at https://managementplan.northpennines.org.uk/ and the consultation is at https://www.cognitoforms.com/NorthPenninesNationalLandscape/ManagementPlanConsultation

Notes for editors

Contact the North Pennines National Landscape communications team for further information and images – communications@northpennines.org.uk

The North Pennines National Landscape is one of England’s most special places – a peaceful, unspoilt landscape with a rich history and vibrant natural beauty. It was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1988. The purpose of this nationally recognised designation is the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the area.

At almost 2,000 sq. kilometres the North Pennines is the second largest of the 46 National Landscapes (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and is one of the most peaceful and unspoilt places in England. Visit www.landscapesforlife.org.uk for information about the National Landscapes family.

The North Pennines lies between the National Parks of the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and Northumberland with the urban centres of County Durham away to the east. Parts of the National Landscape are within the boundaries of four local authorities; Cumberland Council, Durham County Council, Northumberland County Council, and Westmorland & Furness Council.

The North Pennines National Landscape partnership is an alliance of public, statutory and voluntary sector bodies with an interest in the future of the North Pennines. The work of the partnership is carried out by the National Landscape team which takes action to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, to raise awareness of its special qualities and to improve the quality of life for local people.

UNESCO Global Geopark – As well as being a National Landscape, the North Pennines is a UNESCO Global Geopark. This puts the area’s Geopark status in the same UNESCO family as World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO Global Geoparks are places with outstanding geology where special effort is made to make the most of geological heritage to support community and economy. Locally this includes producing geo-trails, developing projects with school and community groups, producing displays for visitor attractions, and holding geology festivals and events.