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Landscape - Aim and objectives

Aim

The beauty, distinctive character and 'sense of place' of the Yorkshire Dales National Park will be maintained and strengthened through ongoing interaction between nature and the people who live and work there.

Objectives:

L1.  Maintain and enhance the quality and distinctive character of the Yorkshire Dales landscape (as measured through the national Countryside Quality Counts indicator).

L2.  Encourage widespread take-up of Environmental Stewardship and other agri-environment schemes (so that at least 80% of the National Park is covered by agreements by 2010), so as to:  

  a)  maintain and enhance the pattern and historic character of traditional field boundaries (drystone walls and hedgerows);

  b)  protect and enhance the mosaic of valuable managed habitats (hay meadows, pastures, rough grassland, native woodland and moorland);

  c)  maintain and enhance the pattern of traditional farmsteads, associated farm buildings, features and field barns, as well as individual or small groups of native trees, where they make a major contribution to landscape character.

L3.  Prevent the introduction of new commercial plantations and reduce the area of existing conifer plantations (outside areas targeted for red squirrels) by at least 20% (600ha) by 2012.

L4.  Prevent the introduction of significant development ‘detractors’ from the landscape, notably:

  a)  new quarries (other than for local use of building stone and roofing slate);

  b)  extensions to existing quarries (except where the environmental and amenity benefits would clearly outweigh the impact on the landscape), - and implement agreed landscaping and restoration schemes for all existing quarry sites;

  c)  multiple or large-scale wind turbines (a ground-hub height of 25m or more);

  d)  new overhead power and telecommunications lines and associated equipment — and seek to underground at least 10km of existing line by 2011.

L5.  Work with companies, authorities and agencies responsible for power, water, telecommunications and highways to minimise the impact of infrastructure works on the appearance and character of  the landscape.

L6.  Maintain all nationally-important geological sites in ‘favourable’ condition, and develop a series of Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Sites by 2009.

L7.  Maintain the overall tranquillity and sense of remoteness within the National Park, and carry out a re-assessment of levels of tranquillity by 2011.

L8.  By 2008, develop approaches to signage and road improvement and maintenance works that better reflect the distinctive rural character of the National Park, and introduce measures to conserve and enhance important roadside verges.

L9.  Use the management and creation of important habitats in the Dales to prevent soil erosion, reduce flood risk and improve water quality and management, particularly along the Rivers Ure, Aire, Swale, Wharfe, Ribble and their tributaries.

L10.  Support and encourage small-scale renewable energy developments, such as local hydro-electric generation, small-scale wind turbines, and wood-fuelled heating systems linked to managed woodland, that meet local needs and do not adversely affect the distinctive character of the Yorkshire Dales’ landscape.

©2006 Yorkshire Dales National Authority, Yoredale, Bainbridge, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 3EL Tel: 0300 456 0030 info@yorkshiredales.org.uk