Special qualities

Nidderdale National Landscape is a truly special place.

Set in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside with some of the finest landscapes in the country, Nidderdale National Landscape is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – one of the UK’s protected landscapes.

This ensures the qualities that make the area so special are well looked after.

Special qualities

Nidderdale National Landscape is designated for six special qualities.

Wherever you are in Nidderdale National Landscape you are surrounded by fascinating heritage, which draws on thousands of years of human activity.

Landscape character is what makes an area unique. The landscape of Nidderdale National Landscape is rich and varied, from the tranquil expanses of water, open heather moorlands and rolling pastures, to stone walls, farm buildings and villages.

The underlying geology of this area of the Yorkshire Dales, with gritstone overlaying limestone, is fundamental to how the landscape has developed and fascinating to explore.

Nidderdale’s large areas of open moorland and small, remote villages mean that light pollution is minimal, and it’s night skies are classified as some of the darkest skies in England.

Nidderdale National Landscape is home to a wonderful array of natural heritage with an amazing variety of wildlife and habitats. From the high heather moorland with its pockets of blanket bog to rare hay meadows in the valley bottoms, Nidderdale National Landscape supports a great diversity of species.

Historic parks and gardens distinguish Nidderdale National Landscape from some of the wilder parts of the Pennines.