These core principles for this plan provide a framework to guide policy and practice in relation to the North Pennines National Landscape, promoting ecological integrity, community well-being and sustainable, nature-friendly economy. They are not listed in priority order.
- Supporting and rewarding sustainable land management
Farmers and land managers are central to conserving the area’s natural beauty. Nature-friendly farming, sustainable moorland management and fair reward for delivering public benefits are essential for the long-term health of the landscape and its communities. - Getting results through ambition and flexibility
Conservation should focus on results rather than rigid prescriptions, particularly in agri-environment schemes and the farmed landscape. While prized assets may require strict protection, there should generally be space for ambition, innovation and measured risk-taking. - Strengthening collaboration and partnership working
Effective nature and heritage conservation relies on strong partnerships among farmers, land managers, public bodies, conservation organisations, businesses and communities. Building consensus takes time but makes better use of resources and improves outcomes. Partnership working should be assumed throughout this plan. - Restoring nature at landscape scale
Recovery of upland biodiversity requires connected, resilient habitat networks across the whole landscape, extending into surrounding areas. Some habitats and species—such as peatlands, hay meadows and raptors—need targeted action to reverse declines and secure recent gains. - Responding to climate change through nature-based solutions
Adaptation and mitigation efforts should focus on the multiple benefits that nature-based solutions can provide, from flood management to carbon sequestration and increased landscape resilience. - Safeguarding ecosystem services and benefits
The North Pennines provides vital ecosystem services—water filtration, carbon storage, pollination, climate regulation, tranquillity and more. The benefits we derive from this must be understood, maintained and enhanced for current and future generations. - Managing landscape change responsibly
While change is inevitable, it must be guided carefully to avoid harming the area’s distinctive qualities. Decisions should respect and protect what makes the landscape special. - Balancing the benefits
Actions which are intended as beneficial should not have perverse consequences – they must not bring one environmental benefit at the expense of another (potentially greater) one, such as planting new woodlands on species-rich grasslands or siting climate-friendly infrastructure where it damages nature, heritage and landscape character. - Aligning economy and environment
The area’s natural beauty, wildlife and heritage are key social and economic assets. Development must be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable, and public authorities must act in ways that further the area’s statutory purpose. - Integrating nature, heritage and culture
Conservation effort should encompass biodiversity, geodiversity, tranquillity and our tangible and intangible cultural heritage, recognising how these elements are interconnected. People should be encouraged to explore, interpret and celebrate natural beauty through cultural, artistic and creative expression. - Ensuring fair access, learning and community action
Everyone should be able to confidently and responsibly enjoy the area’s natural beauty, supported by improved and inclusive access infrastructure. Community action for nature and heritage should be supported and broadened. Learning, knowledge-sharing and evidence-based practice should be built into all programmes. - Ensuring fair funding for Protected Landscapes
There is an acknowledgement of the financial challenges for public funding and there should be continued effort to diversify conservation income sources, though there will always be a strong role for public funds to support the provision and maintenance of public goods.