Landscape
The North York Moors was originally designated a National Park, not just for its open heather moorland but for the diversity of its landscape, including its coastline, valleys and woodlands. It is this landscape diversity which gives the area its special character as well as the intangible qualities which make up people’s feelings for the place.
In striving to protect and enhance the North York Moors, the National Park Authority has to be aware of the distinct variety of local characteristics that occur within the Park area. The differences may be as obvious as between moorland and woodland, or as subtle as different building styles, farming practices, historic developments or the character of country lanes. It must consider the way the landscape naturally ‘fits together’, what is pleasing to the eye as well as the needs of the local community.
The Authority cares for the landscape in a variety of ways:
- By protecting important landscape features such as traditional field boundaries, hedgerow and village trees and vernacular buildings and by providing advice and grant aid.
- By maintaining the open character of the moorland.
- By protecting the key qualities of the landscape through the planning system.
- By working with others to enhance and increase the semi-natural landscapes of the National Park, such as native woodland, coastal heath and wetland.
An assessment of the landscape of the North York Moors has been carried out to inform the conservation work of the Authority. You can download the report in our Publications section.
