It is 2040, the North Pennines National Landscape is the most wildlife-rich area in England’s uplands. Its distinctive landscapes, natural assets and cultural heritage are widely appreciated, managed and actively cared for. The landscape retains a strong sense of wildness, remoteness and tranquillity, with no major intrusive development. Sustainable farming and land management are well-rewarded and support healthy ecosystems that, in turn, sustain a strong rural economy, resilient communities and wider public benefits. The area demonstrates the full potential of Protected Landscapes to support nature, people and place.
People and places
Well-managed, distinctive landscapes, nature and heritage support the local economy and thriving, sustainable communities. Farmers and land managers (including moorland estate managers, gamekeepers, river keepers, foresters, nature reserve managers, heritage managers etc.) are recognised and fairly rewarded for managing land in ways that deliver multiple public benefits. The planning system protects what’s special about the North Pennines, whilst supporting a working landscape where people can thrive.
Local communities take pride in their natural and cultural heritage and play an active role in looking after and promoting it. People from all backgrounds have more opportunities to enjoy the area’s beauty and connect with nature and heritage.
Nature
A collaborative culture helps to sustain a resilient network of well-managed, wildlife-rich habitats that stretches from the fell-tops to the lower dales and beyond, where wildlife thrives alongside the people who live and work here. Areas where nature is already strong, through decades of good stewardship, act as a foundation for expanding habitats and species populations. Many previous declines in nature have stopped and begun to reverse, helped by restoring natural processes where beneficial, alongside maintaining established nature-positive management.
Climate
The North Pennines is as prepared as possible for future climate challenges.
Habitats store and absorb carbon effectively. Despite some inevitable impacts, nature, cultural heritage and access infrastructure are in the best possible condition to withstand climate change at this point.