Access Keys:

How do you rate this information / service?

Find My Nearest
Enter your postcode to find services and information for your area on a map e.g. schools, libraries and GP surgery
Translate this web page

13/08/03 - North Pennines AONB gets Country's first European Geopark status

Cumbria County Council has today welcomed the news that the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty has been awarded Britain's first European Geo-Park status.   

Councillor Philip Chappelhow, the county council representative on the North Pennines AONB Partnership, said:    

"I am delighted that this spectacular area has been awarded Britain's first European Geo-Park status, which I hope will bring the accolade and recognition it so deserves.   

It will raise the profile of the area and provide access to European partners to help the development of major projects for geological conservation and sustainable tourism. Crucially, it may make it easier for the AONB Partnership to generate European funding, which will act as a lever to obtain funding from other sources, such as the Heritage Lottery. 

The North Pennines AONB is the second largest in the country and is a truly outstanding part of Britain, an area with world class geology which we want people to admire and enjoy. We are hoping that as well as raising the profile of the area, this new status will also have a knock on effect on the local economy through increased tourism."   

The North Pennines AONB stretches across 2000 square miles of parts of Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland   

Chris Woodley-Stewart, North Pennines AONB Officer, said:    

"The North Pennines is well known locally for its diversity of wildlife and for its nationally recognised scenic qualities but is also has a world class geological heritage. This geological interest, coupled with past and planned effort for its conservation, has led to the Geopark destination being conferred on the area. 

Becoming a European Geopark will give the AONB Partnership ready access to like-minded organisations with complementary areas across Europe, enabling us to develop joint funding bids for conservation and sustainable tourism projects. It will also allow the use of the Geopark brand, which we hope will raise the profile of the area."   

An information meeting is being held on 8th September between 6.30 and 8pm in Alston Town Hall for anyone who wants to find out more about the Geopark status. Anyone wishing to attend should contact the AONB Partnership on 01388 528801.