This deals with County Council policies for the enjoyment of Cumbria's countryside and the protection of Cumbria's distinctive and diverse landscape.
The County Council together with the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks has prepared a draft Countryside Access Strategy. Following the granting of new rights of access to open country and registered common land commencing in 2005, this sets out a vision and policies for the future managing of these areas as well as the pre-existing and extensive network of public rights of way.
The County Council protects the character of Cumbria's unique landscapes through the application of policies in the Structure Plan. The County Council produced a Landscape Strategy in 1998 and is preparing further guidance on wind energy development in the landscape and on the effects of development on landscape character.
Through the Environment Fund the County Council supports a range of key environmental partners dedicated to promoting access and enjoyment as well as the conservation of landscape and its key components such as trees and woodlands, coastal features, natural and man-made habitats and species biodiversity, archaeology and culture. The fund also supports volunteer projects, the management of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the regeneration of urban and rural landscapes and Integrated Coastal Zone Management.