Work with organisers of large-scale events to ensure they are well run, benefit local businesses, and contribute to the maintenance of the Park’s natural capital, for example funding the cost of maintaining the ‘Three Peaks’ route.
How the local partners are doing on this objective
Progress: Over £56,000 was raised from donations and sales to support the maintenance of the ‘Three Peaks’ route in 2022/23. The National Park Authority’s ‘Code of Conduct’ for events was widely promoted through social media and directly promoted to 6 of the largest event organisers and through the event registration facility. Whilst event organisers reported a drop in the number of participants, overall numbers using the route remain at a consistent level.
Rationale: The issues surrounding large-scale events come up regularly at the Local Access Forum. There is support for the Authority’s guidance for event organisers. There is a desire to see stronger ‘management’ of events. However, that would require new legal powers and resources. The oversight of events in terms of health and safety rests with the relevant local authority Safety Advisory Group. Even where these Groups have had major concerns about an event, they may not be able to prevent it taking place.
Lead partner: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority
Supporting partners: North Yorkshire Council; Westmorland & Furness Council; Lancashire County Council; Yorkshire Dales Local Access Forum
Further information: Large-scale events; Three Peaks
Cost over 5 years: £200,000
Funding shortfall: None
Related objectives: B1; B9; E2; E6
Ecosystem services: Recreation
Trade-offs: Large events have the potential to have impacts on tranquillity (A2); priority habitats (C1) and species (C2). Management and mitigation of these are guided by principles set out in the Special Qualities, Special Experience document.
Baseline: Liaison with 45 large-scale events in 2017-18. £25,294 raised for the ‘3 Peaks’ fund in 2017-18.