Facilities for Park users
One of the two purposes of all National Parks is ‘to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park.’
Although this purpose is quite often seen as being aimed at ‘visitors,’ we know that most people who live within the National Park also enjoy its special qualities. This is why we chose the word ‘users’ rather than ‘visitors’.
As a further way of being more inclusive, we want to see a variety of recreational activity (and users). However we accept that the environmental capacity of the moors will make some activities inappropriate in some locations. Unacceptable damage and disturbance to natural beauty, wildlife or cultural heritage may mean that certain activities cannot take place in the Park at all. Other activities may also cause problems for those who live and work here, or spoil the enjoyment and understanding of other Park users. We also have an obligation to ensure that what we hand on to future generations is in the best possible condition, allowing them to make their own decisions.
The Authority tries to ensure that any potential conflict between recreational activity and conservation is reconciled through good management, negotiation and co-operation. However, if it is not possible to reach a compromise, conservation takes precedence. (This principle – often referred to as the Sandford Principle – is now incorporated in the Environment Act.)
What do we mean by ‘facilities?’
Facilities can include everything from the rights of way network, specialist recreation (such as hang gliding, orienteering, sailing or climbing), public transport, car parks, toilets, picnic sites, visitor centres, refreshment facilities, accommodation (hotels, guest houses, farmhouse accommodation, campsites, bunkbarns, etc) and attractions. It can also mean information provided by, for instance, this website.
The Park Authority directly provides or manages a number of facilities including rights of way, car parks, picnic sites, toilets and visitor centres. It also actively supports other facilities such as Village Information Points and public transport.
The private and voluntary sector provides many of the other facilities such as accommodation and attractions.
However, the greatest ‘facility’ and the one which is the main reason why people come to the North York Moors is the ‘landscape quality’ which the Authority strives hard to protect and enhance.
