About us

Nidderdale National Landscape is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It covers an area of 233 square miles and is located on the eastern flanks of the Yorkshire Pennines stretching from the high moorland of Great Whernside south and east towards the edge of the Vale of York. The map below shows the National Landscape boundary.

What is a National Landscape

National Landscapes are designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in recognition of their national importance and to ensure that their character and qualities are protected for all to enjoy.

They are nationally important landscapes and they have the same level of protection as National Parks.

Our work

The Nidderdale National Landscape team works on behalf of those who live and work in the area, visitors and the wider community.

We work to ensure that the environment of the National Landscape is protected and that it continues to evolve in a sustainable way in the future.

This involves advising on planning issues, providing grants and advice and developing specific projects.

Our work is supported by a very committed group of volunteers and we are strongly committed to providing volunteering opportunities.

We also work closely with our registered charity, the Friends of Nidderdale AONB, who support the aims and objectives of Nidderdale National Landscape by funding projects.

The aims and areas of work for Nidderdale National Landscape are set out in our Management Plan 2019-2024.

Funding

Defra is the government department responsible for National Landscapes  and National Parks in England.  They provide 75% of our core funding which we use to develop and implement our management plan.

We also receive a small amount of funding from North Yorkshire Council and the team also apply for European, national and local grants to support specific projects.

The work of the Nidderdale National Landscape team is overseen by a Joint Advisory Committee (JAC). The JAC is chaired by Cllr Andrew Murday and has a maximum of 25 members. Meetings are held three times a year.

Nidderdale National Landscape boundary map